Chemeketa Community College

Enrollment at Chemeketa Community College grew by more than 11 percent during the 2007-08 academic year.

The number of individuals taking a class from the Chemeketa grew from 64,269 to 71,636. While enrollment in traditional classes grew by 11.1 percent, most of the growth took place online. Online classroom enrollment grew by 18.6 percent.

“It’s a sign of the tough economic times and the complexities of people’s lives”, said Cheryl Roberts, Chemeketa president. “With fuel costs and prices for other necessities on the rise, it’s no surprise to find enrollment in our online courses growing by leaps and bounds,” Roberts said. “Fortunately, we’re already discussing ways to expand online offering and examine alternative on-campus class scheduling while putting an emphasis on meeting the changing needs of our student body.”

Chemeketa’s student body grew by more than 1,200 students between winter and spring terms, an increase of approximately 4.5 percent. It was the fourth consecutive quarter that enrollment grew.

“It is always a challenge to meet the new demands placed on community colleges when the country’s economy falters, but the residents of our service area renewed their support for the Chemeketa promises at the ballot box. With their continued support there’s no obstacle we can’t overcome,” said Roberts.

In May, voters approved a $92 million bond levy that will be used to construct new facilities and update older ones to better serve and support Chemeketa students. Planning for the facilities – which include a health sciences complex in Salem, a public safety training facility in Brooks and a new McMinnville campus – is already underway.

During economic downturns, community colleges are often the primary resource for job hunters seeking training or new skills in trades and industry, computer technology and business administration, among other programs.