AMES and DES MOINES, Iowa -- Iowa State University and Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) have joined forces to make it more convenient for DMACC students who want to earn a bachelor's degree to transfer to Iowa State. DMACC President Robert Denson and ISU President Gregory Geoffroy announced the joint admission program at a news conference today at DMACC's Urban Campus in Des Moines.
Through the new Admissions Partnership Program, DMACC students who plan to pursue a bachelor's degree at Iowa State will receive special benefits to help pave the way for academic success at both schools. Students accepted into the Admissions Partnership Program, or APP, will receive the following advantages while still at DMACC -- before they enroll in ISU coursework:
- Mentoring and guidance from DMACC and Iowa State
- Opportunities to live in Iowa State University 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 Iowa State University President Gregory Geoffroy.
"This agreement is a win for DMACC students. When two great institutions such as Des Moines Area Community College and Iowa State University come together, students benefit. This is what we are all about," said DMACC President Robert Denson. "Iowa has a national reputation for its quality of education. This partnership between DMACC and ISU for the benefit of students on both campuses further enhances Iowa's dedication and commitment to educational excellence."
ISU Admissions Director Marc Harding says 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 ISU.
"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."
Students who want to be a part of APP must enroll at DMACC as a degree-seeking student. Following admission to DMACC, students will work with their DMACC educational advisors to complete and submit an application form. A student who is accepted into the program by ISU:
- Meets with his or her DMACC educational advisor each semester prior to registration;
- Consults with an assigned ISU academic advisor each semester;
- 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;
- 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 Admissions Partnership Program is available online at http://www.admissions.iastate.edu/partnership, or through an educational advisor in the Office of Student Services, DMACC. Applications will be available at all DMACC campuses beginning June 1.