DMACC changes start date of spring semester, cancels spring break

The Des Moines Area Community College announced Friday that around classes will start one week later than originally scheduled, citing the worsening pandemic numbers. They also announced they will be canceling spring break for the first time in school history.

With the change, classes will now begin Jan. 19 rather than Jan. 11. DMACC President Rob Denson said protecting the health and safety of students, faculty, staff and our communities is the College’s top priority.

There will then be no spring break in March. The spring semester will conclude, as originally scheduled, on Thursday, May 6. These changes apply to all DMACC campuses and learning center locations, as well as online programs.

“In this deteriorating COVID environment, protecting the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff and the communities we serve, in a manner most likely to maximize the chances that educational progress can be made, is priority #1,” said DMACC President Rob Denson. “This is a great time for students to upgrade their skills because the jobs are available. We want to make sure we can deliver that education without interruption.”

Non-credit programs will continue as they are currently scheduled.

“There is certain to be disappointment for both students and employees;everyone could use a break from all of this!” said Shelli Allen, DMACC Vice President of Enrollment Services and Student Success. “But the College made this decision to help and protect students, families and the communities. With the increase in infections we’ve seen this fall throughout the state, we want to be prepared in the event of an even worse rate of infection in the winter months.”

Registration for all spring classes is open now at dmacc.edu.