Concurrent Enrollment Student Handbook
Des Moines Area Community College
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Concurrent Enrollment Career Advantage Student Handbook
Table of Contents
Page
Nondiscrimination Statement………………………………………………………………………………………….3
Welcome to DMACC Career Advantage ...............................................................................4
What is a Concurrent Enrollment Course? ...........................................................................5
Enrollment Procedures
Student Eligibility and Pre-requisites ....................................................................................5
How to Enroll .........................................................................................................................6
Tuition Breakdown ................................................................................................................6
Course Drops .........................................................................................................................7
Repeating Courses ................................................................................................................7
Textbooks and Required Equipment or Clothing
Textbooks ..............................................................................................................................7
Required Equipment or Clothing ...........................................................................................7
Academic Integrity ................................................................................................................8
Grade Reports and Grading System .....................................................................................8
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) .................................................9
Concurrent Enrollment Career Advantage Courses and FERPA ...........................................9
Implications of Beginning a College Transcript ...................................................................10
Transcript Requests and Transferring DMACC Credit
Transcript Requests ...............................................................................................................10
Transferring DMACC Credit ...................................................................................................10
Student Support Services
Helpful Links ..........................................................................................................................10
Special Programs ....................................................................................................................11
Dates & Deadlines ..................................................................................................................11
Financial .................................................................................................................................11
About DMACC
A Little History .......................................................................................................................12
Programs and Educational Services .......................................................................................12
Frequently Asked Questions .................................................................................................12
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Nondiscrimination Statement
Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in nor allow discrimination
covered by law against any person, group or organization. This includes in its programs,
activities, employment practices, or hiring practices, and harassment or discrimination
based on 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.
Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint
through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be
obtained from the Campus Provost's office, the Academic Deans' office, the Judicial
Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. ADA questions and concerns may
be directed to the Section 504/ADA Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 6,
Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6857, dso@dmacc.edu. Title IX questions and
concerns may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 1,
Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6216, Title9@dmacc.edu. Questions or complaints
about this policy may be directed to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S.
Department of Education, Citigroup Center, 500 W. Madison, Suite 1475, Chicago, IL
60661-7204, phone 312/730-1560, fax 312/730-1576, email OCR.Chic[email protected].
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Dear Concurrent Enrollment Student,
Congratulations! You are part of a nationwide movement in education: high school students
taking college courses while they are still in high school. The number of students registered in
concurrent enrollment (CE) classes is growing rapidly throughout the country, and the quality is
expanding to meet the high expectations of students, parents, and educators. DMACC is very
excited to offer you these opportunities.
What you should know about Concurrent Enrollment (CE):
• These are official DMACC courses, taught using our quality standards and college-level
textbooks.
• Faculty approved to teach these courses have submitted professional applications to DMACC.
The college has reviewed and approved their credentials to ensure that they are authorized
to teach for DMACC.
• Academic work in these courses is at the college level. Students should anticipate a
rigorous set of standards and more substantial time commitment for work outside of class.
• These courses create an official DMACC transcript.
• Since these courses create a transcript, this credit may be used toward a degree at DMACC or
transferred to most public and many private colleges around the country, though every
college and university has its own policies governing transfer credit. We recommend
each student check with colleges inquire about transfer credit policies
Your decision to enroll in challenging college courses and to begin your college transcript is
a big step. The following pages have been assembled to provide you and your family with
important information, now that you are a college student, through the Career Advantage
Concurrent Enrollment Program. Please read this handbook carefully, and feel free to
contact your high school counselor, your DMACC Career Advantage advisor, or our office if you
have any questions.
Best Wishes!
The DMACC Career Advantage Staff
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What is a Concurrent Enrollment (CE) Career Advantage course?
CE courses are DMACC classes (either arts and sciences or career and technical) offered to high
school students for both high school and DMACC credit. Enrollment generates an official college
transcript for each student where grades, withdrawals, etc. are recorded.
Each Instructor is required to possess the same credentials as a full-time instructor hired on an
DMACC campus. Those credentials are reviewed in the same manner they would be if the
instructor were teaching on DMACC’s campus.
Courses taught to high school students are the same courses taught on the DMACC campus,
with consistent and rigorous instruction to meet course quality standards. DMACC Faculty Peer
Collaborators provide collegial interaction with CE instructors to insure equivalency between
courses taught concurrently and “traditional” college campus courses.
CE students must be of freshman standing or higher. All CE students must meet all entrance
requirements outlined through Senior Year Plus (the legislation which addresses all high school
to post-secondary relationships in the State or Iowa). The web address for Senior Year Plus on
the Department of Education website is as follows: Senior Year Plus | Iowa Department of
Education (educateiowa.gov)
In addition, students must also meet any pre-requisite course requirements
(including test scores) required by DMACC. Students are enrolled in conjunction with their high
schools and career advantage advisors. DMACC creates a permanent record/transcript for
these students.
Enrollment Procedures
Student Eligibility and Prerequisites
Students must follow eligibility requirements outlined in Iowa Code under Senior Year Plus,
including:
• Students must meet proficiency requirements as evidenced by standardized tests or
alternative measure of proficiency as approved by the DE and the local district’s Board of
Education.
• Students must meet all pre-requisite requirements, including placement test scores and/or
course pre-requisites, as outlined in the DMACC course catalog.
• Students must be freshman standing or higher.
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How to Enroll
Students enroll in CE courses in conjunction with their high school counselors and Career
Advantage advisors. Counselors assure DMACC students have met the pre-requisites as
outlined in Senior Year Plus legislation. Counselors submit documentation containing any
required placement test scores along with the students’ names. During the first two weeks of
the semester, Career Advantage advisors will discuss the registration process and drop/add
policies with all students. They will also direct students to the student handbook and reinforce
that enrollees are now DMACC students with corresponding privileges and responsibilities. To
find out more information about you school’s assigned advisor and Career Advantage please go
to: www.dmacc.edu/careeradvantage
Tuition Breakdown
DMACC Concurrent Enrollment Options
Criteria
Concurrent
Enrollment
Career Academy
Online Career
Academy-OLCA
Type of
Instruction/L
ocation
Face-to-face
taught at the local
high school
DMACC
Location-
Ankeny, Ames,
Carroll, Perry,
Newton,
Southridge, and
West
Online
Contact
Career Advantage
Advisor
Career
Advantage
Advisor
Megan Mudd
mjmudd@dmac
c.edu
Website
Information
https://www.dma
cc.edu/careeradv
antage/Pages/cas
choolclasses.aspx
https://www.d
macc.edu/caree
radvantage/Pag
es/cadmaccclass
es.aspx
https://www.d
macc.edu/onlin
e/Pages/career
academy.aspx
DMACC
Requirement-
Pre-
Requisites
Students must
meet any college
prerequisites for
advanced courses.
Students must
meet any college
prerequisites for
advanced
courses.
Students must
meet any
college
prerequisites
for advanced
courses.
Schools must
provide work
station,
scheduled time
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and on-line
coach.
Fees/Transpo
rtation
Student: No cost
School: $130 per
class
Student: No cost
but student
responsible for
their own
transportation.
School: $2400
per student.
Student: No
cost
School: $400
per course.
Grades
Assigned at end of
term, progress
reports per high
school policy and
procedure.
Assigned at end
of term,
progress reports
provided for
concerns.
Assigned at end
of term,
progress
reports
provided for
concern.
High School
Credit
Awarded only
upon successful
completion.
Awarded only
upon successful
completion.
Awarded only
upon successful
completion.
Forms
Submitted to
DMACC Career
Advantage
DMACC Career
Advantage
DMACC Career
Advantage
Course Drops
Students should request to their high school counselor to be formally added or dropped from a
course. Counselors will communicate the request to their assigned Career Advantage advisor.
There are specific timelines associated with: students dropping with no penalty; dropping with
a “W”; or dropping with a grade of F on their DMACC transcript. Generally, the last day to
withdraw and receive a “W” is the date that falls two-thirds into the class time. Because course
terms vary among high schools, each counselor may consult DMACC for the deadline dates
which apply at his or her high school.
Repeating Courses
If a student chooses to repeat a class, only the latest grade and credit will be used in
determining hours earned and cumulative grade point average.
Textbooks and Required Equipment or Clothing
Textbooks and Required Equipment and Clothing
CE courses must use DMACC approved textbooks, which is generally the same text being
used by on-campus instructors.
High schools will provide any required equipment. Safety equipment (such as gloves or safety
goggles) may be a requirement for purchase by students. Clothing and shoes required for
clinical health experiences are the responsibility of the student. If purchase of these items is a
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hardship, students may notify their high school counselors.
Academic Integrity
Academic Integrity is a fundamental principle of institutions of higher learning.
DMACC is committed to helping students understand their ethical obligation to do
their own work and give appropriate credit when they reference another person's
work. Access the following link to read the policy in full detail:
https://www.dmacc.edu/learntocite/Pages/welcome.aspx
Grade Reports and Grading System
Faculty report grades in accordance with Board Policy, Administrative Guidelines and the
individual instructor’s course grading scale/procedures. The use of plus and minus is optional.
The grading system used by an instructor must be applied to all students in a given class and to
all of his/her sections of a multi-section course. Instructors are required to inform students of
their grading scale/procedures at the start of each semester’s classes.
Students may request progress reports directly from their instructors. Instructors will submit
mid-term and final grades to the DMACC’s Registrar’s Office, and then grades will be shared
with high school counselors for report cards.
Grade Meaning Grade Point
A ........ Excellent ..........4.00
A- ....... .........................3.67
B+ ...... .........................3.33
B ........ Above Average 3.00
B- ....... .........................2.67
C+ ...... .........................2.33
C ........ Average ............2.00
C- ....... .........................1.67
D+ ...... .........................1.33
D ........ Below Average .1.00
D- ....... .........................0.67
F… Failure or Failing ..0.00
Symbols not used in Calculating G.P.A.
I.......... Incomplete
W ...... Withdrawal
The last day to withdraw and receive a “W” is the date that falls two thirds into the class time.
For example, the withdrawal deadline for a class that is 30 days in length would be on the 20th
day. A temporary grade of “I” (incomplete) may be given only in cases when the instructor has
determined that circumstances beyond the control of the student have made it impossible for
him/her to complete the required class work on time. “I” is permissible only when the student
has maintained a passing grade prior to the occurrence of the circumstance which prompted
the request for an “I. ” Due date for the work will be determined by the instructor but no later
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than midterm of the following term. Any incomplete grades that have not been turned in by
that time will be changed to “F” by the Registrar’s Office.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA)
This act, as amended (also sometimes referred to as the Buckley Amendment), is a federal
law regarding the privacy of student records and the obligations of the institution, primarily
regarding the release of the records and access provided to these records. Any educational
institution that receives funds under any program administered by the U.S. Secretary of
Education is bound by FERPA requirements. Institutions that fail to comply with FERPA may
have funds administered by the Secretary of Education withheld.
Confidential education records include student registration forms, graded papers, student
information displayed on a computer screen, and social security numbers linked to names.
Employees who work around education records need to keep this information secure and
protect the rights of students.
The essence of this act is that:
• Students upon reaching age 18 or students attending postsecondary institutions,
regardless of age, must be permitted to inspect and review their own education records
(any records from which the student can be individually identified), to the exclusion of
third parties. There are no rights guaranteed under FERPA for parents of students
attending a postsecondary institution.
• Institutions may not disclose information about students, nor permit inspection of their
records, without the student’s written permission unless such action is covered by
certain exceptions as stipulated in the Act.
DMACC will only release allowable information under the Family Educational Rights and
Privacy Act of 1974.
Concurrent Enrollment (Career Advantage) Courses and FERPA
At DMACC, CE instructors will be allowed to present progress information and grades to:
• Students
• DMACC Registrar’s office
• High School Counselors
CE instructors should refer all parent inquiries to the high school counselor.
Students need to fill out the document below to release information to family members.
https://www.dmacc.edu/ferpa/Documents/formgenrelease.pdf
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Implications of Beginning a College Transcript
The grades that students earn in concurrent enrollment courses become a part of a permanent
college transcript. Poor grades in courses could have an impact on college academic standing
and eligibility for financial aid after high school.
Transcript Requests and Transferring DMACC Credit
Transcript Requests
If students choose another college after high school graduation, they may request their
transcript be sent to the college from DMACC’s Registrar. DMACC does not charge a fee to send
transcripts to another college.
Transferring DMACC Credit
To determine how DMACC credit will transfer to the college you select, it is best to contact that
college personally to have them review the classes that have been taken. Policies vary
depending upon the college and program in which students are interested. DMACC’s website
also provides information on college transfer for numerous colleges.
Student Support Services
Student Resources
Helpful Links:
Academic Achievement Centers Honors Program
Admissions Housing
Advising Library
Athletics Military Friendly School
Bookstore News & Information
Bus Services Orientation
Campus Health Registrar
Campus Safety Registration
Career Center Student Record Confidentiality (FERPA)
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Computer Labs Tech Support
Counseling Testing Center
Disability Services Office Transcript Request
Evening Services Transfer Options
Events Calendar Tutoring
Graduation Veterans Services
Graduation Report Work Study Program
Handbook
Special Programs Dates & Deadlines
College Preparatory English Academic Calendar
English Language Learner Events Calendar
High School Programs Graduation Information
Honors Program Registration Dates
International Students Financial
Learning Communities Types of Aid
Partnership Programs FAFSA Help
Student Development Courses Financial Aid
Veterans Affairs Office Pay Tuition
Vocational Rehabilitation
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About DMACC
A Little History
Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) was officially created March 18, 1966, and was
designated as Merged Area XI. The college was created after extensive studies had indicated
the need for such an institution. In 1968, the Board of Directors adopted Des Moines Area
Community College as the official name of the institution. Leading figures throughout the
College’s District combined their talents and resources to assure proper planning for the
College. The first classes were held at the new Ankeny Campus location with other campuses
to follow in later years. DMACC is one of fifteen area community colleges which comprise the
Iowa System of Community Colleges operating under the regulations of the Iowa Department
of Education and the Code of Iowa.
Programs and Educational Services Available at DMACC
Refer to the DMACC website for a current listing of programs available:
https://www.dmacc.edu/programs/Pages/welcome.aspx
FAQ for Concurrent Enrollment Students
? If I’m a college student now, does that mean I have
any additional responsibilities?
You may need to take on some additional
responsibilities for your own learning. Classes will
be rigorous and the expectations for assignments,
etc. will be the same as a “traditional” course on DMACC’s
campus. As a college student, it is your responsibility
to keep DMACC informed of enrollment and/or address
changes. In addition, you will want to make sure
you have met any pre-requisite or placement score
requirements for classes you intend to take.
? Do I get any privileges as a DMACC Student?
Yes! You will be admitted to DMACC athletic events at
no cost and you may use the campus library and have access
to computer labs.
? Where can I find specific information about prerequisites,
academic policies, course load, grading
standards, etc.?
DMACC’s catalog includes all of this information, plus
specifics about additional procedures and policies.
The DMACC catalog, along with the DMACC student
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handbook, is available on DMACC’s website under Current
Students. The web address is: www.dmacc.edu.
? Since I will get a grade, does that mean I’ll also have
a transcript at DMACC?
Yes, you will have a permanent transcript at DMACC.
? How will I get my grade for my DMACC class?
Your instructor will submit final grades to DMACC registrar’s
office and then grades will be shared with your
high school counselor for your report card. You
may also, at any time, visit with your instructor to
request information on your grade. Grade reports will also be
mailed to students to the address given to us during registration.
? Will DMACC’s grade count on my high school or
college grade point?
Your grade will be part of your cumulative grade
point at the college level. Please check with your
high school counselor to verify the policy at your
district.
? If I decide to go to DMACC after high school
graduation, do I need to do anything more since
I’m taking this class?
Yes, you will need to complete a full application
for admission, participate in orientation, and
submit any required placement test scores.
? What if I go to another college after high school?
How do I get my transcript?
You will need to request your transcript be
sent to the college from DMACC’s Registrar. DMACC does
not charge a fee to send transcripts to another college.
? Will my DMACC credit transfer to any college?
To determine how DMACC credit will transfer to the
college you select, it is best to contact that college
personally to have them review the classes you
have taken. Policies vary depending upon the
college and program in which you are interested.
DMACC’s website (www.dmacc.edu) also provides
information on college transfer information for
numerous colleges.
? What if I decide to drop this class…what’s the
policy and whom should I contact?
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You should contact your high school counselor
and they will contact DMACC to verify the date that
you drop. Depending upon when the course is
dropped, there are three possible consequences
at DMACC: a. The course will be dropped from the
student’s record with no grade penalty (within the
first few days). b. the transcript will show a “W” for
withdrawal. There will be no grade point penalty.
c. The transcript will show an F. (This usually
happens at the 2/3 point and beyond). Your high
school may also have policies that apply if you
decide to drop a class. Please check with them, as
well.
? Are there any long term consequences of
dropping a course?
If a student has a number of Ws or Fs on their DMACC
transcript, it could impact their success of getting
financial aid in the future.
Whom should I contact for more information?
Please contact your high school counselor.