Navigating the DMACC Spring Semester: A Comprehensive Guide

Embarking on a new semester at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) requires careful planning and understanding of the academic structure. This guide provides essential information for students to navigate the DMACC spring semester successfully, covering course selection, workload management, and important resources.

Understanding DMACC's Academic Structure

DMACC operates on a semester-based system, with courses identified by a subject and a number, following a common course numbering system used by community colleges in Iowa. It is important to note that some classes may meet for only "part of term" and not the entire semester.

Course Credits and Workload

DMACC courses range from 1 to 7 credits in value, where one credit typically equates to one lecture hour spent in class per week. When planning your schedule, it's crucial to be conservative with the number of courses you take, especially during your first semester. Students working 20 hours per week or less are advised to start with a lighter course load. Those employed full-time should consider beginning with just 1 or 2 classes, gradually increasing the number as they learn to manage their time effectively.

Choosing the Right Courses

Selecting the right courses is paramount for a successful semester. Be honest about your readiness for college-level work and schedule college preparatory courses if necessary, particularly in reading, writing, and mathematics. Aim for a balanced schedule by taking a variety of courses from different disciplines to avoid being overloaded in any one subject. For your first semester, consider taking the required SDV108 College Experience Course (1 credit) and SDV 115 Study Strategies (2 credits) to enhance your study and writing skills.

Course Scheduling Strategies

When planning your schedule, consider the availability of courses and those that require lab time first. Keep in mind that some courses have prerequisites that must be met before enrollment.

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Course Examples and Special Programs

DMACC offers a wide array of courses across various disciplines. Here are some examples to illustrate the diversity of options:

Automotive Technology

GM Brake Systems: An 8-week course offered during the 1st 8-week session.
Diagnosis/Repair-GM Elect Sys: A course with prerequisites, including admission to the Automotive Service Educational Program, MAT 772, and AUT 114.
Technical Internship I: A late-start, 8-week course offered during the 2nd 8-week session, requiring admission to the Automotive Service Educational Program, MAT 772, AUT 114, and ATG 322.
Major Service Proc/GM Engines: A late-start, 8-week course offered during the 2nd 8-week session.
Advanced GM Motors Systems: A late-start, 8-week course offered during the 2nd 8-week session.
Ford Steering/Suspension: An 8-week course offered during the 1st 8-week session.
Ford Brakes Systems: An 8-week course offered during the 1st 8-week session.
Ford Electronic Systems Diag: An 8-week course offered during the 1st 8-week session.
Technical Internship II: A late-start course offered during the 2nd 8-week session, requiring acceptance into the Ford ASSET Program.
Ford Driveline & 4x4 Diag/Rpr: A late-start, 8-week course offered during the 2nd 8-week session.
Ford Transmission & Transaxle: A late-start, 8-week course offered during the 2nd 8-week session.
Ford Systems/Tech. Update: A late-start, 8-week course offered during the 2nd 8-week session.

Accounting

Fundamentals of Bookkeeping: A late-start, 12-week course with proctored exams required.
Principles of Accounting I: This course uses an eBook, with the cost of digital access included in the fees. Proctored exams are required.
Principles of Accounting II: This course uses an eBook, with the cost of digital access included in the fees. Proctored exams are required. Honors credit may be available; consult with an Honors Advisor.
Payroll Accounting: This course uses an eBook, with the cost of digital access included in the fees. Proctored exams are required.
Payroll Certification Review: A 10-week course offered during the 1st 10-week session, with proctored exams required.
Intermediate Accounting: This course uses an eBook, with the cost of digital access included in the fees.
Gov't & Nonprofit Accounting: This course uses an eBook, with the cost of digital access included in the fees. Proctored exams are required.
Income Tax Accounting: This course uses an eBook, with the cost of digital access included in the fees. Proctored exams are required.
QuickBooks Accounting: This course uses an eBook, with the cost of digital access included in the fees. Proctored exams are required. The class requires a PC.

Business and Technology

Tax Assistance Institute: A 10-week course offered during the 1st 10-week session.
Intro to Keyboarding: A 10-week course offered during the 1st 10-week session. A keyboard with a 10-key numeric keypad is required.
Business Communication: This course uses an eBook, with the cost of digital access included in the fees.
Business English: This course uses an eBook, with the cost of digital access included in the fees.
Comprehensive Spreadsheets: This course uses Microsoft Excel 2021/365 in a Windows environment.
Intro Computer Business Appl: This course uses Microsoft Office 2021/365 in a Windows environment.

Agriculture

Intro to Sustainable Agricul: A 10-week course offered during the 1st 10-week session. Honors credit may be available.
Fundamentals of Soil Science: A 10-week course offered during the 1st 10-week session.
Grain and Forage Crops: A 10-week course offered during the 1st 10-week session, reserved for Agribusiness students. Honors credit may be available.
Pesticide Application Cert.: A 10-week course offered during the 1st 10-week session, with specific enrollment requirements for Agribusiness students.
Intro to Agricultural Markets: A 10-week course offered during the 1st 10-week session. Honors credit may be available.
Farm Business Management: A 10-week course offered during the 1st 10-week session. Honors credit may be available.
Agricultural Selling: A 10-week course offered during the 1st 10-week session.
Agricultural Niche Marketing: A late-start, 8-week course offered during the 2nd 8-week session.
Agribusiness Internship I & II: Late-start, 8-week courses offered during the 2nd 8-week session, with prerequisites. Honors credit may be available.
Leadership in Agriculture: A late-start, 10-week course offered during the 2nd 10-week session, specifically for Horticultural Program Students and Pearson Scholars.
Agricultural Issues: A 10-week course offered during the 1st 10-week session. Honors credit may be available.
Domestic Animal Physiology: A 10-week course offered during the 1st 10-week session with additional online requirements.
Animal Nutrition: A 10-week course offered during the 1st 10-week session. Honors credit may be available.

Arts and Sciences

Illustration for Animation: Reserved for students in the Animation program.
After Effects for Motion Grap: Reserved for students in the Animation program. Honors credit may be available.
Animation 1: Reserved for students in the Animation Program. Honors credit may be available.
Intro to Maya Animation: Reserved for students in the Animation Program. Honors credit may be available.
Demo Reel Production: Reserved for students in the Animation Program. Honors credit may be available.
Cultural Anthropology: Honors credit may be available.
Human Origins: This course uses an eBook, with the cost of digital access included in the fees. Honors credit may be available.

Cross-Enrollment Opportunities

DMACC offers cross-enrollment opportunities with Drake University, Grand View University, and Iowa State University (ISU). This allows DMACC students to take courses at these institutions while remaining enrolled at DMACC.

Eligibility and Requirements

To be eligible for cross-enrollment, students must be currently enrolled full-time at DMACC (12 credit hours) for the term they wish to cross-enroll. The Cross Enrollment Application is not a guarantee of enrollment, as each institution may exclude certain courses from the program.

Application Process

Complete and sign the Cross Enrollment Application and Tuition Waiver.
Grand View University will send the completed applications to DMACC electronically.
Ensure you have earned an appropriate ALEKS score prior to requesting Cross Enrollment in a math course.

Important Considerations

Cross-enrollment is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
DMACC's semester start and end dates might differ from those at ISU, Drake University, or Grand View University.
Students not able to cross-enroll are still permitted to register for the class as a regular student (not cross-enrolled).
Know and understand the DMACC drop deadlines, as they might be different than those at other institutions.

Key Dates and Deadlines

It is crucial to be aware of important dates and deadlines throughout the semester. These may include:

Start and end dates for full semester courses.
Start and end dates for "part of term" courses (e.g., 8-week and 10-week sessions).
Drop deadlines for courses.

Resources and Support

DMACC provides numerous resources to support student success:

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Academic Advising: Advisors can help students choose the right courses, plan their schedules, and explore honors credit opportunities.
Tuition Comparison Calculator: This tool helps students compare tuition costs.
Honors Program: Students interested in honors credit should consult with a DMACC Honors Advisor.

DMACC's Commitment to Students

DMACC is dedicated to providing an accessible and outstanding educational experience. The institution is committed to conducting a thorough and transparent selection process, recognizing that talent is everywhere, but opportunity isnât. DMACC aims to advance learning, no matter where students are on their journey, by offering pathways to success organized into academic and career-focused areas. DMACC serves as a launchpad to success and a home to lifelong learners.

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