AMS-MER Workshop on

Mobilizing for the Future*

Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ

Thursday - Saturday, December 1 - 3, 2005

Additional Morning Session on Sunday, December 4, 2005

Workshop Program:

During the past four years, over 100 mathematics and mathematics sciences departments have gathered together at Excellence in Undergraduate Mathematics workshops to learn from one another how their undergraduate programs might better serve the needs of all their students.  Departments were challenged to think of ways to advocate for mathematics by creating welcoming environments for their students and building collaborations with faculty in other departments.  In this concluding workshop, we look at the concerns of departments at the beginning of the project, what has been accomplished in the past four years, and future visions for undergraduate education.  A special session on Sunday morning will be devoted to organizing on-going networks to support departments in their continued efforts to create and maintain vigorous undergraduate mathematics programs.

The workshop program will include presentations by invited speakers, panels, department case studies, and small group discussions.  The program is designed to:

• highlight the progress that departments have made in strengthening their undergraduate programs during the past four years,
• identify characteristics of successful departments that enable them to improve their educational programs,
• review some “great ideas” for running an effective undergraduate program,
• feature programs and courses that exemplify significant directions for undergraduate mathematics,
• propose ideas for future programs in undergraduate mathematics, and
• organize department networks for departments in peer institutions (Sunday morning program).

Who Should Attend:

Faculty in mathematics/mathematical sciences departments that are interested in invigorating their undergraduate programs and considering future directions in undergraduate mathematics.  The workshop application is for a 2-4 member team.  It is recommended that the team include the department chair, head of undergraduate studies, or other faculty involved in the development and administration of the department's undergraduate program.

Support and Facilities:

The workshop is limited to 60 participants.  Funding for three nights lodging (December 1,2 and 3) and board for participants is provided by a grant from the NSF.  Participants will be housed at the Holiday Inn, 915 East Apache Blvd., Tempe.  Workshop sessions will be at the Holiday Inn and on the ASU campus.  Participants are expected to arrive by the afternoon on Thursday, December 1.  The workshop begins on Thursday evening and is scheduled for all-day on Friday and Saturday.  Applicants who would like to participate in the Sunday morning program, should indicate their interest on the application.  Please see the application form for information about a special travel grant for one or two departments.

Application:

Complete the application form(pdf) and mail to the address on the form.  Applications should be received at the AMS office by Oct. 21 for full consideration.  For additional information contact Naomi D. Fisher, Director, MER Forum, ndfisher@uic.edu or 312-413-3749.