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Training & Development

Macalester College believes that an effective talent development program improves the performance and retention of our employees and helps the institution create an inclusive work environment. Because of this, a variety of professional development resources and programs are provided for staff.

Staff Performance Reviews

Macalester’s staff performance assessment process was created with the purpose of facilitating conversation and building connection between a supervisor and an employee. Our process aims to:

  1. Facilitate conversation and connection
  2. Proactively manage expectations
  3. Recognize and celebrate individual achievement
  4. Support individual growth

This collaborative process between a supervisor and employee generally begins in August of each year, culminating annually on July 31st . A review is considered complete when all three steps of the annual performance cycle have been delivered and discussed with the employee, signed by both the employee and supervisor, and turned into Human Resources. Any annual wage adjustments are effective September 1 of each year. Below is a copy of the review form which can be found within Macalester’s Google Template gallery. To access the form, follow these steps:

  1. Go to your Macalester Google Drive
  2. Select “NEW” on left of screen
  3. Within the dropdown box, hover your mouse on the “>” symbol next to “Google Docs” to reveal the option “From a template”.
  4. Select “From a template” to reveal the gallery of forms.
  5. Select the file “(EMPLOYEE NAME) Staff Review Form 2024-2025”

Performance reviews are not required for any staff members hired or promoted to a new position on or after March 1st of the previous year. However, supervisors are encouraged to conduct performance reviews with all employees they supervise. For questions related to the performance review process, employees are encouraged to speak to their supervisor.

Performance Review Training

SMART Goal Methodology

Overall Rating Definitions

Employee Engagement Survey

Starting in 2025, Macalester College started conducting Employee Engagement Surveys on an annual basis. This survey is done in March of every year and all employees who started before January are invited to participate. Results of the survey are shared with the campus and at division and department levels as well. The Senior Leadership Team, every division, and every department is expected to identify 1-3 action items to focus on for the next year that respond to the feedback from the engagement survey.

Action Planning Guide

Survey Results Presentation – SAC 3.27.25

Exceptional Performance Awards

Macalester recognizes remarkable performance by employees through Exceptional Performance Awards, which are given once per year. Awards are intended to recognize uniquely exceptional achievement over the year, which are beyond the scope of the position. Exceptional Performance Award recipients will receive a one-time, lump sum payment. The nomination and decision-making process generally takes place in late summer / early fall.

Selection Process and Eligibility Criteria

  • Staff Members

    Managers may nominate staff members on their team who meet the criteria, during a nomination process in late summer/early fall. Submissions are then prioritized by Line Leaders. Final decision-making rests with the Senior Leadership Team. Eligible staff members must meet the eligibility criteria:

    1. Demonstrated exceptional performance by consistently and significantly outperforming the expectations of their position. Exceptional performance may be reflected through significant impact on the department or college and through remarkable achievements on critical priorities.
    2. Employed as a full-time or regular part-time staff member. Temporary or casual employees are excluded.
    3. Employed in their role for at least one full year (start date on or before August 1 of the previous year).
    4. Employed through the date when the award is paid.
    5. Completed an annual performance review and obtained at least a solid performance rating.
    6. If the employee is a manager, they must have completed performance reviews for all of their staff members.
    7. The employee was not compensated or recognized for the achievements through another method during the past year (e.g. interim pay, overtime, project related stipend, awards).
    8. Senior Leadership Team members are not eligible to receive the award
  • Faculty Members

    Faculty exceptional performance recognitions are determined by the Provost and Dean of the Faculty based on their collaborative annual review of Faculty Addendum. The Provost and Dean look for exceptional accomplishments in one or more of the following categories, which are identified in the faculty handbook as the core areas of faculty work:

    • Teaching and Advising;
    • Scholarship; or Service.

    These recognitions are available to tenured, tenure-track, and non-tenure track faculty. Faculty must fill out an addendum to be eligible.
Training Opportunities

Human Resources

Other Campus Training Opportunities

Required Training

Macalester College uses Vector LMS, Higher Education EditionTM to offer training courses online for all staff and faculty. To access the courses using your web browser go to: https://macalester-mn.safecolleges.com Log in using your Macalester username and password (this is Single Sign-On enabled) Once logged in, click on the course title to begin the training. The courses have audio, so be sure to turn up your speakers. Once you’ve started the training you do have the option to log out and resume the course at a later time. Reach out to Kara Zetzman at [email protected] with questions regarding access and training in Vector.