| Frequently
Asked Questions - Current Students
How
do I change my major or program of study?
You will
need to submit a new application to the Admission Office.
If you already have a current DMACC application on file then
you need to complete only the following sections of the new
application: Personal Information, Social Security Number,
Program of Interest, Signature and Date. The Admission Office
will process the changes and notify you by mail of your admission
status.
It is also
important to visit with the program
advisor to find out more information about the program.
Some programs begin only once a year; some programs accept
a limited number of students; and some programs have additional
entry requirements. In addition, you may be required to attend
an orientation/registration session for your new program
of study. You will be notified by mail prior to the registration
period if this is required. The program advisor can also
inform you about these details and advise you of your options.
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I
have no idea what program or major I should pursue. Are
there services to help me decide on a program or major?
Yes, DMACC
provides many services to assist students in selecting a
major. These services are detailed below and include the
Career & Transfer Resource Center, advisors, counselors,
and a career planning course.
The Career & Transfer
Resource Center (CTRC) is an excellent place to find
information on careers, majors, and transfer schools. The
CTRC is located on the Ankeny campus; other campuses provide
similar resources through the Counseling and Advising Offices.
The CTRC is open to all students on a walk-in basis, but
appointments are encouraged. The CTRC also has information
online regarding “Steps
for Choosing a Major”.
Students
who have career and/or transfer goals in mind may wish to
visit with an advisor. Advisors are
available to help you determine the best major for your career
or transfer goals, assist you in using CTRC resources, and
help you gather more information.
Students
who are undecided about their career goals should visit with
a counselor. DMACC counselors can
assist you in identifying a career path that will fit with
your skills, interests, and personality. Counselors may review
your background and experience, talk with you about interests,
offer career inventories, acquaint you with the CTRC, provide
numerous resources, and assist you in setting goals.
DMACC also
offers a one-credit Career Exploration course (SDV130).
This is an elective course which provides more in-depth exploration
of options.
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What
does it mean if I am on “academic probation”?
If you
are on academic probation it means your cumulative GPA is
below 2.0. In order to achieve good academic standing at
DMACC your cumulative GPA must be 2.0 or higher. You are
encouraged to meet with an advisor or counselor to discuss
your situation and to find strategies that will help you
achieve good academic status.
Students
who have been placed on academic probation must earn at least
a 2.0 semester GPA to avoid being placed on “conditional
enrollment”. A student who is placed on conditional
enrollment must meet with a counselor
before registering for future classes. You are encouraged
to review our Scholastic
Standards for more detailed information about these academic
policies.
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What
happens if I drop below full-time status?
DMACC welcomes
students to attend classes on a part-time basis, but there
are many individual circumstances you need to consider before
changing your enrollment status. Your financial aid, insurance
coverage, and/or outside funding could be affected if you
drop below full-time status.
It is important
to verify how you will be affected before making the decision
to change your enrollment status. Students receiving financial
aid should check with the Financial
Aid Office. Students covered under a parent’s insurance
plan should check with the parent or insurance company. International
students should check with their International Advisor. Students
who are being supported by outside agencies or programs should
verify enrollment requirements with the agency providing
funding. It is also a good idea to check with your program
advisor or program chairperson to ensure the program
can be completed on a part-time basis. Dropping below full-time
status will usually lengthen the amount of time it takes
you to complete your program of study.
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Can
I take a class at another college this summer (or any
semester) and transfer it back to DMACC?
Yes, it
is possible to transfer credits from another college. Before
choosing to take a class at another college it is important
to contact our Credentials
Office to verify how the course will transfer to DMACC.
The Credentials Office will need to know where you plan to
take the course as well as the course number and the course
title. Please plan ahead because the Credentials Evaluator
will likely need to research the course before providing
you with a definitive answer. Please refer to our Transfer
Credit Policy for more information.
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How
can I get into a class that is full?
Only the
class instructor can grant permission for you to enroll in
a class that is already full, so you will need to contact
the instructor. Instructors have their own policies regarding
full classes and are under no obligation to allow you into
a full class. In addition, some instructors are restricted
by classroom space. An instructor who decides to allow you
into a full class must sign an Add/Drop form. Once the Add/Drop
form is completed it must be submitted to the Registration
Desk. There is a separate procedure for online classes; please click
here if you would like to enroll in an online class
that is full.
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How
can I find out what classes I have left to complete my
degree?
An advisor
can provide you with a Graduation Analysis Report (also called
degree audit) and explain which courses can be used to satisfy
any remaining degree requirements. We encourage students
to meet regularly with an advisor to ensure progress is being
made toward degree completion and to confirm understanding
of degree requirements.
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I
think I’m ready to graduate. What do I need to
do?
First,
it is important to plan ahead. Part of the planning process
includes taking steps to ensure you understand and meet all
graduation requirements and deadlines. Students who do not
plan ahead often experience a delay in graduation because
of unmet degree requirements or missed deadlines. Therefore,
you are encouraged to meet with an advisor the semester before
you intend to graduate. An advisor can confirm which courses
you need to earn your degree and explain graduation processes
and deadlines. All graduating students must submit an Application
for Graduation by the specified deadline date. Please
review the Application
for Graduation & Commencement web page for deadlines
and additional information.
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I
am experiencing difficulties in class(es). What should
I do?
It is important
to utilize all of the resources that are available to you.
DMACC is committed to student success and provides many wonderful
resources at no additional charge to our students. Academic
resources include: your instructor(s), the Academic Achievement
Center, and Tutoring.
If you
are struggling in class(es), a good first step is to visit
with your instructor(s). Instructors can provide feedback
and offer guidance. They have direct access to your work
and may have insight into the specific concepts or areas
that are causing your struggles.
The Academic
Achievement Center (AAC) is an excellent resource for
students who need academic assistance outside of the classroom.
The AAC is staffed with instructors who specialize in a
variety of subject areas. AAC instructors can assess your
skill level and assist you in the learning process. AAC
instructors often conduct workshops on test anxiety, test
taking skills, note taking skills, study skills, gearing
up for finite math, time management, and other relevant
topics. AAC instructors are also available to assist students
with these issues on an individual basis.
Tutoring services
are available to students who need additional assistance
in a particular class. Tutors can be scheduled on a one-on-one
or group basis.
If you
believe your difficulties stem from personal issues, you
are encouraged to meet with one of our counselors.
Symptoms of personal issues might include difficulty concentrating,
problems with class attendance, lack of confidence, anxiety,
etc.
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When
do I register for classes for the next semester?
Registration
dates vary. Please check the Registration webpage
or the credit course schedule for specific dates. We also
encourage students to meet with an advisor prior
to or during registration for classes. An advisor can check
your progress and offer guidance on course selection.
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