Career Readiness Programs

Success After Criminal Court Involvement

Welcome and congratulations on your decision to make a fresh start!

Starting or restarting school after criminal court involvement can be challenging, and we are here and ready to help you! Here you will find a home base with resources and contact information for beginning or resuming your college education, and support along the way.


What Do I Do First?

Make an appointment with Sonya James, Academic Advisor.

Email: jamess@linnbenton.edu
Phone: 541-917-4780
Office: Advising Center


Next Steps

After you’ve made an appointment with Sonya, there are some things you can work on in the meantime.

Here is a checklist to guide you through the admission process at LBCC. Click each heading to expand for more information and links.

If you are under supervision, connect with Public Safety
Make an appointment with Adam Weaver, Public Safety Officer:
Send us your transcripts

Process:

  • Transcripts
  • A high school diploma or GED are not required for enrollment at LBCC, but are required for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In order for us to give you credit towards courses you have previously taken at another college, we need to have your official transcripts sent to the Admissions office. Be sure you also fill out the Transcript Evaluation Request Form.
  • How to order GED scores
Apply for Financial Aid
Check out Available Degrees & Programs
Apply for Accommodations through Center for Accessibility Resources (If applicable)
Process (can start about 6 months ahead)
Get your Student ID card

Process:

  • Once you have registered for classes, come visit the First Resort in Takena Hall, bring other photo ID and get your LBCC Student ID!
  • Free bus transportation available with student ID. 
Buy Books

Find your books. If using Financial Aid to purchase books, make sure to check your WebRunner account for your available bookstore credit on your financial aid award.

Attend your classes the first week of term!

New students will take HD 120 Destination Graduation (DG) college success course and be assigned an advisor for your major for future academic planning. (This course is required for all Oregon Promise Grant recipients) 

 


More Information and Support

Be Informed! Here is a collection of information for decision making on college programs and finding employment, campus resources, and more. Click to expand each category for links and more information.

Screening Information. How your charge affects employability, ability to be granted a business license, driver’s license, and more.

Direct Screening. Obtain a background check. Information about what each type of background check screens for. 

US Department of Health and Human Services Exclusions Database. Database searchable by name for determining whether a specific person is excluded from obtaining employment due to conviction.

Notes on completing Background Check Weighing Test for Traditional Healthcare Workers. What to expect from the background check, how time since conviction affects decision making, etc. for those considering work in home health, caregiving, group homes, etc.

Can I work in a facility for seniors and disabled people? This page defines types of facilities, background checks conducted, what kinds of crimes disqualify someone from working in care facilities, and the length of time a person is disqualified from working in them.

Oregon Career Information System (CIS) has sorting tools for minimal, moderate and severe barriers to enter various occupations. Contact Advising Center for access to CIS.

Job Search. Resources for making yourself the best applicant you can be when seeking employment.

Jobs for Felons Guide. Employment guide--what to expect, motivation, what employers are looking for, most sought-after soft skills in an employee, and more.

Jobs for Felons Hub. “One-stop-shop” for post-conviction employment resources.

The Prime Objective: A Job Seeking Guide. NY state job-seeker resource for inmates preparing for release or newly released. This is largely specific to the state of New York, but inside is lots of good information about creating resumes and other job search documents particular to formerly incarcerated job seekers that will help any job applicant with past criminal involvement.

Career Specialists in the LBCC Advising Center provide individual job search skills support such as resume writing, cover letters, interviewing and locating potential employers and job openings.

Expungement/Record Sealing

Oregon Expungement. Eligibility test, attorneys, what records can be expunged and information on rights restoration.

Oregon Expungement Guide. Resources for determining eligibility and cost information.

Housing

The Once Fallen Finding Housing Guide for sex offenders. Strategies for securing housing post-release and contact information for housing organizations and advocates by state.

Listing of transitional housing available by location in Oregon.

Rules and regulations regarding applying for Section 8 housing assistance with a felony (IT IS POSSIBLE!).

On-Campus Resources

Roadrunner Resource Center: Takena 107-B. In-person help with locating financial support for making ends meet while in school.

Linn-Benton Lunch Box: Forum 120 in the Student Life & Leadership office. Groceries for students, providing two days’ worth of food twice per term.

Family Resource and Education Center: Luckiamute Center 132. Parenting education, childcare referrals, and early learning resources and support.

First Resort: In the Learning Center, 2nd Floor Willamette Hall. Where to go to get help figuring out a plan as the need arises, academically or otherwise. Walk-ins welcome.