For Faculty

MAX Center
Kagin Commons, First Floor
M-F. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
S-TH, 7 p.m.-10 p.m.
651-696-6121 (Day)
651-696-6193 (Evening)


Where underprepared students prepare,
prepared students advance,
and advanced students excel.

The MAX Center is eager to work with faculty to help students achieve as much as possible academically. We have peer tutors in math, science, writing, and study skills, and we would be happy to come visit your classroom to talk to your students about our services and programs.

Our professional staff is available for working with students on an ongoing basis if you feel that they would benefit from regular tutoring or coaching. We frequently work with students on Honors Theses and Capstones, and we also help students study for the Graduate Record Exam.

At the right-hand side of this page are statements that you can include in your syllabus for relaying information about what our office can do for your students.

Also included at the right-hand side of this page are the forms for students who need testing accommodations in our center. Students should register with Lisa Landreman so that our office can arrange the recommended accommodations.

One of our resources is the Works in Progress program, a program for focused peer review with a MAX Center writing tutor facilitating the discussion. Sessions occur in the MAX Center and outside of class hours. Links to information about the program appear to the right.

Stephanie Alden is coordinating the pilot Supplemental Instruction program this year with the Chemistry Department. A syllabus statement for this program is included in the links to the right. If you would like more information about the Supplemental Instruction program, please contact Stephanie at or 651-696-6017.

Recommendations for Peer Tutors

We hire highly talented students who are experts in their majors, writing, and study skills, and one of our best sources of names of potential tutors is you. If you have a student whom you’d like to recommend as a MAX Center tutor, please let us know.

Please contact us for further information about what we can do for you and your students. We look forward to working with you.

Syllabus Statements

Writing Syllabus Statement

The Macalester Academic Excellence (MAX) Center, located in Kagin Commons, has peer tutors available for students in all stages of their writing. Hours are 9:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M., Monday through Friday, and 7:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M., Sunday through Thursday. You may drop in or call 651-696-6121 during the day or 651-696-6193 in the evening to schedule an appointment. Becky Graham and Jake Mohan also provide writing assistance during daytime hours, Monday through Friday.

Math and Science Syllabus Statement

The Macalester Academic Excellence (MAX) Center, located in Kagin Commons, has peer tutors available for helping students understand mathematics and science concepts for courses in math, biology, and chemistry. Hours are 9:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M., Monday through Friday, and 7:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M., Sunday through Thursday. You may drop in or call 651-696-6121 during the day or x6193 in the evening to schedule an appointment. Dave Ehren and Stephanie Alden also provide mathematics and science assistance during daytime hours and some evenings, Monday through Friday.

Supplemental Instruction (SI) Syllabus Statement

Macalester is currently in its second year of a pilot program for SI instruction in Chemistry 111 and 112 and Chemistry 211 and 212. SI is available to assist you in better understanding the course material. The SI program provides peer-facilitated study sessions led by qualified and trained SI leaders who attend classes with students and encourage students to practice and discuss course concepts in sessions. Sessions are open to all students who want to improve their understanding of the material. Attendance at these weekly 2-hour sessions is free and voluntary.

Your SI leader is (insert your class' SI leader name here). Once the weekly session time is determined, session dates and times will be posted in the classroom and via email messages from your SI leader. You can also contact Stephanie Alden, Science Counselor at the MAX Center at 651-696-6017 or if you have questions about the SI program.

Other Faculty Resources

Disability Accommodations

Works in Progress Program

Tutor Job Descriptions

Writing Tutor Job Description
Peer writing tutors work with students throughout the writing process for any class assignment. They participate in weekly writing tutor meetings and complete the tutor training program. After completing 25 hours of tutoring, they earn College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) certification. Writing tutors work with students one-to-one or in groups and engage in research and ongoing projects in the MAX Center and on campus. Writing tutor candidates must have completed the First-Year course and two writing intensive courses with a grade of B or better. They have excellent writing and communication skills and the ability to work well with individuals and groups.

Math Tutor Job Description
Math tutors assist students enrolled in 100 and 200 level math courses. They participate in weekly math tutor meetings and complete the tutor training program. After completing 25 hours of tutoring, they earn College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) certification. Math tutors work with students one-to-one or in groups and engage in research and ongoing projects in the MAX Center and on campus. Math tutor candidates must have completed MATH 137 and have earned a grade of B or better. They have excellent communication skills, a thorough knowledge of their subject area, and the ability to work well with individuals and groups.

Science Tutor Job Description
Science tutors assist students enrolled in 100 and 200 level science courses. They participate in weekly science tutor meetings and complete the tutor training program. After completing 25 hours of tutoring, they earn College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) certification. Science tutors work with students one-to-one or in groups and engage in research and ongoing projects in the MAX Center and on campus. Science tutor candidates must have completed (respectively) CHEM 111/112 (or CHEM115) and have earned a grade of B or better. They have excellent communication skills, a thorough knowledge of their subject area, and the ability to work well with individuals and groups.

Study Skills Job Description
Peer study skills tutors meet with students who wish to strengthen their study skills through better time management, more efficient reading strategies, and effective study habits. Tutors participate in weekly tutor training meetings and complete the tutor training program. After completing 25 hours of tutoring, they earn College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) certification. Study Skills tutors work with students one-to-one or in groups and engage in research and ongoing projects in the MAX Center and on campus. They have excellent writing and communication skills and the ability to work well with individuals and groups.