MAA Panel: Mathematics Placement Trends and Innovations that Increase Equitable Access & Success, organized by James Ham, Delta College, Keith Hubbard, Stephen F. Austin State University, and Kathryn Lineham, Montgomery College, Wednesday, 9:35–10:55 am. The placement of students into college-level mathematics classes has been the topic of interest for higher education systems and has resulted in fundamental policy changes from state legislatures. In Florida, all remedial classes have been deemed optional. In California, multiple measures are now required for placement. In Texas, 75 percent of remedial students must be placed into co-requisite credit-level courses. All of these trends are intended to increase equitable access and success in mathematics course work. Come join this discussion of the approaches that are sweeping the nation and the effects they are having on institutions and students. Panelists are Elizabeth Barnett, Columbia University, David Bressoud, Macalester College, John Hetts, Educational Results Partnership, and Uri Treisman, University of Texas at Austin. This event is sponsored by the MAA on Committee on Articulation and Placement.
MAA Panel: What Every Student Should Know about the JMM, organized by Peri Shereen, California State University, Monterey Bay and Violeta Vasilevska, Utah Valley University; Wednesday, 9:00–10:20 am. Navigating a large conference can be overwhelming, even for those who have previously attended such an event. Panelists are Matt DeLong, Marian University; Jacqueline Jensen-Vallin, Lamar University; and Zsuzsanna Szaniszlo, Valparaiso University, will provide guidance for students attending the Joint Mathematics Meetings, including answers to some common questions: How do I get the most out of the program? What sessions are especially for students? What other events should I be on the lookout for? Will I understand any of the invited addresses or should I not bother attending them? If I am presenting a poster, where do I go to set it up? How can I get some cool, free math stuff? Students and their faculty mentors are encouraged to attend. This panel is sponsored by the MAA Committee for Undergraduate Student Activities and Chapters (CUSAC).
MAA Panel: Mental Health in the Mathematics Profession, organized by Justin Curry, SUNY Albany, and Mikael Vejdemo-Johansson, CUNY College of Staten Island; Wednesday, 2:15–3:35 pm. Mental health problems — depression, anxiety, to mention some of the most common — strike about 18.5% of the population at large in any given year — chances are good that most mathematicians have had, or have colleagues who have had struggles. The numbers only rise after including neurodivergences that often produce these as symptoms. The pressures of academia can exacerbate or cause such problems, causing distress and derailinbg careers. Visibility is low — we often hide or minimize our struggles, so as to not impact careers or the impressions we make on everyone else — and this further isolates anyone struggling: it can often feel like nobody else has any similar problems to overcome, and many issues get harder to handle with this isolation and added pressure. As a first step in building up visibility and creating a more supportive community for ourselves, we have gathered mathematicians at different stages of their careers with immediate personal experiences to a panel discussion on what life in mathematics with mental health problems is like, how we are handling it, what works and what doesn’t. Panelists are Julie Corrigan, Charleston, Justin Curry, SUNY Albany, Kate Farinholt, National Alliance on Mental Illness, and Mikael Vejdemo-Johansson, CUNY College of Staten Island.
MAA Panel: Pursuing New Directions in Your Academic Career, organized by Louis Deaett, Quinnipiac University, Linda McGuire, Muhlenberg College, Steven Schlicker, Grand Valley State University, and David Torain, Montgomery College, Wednesday, 2:15– 3:35 pm. This panel is for faculty members who are looking for new directions to pursue within their academic careers. Panelists will share lessons learned from navigating new directions in their own careers, including adopting new teaching methodologies, exploring new areas of scholarship, engaging in service outside of one's institution, and changing academic positions (e.g., to administration or to another institution). Panelists are Curtis Bennett, California State University, Long Beach, Jill Guerra, University of Arkansas at Fort Smith, Ron Taylor, Berry College, and Suzanne Weekes, Worcester Polytechnic Institute. This event is sponsored by the MAA Committee on Professional Development.
MAA Panel: Impacting Mathematics Instruction Through Meaningful Collaboration with Partner Discipline Faculty, organized by Janet Bowers, San Diego State University; Wednesday, 4:15– 5:35 pm. Mathematics is used throughout the undergraduate curriculum. Introductory mathematics courses, as well as the use of mathematics in other courses, would benefit from collaboration among faculty from mathematics and partner disciplines. Yet, how often do faculty from mathematics and the partner disciplines engage in meaningful conversation about the mathematics taught and used in the undergraduate curriculum? In the Curriculum Foundations Project (CFP), the Mathematical Association of America conducted a series of 22 workshops to facilitate such discussions. Reports of their findings appear in two volumes: http://tinyurl.com/CFPVoices and http://tinyurl.com/CFPPartners. In the ongoing NSF supported SUMMIT-P project, ten institutions are successfully revising their introductory mathematics curriculum by building partnerships with partner disciplines using CFP findings. Panelists include two mathematicians and one faculty member each from engineering, chemistry and social science, each of whom has successfully collaborated through SUMMIT-P to improve instruction and student learning. Attendees will learn more about CFP findings, experience a “Fishbowl” discussion, and learn strategies for using these findings and facilitating cross-disciplinary conversations on their campus. Panelists are Susan L. Ganter, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Rosalyn H. Hargraves, Virginia Commonwealth University, Stella Hofrenning, Augsburg University, Victor I. Piercey, Ferris State University, and Kathy Williams, San Diego State University.
MAA Panel: Connecting High School and Post High School Mathematics, organized by Gail Burrill, Michigan State University; Thursday, 9:00–10:20 am. NCTM’s recently released document Catalyst for Change contains recommendations for the essential mathematical concepts that should be in the curriculum for all students and potential curricular pathways through four years of high school mathematics. The session will consider the implications of these recommendations for college intending students, how the recommendations intersect with the changing landscape of introductory courses in mathematics at an increasing number of post high school institutions, and ways to promote dialogue between instructors at these institutions that will help make the transition from high school mathematics to college mathematics one that is supportive of students and their goals. Time will be allocated to engage the audience in a discussion of important themes and next steps. Panelists are Dave Barnes, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Gail Burrill, Michigan State University, Karen Graham, University of New Hampshire, Yvonne Lai, University of Nebraska, Dan Teague, North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, and Francis Su, Harvey Mudd College.
MAA Panel: Preparing Math and Stats Students for Industry Careers, organized by Namyong Lee, Minnesota State University, Mankato, Debra Mimbs, Lee University, and Thomas Wakefield, Youngstown State University; Thursday, 9:00– 10:20 am. There are hundreds of nonacademic jobs for math majors. However, most faculty members have little to no experience with or background in nonacademic careers. Panelists will discuss their experiences in preparing and advising students for nonacademic careers including some who participated in the MAA and NSF funded program known as PIC Math. Topics could include how to organize a semester course centered on solving research problems from industry, how to prepare students for nonacademic careers, how to initiate contact and develop relationships with local industries to get research problems and internships for students, how to effectively advise students for internship and career opportunities, examples of specific research problems from industry for students, as well as insights from former faculty now working in industry. Panelists include former faculty members who now work in business, industry or government as well as current faculty members who advise student projects in these areas. Panelists are Allen Butler, Daniel H. Wagner Associates, Inc, Michael Dorff, Brigham Young University, Gretchen Koch-Noble, Federal Government, Aaron Luttman, Department of Energy, and Debra Mimbs, Lee University.
MAA Panel: Coping Professionally with Unprofessional Behavior, organized by Zsuzsanna Szaniszlo, Valparaiso University, and Jennifer Beineke, Western New England University; Thursday, 1:00–2:20 pm. Academia reflects real life in most aspects. Unfortunately, this also includes instances of unprofessional behavior among colleagues and administration. This panel will address strategies for dealing with such behavior. What could/should you do when you witness a young colleague being bullied by an older colleague who wields power at your institution? What can you do if you are on the receiving end of such behavior? How can you navigate institutional politics if you feel your ideas are unfairly shut down by your chair/dean? How can you improve a bad situation created by an uncooperative colleague in your department? How can you help foster healing and growth in your department following negative interpersonal dynamics? This topic is of concern to mathematicians at all stages of their career. Panelists are Amy Cohen-Corwin, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Lloyd Douglas, Independent Consultant, Rick Gillman, Valparaiso University, and Paula Russo, Trinity College. This session is sponsored by Project NExT Peach Dots.
MAA Panel: Advising and Mentorship: Fostering Successful Students, organized by Ashley Johnson, University of North Alabama, and Alicia Prieto-Langarica, Youngstown State University; Thursday, 1:00–2:20 pm. As all faculty members know, there is more to teaching students than just what happens in a classroom two or three times per week. Some students look to faculty members for advice on which graduate programs to apply to, which conferences to attend, where to search for jobs, what kind of jobs to apply to, which summer programs to apply to, etc. Other students might not be aware of the opportunities that await them and it falls to the advisor to inform them. On top of the advice, we’re very often asked to write letters of recommendation for all of these opportunities as well. The goal of this panel is to have experienced faculty members share their advising and mentorship experiences, as well as tips on successfully transitioning students into graduate school, summer programs, or the workforce, and writing effective letters of recommendation. Panelists are Jacqueline Jensen-Vallin, Lamar University, Hristo Kojouharov, University of Texas at Arlington, Marianne Korten, Kansas State University, Calandra Tate Moore, Department of Defense and Michael Young, Iowa State University.
MAA Panel: Pathways to Leadership, organized by Semra Kilic Bahi, Colby Sawyer College, Cynthia Curtis, The College of New Jersey, and Gretchen L. Matthews, Virginia Tech; Thursday, 2:35–3:55 pm. This panel discusses a variety of pathways to leadership, addressing leadership in academic institutions at a variety of levels, in industry, and in professional societies. According to the AAUP report So Few Women Leaders, “women’s paths to leadership often involve directing academic programs, chairing committees, or leading research centers or institutes that they initiate and for which they often obtain funding themselves.” One finding demonstrates that traditional paths to leadership are slower and often blocked. The same is thought to be true for others from minorities underrepresented in STEM disciplines. The panel will discuss traditional routes through the well-defined hierarchy in academia along with alternative avenues mentioned above. Panelists are Jenna Carpenter, Campbell University, Barbara Faires, Westminster College, Susan Ganter, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Chawne Kimber, Lafayette College, and Maura Mast, Fordham College at Rose Hill. This panel is sponsored by the MAA Committee on the Participation of Women in Mathematics.
MAA Panel: Advanced Placement Calculus and Student Understanding, organized by Gail Burrill, Michigan State University; Friday, 8:00–9:20 am. Each spring thousands of high school students take part in the Advanced Placement Calculus AB and BC examinations. This session will provide details on how the exams are graded and on student performance, in particular some of the key conceptual misunderstandings suggested in their responses to problems related to particluar calculus topics as well as areas in which they demonstrate competence. The panel will include representatives from the College Board, the college professor in charge of scoring these exams (aka, the Chief Reader), and some of the members of the Exam Development Committee who also serve as graders for the exam. There will be time in the session for the panelists to answer questions from the audience. Questions posed to the audience will be to consider how the areas of misconceptions are similar to or different from those evidenced by undergraduates in intro college calculus courses and what are possible strategies to address these misconceptions. Panelists are Gail Burrill, Michigan State University, Stephen Davis, Davidson University, Brendan Murphy, John Bapst High School, and Stephanie Odgen, College Board.
MAA Panel: Increasing Diversity and Retention in STEM Through Math-Focused First-Year Seminars, organized by Laramie Paxton, Washington State University; Friday, 9:35– 10:55 am. It is often cited that students abandon or avoid STEM disciplines due to difficulties with mathematics. While many colleges and universities have implemented first-year seminars, research studies specifically addressing the ability of math-focused seminars to address these barriers are not common. This Q & A session will bring together diverse panelists to discuss the ability of math-focused first-year seminars and related programming to increase student interest and confidence in STEM disciplines. A special focus will be on students from underrepresented groups, increasing STEM retention rates, and diversifying STEM enrollments by reaching students who are otherwise not traditionally entering STEM fields. Panelists are Carlos Castillo-Garsow, Eastern Washington University, Maria Fung, Worcester State University, Guadalupe Lozano, University of Arizona, Shahriar Shahriari, Pomona College, and Francis Su, Harvey Mudd College.
MAA Panel: MAA Instructional Practices Guide's Value for Your Department, organized by Linda Braddy, Tarrant County College - Northwest campus, Kevin Charlwood, Washburn University, Daniel Maki, Indiana University Bloomington, and Catherine Murphy, Purdue University Northwest; Friday, 1:00–2:20 pm. The MAA's recently published Instructional Practices Guide (IPG) https://www.dropbox.com/s/42oiptp46i0g2w2/MAA_IP_Guide_V1-2.pdf?dl=0 contains a wealth of information of value to mathematical sciences departments. It includes sections on classroom practices, assessment practices, design practices, technology, and equity and inclusion. Each section is rich with information and examples. You as Chair and your faculty may have questions you would like answered about some or all of these sections in order to address your interests. Our panel of leadership and IPG writing team members will provide insights into the construction of the Guide as well as answer the questions of importance to you and your faculty. Panelists are Martha Abell, Georgia Southern University, Linda Braddy, Tarrant County College - Northwest campus, Rick Cleary, Babson College, Doug Ensley, Mathematical Association of America, and Lew Ludwig, Denison University.
MAA Panel: Advising Actuarial Science Students, organized by Kevin Charlwood, Washburn University, Michelle Guan, Indiana University Northwest, Steve Paris, Florida State University, Barry Smith, Lebanon Valley College, and Sue Staples, Texas Christian University; Friday, 5:00–7:00 pm. A panel session dedicated to the concerns of faculty at institutions with actuarial science programs, designed to keep participants abreast of SOA/CAS curriculum and exam series changes that impact actuarial students and actuarial programs.Panelists are Kevin Charlwood, Washburn University, Rick Gorvett, Casualty Actuary Society (CASACT ), Michelle Guan, Indiana University Northwest, Stuart Klugman, Society of Actuaries, Steve Paris, Florida State University, Barry Smith, Lebanon Valley College and Sue Staples, Texas Christian University. This panel is sponsored by the MAA Committee on Actuarial Science Education.
MAA Panel: Calculus before the Senior Year of High School: Issues and Options, organized by David Bressoud, Macalester College; Saturday, 9:00–10:20 am. In spring 2017, 144,000 students took an AP Calculus exam before their senior year of high school. Of these, 44,000 took the BC exam. What should these students go on to take while still in high school? What mathematics will be most useful for those interested in pursuing biology, engineering, statistics, or pure mathematics? And this push of the post-secondary mathematics curriculum into ever earlier grades creates a host of other issues including preparing high school faculty to teach these courses, determining appropriate placement when these students get to college, and creating college courses and supports that articulate with their high school experience. This panel will explore these issues and examine some of the options. Panelists are Colin Adams, Williams College, Stephanie Ogden, College Board, Alison Reddy, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and Dan Teague, North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics. Sponsored by the College Board-MAA Committee on Mutual Concern.
MAA Panel: Listening and Responding to Students' Thinking, from Elementary to Undergraduate Mathematics, organized by Brad Ballinger, Humboldt State University, Christina Eubanks-Turner, Loyola Marymount University, Yvonne Lai, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Cody L. Patterson, University of Texas at San Antonio, Priya V. Prasad, University of Texas at San Antonio, and April Strom, Scottsdale Community College; Saturday, 10:30 –11:50 am. One of the great joys and challenges in orchestrating mathematical discussions with undergraduate students is finding ways for students to build on each other’s thinking. In teacher education and professional development settings, discussions also give future and current teachers the chance to learn in ways similar to how they would like to teach. But what are the differences and similarities across educational levels in mathematics discussions? How can we use knowledge of these differences and similarities productively in our own teaching? Join our discussion session on eliciting, representing, and responding to students’ thinking. Our panelists -- who span K-12, community college, and undergraduate levels -- will each showcase an example of building on students’ thinking from their own teaching. We will then as a group analyze how these examples compare, and what this may mean for our own teaching. Panelists are Gail Burrill, Michigan State University, Ted Coe, Achieve, and Brian Katz, Augustana College. This panel is sponsored by COMET (MAA's Committee on the Mathematical Education of Teachers) and SIGMAA-MKT (Special Interest Group of the MAA on Mathematical Knowledge for Teaching).