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Get the edge for success With iSTART

iSTART New Student Orientation

Get ready for the next term by taking part in iSTART in-person new student orientation.

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iSTART is an all-in-one orientation that helps first-time college students complete the enrollment and financial aid process so they can get started with classes successfully. If you're pursuing a degree or certificate and you're new to college, sign up for iSTART today.

Requirements for participation

If you are (or will be) -

  • A first-time college student
  • A high school graduate or GED completer
  • Seeking a college degree or technical certificate

And, you have -

You can participate in iSTART new student orientation!

Benefits of attending iSTART

  • Advising & registration - Meet with an academic advisor to review your placement assessment and register for classes
  • Paying for college - Get help completing your financial aid steps and learn about additional resources to pay for college
  • Chemeketa technology - Get set up with Chemeketa's technology you'll need to be successful in your classes
  • Best practices - Learn how to access the various academic support resources to help you succeed
  • Campus and community resources - Learn about available resources to meet your basic needs including financial and health
  • Academic and career goals - Learn about our various degrees, certificates, and transfer opportunities
  • Shared interests - Meet students who share your goals and staff who will help you reach them
  • Campus tour - Allow one of our student leaders to show you important locations and services

Unable to participate in person? Try our online orientation. You'll need your Chemeketa username and password. After you log in, go to the Services tab, then Advising link, and scroll down to the New Student Orientation icon. Then you'll need to schedule a separate advising appointment.

  • 2024 iSTART Dates - Fall Term 2024
    Salem Campus
    • August 19, 11 am to 4 pm, Session full!
    • August 21, 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Session full!
    • August 26, 11 am to 4 pm, Session full!
    • August 28, 9 am to 3:30 pm, Session full!

    No more in-person orientations will be offered for fall term enrollment. An online orientation is available if you missed the on-campus sessions. You'll need your Chemeketa user name and password. After you log in, go to the Services tab, then Advising link, and scroll down to the New Student Orientation icon. After completing the online orientation, you'll need to schedule an advising appointment by contacting the Chemeketa location nearest you.

  • What have students said about iSTART?

    “I found my time here to be very productive and met some new kids that feel the same way about college as I do.”

    “I think this program is an amazing thing for kids who have no clue what they’re doing when it comes to college (like me)”

    “I found this week very resourceful and it has made me less afraid of my transition from high school to college; especially since I am a first generation.”

    “Chemeketa iSTART helped me feel more prepared to start college in the fall Because I feel less stressed now that I am familiar!”

    “I made a lot of connections with staff throughout my orientation. This has helped me feel more comfortable at Chemeketa and has encouraged me to ask for help from them when needed.”

    “I'm usually a more shy person but i feel like it was easy to open up here.”