AMS-MER Workshop on

Excellence in Undergraduate Mathematics:
Diversification of Upper Level Mathematics Programs

Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
Thursday-Sunday, November 7-10, 2002

Workshop Program:

Rethinking upper level undergraduate mathematics programs opens the opportunity for highlighting mathematics studies and attracting more students to mathematics. To succeed in revising existing programs or introducing new programs departments need to plan with care, and take into account a host of factors.

The workshop is designed to consider ways to configure and develop courses and programs in upper level mathematics to engage more students in studying mathematics at an advanced undergraduate level. The issues included for discussion range across selecting suitable mathematical content for new courses, enlisting faculty, and recruiting students to the programs.

The workshop program features:

Plenary Speakers
Louisiana State University from Louisiana State University:
"Department Case Studies"

Efraim Armendariz and Kathy Davis from University of Texas at Austin:
"Restructuring the BS in Mathematics"

Tevian Dray from Oregon State University and Grinnell College:
"What happens if you change everything at once?"

Lisa Mantini from Oklahoma State University:
"Aspects of introducing a new upper level course"

Eric Kostelich:
"Arizona State University Department Case Study: Computational Mathematical Sciences Major"

Sylvia Bozeman from Spelman College:
"Rebuilding the traditional major: transition to graduate study"

Bryan Hearsey from Lebanon Valley College:
"Introducing an actuarial program"


Breakout Speakers
Manoj Chari and Bogdan Oporowski, Peter Wolenski from LSU:
"Courses That Serve As The Gateway To The Math Major"

Frank Neubrander and Jim Madden from LSU:
"Teacher Preparation Programs"

Efraim Armendariz and Kathy Davis from University of Texas:
"Restructuring An Undergraduate Degree Program: The University of Texas at Austin Case Study"

Jim Fulmer and Tom McMillan from University of Arkansas at Little Rock:
"Reforming the Senior Seminar/Capstone course as an Assessment Tool"

Lisa Mantini from Oklahoma State University:
"A TA Training Course at Oklahoma State University"

Tevian Dray from Oregon State University & Grinnell College:
"The Importance of Geometric Reasoning"

Kathleen Lopez, Vic Schneider, Roger Waggoner from University of Louisiana at Lafayette:
"Three Upper-Level Mathematics Courses for Secondary Teachers and Others"

Joel Iiams from University of North Dakota:
"Crptological Mathematics as a Multipurpose, Upper-Level, Undergraduate Course"

Bryan Hearsey from Lebanon Valley College:
"Putting an Actuarial Component in your Curriculum"

Sylvia T. Bozeman:
"Preparing for Successful Graduate School Experiences"

Eric Kostelich from Spelman College:
"Scientific Computing: Not the Usual Numerical Analysis Course"

Terry Lawson from Tulane University:
"The role of projects in the major program"