University housing is offering a new program for residents studying math or hard sciences. The Residential Math Network is a seminar organization bringing students together and building communities around the study of mathematics.
Students joining the Network will take a weekly seminar course with one math professor and be involved in various community activities and study sessions. The hope is to get students of math and other hard sciences acquainted with the math department early.
Jaime Wren, a senior majoring in math and computer science, along with math major Lauren Weiner came up with the program a year ago and presented it to University Housing.
Wren spoke casually over lunch with Mike Eyster last year and mentioned his idea for a math-based community in the residential halls. He had not expected the idea to take off, but soon Wren and Weiner were in meetings with faculty from the residential halls, the math department and the First Year Programs office.
“(Eyster) surprised me by saying ‘Why don’t you put it in writing?’” said Wren, and soon the program was rolling.
The program provides the same basic opportunity as the Freshman Interest Groups (FIGs) but with a little more flexibility. The FIGs, according to Weiner, did not have much to offer students in the math department and were constricting to students who had already charted out their academic life.
Wren had hoped to sign up for a FIG during his freshman year but could not fit it into his schedule.
Students in the FIG program sign up for a set of two courses plus a seminar linking the courses together. Students in the Math Network need only be in a math course 200 level or above and sign on for one seminar.
The idea is that students in various types of math courses can still study together even if they are not taking the same courses. It also brings the academic and residential sides of campus a little closer together.
Along with the seminars and study sessions, Wren and Weiner hope to schedule tea with various professors. Math or hard-science professors can come and talk to students about their work over tea and cookies.
“You go to a math class and you’re in your professor’s environment,” said Wren. “We’re bringing professors to the resident halls.”
Undergraduates often find their professors are inaccessible; this program bridges the gap between formal lecture classes and individual students, making it a little more personal.
“You talk on a whole different level when you’re talking to them as a person,” said Weiner.
The program will connect students with each other as well. Wren and Weiner both agree that a major difference between high school education and college education is the idea that students learn together.
“You need to sit with others to study,” said Wren. “You’re not doing it right if you’re not with other students.”
This is the first year for the program, and Wren and Weiner are still planning activities and meetings for the first term. Students in the program will have a mix of academic and social events. Many of the programs will be open to all students, not just those in the Network.
Wren and Weiner emphasized the fact that the Residential Math Network is not just for math majors. The program is open to any student taking math courses. Wren and Weiner plan to schedule speakers from other departments as well.
The faculty is delighted to have a program initiated by the students for the students, and all concerned offices were enthusiastic to get the program running.
“My very hope and wish is that it’s successful,” said Sandy Schoonover, director of residence life.
Students interested in joining the Residential Math Network should contact the First-Year Program Office at 346-1241.