Iowa State and Des Moines Area Community College are joining forces to make the transfer process easier for students.

Beginning June 1, applications will be available at all DMACC campuses for students to enter the recently announced Admissions Partnership Program. According to an ISU press release, some benefits of the program include academic advising from Iowa State, access to ISU career services, eligibility to live in university housing and student pricing for ISU athletic events.

To be accepted into the program, students must be enrolled as degree-seeking students at DMACC, submit an “Intent to Enroll” form to Iowa State and pay an application fee. Students in the program will also meet with advisers from both DMACC and Iowa State each semester and enroll in DMACC classes that meet ISU entrance requirements.

According to the press release, Iowa State is the No. 1 destination for community college transfers in Iowa. In fall 2005, 36 percent of community college transfers to Iowa State came from DMACC.

“It is a big plus for Iowa State, for DMACC and most especially for students,” ISU President Gregory Geoffroy said in the press release.

This program could be the first of many that may be started to help other students attending community colleges.

“Ultimately, we hope to work with other community colleges in the state to develop similar opportunities for their students,” said Iowa State Admissions Director of Enrollment Services Marc Harding in the press release.

Faye Johnson, director of student development at DMACC, said the program will begin next semester.

Johnson said students will benefit from this program if they take advantage of it early enough, and it will make the transfer to a larger campus go more smoothly.