Resources for Students

Consider These Courses

• Orientation to College: This course is strongly recommended and encouraged for all first-time, full-time liberal arts students. The course will prepare you for your college career by orienting you to the procedures and services at DMACC. The course will also address leadership, interpersonal issues, financial management, stress management, diversity, and a brief overview of effective study habits. The contents of the course will prepare you for college and beyond. 
• Study Strategies: This course provides an in-depth focus on study strategies for independent learning and academic success. Learn how to plan a semester of study, identify your learning style, manage your time effectively, study textbooks and take classroom notes efficiently, improve your memorization and test preparation skills, and develop basic research techniques. In some cases, Study Strategies may be taken in lieu of Orientation to College.
• College Preparatory Courses: Several courses are available to update your skills in reading, writing, and math. 
  

Academic Achievement Centers
The Academic Achievement Center located on each campus serves as a resource for all students. Instructors are available to diagnose academic skill levels, establish individual programs of study, and assist in the learning process. Various educational and support programs and a computer-based educational system (PLATO) are available.

Advising
Educational advisors are available to assist students in planning their educational programs, meeting graduation requirements, further developing their academic skills, and using resources of the College to meet their educational needs. Assistance is given in selecting a transfer institution and the transferring of credits. The value of the degree, diploma, and certificate program is explained. 

Counseling
The College provides professional counselors to assist students in career and educational planning and in solving problems of a personal nature. Counselors help students make decisions and plan for a successful future. Counselors are available to help students choose an educational program or career direction, recommend and interpret career tests and inventories, examine mid-career options, discuss anticipated academic difficulties, and develop an appropriate course of study. Students who experience difficulty or dissatisfaction with their curriculum are encouraged to make use of the counseling services to explore options or an alternative course of action with a counselor. Counselors can also provide assistance with study skills, personal and social relationships, financial problems, and crises.

Tutoring
Tutoring is available through the Academic Achievement Center on the Boone, Carroll, Newton, Urban, and West campuses. On the Ankeny campus, DMACC provides a peer-tutoring program that employs competent, knowledgeable students to tutor students who request help in specific courses. A peer-tutor supports the student by reviewing materials, answering questions, providing recommendations to improve study habits, and reviewing for exams. Peer-tutors are paid $7.50/hr. and set his/her own hours. The tutor can enjoy meaningful employment with flexible hours without having to leave the campus. Students interested in either the tutoring position or for tutoring services may stop by for information in Building 6-20 or contact Karen Reese-Elliott at 965-7004 or tutor@dmacc.edu.

Transition Information

Preparation for college should begin in high school. The Department of Education has a pamphlet entitled Students with Disabilities Preparing for Post Secondary Education: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities at http://wdcrobcolp01.ed.gov/CFAPPS/ERIC/resumes/records.cfm?ericnum=ED468329. You may also review the following powerpoint presentation entitled Attending College in Iowa.

Links

www.ldonline.org 
Resource for parents, teachers and students who want to know more about learning disabilities. Includes bulletin boards and support groups. ... Learning Disabilities: Welcome to LD OnLine, the leading Web Site on Learning Disabilities, Dyslexia, Attention Deficit...

www.ncld.org 
Devoted to improving the lives of those with learning disabilities. Provides legal information and links to book lists and government agencies.

www.how-to-study.com
This site is devoted to study strategies.

Further information on a variety of topics related to services for students with disabilities may be found at http://wdcrobcolp01.ed.gov/CFAPPS/ERIC/resumes/descriptorsummary.cfm?majordesc=Academic%20Accommodations%20%28Disabilities%29