Des Moines University — Attraction in West Des Moines

As a former student, I’m sharing this in hopes that future students—especially those with undiagnosed or invisible disabilities—are treated more compassionately than I was.

I experienced repeated unprofessional interactions with a faculty member, Dr. Sarah Parrott, during my time at DMU. I made multiple good-faith efforts to seek help and clarification during a high-stress course sequence while unknowingly struggling with a medically diagnosed condition (obstructive sleep apnea). Instead of support, I was met with judgmental and discouraging comments that made me question my own abilities.

I have since withdrawn from the program for personal reasons, but the damage of that interaction stuck with me. I submitted formal documentation of my experience, including a sleep study, to multiple departments. I sincerely hope DMU takes this seriously and ensures students aren’t spoken to with sarcasm, assumptions, or discouragement when asking for help.

DMU can be a strong institution—but faculty communication and disability awareness need...

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