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CORVALLIS - Oregon State University now has a full time adviser available at Chemeketa Community College in Salem to improve services to continuing education students and streamline the transfer of community college students who wish to move on to a four-year university.

This initiative, officials say, is one part of the university's efforts to better serve off-campus students around the state of Oregon, which are steadily increasing through the OSU Statewide program.

"We want to provide a range of convenient services to our growing student body from the Salem region," said Barbara Moon, OSU director of continuing education. "It will be of great value not only to community college students, but also to students who are considering getting a second degree, looking for professional development or just want to take an interesting course or two."

OSU now has numerous courses that are offered through the web and other interactive technologies which students can take without having to leave their homes or jobs, Moon said. Many community college students also could benefit from careful course and career planning so they can "fit seamlessly" into OSU's degree programs when they decide to transfer, she said.

In addition to general information about OSU programs, students can be advised on how to access four baccalaureate degree completion programs available at a distance, including liberal studies, natural resources, environmental sciences and general agriculture.

OSU's new adviser, Susan Conniff, is located at 4000 Lancaster Drive N.E., in Building 50, Suite 156, on the Chemeketa Community College campus. Appointments are recommended and can be arranged by calling (503) 589-7678.

"I'm excited to provide a link between OSU Statewide and Salem area students," Conniff said.

Conniff has coordinated the Boeing Quality through Training Program for Mt. Hood Community College, and has also served as adjunct faculty at Clark College, Portland Community College, and Clackamas Community College. She is a national certified counselor and has a master's degree in counseling psychology from Lewis and Clark College.

Conniff will also be working with local employers and agencies to assist in meeting needs for customized training and professional development throughout the region.