2026-2027 Student Handbook

Welcome to DMACC

and THANK YOU for starting your academic journey with us.

Mission, Vision, Values

MISSION:

DMACC provides quality, affordable, student-centered education and training to empower our diverse communities and to serve as a catalyst for economic development.

VISION:

Improving quality of life, supporting our communities, and cultivating a prosperous Iowa.

VALUES:

Accessible Learning: DMACC provides accessible and affordable life-long learning opportunities.

Diversity & Inclusion: DMACC embraces the differences of individuals, champions mutual respect, and provides enriching environments for growth and understanding.

Quality & Excellence: DMACC delivers high-quality instruction and services utilizing standards of excellence, ethics, and professionalism.

Service: DMACC educates, supports, and provides resources to develop skills and talent for a competitive workforce.

Engagement: DMACC fosters partnerships in and with the communities we serve.

Note to Students:

The DMACC Student Handbook serves as an important resource for students, highlighting a wide variety of topics and services available to students related to life at DMACC.  The handbook also serves as a reference to policies and procedures that define the expectations of our college community. 

It is the responsibility of each student to become familiar with the Student Handbook.  Students must also be familiar with other DMACC publications and documents pertaining to student’s rights and responsibilities.  The policies and statements included in the handbook are not a contract and the college reserves the right to change, without notice, the services, policies and procedures of the College.

Des Moines Area Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, 230 South LaSalle St., Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604. The association’s telephone number is 800-621-7440. Visit the Higher Learning Commission website. Federal regulations require that Des Moines Area Community College provides to prospective and enrolled students specific consumer information concerning the institution, financial aid and institutional policies. For this information, view DMACC’s Consumer Information.

Statement of Nondiscrimination:

Continuous Notice: 

It is the policy of Des Moines Area Community College not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law.  

If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact Director, Enterprise Risk Management, 2006 South Ankeny Boulevard, Bldg 22, Ankeny, IA 50023, 515-513-0655, feedback@dmacc.edu or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone: (303) 844-5695 FAX: (303) 844-4303, TDD 800-877-8339 Email: OCR.Denver@ed.gov

Annual Notice of Nondiscrimination: 

It is the policy of Des Moines Area Community College not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law.

If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact Jason Grinstead Director, Enterprise Risk Management, 2006 South Ankeny Boulevard, Bldg 22, Ankeny, IA 50023, 515-513-0655, feedback@dmacc.edu or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone: (303) 844-5695 FAX: (303) 844-4303, TDD 800-877-8339 Email: OCR.Denver@ed.gov.

Title IX Contacts

In the event of Sexual Assault, Sexual Harassment, Domestic/Dating Violence, Stalking, and related crimes, contact the Title IX Coordinator.

Title IX questions and concerns for students may be directed to Anthony Pawnell, the Title IX Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 5, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515-308-4787, acpawnelljr@dmacc.edu.

Title IX questions and concerns for employees may be directed to Amy Knight, the Deputy Title IX Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 1, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515-965-7199, aaknight@dmacc.edu.

Visit the DMACC Title IX webpage for more information.

Accommodations

Des Moines Area Community College complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Iowa Civil Rights Act (ICRA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act in ensuring persons with disabilities have an opportunity equal to that of their peers without disabilities to participate in the College’s programs, services, and activities, including those delivered through electronic and information technology.

For requests or inquiries regarding access to the College’s webpage or another electronic resource, and/or to report any technology-based barriers and to request access, please contact Sharon Bittner, the Section 504/ADA Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 6, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515-964-6857, sgbittner@dmacc.edu.

Visit the DMACC Accommodations webpage for more information. 

Student Pregnancy or Recent Birth Accommodations

Pregnancy/post-pregnancy birth and pregnancy support related questions and concerns may be directed to Jennifer Argo, the Disability Services Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd., Bldg. 6, Ankeny IA, phone 515-964-6850, jdargo@dmacc.edu.

Visit the Student Pregnancy or Recent Birth Accommodations policy for more information.

DMACC Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs

Des Moines Area Community College offers programs in the following career and technical education subject areas. Lack of English language proficiency will not be a barrier to admission and participation in career and technical education programs. Remedial course work may be required.

Admission Criteria

DMACC’s policy to admit all individuals with either a high school diploma or its equivalent (HSED/GED) and students who wish to transfer from other colleges and universities. High school students who meet the Senior Year Plus requirements may enroll in dual credit courses with permission from the high school and the College. The individual degree programs listed below have additional admission requirements; follow the links for details on our website(s) or check the current college catalog.

Notification of this policy of non-discrimination must be published in forums that will allow the entire public to view it.  DMACC has adopted the following practices regarding distribution of the annual notice:

• Posted on the college website. The annual notice will be posted in August annually.
• Distribution to current students annually via email as part of the annual notification email. Distribution occurs in September.
• Distribution to employees occurs annually in September.

Annual Notice is the responsibility of the following:

The Director of Accreditation and Compliance is responsible for:

• Ensuring that all CTE programs and specific admissions requirements are included.
• Communication with students.
• Communication with employees.
• The website and material publication.

DMACC’s Director of Accreditation and Compliance, Megan Mohrhauser, serves as the point of contact for questions regarding the statement, its use, policies and any concerns or complaints.

Updated April 2026