The undergraduate math program will be of high quality, conveying the excitement of mathematical reasoning and creativity and building a pride in the mathematics profession.
Objective
Increased Majors
We will increase the number (and proportion) of SHSU students majoring in mathematics
Indicator
Increase In Mathematics Majors
The percentage of students who have declared a BS or BA major in mathematics.
Criterion
Increase in number of mathematics majors.
The number of mathematics majors will increase by 5%.
Finding
Increase in mathematics majors
Data being collected.
Action
Increasing the number of mathematics majors
We are going to examine national trends in mathematics enrollment. To increase numbers, we will plan to have faculty members present talks to high school mathematics clubs in order to recruit students.
Goal
Strong Graduate Programs
The graduate programs in mathematics and statistics will be solid programs with high academic standards and a critical mass of active professionally-minded students
Objective
Increased MS-Stat Students
The number of graduate students in the MS-Statistics program will continue to rise.
Indicator
Number Of Statistics Majors
Number of declared stat majors
Criterion
Increased MS-Stat majors
Number of students seeking MS in statistics will increase by 10%
Finding
Increased MS-stat majors
The number of MS-stat majors was unchanged from the previous year.
Action
Increased MS-math majors
Increase GA stipends and distribute new recruiting flyer.
Objective
Increased MS-Math Majors
The number of graduate students in the MS program will provide a critical mass so we can consistently offer core graduate classes in mathematics.
Indicator
Number Of Math Majors
Number of declared math majors.
Criterion
Increased MS-Math majors
Students seeking MS degrees in mathematics will increase by 10%
Finding
Increased MS-math majors
The number of MS mathematics majors increased from 5 to 7, a 40% increase.
Action
Increased MS-math majors
Seek increased financial support for master''s students to help recruit additional students.
Objective
Math Ed Doctorate
The department will start a Math Ed. Ph.D. program.
Indicator
THECB Approval
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board will approve the Math Ed doctoral program.
Criterion
THECB approval
THECB notifies the Department of its approval of the proposed PhD program.
Finding
THECB notification
The Department is still awaiting approval.
Action
Contact THECB
The Department contacted THECB. They are still processing the proposal.
Objective
Increase In Faculty Lines
The increased student population and increased demand for math classes will be met by increased faculty positions in math, math ed and statistics.
Indicator
Number Of Regular Faculty
Number of tenured and tenure-track faculty
Criterion
Number of new faculty hired.
The department will add new faculty.
Finding
New faculty hires
In 2006-2007, we were able to hire three new faculty members.
Action
Increasing the number of mathematics majors
As SHSU''s student population continues to grow, we expect be able to hire additional new faculty.
Objective
Increase Grad Stipends
Graduate stipends will be increased to levels that will allow recruitment of graduate students.
Indicator
Graduate Stipends
Amount of graduate stipends
Criterion
Graduate stipends
Graduate stipends will be at least $12000/year (reaching the minimum stipends at nearby comparable universities.)
Finding
Graduate stipends
Graduate stipends remain at inappropriate levels ($9800/year) without increase.
Action
Graduate student recruiting
Faculty will make graduate recruiting trips. We are attempting to organize some external money to raise graduate stipends. A graduate recruiting flyer will be created.
Goal
High Quality Service Courses
The mathematics and statistics courses offered for other departments and other majors will be of high quality, communicating the importance, discipline and practice of mathematics necessary to be successful in other disciplines.
Objective
Consistency And Quality In Service Courses
Classes offered as service courses, for other departments and majors, will include a detailed syllabus, open for review and improvement. Instructors will be aware of the value of the course and will be proud of their contribution to the university.
Indicator
Syllabi Availability
General, department-approved syllabi for service classes, available online
Criterion
Syllabi available
General course syllabi for all service courses will be available.
Finding
Syllabi availability
Although individual faculty have syllabi available, few courses have a general, department-approved syllabi.
Action
Syllabi availability
Discuss feasibility/desirability of creating department-approved course syllabi for lower division service courses.
Goal
Increase Math Majors
We will increase the number (and proportion of SHSU student body) majoring in mathematics.
Objective
Undergraduate Research
We will offer opportunities for undergraduate research.
Indicator
Student Presentations
Undergraduate student presentations given in a conference environment
Criterion
Student presentations
During the academic year, a dozen or more undergraduate students will present talks on their math explorations or math research. At least four of these talks will be given outside the campus.
Finding
Student presentations
Numerous students made presentations on and off campus; about a dozen undergraduate students traveled to give talks.
Action
Student presentations
Pursue external funding to enable the Department to provide scholarships in support of undergraduate research.
Goal
Steady Growth In Faculty Research
The quality and level of faculty research will continue to grow.
Objective
Faculty Travel & Research Support
Faculty travel support will increase. Support for faculty research collaboration and workshops will increase.
Indicator
Faculty Travel
Dollars spent on faculty travel to professional conferences.
Criterion
Sufficient travel
All research active faculty will have support for at least one national conference and at least one regional conference.
Finding
Faculty travel
Faculty travel averages about $800/year for each research-active faculty member, sufficient for one regional conference presentation but insufficient for one national presentation and certainly insufficient for two presentations (one regional) per year.
Action
Faculty travel
We are attempting to work with COAS, ORSP and the School of Graduate Studies to provide funding from other university sources to expand faculty travel to at least $1500/year for research active faculty.
Objective
Grant Funding
Grant funding for research programs in mathematics and statistics will increase.
Indicator
Grant Funding
Amount of grant funding and number of faculty receiving grants.
Criterion
Grant funding
The department will receive at least one significant external grant each year.
Finding
Grant funding
One external grant (MELL) continues, several small external grants have been received (Piney Woods lectures, undergrad research subcontracted to BYU) have been received
Action
Grant applications
Provide support for faculty to attend grant writing workshops.