Student Complaints

Complaints Filed with DMACC

Students at DMACC may file a General Complaint within the institution if they feel they have been mistreated by a staff member, if departmental policies and procedures are unclearly written or inconsistently applied, or if a student has extenuating circumstances that may directly affect the educational process. Initially, a student should pursue any concern about DMACC through the formal resolution processes that DMACC provides. Additional information concerning this procedure is located in Educational Services Procedure ES 4640. 

Please note that for complaints regarding discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy and marital status), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, and genetic information, the student should contact the campus Dean/Provost's Office or the Judicial Officer, regarding the Discrimination Complaint Procedures for Students ES 4645

Additional information about student rights and responsibilities:

  • ES4615 Student's Rights
  • ES4625 Advisors for Students in Academic or Disciplinary Hearings
  • ES4630 Student Conduct, Discipline and Appeals Procedure
  • ES4640 Student Complaints Concerning Faculty/Staff Actions
  • ES4645 Discrimination Complaint Procedure for Students

Complaints Filed with DMACC's Accreditor

Students wishing to file complaints with DMACC's accreditor may contact the Higher Learning Commission.

Complaints Filed with DMACC's State Approval or Licensing Agency

The Bureau of Community Colleges and Postsecondary Readiness within the Iowa Department of Education maintains a complaint process for Iowa community Colleges. Most complaints are referred to the institution's formal student complaint process outlined in DMACC's student handbook and policies.

The Bureau of Iowa College Aid within the Iowa Department of Education (Iowa College Aid) accepts concerns and complaints related to schools (all postsecondary education institutions) from any student attending an Iowa school, regardless of the student's state of residency, and from an Iowa resident attending any school in the United States.

To learn more and submit a student complaint with the Bureau of Community Colleges and Postsecondary Readiness or the Bureau of Iowa College Aid, go to the Iowa Department of Education.