Mar 28, 2024  
Catalog 2022-2023 
    
Catalog 2022-2023 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Student Resources & Services


Tours of Campus

503.399.5000
getstarted@chemeketa.edu
go.chemeketa.edu/visit

Visiting a college is the best way to decide if it is a good fit for you. We offer tours of the Salem Campus, the Yamhill Valley Campus, and the Brooks Training Center. To book a tour at one of these locations, see our website or contact us.

Student Email Accounts

503.399.7899
Salem Campus, Bldg. 22

Every Chemeketa student receives a free student Gmail account and access to Google Apps. Your student email account is used by the College to communicate important information, such as course changes, information about your program of study, and notifications about academic recognition. You can also use the account for personal correspondence. You can even take your email account with you; it’s there forever, and you can continue to use it even after you complete your educational goals.

Student Computer Center

503.399.5043 (Salem Campus)
503.316.3238 (Yamhill Valley Campus)

Students have drop-in and remote access to computer center services at each of Chemeketa’s campus libraries. Stop in before or after class to work on assignments, check email, or work on personal projects. Instructional technicians and tutors are available to help in person or remote.

Our most popular services include:

  • eLearn and online course help
  • Wi-Fi help and personal device assistance
  • Printing, photocopying, and scanning
  • Tutoring for computer-intensive classes

The Student Computer Center computers have many software applications used in Chemeketa courses. You can use tools like Adobe Creative Suite, QuickBooks, and Microsoft Office for free. See our website for a list of available software and hours of operation.

The Salem Campus computer center is located in the Library in Bldg. 9, second floor. Student ID card required (available at Student Life, Bldg 2). The Yamhill Valley Campus computer center is located in Bldg. 1, Rm. 204. Student ID card required

For more information, see the “Studying” tab on My Chemeketa or visit go.chemeketa.edu/computerlab.

Student Accessibility Services (SAS)

503.399.5192 voice
studentaccess@chemeketa.edu

Chemeketa offers support services for students with disabilities. If you have a documented disability, including learning, psychiatric, sensory, orthopedic, or other, please know that support services are available for you.

Student Accessibility Services (SAS) is located in Bldg. 2, Rm. 174. We provide information about academic accommodations for coursework and testing, access to facilities, digital media formats, sign language interpreters, and campus resources. Students are encouraged to contact the SAS early in the academic process to ensure materials and services are provided in a timely manner. We can discuss College processes and help you advocate for your specific needs.

Chemeketa Language Center

503.399.5290, Bldg. 22, Rm. 109

The Chemeketa Language Center welcomes students enrolled in language courses, including English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL/ENL), American Sign Language, and foreign languages.

We provide a large variety of resources to support language learning for independent and classroom settings including over 50 computers with webcams and multimedia headsets. The helpful and knowledgeable lab staff is eager to help students and instructors make the best use of our resources.

For more information, call 503.399.5290 or visit Bldg. 22, Rm. 109.

TRIO Programs

503.315.4293

Chemeketa currently operates a variety of TRIO programs, each designed to provide support for low-income, first-generation students and students with disabilities:

  • Student Support Services partners with the Chemeketa Completion Program (together known as TRIO/CCP) to offer individualized academic support, advising, scholarship support, individual tutoring, and mentoring to Chemeketa students. All students working towards a degree at Chemeketa can qualify for one of these programs. Students earn free college credits through selected program-sponsored classes and have access to a lending library with textbooks, calculators, and laptops at no cost. Students also have access to the computer resource center with free printing, and a place to connect with other students. Transfer assistance, and college visits are available to students thinking about transfer to a four-year college or university.
  • Talent Search provides a path to college success for middle school and high school students at Chemeketa’s Talent Search grant schools. The program provides access to tutoring and mentoring services to help you thrive at Chemeketa. Talent Search also prepares you to continue your education at a college or university through campus visits and assistance with admission applications, entrance exams, and paying for a bachelor’s degree.
  • Upward Bound helps high school students at Chemeketa Upward Bound grant schools get ready for college through tutoring, field trips, and Saturday workshops that focus on a wide range of college preparation activities. Upward Bound also offers a six-week Summer Academy where students earn high school credits.

For more information, contact the TRIO coordinator in Bldg. 2, Rm. 230, on the Salem Campus or visit go.chemeketa.edu/trio.

Tutoring & Study Skills Center

All enrolled Chemeketa students can access a variety of tutoring and study skills services:

  • Peer tutoring in math, science, reading, writing, and languages-drop-in or schedule ahead
  • Real-time online eTutoring in math, sciences, accounting, and other subjects
  • Workshops on study skills, including time management, avoiding procrastination, test-taking strategies, and more
  • Workshops on writing, including sentence skills, MLA and APA documentation, revising/editing/proofreading, and more
  • Meet with a consultant about developing effective learning habits
  • Quiet study area with computers, printing, textbooks, and calculators

Locations and Contact Information:

Chemeketa Salem

Bldg. 2, Rm. 210 and 212
Tutoring, 503.399.5190, tutor@chemeketa.edu
Study Skills, 503.399.5162,
studyskillscenter@chemeketa.edu

Chemeketa Yamhill Valley

Bldg. 1, Rm. 200
503.316.3238

Chemeketa Woodburn

Commons Area
503.399.5207

Chemeketa Polk

Commons Area
503.623.5567

For more information, see the “Studying” tab on My Chemeketa or visit go.chemeketa.edu/tutoring.

Chemeketa Completion Program (CCP)

go.chemeketa.edu/collegeaccess
503.399.5147

The Chemeketa Completion Program (CCP) provides a support system for students not eligible for the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) or TRIO programs. You must be completing a Chemeketa degree or certificate, attending a minimum of nine credits each term, and on the path to complete your degree or certificate within three years of being accepted into the program.

CCP provides assistance with navigating the College’s systems, such as financial aid, including the Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA) and other resources, registration, academic advising, the transfer process, and success coaching to ensure students persist and complete. CCP students have access to the Chemeketa Textbook Lending Library and the same services as TRIO programs.

Writing Centers

503.399.7179
writingcenter@chemeketa.edu
onlinewritingcenter@chemeketa.edu
go.chemeketa.edu/write

The Chemeketa Writing Center (CWC) and Chemeketa Online Writing Center (COWC) help students with any writing assignment or project. Both writing centers are free courses you can register for using My Chemeketa. We can help at any stage of the writing process from brainstorming to revising and editing, offering one-on-one, group, and online consultations with highly-qualified instructors. In some academic terms, customized mini-courses on writing basics are also available. Contact the CWC by calling 503.399.7179 or stopping by the center, located in the Salem Campus library. Instructions for using the COWC can be found at online.chemeketa.edu/student-services/online-writing-center/.

Career Center

503.399.5026
careercenter@chemeketa.edu
go.chemeketa.edu/careercenter
Bldg. 2, Rm. 115

The Career Center is here to connect you with potential employers for jobs while you are in school and after you graduate. We provide job listings for part-time and full-time employment, along with resumé and cover letter assistance, interview practice, and other tips for job seekers. We also hold workshops and career fairs throughout the year to assist you in achieving your career goals.

Cooperative Work Experience/Internship

socialscience@chemeketa.edu

As a student, you may be qualified to participate in an internship in your career field through the Cooperative Work Experience (CWE) program. This program allows you to combine your classroom studies with workrelated experiences. CWE is offered every term, through every academic program and to any Chemeketa student with 12 college credits completed with a 2.0 or higher GPA

In this program, a CWE faculty or program faculty member assists you in finding a qualified training site. Your current job may qualify if it relates to your studies and if you are developing new skills.

It helps you expand your knowledge and experience in your selected program while you earn college credit. You gain valuable references for future employment, and you can make the transition from school to career a smooth process.

See your program advisor to determine if CWE is a requirement for degree completion.

Job readiness classes are offered to all students. These classes include Résumé and Job Search Correspondence, Interviewing for Success, and Career Jump Start. These classes are listed under “Job Search” in the Schedule of Classes.

Alumni Association

go.chemeketa.edu/alumni
alumni@chemeketa.edu

Chemeketa’s alumni association builds a network of former graduates to promote engagement opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and supporting Chemeketa and our larger community. Alumni experiences can guide current students in making positive choices.

Alumni are encouraged to participate in our mentorship program that connects them with students to share their knowledge and experiences in the fields in which they are employed.

Members are kept up-to-date on Chemeketa news and events, as well as alumni success stories. They also have access to special, alumni-only benefits.

Alumni contribute to expanding Chemeketa’s positive image and the alumni association promotes its members’ accomplishments.

For more information on becoming a member, contact the alumni association at alumniassociation@chemeketa.edu

Associated Students of Chemeketa (ASC)

503.399.5185 or 503.399.5116
asc@chemeketa.edu

The ASC Student Council represents the Chemeketa student voice on committees through the college. Its mission is to represent, advocate, and promote the well-being of students at Chemeketa. This team also works on a variety of projects, including campus clubs, political action, voter registration, and voter education. As a member of this team, you can assist in organizing the Council of Clubs, Club Fairs, and various civic engagement projects. Students are selected through an application and interview process to determine their interests, abilities, and experience. You may be paid at an hourly rate, a tuition grant, or a combination of both. Federal Work-Study recipients are eligible to apply.

To find out more about ASC, visit go.chemeketa.edu/asc.

Bookstore

503.399.5131
bookstore.chemeketa.edu

Bookstore hours, Salem Campus

Open Monday through Friday
Extended hours at the start of each term

See website for current hours

Course materials

The Bookstore sells course materials at the Salem campus store and online. Free delivery to Woodburn, Polk Center, and Yamhill Valley Campus for orders placed online. New, used, and e-books are available for purchase. Many classes offer digital course materials delivered to your course website by the first day of class. Your student account is charged a Digital Course Material Fee (DCMF), you have day one access, and you don’t need to order anything.

Buyback

During finals week, the Salem campus bookstore pays cash for books, that’s right, cash! Visit bookstore.chemeketa.edu to see how much we will pay for books starting the week before finals and what you need to participate.

Services

At the bookstore you’ll find: USPS and UPS shipping, postage stamps, faxing, scanning, bus passes for Cherriots and Cherriots Regional, a friendly smile and discounted movie tickets

Other items

The bookstore also sells Chemeketa apparel, school supplies, art supplies, earbuds, flash drives, dreams and more.

Need more information, email bookstore@chemeketa.edu

Chemeketa Food Pantry

503.399.5116
collegelife@chemeketa.edu

The Food Pantry is a resource for our campus community. It helps students in need focus on their studies rather than how they are going to feed themselves. The Food Pantry is coordinated by the Student Retention and College Life department. If you need food or would like to donate to the Food Pantry, you can stop by the Salem Campus, Bldg. 2, Rm. 176.

Child Care

Chemeketa offers child care at the Child Development Center on the Salem Campus. Our Center is a Spark/QRIS rated program.

Child Development Center

Bldg. 39
503.399.5107 or 503.399.5048

As a laboratory school for students enrolled in the Early Childhood Education program, the center offers full- or part-day care for children ages two-and-a-half to six years. Applications are accepted at any time, but you should apply early. Contact the center for applications and fee information.

Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) Childcare Assistance

Funding for child care assistance is provided by Chemeketa’s federally-funded CCAMPIS grant. For information, contact the Child Development Center at 503.399.5048 or the Parent Resource Center office at 503.365.4603 or parentresources@chemeketa.edu. You may also visit us in the Student Parent Resource Center on the Salem Campus in Bldg. 2, Rm. 229.

The Financial Aid office has a list of other child care centers in the Salem area. Local child care providers advertise their services on a bulletin board located in the Student Center on the Salem Campus in Bldg. 2. Local child care information may also be available at other Chemeketa locations.

Conversation Tables & Peer language Assistants

1.503.428-0399
international@chemeketa.edu

Conversation Tables are facilitated by international and local leaders. Conversation Tables are held weekly beginning the second week of each term in the Student Programming Center on the Salem Campus, Bldg. 2. Chemeketa students may learn about new cultures and new languages such as American Sign Language, Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Japanese, and Spanish. Please note the languages vary from term to term based on the availability & languages of our facilitators.

Peer language Assistants (PLA) are fluent speakers of a language that assist faculty with classroom language activities and meet with students outside of class for conversation skill development and cultural exchange. Spme language classes offered at Chemeketa include Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Russian, & Spanish. Class offerings may vary. If you are interested in becoming a student leader as a Peer language Assistant (PLA) or as a Conversation Table leader, call 503.428.0399 or email international@chemeketa.edu.

Copy Center

Building 43 (look for the Copy Center Awning) 503.399.5166
copycenter@chemeketa.edu

Hours

Monday through Friday 7-3:30pm
Summer hours Monday through Thursday 7-3:30pm
Closed Fridays

The onsite RICOH® Copy Center offers:

Black and white high-speed copies, high quality color copies, wide format copies and finishing services including, coil and tape binding, booklet making, lamination and more. Our qualified staff is willing to answer questions you may have while assisting with your projects. Please use us as a resource for any project you may have.

Design OP

503.584.7151

Design OP provides hands-on opportunities for Visual Communications students who are interested in putting into practice skills they are learning in graphic design and/or interactive media. These opportunities help students succeed in their program and in the graphic design industry as business leaders. Simultaneously, they learn to manage a small business, work with a team of graphic designers, critique and consult with each other, develop project management processes and skills, build a working relationship with vendors, design for various medias, and consult with clients and assist them with their design needs. Various duties may also include photography, videography, web design, graphic design, and collaboration with other departments to design recruitment and retention materials.

Students not in the Visual Communications program who are proficient in and have a passion for photography, videography, graphic design, or web design are encouraged to apply.

First Aid

503.399.5023
publicsafety@chemeketa.edu

For minor first aid services on the Salem Campus, call Public Safety at 503.399.5023. For medical emergencies, call 911. If you are at another College location and need assistance, please contact a staff member. There are also emergency phones located throughout the Salem Campus that will connect you directly with the College’s Public Safety office. As the College has no physician or campus health facilities, you must rely upon your personal physician, dentist, or clinic to meet your medical needs.

Intercollegiate Athletics

503.399.5082

Chemeketa is a member of the Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC), which includes community colleges in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and the province of British Columbia. This highly-organized athletic program provides quality, competitive opportunities for student-athletes. In keeping with the standards of the program, emphasis is put on academic progress, completion, and athletic opportunity.

Chemeketa fields teams in men’s baseball, men’s and women’s basketball and soccer, and women’s volleyball, women’s softball, women’s cross-country, and women’s distance track.

To participate in intercollegiate athletics, completion of an athletic packet is required, which includes a current physical examination and documentation of immunization for measles. Team travel, equipment, and secondary health insurance are provided.

Intercultural Resource Center

1.503.428.0399
international@chemeketa.edu

We welcome all students to come to the Intercultural Resource Center. The center is a place where students can study, learn about yourself, as well as others, and interact with other students interested in the human condition. We explore human interaction, support students of all backgrounds, build skills for communication across cultures, learn about identity and the global world we are all a part of.

Need assistance? Have an idea for an intercultural project? Curious about identity, interaction, connecting with people who are different from you? Want more information? Want to get involved?

Contact Us! CELL/WhatsApp: 503.428.0399
Email: International@chemeketa.edu
Hours 2022: Monday-Friday, 8:30-5pm
Evening hours available upon request

Leadership Development Opportunities

503.399.5116
collegelife@chemeketa.edu

Student Retention and College Life offers a variety of leadership courses for students who want to grow and develop leadership skills.

Library Services

503.399.5043 (Salem Campus)
503.316.3238 (Yamhill Valley Campus)

library.chemeketa.edu

Chemeketa Community College libraries provide a full range of services to support teaching and learning.

Both the Salem and Yamhill Valley campuses offer an extensive online collection of journals, books, and streaming media, making it easy to complete your studies whenever and wherever it is convenient for you. Chemeketa’s library is a member of the Chemeketa Cooperative Regional Library Service (CCRLS) and the Orbis Cascade Alliance. Material from regional libraries can be requested online and delivered to one of our four pick-up sites. Our diverse main collection on the Salem Campus includes 65,000 books, thousands of magazines and journals, instructional media, Spanish and adult literacy materials, graphic novels, and children’s books. These materials can also be requested and delivered to one of our sites.

Some of our most popular services include:

  • Textbook Lending Library
  • Free checkout of material
  • Laptops and Chromebooks
  • Zoom kits (webcams, headphones, and USB hubs)
  • Wireless Internet access and wireless printing
  • Computers, laptops, and calculators
  • Printing and copying
  • Quiet study and group work space
  • Daily delivery of material from regional libraries and beyond
  • New York Times Online

Chemeketa’s librarians are available to help students with assignments and research. Reference service is available in person, over the phone, and via chat. Online chat reference is available 24/7 from the library website. Course-specific research guides are also available to help students navigate our resources.

A valid student ID/library card is required for use of the computers and to check out material. Our library website provides detailed information about library hours and offers resources for finding books and articles and requesting and renewing items.

Lost and Found

503.399.5024
publicsafety@chemeketa.edu

Lost and found items are housed in the Public Safety office on the Salem Campus and at the information desk at most other College locations. If you have lost or found an item, please visit one of these locations. Items are donated or purged at the end of each term.

Mentor Program

503.315.4293

The TRIO Talent Search and Mentor program gives Chemeketa students the opportunity to participate in important community service learning while earning college credits. By taking the SLD121A TRIO Mentoring class, student mentors are trained to assist TRIO middle and high school students to successfully navigate their paths to college.

Multicultural Student Services (MSS) Team

503.399.5143

The Multicultural Student Services (MSS) team plans events that increase cultural awareness throughout the Chemeketa community. Team members are dedicated to supporting and honoring the many cultures at the College. In addition to event planning, MSS team members are responsible for maintaining the Multicultural Center facilities and coordinating ongoing projects with staff assistance from Student Retention and College Life.

Along the way, team members develop pride in their cultural heritage with the global community, learn leadership and professional skills, and effect change on issues currently impacting the community. For more information, call 503.399.5143.

Parking on the Salem Campus

503.399.5024
publicsafety@chemeketa.edu

If you park a vehicle on the Salem Campus from 8 am-10 pm, Monday through Friday, the College requires a parking permit on the vehicle.

Parking permits are sold online through MyChemeketa. License plate frames and frame permits must be purchased at the Public Safety office in Bldg. 2, Rm. 173. Students and employees may purchase individual term permits or an annual parking permit (Fall term through Summer term). After initial purchase of an annual permit, additional annual permits may be purchased for a reduced fee for any vehicle registered to the original annual permit purchaser.

Permits are assigned to a specific vehicle and must be attached to the exterior of the vehicle, either on the rear bumper or rear window. Visitors may obtain free parking permits at the information booth or Public Safety office. Employees of the College and students are not allowed to use visitor permits.

The Oregon Motor Vehicle Code is enforceable on campus by Chemeketa’s Public Safety officers. The College expects employees and students to know and follow the rules for operating and parking a vehicle on Chemeketa properties.

The College suggests you lock your car at all times when on campus and not leave personal items of value in plain view inside your vehicle.

More information about campus safety is contained in an annual report available from the Public Safety office. For more information, contact 503.399.5024 or publicsafety@chemeketa.edu.

Electric Vehicles

Currently located on the Salem and Yamhill Valley campuses, all electric vehicle charging stations are level 2, 208/240V chargers and utilize the North American standard SAE J1772 connector.

These stations are owned and operated by the College and require a unique access card which can be purchased through the Facilities Department. Charging access rights are granted on a yearly basis starting at the beginning of Fall term. A new card must be purchased Fall term of the following year and the old card returned if continued charging is desired. The purchase price of the card is fixed and will not be prorated based on time of purchase.

Peer Assistants

503.399.5120
peers@chemeketa.edu

Peer Assistants are experienced Chemeketa students who are trained to help others. They provide information and referrals, locate resources, and assist students to use the services within the Advising, Counseling, Career, and Information centers.

Peer Assistants are paid through an hourly rate, tuition waiver, or Federal Work Study.

Public Bus Services

Local bus service to the Salem Campus is available through Cherriots. Regional Service provides transportation to the Salem Campus from Woodburn, Silverton, and Dallas. If you are attending classes at one of the other Chemeketa locations, please contact that location to find out what local transportation options are available to you.

Student Ambassadors

503.399.5000
getstarted@chemeketa.edu

Student Ambassadors conduct campus tours and provide assistance to students through personal contact and correspondence. They are involved in recruitment, admissions, promotional and special events, and high school visitations.

Student Ambassadors are paid through an hourly rate, tuition waiver, or Federal Work Study.

Student Clubs and Organizations

503.399.5185 or 503.399.5116
asc@chemeketa.edu

Chemeketa has a number of student organizations that provide a variety of activities for students and community members. For a list of current clubs and organizations, visit go.chemeketa.edu/clubs or contact the Student Retention and College Life on the Salem Campus, Bldg. 2.

Student Leadership Opportunities

Chemeketa offers numerous student leadership opportunities to get involved, enhance your education, and gain experience in a real-world work setting. In addition, you will benefit from:

  • Additional financial resources
  • Valuable work experience for your resumé
  • Networking with professionals
  • Practical, career-related experiences
  • Enhanced fundamental work skills
  • Development of a sense of community and involvement

For more information, visit go.chemeketa.edu/leadership.

Student Parent Resource Center

503.365.4603
go.chemeketa.edu/studentparents

Chemeketa’s Student Parent Resource Center offers a supportive environment for student parents and their families. The center offers a child-friendly study area and a place to take a break or find resources. It serves as a centralized, multi-purpose campus resource for student parents.

Chemeketa is committed to supporting student parents and helping them achieve their academic goals. We offer parenting classes, parent support groups, resources for parent and child health, child care assistance, a children’s clothing closet, and referrals to a wide range of College and community programs and services. For more information, visit the Student Parent Resource Center on the Salem Campus, Bldg. 2, Rm. 229, call 503.365.4603 or email parentresources@chemeketa.edu.

Student Retention Assistants

503.399.5116
collegelife@chemeketa.edu

Student Retention Assistants learn clerical skills and work on retention activities to improve student success outcomes. Assisting in the Student Retention and College Life department, you’ll gain customer service experience by answering phones, scheduling meetings, replying to emails, assisting with the food pantry, and issuing student ID’s.

Testing Center

503.399.6556, testing@chemeketa.edu

The Testing Center offers exams by appointment only. Testing offers multiple exams to support our students and community partners, e.g., GED, CLEP, academic, state building code exams, pesticides, ASE, etc. Please contact the Testing Center at 503.399.6556 or testing@chemeketa.edu for more information.

Textbook Lending Programs

503.399.5043, library@chemeketa.edu

There are a variety of programs available for students to borrow textbooks at no cost. The College Life (CL) collection allows students to borrow a textbook for the entire term, on a first-come, first-served basis. Students can request to pick up these items at the Salem Campus library, Yamhill Valley Campus library, Polk Center, and the Woodburn Public Library.

To learn more about eligibility requirements, visit go.chemeketa.edu/affordablebooks. Library Reserves offers free access to textbooks and materials provided by instructors for use in the library. Textbook collections are available for other programs, such as Academic Development and TRIO. For more information, contact the library.

Where to Eat

503.399.6500, 

Academic Advising Services

Chemeketa Polk Center, 503.623.5567
Chemeketa Salem, 503.399.5120
Chemeketa Woodburn, 503.981.8820
Chemeketa Yamhill Valley, 503.472.9482

advising@chemeketa.edu

Chemeketa academic advisors, who are available by appointment, will assist you with choosing your program or transfer degree, developing an education plan, and interpreting your academic degree audit. Additional help with accessing student records and understanding college policies such as Academic Standing is available.

All new, first-year, degree- or certificate-seeking students are required to meet with an academic advisor until they successfully complete 30 or more Chemeketa credits (100 level or higher), excluding College Credit Now, and have an educational plan on file. Academic advisors are assigned to students based upon their program interest. Counselors work with undecided students to assist in determining a student’s academic program of study.

Counseling and Career Services

503.399.5120, Bldg. 2, Rm. 115
counseling@chemeketa.edu

Counselors are available for free, confidential, short-term counseling services for currently enrolled Chemeketa students. They can help with career exploration, research, decision-making and planning, personal counseling and support, academic counseling, and finding community resources to address barriers to success.

Career Services

503.399.5026, Bldg. 2, Rm. 115
careercenter@chemeketa.edu
chemeketa.edu/students/career-services/

We provide job search assistance, job listings for part-time and full-time employment, one-on-one appointments for resume and cover letter writing and review, and practice job interviews. We hold recruiting events and career fairs throughout the year to assist you in achieving your career goals. Chemeketa students and alumni at all stages of their academic and professional careers