PORTLAND, Ore. - If you're unemployed or think you may lose your job, you may want to turn to your alma mater for help.

College career centers have always helped new graduates find work but given the economy, many local universities are now adding new programs to help former students who have been out of school for decades.

When Kipp Cosgriffe lost his job five months ago, he found himself back on campus at Willamette University, 16 years out of school.

The college's career center helped Cosgriffe update his resume and got him on track with his job search.  He was a quick study and starts a new job this week.

Most job search services are free to alumni.  For example, at the University of Oregon alumni can get 30-minute sessions with a career counselor.  There are also free small group sessions that start this week. At the University of Portland, they offer free individual career counseling, free job postings and free use of the online alumni network. Even if your alma mater is not local, many universities offer services (like webinars) online.

List of Alumni Web Sites

• Willamette University
  
• University of Oregon
  
• Oregon State University
  
• University of Portland
  
• Western Oregon University
• Portland State University