Where Do I Start?
Are you looking to further or advance your education or training, building towards a college degree or coming back to school after an absence? Our Student Pathways section and Frequently Asked Questions below can help direct you to the information you need to get started. Please take a look at our College 101 Workshop Video below which gives a quick instruction on how to become a student and register for classes. You can also view our Campus Virtual Tour video which gives you a look at our campus and what to expect when you attend here.
Student Pathways
Click on the situation that most closely describes yours to find out the best way to get started at Chemeketa's McMinnville Campus.
I am new to Chemeketa and looking to start classes as soon as I can.
I am a student returning to Chemeketa after some time off.
I am interested in transferring from anther college or university to Chemeketa.
I have not finished High School and I am interesting in getting my GED.
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm new to Chemeketa. What do I need to do to attend classes here?
We would recommend talking with an academic advisor. They will probably suggest that you take a free placement test to ascertain your academic ability to ensure correct placement in your college courses. You will also need to fill out a Admission Application, available at the office.
I'm coming back to school after a long absence. Who can I talk to about where to start?
Our office staff can answer many of your questions about the classes offered through Chemeketa and how to register, but we recommend talking with an advisor who will help you determine the best way to proceed.
How do I find information on getting my GED?
We provide a GED orientation class that answers most of the questions students have about preparing for and taking the GED. It is recommended that all prospective GED students attend the orientation. At the McMinnville campus you can also take classes to help you prepare for the various parts of the GED test. When you're ready, you must attend the required GED registration, in preparation for taking the test. The actual GED test is comprised of 5 separate tests, all of which can be taken at the McMinnville campus. For more information on the GED test please see http://www.chemeketa.edu/catalog/studies/ged/index.html.
I'm not sure what classes to take. Is there an academic advisor I can meet with?
The McMinnville Campus provides academic advising on both a walk-in and appointment basis. Another useful service is the Career Information Service that helps students choose a degree program, career, and offers information on transfer schools. Please contact the office at 503.472.9482 for more details. The main website also has information on degrees, and programs and majors.
How do I go about getting financial aid?
Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA) forms are available in the office in both English and Spanish. You may wish to talk to an advisor if you have any questions filling out the form. In general, you should plan on sending in your financial aid form at least 3 months prior to the start of the term in which you wish to receive aid. For more information on types of financial aid, see http://www.chemeketa.edu/services/financialaid/index.html.
I already applied , so how can I check on the status of my financial aid?
To access your financial aid information in My Chemeketa:
- Navigate to My Chemeketa (http://my.chemeketa.edu/) and enter your user name and password. If you donĪt have a login, follow the instructions at the My Chemeketa site on how to obtain one.
- Click on the School Services tab at the top of the page.
- Click on the Administrative Services link
- Click on the Student Services and Financial Aid category.
- Click on the Financial Aid category.
If you have other questions, please contact the Chemeketa Financial Aid Office at 503.399.5018 or by e-mail at finaid@chemeketa.edu.
Are there any scholarships that I can apply for?
There are a wide variety of scholarships available for community college students. You can find out more by talking with one of our advisors, or by checking out the scholarship links on the student services page.
I was a student here before, how do I get a transcript of my coursework?
There are two kinds of transcripts. Unofficial Transcripts tell you what courses you have taken, the grades you received, and the number of credits you recieved. It does not, however, get you credit for taking those classes at another school. Other schools need an Official Transcript, which offically documents the credits you have earned. Learn more about getting your transcript here.
I want to brush up on my computer skills. Do you have computer classes on campus?
The McMinnville campus offers both credit and non-credit computer classes. Check the McMinnville schedule of classes for information on specific courses. The Learning Center also offers self-paced classes in various PC skills including learning Word, Excel and Internet basics.
Do I need to pay for all my classes when I register?
Tuition and fees will be charged at the time you register. Charges are due within ten days of registration or you will be charged a $25 late fee. Additional late fees of $25 per period will be charged to accounts with unpaid balances as of Friday of the 6th week of the term and Friday of the 10th week of the term. You may pay tuition in installments by paying one-half of the amount due plus a $15 contract fee. Make sure your schedule is complete before finalizing your contract since you will need to pay another $15 fee if you add tuition for additional classes to your contract.
College 101 Workshop Video
Campus Virtual Tour Video
For more information, call 503.472.9482 or visit us at 500 NW Hill Road in McMinnville.
Updated June 01, 2007 by the McMinnville Center Staff.