Frequently Asked Questions

Program Application Process

For complete information on the Visual Communication application process, please review the information listed under the How to Apply section of this Web site.

Who can apply?

The application process is open to all enrolled Chemeketa Community College students.

Students may begin taking art and general education classes prior to entering the program. The core courses begin in fall and must follow the program sequence. Course sequences for Graphic Design and Multimedia Arts can all be found online.

How many students are accepted into the program each year?

The program accepts up to 48 students each year, with approximately 26 open positions in the Graphic Design track, and 22 in the new Multimedia Arts. The final numbers each year will vary depending on the application pool. In total, there are roughly 90 active Visual Communications students in their first, second, or third (or more) year.

Does it matter when I apply?

Yes - applications are evaluated on a first-come/first-reviewed basis. The date and time of when an application was submitted is recorded, and applications are reviewed in that order. We do not prioritize applications based on quality, though all accepted applicants must meet the requirement as detailed in the application materials.

Do I need to attend an Overview Session?

Yes. Reading the information on this website and attending in person or viewing our online overview session will greatly increase your chances of being accepted into the program. It will also better prepare you for your work in the program. Sessions are offered throughout the year, with more offered during spring term.

Our next in-person Overview Session is on Wednesday February 19th, 2025; 4:30–6:00 PM in Building 4/225 on the Salem campus.

When do I need to decide if I want to earn the Graphic Design degree or the Multimedia Arts degree?

You must select which degree you want to earn when you apply for the program. This is because the two degree tracks are very different, and it is difficult (but not impossible) to switch between the two. There are also a limited number of spots in each degree track, and the application process is used to fill those spots.

Can I switch degree tracks after I am accepted into the program?

It is possible to switch degree tracks, but you would need to declare your intention to do so to the Program Chair before the application period opens in the spring. You would join the incoming first-year cohort in the fall, and take the required first-year classes for your new degree that you have not yet taken. Such a switch would most definitely result in a full two additional years in the program.

If I am accepted into the program and my financial aid does not come through, do I need to reapply the following year?

The program admissions policy and contents change frequently to reflect current industry standards and practices as well as program needs. So while we will hold your application for up to one year, it is up to you to contact the program chair to update and reactivate your application. Your program status will change from pre-VC to VC on enrollment in program courses.

If I am on the waiting list, how likely am I to get into the program?

If you have attended and overview and applied early, chances are very high that you will gain admission. Many students express an initial interest, but take other paths before fall classes begin. Apply as early as possible after the application period opens each spring.

What exactly does it mean if I am not accepted into the program?

It could mean several things. You are welcome to make an appointment with the program chair to discuss your application. We will try to be as specific as possible with our suggestions. You may need to work on communication skills in writing classes or take more drawing. You may need to pay attention to detail by proof reading more carefully. Our goal is not to keep you out, but to help you get ready to be more successful. Attention to detail, crafting and presentation are the primary reasons students are not ready for the program. Keep it simple and present your work well.

What if I want to enter the program in winter or spring?

We try to accommodate all students, but because VC is a small program, most courses are offered only once a year and they must be taken in sequence. The great thing about being part of a small program is that once you do get in sequence, you will be one of a small, dedicated group of students who work well together and get lots of one-on-one time with instructors. This cohort moves through the series of classes together, providing you with great support. We will work with you to schedule any general education requirements that can be taken while you wait to get into the program.

What classes do you offer in summer?

At the time of this writing, the Art program offers Basic Design (ART 115) and Basic Drawing (ART 131), while Visual Communications offers Photography 1 (ART265) in the summer in addition to many of our required general education classes.

Classes & Scheduling

I have been taking Art classes for over a year and consider myself a graphic design student. Do I need to apply for the program just to take a few classes?

Most program classes are limited to students in the VC program. Occasionally there are openings in classes after VC students have registered. Contact the instructor if you meet the prerequisites and see if this might work for you. Most evening and online classes are open to everyone.

The classes don‘t fit my work schedule. Why do I have to take them in sequence?

We carefully integrate our program outcomes into all of our courses, beginning with the first classes in fall term. The intro classes are structured to allow you to explore the fields of graphic and multimedia arts design before doing advanced course work. Each class builds on the prerequisite classes before it. Instructors and classmates count on this structure to move ahead in a predictable path.

Can I complete the VC program by taking only evening or online courses while I work full time?

We offer a selection of evening and online classes each term, however, at this time almost all required courses are offered only during the day at the Salem campus.

Work/Life Balance

Why is the program so challenging?

There is a constant whole-brain balance in the visual arts. You need to be creative to come up with original concepts for clients, so you‘re learning to generate ideas and participate in critiques. On the other hand, you produce most of your work on the Mac, which requires proficiency with current technology. The technology changes so quickly, that you must learn how to learn software.

The challenge comes from balancing your great ideas with knowing how to produce them. It takes time. In addition to creative and technical skills you must learn to do research, present your work with fine crafting, and to communicate verbally and in writing with others. You will be very busy.

I need to work part time. What kind of schedule will I have?

Students are able to maintain a limited work schedule if they take a reduced credit load. Check financial aid to requirements they may have as far as credit load. Each term‘s offerings vary both as to the time of day scheduled and the time commitment necessary outside of class. We will help you plan a reasonable schedule each term.

It is very important to be present at of the group advising sessions or meet with your assigned faculty advisor prior to registration each term. You will be advised which classes are required each term so you can make the best scheduling decisions and complete the program in the least possible amount of time.

The program is designed to take a minimum of two full years to complete, beginning with program courses in the fall term. Taking less than a full load per term, taking prerequisite courses, or adding electives will increase the time required to complete the program. Many students find that it is easier to take the program over a three-year period of time.

Computers & Software

Do I need a computer at home?

Yes. All Visual Communications students are required to purchase their own personal computer and software. This includes owning a Mac or Windows computer that is capable of running the Adobe Creative Cloud software taught in the program (Photoshop, Premier Pro, and others). You will qualify for a discounted student subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud. It is OK to wait to purchase this equipment until after classes begin in September, as your instructors may have additional advice and requirements to share with you.

In addition, there may be other requirements for the specific degree you select. Be sure to review your program welcome email for more details.

I have a PC at home. Do I need a Mac?

We have chosen to use Macs in our lab because it is the platform of choice for most design and web professionals. Graphics software is available for both PC and Mac and most files transfer quite easily between the two platforms. You are responsible for making sure your files transfer to the Mac environment, should you choose to work on a PC at home (formatting flash drives in the ExFAT file format works well on both platforms).

Although application files often translate easily, fonts are frequently different on the Mac than they are on a PC, which usually results in text and document changes. Students are responsible for saving their documents in a format that translates back and forth from school to home and back again.

What software will we use in class?

The primary applications we use are included in the Adobe Creative Cloud (CC): Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat, Premier Pro, and After Effects. We keep current in all software versions, however if upgrades come out during an academic year we wait until the end of the term to upgrade the lab. We upgrade to the most current macOS in summer as well.

Is everything done on a computer?

No. Thumbnail layouts, storyboards, and rough sketches are done by hand. You will be asked to do numerous pencil layouts before doing computer production on all projects. Some illustrations and sketches are hand rendered and later scanned for use in the computer. Traditional illustrations and hand lettering are welcome additions to your work. The creativity required to generate the ideas will never be come from anywhere except inside you. Bring a pencil. Moleskins and sketchbooks are used in many classes.

Curriculum & Materials

What type of projects will I work on?

Each project that you are assigned is designed with both overall graphic arts, web design, or multimedia arts concepts and specific techniques in mind. Projects are varied and will include work on live jobs when possible. All projects require the use of original imagery, whether photography, video, or type treatment. You will learn layout and typesetting while working on brochures, newsletters, magazines and catalogs.

In the second year of the program in Design Studio you may design posters for the Art Gallery or logos and brochures for campus or not-for-profit clients. In Multimedia Arts studio, you might create an animated sequence for a internal college client.

What is the balance of technical verses creative skills?

Some students have an art background and pursue graphic design and illustration. Other students are intrigued by computers and enjoy the challenge of solving technical problems related to web design. An interest in photography brings some students into the program. One thing is for certain: no amount of talent can substitute for hard work in learning all of the varied skills and techniques required to be successful in this competitive and ever-changing field.

Those with an art background must learn to be technically accurate; computer geeks will learn that flashy techniques are useless without a solid design concept. Regardless of your background, if you‘re willing to work hard, we can teach you the skills, both technical and aesthetic, that will lead to a rewarding career.

With all the forms of digital communication, why is print still taught?

Graphic arts basics are the same whether you‘re designing for a newspaper ad, the web, a T-shirt, or interactive media. Good typography, the use of design principles, image making, and creative problem solving are essential. It all starts with a solid idea. You will learn basic skills that will transfer to any media. Print is an essential media to master and is a great starting place for other media as well.

What will I need in the way of supplies?

Supplies include portable hard drives for storing your digital files, books for each class, standard notebooks, tracing paper, sketchbooks, folders for turning in projects, a Lynda.com subscription, pencils, felt tip pens, art supplies and mounting board. You are required to purchase prints from the printers. Design classes have their own supply lists, which may include papers, markers, paints and pencils. A portfolio is required for the spring term of your second year and may cost up to $300. A list of program expenses is updated annually.