Oregon's Chemeketa Community College Sees 20% Increased Enrollment

More people are interested in furthering their education during times of economic instability, as well as those encouraged by new programs.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Preliminary enrollment figures at Chemeketa Community College suggest enrollment for fall term will have grown by more than 20 percent when fall classes begin Monday, Sept. 29th.

Enrollment figures may move up or down after the first day of classes, final tallies will be available in late October.

The number of students registered for fall term surged upward by nearly 7,900 from the same figures last year. Enrollment in non-credit classes, often taken for personal enrichment, soared more than 23 percent. Online classroom enrollment is projected to grow about 16 percent over the same time last year.

Cheryl Roberts, Chemeketa president attributed the increases to recent student-focused Chemeketa efforts.

"Nearly 230 high-achieving students chose Chemeketa as a result of the Chemeketa Scholars program," she said. "I’m also proud to announce that more than 400 incoming students have signed up for our Creating College Success classes, a free class focused on bolstering study habits and self-confidence as they pursue new chapters in their lives."

Graduating high school students with a GPA of 3.5 or better can apply for the Chemeketa Scholars program, a full-tuition scholarship for two years.

While the college faculty, staff and administration is eager to greet the new wave of students, Roberts acknowledged that the increased enrollment is a sign of the times.

"Since the Great Depression, increases in community college enrollment have ebbed and flowed along with economic stability. Given the uncertainty of the nation’s economic situation, it’s not surprising to find our services being called upon more heavily than recent years," said Roberts.

Community colleges are traditionally the primary resource for job hunters seeking training or new skills in trades and industry, computer technology and business administration, among other programs.

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Comments Leave a comment on this story.

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Anon June 25, 2015 1:28 pm (Pacific time)

I hope you all realize illegal citizens still pay taxes... Well at least my family does anyway and we don't get ANY of the benefits an American citizen would receive at the income our level. So please stop with all the taxes and unfairness or whatnot.

Henry Ruark October 1, 2008 7:52 pm (Pacific time)

Rebecca et al: You are undoubedly wise enough not to hold your breath awaiting any evidence of that claim of free college, at any level, for "illegals". If anyone has any proof via actual incidents, stating the college, with contact information and/or even link via I'Net, please now furnish it here. I'm not active now in that field and have lost touch with some parts, but immediate contacts have informed me that this is myth passed around on I'Net intermittently, with no proof ever offered. We will welcome here anyone with solid evidence, and even seek Op Ed by anyone who has had experience with "illegals" getting "free ride" while us others have to pay. Just ID to Editor and "tell it like it really is".

Rebecca October 1, 2008 5:35 pm (Pacific time)

Mr. Anonymous, can you give me some details about the free college program for illegals? I'd like to know how many there are in school, which state(s), and how much we've invested by the year. So far, I've not met a single person who doesn't have to pay for college, and this really intrigues me. Do you know some of these people? Do you have any proof whatsoever? Please share, enlighten us all.

Gordon October 1, 2008 5:33 pm (Pacific time)

When you pick on people based on their race, you're a racist. You figure out the rest.

Anonymous October 1, 2008 5:33 am (Pacific time)

why is it that every time someone is against illegals, they are racists? did you learn this from one of the scumbag aclu lawyers? it just is a fact that the american people are tired of paying for the illegals. and i bet you that a lot of illegals are getting their education at the college payed by my tax money. so back off with the racism bull, i'm really sick of being called a racist because i'm against illegals.

Henry Ruark September 30, 2008 10:15 am (Pacific time)

If immigrants are getting the "free ride" you claim that demands legislative action,not condemnation of the CC concept itself. One huge reason for the inflow is what we have allowed corporate interests to perpetrate in their homeland. If jobs are scarce --and they are !-- that's consequence, intended or not, depending on viewpoint, of those same extended-impact policies.

For me, that's one more rational, reasonable fact for making clean-up, clear-out rapid move to new deal much like the New Deal, from many similar causes, with great and growing public understandings that it is becoming the key to any survival for our failing and distorted democracy. This whole society is very greatly distorted/perverted after 40 years of despoilation and imposed distress from neocon policies. sts: Admire your participation for its clear statement based on what you see. Thanks for the opportunity to clarify and add to what you describe.

Vic September 30, 2008 7:21 am (Pacific time)

Ahhhh...the smell of racism in the morning...sts..maybe your son is lazy. EVERYONE I know who REALLY wants a job has one. Quit using "illegals" as a catch-all for your failures. I suppose if your car doesnt start, it is somehow the damned illegals fault, right? I am so sick of losers frantically looking for someone else to blame for their laziness and lack of drive and capability. Oh yeah...blame Clinton too, hes only been out of office eight years, but anything is better than self-examination, right?

sts September 29, 2008 6:45 pm (Pacific time)

Henry..love ya, but totally disagree with you. What jobs will they get? How many illegal immigrants are in the system that dont have to pay tuition, when I spent thousands for my son. I have looked into it, and have lived it. Illegal immigrants get in free, a citizen from the U.S. who has paid tens of thousands in taxes has to pay. For WHAT?? There are no jobs!!!!! They were sent away during the clinton admin.. then clinton robbed the social security to pay off the budget, then bush closed the darn deal. This is a travesty, and I respect you Henry, and like you alot, but I really, really disagree with you. The enrollment went up because they dont check citizenship status. Yes Henry, its ok because we should all love our fellow man, no matter what color or citizenship, I somewhat agree. But, when out of school, can you please tell me what jobs will be available? None is the answer, and they spent my hard earned money to accomplish absolutely NOTHING!! Stop the madness. Chuck Baldwin/Ron Paul 2008

Henry Ruark September 28, 2008 10:23 am (Pacific time)

To all: It is great to see this solid evidence of impact and worth to the community for Chemeketa. From personal experience can state the increasing and broadening role of the C/C is fundamental for any further solid progress to provide higher education in this new Century 21. Make sure you give it not only praise and applause but your solid support when required.

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