Student Services

Academic Achievement Centers

The Academic Achievement Centers, which are located on each campus and are available to all full-time and part-time students, provide an enriching and comfortable study environment.

• Faculty are available to assist students seeking homework help in the areas of math, science, English, reading and study skills.
• Faculty are available to assist students with writing assignments. Some centers may also provide review of scholarship applications and cover letters.
• Faculty are available to assist students working to improve academic skills, meet prerequisites, or improve assessment results.
• Some centers offer support with high school completion, which includes HiSET or adult high school diploma.

Contact the Academic Achievement Center at each campus for additional information.

Alumni Association

Des Moines Area Community College has an active Alumni Association. Headed by a volunteer Board of Directors, the Association strives to maintain contact with and provide services and benefits to alumni and friends. Through annual fundraising activities, the Association provides scholarships to deserving DMACC students. For more information or to get involved, contact the Alumni Association office at 515-965-7331, via email at alumni@dmacc.edu or online dmacc.edu/alumni.

Academic Advising

Academic advisors are available to assist students in planning their schedule, meeting graduation requirements and understanding degrees, diplomas and certificates. Advisors also help students in further developing their academic skills and using college resources to meet their educational needs and goals. Additional assistance is given to those students who need help in selecting a transfer institution and navigating the transfer process.

Admissions Testing

DMACC uses ACCUPLACER Classic for admissions testing. Students may complete ACCUPLACER Classic at the Testing Center sites located below:

Contact the Testing Center at each campus for additional information.

ESL ACCUPLACER Classic Assessment

DMACC offers English as a Second Language (ESL) ACCUPLACER Classic assessment for students whose first language is not English. All full-time and part-time students whose first language is not English are required to complete the ESL ACCUPLACER Classic assessment as a requirement for admission. Placement in ESL courses, college preparatory courses or college-level courses is based on minimum scores. Please contact the DMACC Testing Centers at the campus nearest you for more information concerning other assessments required for program entry or check the website at dmacc.edu/testing-center.

Campus Health Services

Campus Health is located on the Urban Campus in Building 1, Room 210 and available for currently enrolled DMACC students from any DMACC location.

Campus Health offers limited medical care with a Nurse Practitioner available two days per week for four to eight hours each day. Visits with the Nurse Practitioner are FREE to students; however, immunizations, physicals, and special classes such as CPR training may be available for a fee. Appointments are strongly recommended and mandatory for some services. Health education and support materials are also available in the Campus Health office. The Nurse Practitioner is available on student contact days for fall, spring, and summer semesters when classes are in-session. Call Campus Health for specific information related to health insurance, hours of operation, or to schedule an appointment. Campus Health can be reached at 515-697-7845.

Campus Recreation Programs

Intramural Sports and Outdoor Recreation opportunities are available for students, faculty and staff at Des Moines Area Community College. Opportunities exist year-round for both individual and group events and activities. Facilities are located in Building 5, Trail Point Aquatics & Wellness on the Ankeny Campus. A schedule of Intramural events and rules for participation are available online and in the Campus Recreation Office on the Ankeny Campus. Free fitness classes are available for Trail Point Aquatics & Wellness Members. Personal Training services are also available for Trail Point Aquatics & Wellness Members.  All currently Full-Time DMACC students are eligible to utilize the Trail Point Aquatics & Wellness Center. The Facility has two Full-Court Basketball Courts, 3 Racquetball Courts, Group Fitness Rooms, Spinning/Cycling Room, Indoor Running Track, Cardio/Weight Equipment. Locker rooms and Shower Facilities are also available. 

Applications for participation and facility hours are posted online at dmacc.edu/campusrecreation, and facility hours are subject to change. For more information and current hours of operation, contact 515-964-6333.

Campus Security

Law enforcement and security are provided to help ensure the safety and security of our campuses. DMACC provides 24-hour/7-day security officer patrol of the Ankeny Campus. At the Urban Campus, security officer patrol is 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 24-hours, Friday and Saturday 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Security measures may include uniformed security guards, closed-circuit television, building security systems, exterior lighting, and attention to landscape materials. In addition, the Ankeny, Des Moines, Boone, Carroll, Newton and West Des Moines Police Departments patrol and assist the college in their respective jurisdictions. DMACC Security personnel administer traffic and parking regulations, ensure safety and security, and provide assistance to the College community. The phone number for DMACC Security is 515-964-6500.

Career Center

The Career Center provides comprehensive services and resources to help students with all aspects of their career exploration and job search processes. Career Center staff provide career and major exploration services, including free career assessments and career coaching, to help students identify potential career paths and academic programs that might be a good fit for their unique interests, abilities, and values. The Career Center also provides individual assistance with resume and cover letter writing, interview preparation, and job-seeking skills. Students may make an appointment to access these services by visiting https://www.dmacc.edu/careercenter/.

The Career Center also coordinates on-campus recruiting events with employers and oversees a free website which advertises current full-time, part-time, and internship opportunities located off-campus: https://dmacc.joinhandshake.com.

For more information, visit dmacc.edu/careercenter or contact the Career Center at careers@dmacc.edu or 515-964-6463. 

Child Care

The DMACC Child Development Center on the Ankeny Campus provides child care for the children of students, staff and faculty. Children eight weeks to five years old are eligible for child care during normal College business hours. Children must attend on a full- or part-time, regularly scheduled basis. The child care center is open year-round on student contact days only.

There is generally a waiting list. To request an application or for more information, call 515-964-6588.

Children should not be brought to class or left unattended at any time in a classroom, at clinical sites or on College property.

College Preparatory Education

College Preparatory Education offers a variety of courses to help students succeed in reaching their educational and career goals. The preparatory reading, writing and math courses are particularly designed for students who need to strengthen their academic skills before enrolling in college-level courses. Although credits from the preparatory reading, writing and math courses do not count toward a degree or diploma, they do count toward semester load and are figured into the GPA.

Other preparatory courses, such as SDV 108, The College Experience; SDV 115, Study Strategies; SDV 130, Career Exploration; and SDV 165, Transfer Planning do count toward a degree or diploma as elective credits, and are transferable.

Preadmission chemistry and preadmission biology are also offered as self-paced, noncredit courses for students who did not complete these courses in high school or who need to strengthen their skills before enrolling in a college-level biology or chemistry course. Enrollment in these courses is through the Academic Achievement Centers.

Counseling Services

Counseling services are available to assist all DMACC students, including online students.  Five campuses (Ankeny, Boone, Carroll, Urban and West) have full-time counselors available.  The Newton campus has a part-time counselor.  Please check with the individual campus for available appointments either in-person or via Zoom.  DMACC also offers a Student Assistance Program at Compass Clinical Associates.  The phone number for Compass is 515-412-2112.

In addition to helping students with personal or mental health issues, counselors can help clarify career goals and assist with locating various community resources.

DMACC Campus Bookstores

Bookstores are located at three DMACC campuses, Urban, Boone, and Ankeny.  Carroll, Hunziker Center, Newton, Perry, Southridge and West do not have bookstores. Textbooks for Perry Center are carried at the Ankeny bookstore. Textbook purchases for face to face courses need to be made at the campus location of the course. All online course materials are stocked at the DMACC Ankeny Bookstore.

HOURS:

Hours of operation vary at each campus. Information for each campus can be found on the DMACC website.

In addition to required course materials, each bookstore stocks supplemental study aids, paper products, office supplies, calculators, computers and computer supplies, imprinted gift items, a small selection of health and beauty items, a variety of snack items and the HOTTEST trends in collegiate fashion. Items will vary at each store location.

The week preceding the start of term and the following two weeks, most of the campus bookstores have extended hours of operation. Contact each campus bookstore or check www.efollett.com for more information. Ankeny and Urban campus have extended hours of operation on the first day of late start courses for those requiring textbooks. Hours are posted when these occur. During weeks between the start of new terms, spring break, and around winter break, stores will close earlier and hours will be posted.

REFUNDS:

An original bookstore receipt is required for a full refund or exchange on any textbook. Textbooks may be returned within seven days from the beginning of each semester and that date is posted in the bookstore and imprinted on the bottom of the receipt. The textbook must be in the same condition as when purchased and with all components if bundled. The bookstore’s full return policy for general merchandise, hardware and software is posted at the cashier island of each bookstore. Purchases made by check will be refunded after 14 business days have passed.

FINANCIAL AID USE:

Financial aid is usually released the week prior to term start. A photo ID is required to use financial aid in the bookstores.

BUYBACK/RENTAL CHECK-IN

Each campus bookstore performs buyback on a daily basis. End of term buybacks potentially give a student the most cash for their textbooks depending on bookstore need. Rental check in date is the last date of finals on all campuses. Students who do not return books on time will be charged non-return late fees. Detailed descriptions of these fees appear on your rental receipt. Check with each bookstore for further details on buyback and textbook rental policies.

ONLINE ORDERS:

Online orders can be shipped to any DMACC bookstore location for pick-up. Please allow two extra business days for the transfer of your order to another bookstore. Online textbook orders can be made through the DMACC website bookstore link or at www.efollett.com.           

PAYMENT  TYPES:

All campus bookstores accept MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and American Express credit cards as payment. A photo ID is required when writing a check in the bookstore.  Checks are accepted for the amount of purchase only and payable to the DMACC Bookstore. Prewritten checks to the bookstore will require a telephone authorization and photo ID from student.  Photo ID’s are also required for all financial aid, third party agency, SAC loans and buyback transactions.

Food Services

Vending machines are available at each campus. The Ankeny, Boone, Urban and West campuses have food services where food is prepared on-site. For formal dining, the Culinary Arts students on the Ankeny Campus operate the Bistro, located in Building 7.

Intramural Recreation

Intramural sports are available for students, faculty and staff on the Ankeny and Boone campuses. Opportunities exist year-round for both individual and team recreational sports and activities. Applications for participation are available online at dmacc.edu/campusrecreation and in the Campus Recreation Center in Building 5 on the Ankeny Campus.

Information Center

The main DMACC Information Center is located in Building 1 on the Ankeny campus. The center is designed to help students, prospective students and visitors to DMACC. Material is available on all college programs, current course listings and general DMACC information. Information can also be obtained at the Student Services/Counseling & Advising offices of the Boone, Carroll, Newton, Urban and West Campuses. Contact 515-964-6200 or 800-362-2127.

Libraries

Library services are provided at all six DMACC campus locations. Library collections include:

• Books (electronic, audio and paper)
• Journals, magazines and newspapers (electronic and paper)
• Videos (hard copy and electronic)
• Academic and leisure materials

DMACC Libraries website (www.dmacc.edu/library) provides students, faculty and staff access to a wide range of online resources, including numerous databases that provide 24/7 access to popular and scholarly articles, as well as citation software and supplemental resources/services to help you succeed with your academic work.

Our libraries are located at the Ankeny, Carroll, Boone, Newton, Urban (Des Moines), and West (West Des Moines) campuses.  

Services for Students with Disabilities

DMACC is committed to providing an accessible environment that supports students with disabilities in reaching their full potential. Support services are available for students with disabilities to ensure equal access to educational opportunities.

Students start the process of requesting accommodations by completing the Application for Accommodation and then submitting both the application and disability documentation to the Disability Services Coordinator.

How to Apply for Accommodations:

1. An Application for Accommodation may be completed online, or a paper application may be printed and submitted to the Disability Services Coordinator. The online application can be found on the DMACC Disability Services webpage. Paper applications are also available on the Ankeny Campus in Building 1 at the information desk; in the Disability Services Office in Building 6, Room 10; or from campus counselors/advisors or any campus contact liaison.
2. Submit documentation of your disability. Documentation may include educational or medical records, reports and assessments created by health care providers, school psychologists, teachers or the educational system. This information may include Individual Education Program plans (IEP) Summary of Performance plans (SOP), Support for Accommodation Request forms (SAR), or a letter from a healthcare provider.

If you have any questions, please contact the Disability Services Office at 515-964-6234.

Student Handbook

For more information about services, procedures and policies at Des Moines Area Community College, visit the DMACC Student Handbook site.

Student Housing

For housing options and area apartment information, please refer to dmacc.edu/student-resources/housing.html.

For more information about student housing at the Boone Campus, contact the housing liaison at 515-433-5046.

For information about the independently owned and operated housing at the Ankeny Campus, please refer to dmacc.edu/student-resources/housing.html.

Information about student housing options for the Carroll, Newton and West campuses is available from the Student Services Offices at the respective campuses or at dmacc.edu/student-resources/housing.html.

Testing Centers

The Testing Centers provide a site for admissions assessment and make-up testing when students have missed class on a test day. The centers also serve as a site for administering correspondence tests for courses taken at other institutions and challenge tests for DMACC courses.

Students must arrange with their instructors to have tests sent to a Testing Center. When students arrive to take their exams, they must present a picture identification, such as a driver’s license, and know the instructor’s last name. For Testing Center information, visit our website at dmacc.edu/testing-center.

Tobacco-Free DMACC

Des Moines Area Community College has been a tobacco-free campus since July 2008. For the purpose of promoting a healthy environment and in accordance with Iowa law, the use of tobacco products is prohibited on the grounds of the College, including all outdoor areas, inside any vehicle located on school grounds and including a perimeter area of ten feet beyond the grounds of the College. Tobacco is defined to include any lit cigarette, cigar, pipe, bidi, clove cigarette, any other smoking product; electronic smoking devices; and smokeless or spit tobacco, also known as dip, chew, snuff or snus, in any form. Violators may be charged penalties in accordance with Iowa statute and the DMACC Student Code of Conduct.

Tutoring

Peer tutors are available to assist students with study and learning strategies. Knowledgeable tutors assist students by reviewing the course materials, answering questions and reviewing materials for exams. Students may be scheduled individually or with a group. For more information, contact the Tutoring offices associated with your campus listed below. The college cannot guarantee the availability of tutors.

In addition to peer tutor DMACC offers online tutoring services. DMACC Online Tutoring (D.O.T.) provides live tutorial services to all DMACC students through an online portal. D.O.T. services are available in multiple disciplines, 7 days per week, during the hours published on the webpage. Like all tutorial services at DMACC, D.O.T. is completely free and instruction is provided by credentialed faculty.  

Employment Opportunities

The tutoring offices hire students as peer tutors. Tutors work in an academic, flexible environment and earn extra money while on campus. Contact the Tutoring Office on the Ankeny Campus at 515-965-7004 or the Academic Achievement Center on the Boone, Carroll, Newton, Urban or West campuses.

Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling

Through an agreement with Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services, a vocational rehabilitation counselor is assigned to the college to provide rehabilitation services to eligible students with disabilities. Individualized services to help the student achieve his or her vocational goals are identified in a jointly developed written rehabilitation plan. Vocational rehabilitation counseling is provided to eligible students by a professional counselor who has expertise in disability and vocational areas.

Weapons Free DMACC

Students, faculty, staff and guests are prohibited from having illegal weapons and firearms on campus. This policy does not apply to any certified law enforcement officer with a valid permit to carry weapons, which has been issued to the officer in accordance with the Iowa weapons law and the weapons possession is within the limits of that permit, or the officer’s duties require the officer to carry such weapon. This exception does not apply to military personnel (unless otherwise required by law).