Inside Iowa State

Feb. 24, 2006

Iowa State, DMACC develop admissions partnership

by Annette Hacker

Iowa State and Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) have joined forces to make it more convenient for DMACC students who want to earn bachelor's degrees to transfer to Iowa State.

Through the new Admissions Partnership Program, DMACC students who plan to pursue bachelor's degrees at Iowa State will receive special benefits to help pave the way for academic success at both schools. While still at DMACC -- before they enroll in ISU coursework -- they'll receive:

• Mentoring and guidance from DMACC and Iowa State
• Opportunities to live in ISU housing
• Access to career resources at Iowa State
• ISU student pricing for athletic and cultural events
• Opportunities to participate in early orientation and registration at Iowa State
• Guaranteed acceptance into a bachelor's program at Iowa State, provided all college and program requirements are met at the time of transfer

"The Admissions Partnership Program brings together two of Iowa's leading educational institutions to benefit many students in central Iowa who choose to begin college at DMACC but who wish to later transfer to Iowa State. It is a big plus for Iowa State, for DMACC, and most especially for students," said president Gregory Geoffroy.

Admissions director Marc Harding said the program is a natural collaboration with DMACC. The schools are geographically nearby and already share a strong relationship. No other institution enrolls more Iowa community college transfer students than Iowa State. In fall 2005, DMACC students accounted for 36 percent of all Iowa community college students who transferred to Iowa State.

"This pilot program is in response to many students and parents who want some assurance that there will be a place for them at Iowa State, because they know the value of an ISU bachelor's degree," Harding said. "The program is convenient, and will smooth the transition for DMACC students who want to continue their education at Iowa State.

"Ultimately, we hope to work with other community colleges in the state to develop similar opportunities for their students," he said.

How it works

Students first must enroll at DMACC as degree-seeking students. Following admission to DMACC, students will work with their advisers to complete an application form. A student who is accepted into the program by ISU:

1. Meets with his or her DMACC adviser each semester prior to registration
2. Consults with an assigned ISU academic adviser each semester
3. Follows a course of study at DMACC that will meet ISU entrance requirements and fulfill college and program requirements for his or her intended major
4. Submits an "Intent to Enroll" form and pays an application fee to ISU one semester prior to transferring to Iowa State

More information about the program is online at http://www.admissions.iastate.edu/partnership, or through DMACC's Office of Student Services. Applications will be available at DMACC campuses on June 1.

"The program is convenient, and will smooth the transition for DMACC students who want to continue their education at Iowa State. Ultimately, we hope to work with other community colleges in the state to develop similar opportunities for their students."

Marc Harding