Activities and Programs

Mathematics Undergraduate Student Colloquium

All sophomore, junior, and senior mathematics majors are required to participate in the Colloquium course. Each semester, sophomore and junior students are required to develop and present a 10 minute talk on a mathematical topic. These are usually expository in nature. Working with a faculty mentor, the students learn not only how to present a talk, but also improve their familiarity with the mathematical literature and are introduced to topics not covered in the regular syllabus.

Faculty Colloquium

Each month, the mathematics and computer science faculty members hold a colloquium talk. In the fall semester they are the first Monday of the month at 4:00 p.m. in Gem 136 and in the spring semester, the last Monday of the month, 4:00 p.m. Gem 136. In a relaxed atmosphere, they share their ongoing projects with each other, as well as with students and with faculty members from other departments.

Competitions for Students

All students studying mathematics and computer science (not just majors) are encouraged to participate in the many competition opportunities. These include the Putnam Exam, the Mathematical Contest in Modeling, the Indiana College Mathematics Competition, among others.

Outreach to K-12 Schools

The MENI (Mathematical Experiences in Northwest Indiana) Office coordinates outreach programs to students and teachers in the K-12 system. Faculty members and students are frequently recruited to help with these activities. For the past 4 years, the Department has hosted the northwest Indiana Mathcounts competition and, for the past five years, the Mathematics Minicamp for Women. The latter is an opportunity for eighth and ninth grade girls to explore and to share applications of mathematics to communication, science, and engineering.