CST-Dept---Department of Mathematics
Mathematics Assistance Center
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Get the math assistance you need to help you succeed in your classes with CMU's Mathematics Assistance Center (MAC). Tutors in the center will assist you with everything from basic algebra to intermediate-level statistics. With help from tutors, you will learn how to clarify new information, demonstrate problem-solving skills and work through example problems.

Tutoring for On-Campus Students

MAC-LIBRARY

New location in Park Library, Room 428

  • MTH 055-233 and above
  • STA 282/382
  • PSY 211
  • SOC 200
  • BUS 300

Tutoring for other courses is possible depending on demand and availability of tutors.

MAC-TOWERS

Original location in Troutman Hall, Room 002

  • MTH 055-132
  • MTH 217

Tips for Students

Visiting

  • Don't wait! Visit the MAC-LIBRARY or MAC-TOWERS as soon as you need help. There is no need to schedule an appointment. All math tutoring is on a walk-in basis.
  • When you arrive, a large poster will direct you to a card-swipe to sign in. If you forget your card, write down your name, class, and the time you came in for help.
  • Prepare for tutoring sessions by attending class, reading the textbook, reviewing your class notes, attempting homework problems and writing down your questions before arriving.
  • Bring your textbook, syllabus, notes, calculator and any attempted work with you.

Tutoring

The purpose of tutoring is to give you additional help and explanation for mathematical concepts being taught in your courses. Tutors will help by giving expanded explanations of concepts along with examples of problems common for a particular course in an attempt to help you understand mathematics. Tutors will not help you do entire homework sets assigned by your instructor, but they will give help on a few select problems.

You CAN expect tutors to:

  • Work with you as soon as possible after you arrive.
  • Answer questions and help clarify new information.
  • Demonstrate problem-solving skills.
  • Work through example problems.

You CANNOT expect tutors to:

  • Do your homework assignment for you.
  • Substitute as your instructor when you have missed class.
  • Know all the answers to every question.
  • Substitute for your own hard work.

You are welcome to come as many hours as you wish to receive help. However, if you feel you have a need for an individual tutor, we can help you find one. Tutoring really does help! A student who attends the math center regularly has a 60% higher chance of receiving a grade C or better in their math course. Many students have found tutoring to be extremely beneficial and return for more help with other mathematics courses.

On-Campus Center Locations and Hours

For additional help and explanations about math concepts being taught in class, visit the MAC or the Mini MAC:

Reggie Becker
Director
reggie.becker@cmich.edu

Phone: 989-774-2290
Email: MathAC@cmich.edu
 

MAC-LIBRARY

New Location!
Park Library, Room 428
Monday through Thursday, 9 AM - 9 PM

MTH 055-233 and above, STA 282/382
PSY 211, SOC 200, BUS 300

MAC-TOWERS
Troutman Hall, Room 002

Sunday, 5-9 PM
Monday through Thursday, 2-9 PM

MTH 055-132, MTH 217

Tutoring for Off-Campus Students

Tutoring services are available via the internet and telephone for students registered in Off-Campus Programs courses.

  • Please note that these services are available only to students taking courses through ProfEd.

Request tutoring

Tutoring is free and simple to obtain. You must register for tutoring first. Begin by clicking here to fill out the tutoring request registration form. Please contact the MAC toll-free at 1-800-950-1144 x2290 if you have questions with the online registration form.

After your registration with the MAC is confirmed (within 24 hours of submitting the form), you will be added to a Blackboard shell for the MAC (the course number for the MAC is MTH000). Tutoring will then be available to you online and via telephone during regularly scheduled MAC hours.

Courses covered include:

  • MTH 105, Intermediate Algebra
  • MTH 106, Plane Trigonometry
  • MTH 130, Pre-Calculus Mathematics
  • MTH 132, Calculus I
  • MTH 217, Business Calculus
  • STA 282, Introduction to Statistics

Tutoring for other courses is possible depending on demand and availability of tutors.

Schedule an appointment

We prefer that you set up appointments for tutoring since we are limited to four tutors who can provide online assistance at any given hour. Under "Announcements" on the Blackboard shell, there is a link to a WIMBA classroom where tutoring will be held. There is also a PowerPoint guideline that shows you how to access and use WIMBA to communicate with tutors. Directions on how to make an appointment are available here.

When using WIMBA for the first time, there will be a setup wizard you should complete. You can then communicate by typing messages, drawing on a whiteboard with your mouse, talking into a microphone, calling the MAC or using your own webcam. Tutors will primarily write on the whiteboard, allowing you to see a problem being solved the same way you would in a classroom.

Become a Tutor

Tutors are essential to the success of the Mathematics Assistance Center. If you are interested in becoming a tutor, you should be able to:

  • Answer a student's questions thoroughly
  • Help clarify course material
  • Demonstrate problem-solving skills
  • Work through example problems with students
  • Attend tutor training sessions as necessary

Qualifications

To become a tutor at the Mathematics Assistance Center, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Completed college mathematics courses through Calculus II
  • Earned an A or A- in the majority of your math courses OR obtained written approval from the faculty member indicated on your submitted application
  • Maintained a cumulative GPA or 3.0 or higher

Application

  • Click here to complete and submit the online application form to become a tutor.

In addition to the online application form, you need to send an unofficial copy of your transcript to the mailing address below. Also, please ask a faculty member to complete this Student Recommendation Form in support of your application.

  • You should turn the Student Recommendation Form in, along with your transcript, to:

    Department of Mathematics
    Central Michigan University
    Pearce Hall 214
    Mount Pleasant, MI 48859

After reviewing your submitted application and transcript, the Director of the Mathematics Assistance Center will contact you to schedule an interview.