Panels and Town Halls

Panels

The Future of Higher Education: Lessons from Florida

Wednesday, August 2, 3:50 p.m. – 4:50 p.m., Ballroom B/C

Recent legislative efforts to restrict what can be taught in Florida classrooms and public universities along with efforts to track and eliminate the use of state funds for DEI programs and initiatives have the potential to profoundly impact the future of education in the state. Coupled with new restrictions on public school libraries and attempts to curtail critical discussion and debate, these changes further limit our ability to include and elevate the voices and perspectives of historically marginalized groups. Florida is not alone in pursuing such restrictive laws, as PEN America's Index of Educational Gag Orders makes clear. In this panel session, we will hear a variety of perspectives on the harm such legal restrictions pose for the future of higher education, and more importantly, and thoughts on how concerned faculty can productively engage in efforts to maintain the intellectual and academic freedoms that provide the basis for healthy educational systems.

Organizers:
Michael Pearson, Mathematical Association of America
Catherine Paolucci, WestED

Panelists:
Irene Mulvey, President, American Association of University Professors
Patricia Okker, Past President, New College of Florida
Kevin Knudson, Chair, Department of Mathematics, University of Florida
 

Mental Health in the Mathematics Community

Thursday, August 3, 8:00 a.m. - 9:20 a.m., Room 122/123

This panel brings to light the serious yet often overlooked topic of mental health within the mathematics community. Panelists, drawing on their professional and personal experiences, will discuss the prevalence and diversity of mental health concerns among educators and students at various levels, researchers, and mathematicians working in other settings. They will share strategies for coping as individuals, guidance for supporting others, and approaches to advocating for long-term solutions, all while actively working to reduce the associated stigma. We hope to encourage an open and empathetic dialogue to raise awareness, inspire positive change, and improve the well-being of our unique and vibrant community.

Organizers:
Shanna Dobson, California State University, Los Angeles
Janet Fierson, La Salle UniversityProfessors
Emelie Kenney, Siena College
Buna Sambandham, Utah Tech University
Jeanette Shakalli, Panamanian Foundation for the Promotion of Mathematics (FUNDAPROMAT)

Panelists:
Vinodh Chellamuthu, Utah Tech University
Alicia Prieto Langarica, Youngstown State University
Jennifer Quinn, University of Washington Tacoma
Adriana Salerno, Bates College

Moderator:
Jeanette Shakalli, Panamanian Foundation for the Promotion of Mathematics (FUNDAPROMAT)

Sponsor:
Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM)

From Merely Surviving to Beginning to Thrive: GTAs and First-year Faculty Reflect on a Multifaceted GTA Training Program

Thursday, August 3, 9:30 a.m. – 10:50 a.m., Room 122/123

In this panel, we will hear from graduate students and recent graduates (who are new faculty) about their experiences when learning how to teach mathematics. They will discuss how an ongoing and multifaceted teacher training program implemented at three universities supported their development as educators, mentors, and leaders and prepared them for faculty careers.

Organizers:
Melinda Lanius, Auburn University
Gary Olson, University of Colorado Denver
Scotty Houston, University of Memphis
RaKissa Manzares, University of Colorado Denver
Leigh Harrell-Williams, University of Memphis
Josias Gomez, University of Memphis
Michael Jacobson, University of Colorado Denver

Panelists:
Dr. Nicholas Weaver, Senior Lecturer of Mathematics, Messiah University
Alyssa Newman, Graduate Student at University of Colorado Denver
Haile Gilroy, Graduate Student at Auburn University
Joanie Morris, Graduate Student at Auburn University
Madhumita Roy, Graduate Student at University of Memphis
 

The Art of Publishing in MAA Journals

Thursday, August 3, 2:00 p.m. – 3:20 p.m., Room 122/123

The members of this panel will introduce the MAA publications, discuss how to write for these periodicals, and answer questions about writing for the publications. There will be time allotted to meet with the individual editors to ask questions about specific journals and blogs.

Organizers:
Tom Edgar, Pacific Lutheran University/MAA
Della Dumbaugh, University of Richmond/MAA

Panelists:
Della Dumbaugh, The American Mathematical Monthly
Tamara Lakins, The College Math Journal
Amy Ackerberg-Hastings, Convergence
Tom Edgar, Math Horizons
Deanna Haunsperger, Math Values Blog
Jason Rosenhouse, Mathematics Magazine
Rick Cleary, Scatterplot
[MAA FOCUS will also be discussed]
 

Math Leadership in Action: Experiences, Opportunities, Challenges, and Strategies in Leading a Coordinated Course

Thursday, August 3, 4:30 p.m. - 5:50 p.m., Room 122/123

This panel session features five faculty experts discussing various aspects of coordinating mathematics courses. Topics include: planning and implementing course goals, sharing teaching resources and strategies, flexibility in grading and assessment, and evidence-based practices on effective course administration. The panel speakers, coming from a variety of teaching institutions, will offer insightful perspectives based on their professional experiences and published research.

Organizers:
Maila Hallare, United States Air Force Academy
Adebukola Adeyemi, Flagler College

Panelists:
Steve Butler, Iowa State University
Leann Ferguson, United States Air Force Academy
Carrie Grant, Flagler College
Eric Johnson, United States Coast Guard Academy
Kurt Sebastian, Flagler College
 

How Are You Effectively Placing Students in Their First Math Course and Supporting Students in their Placements?

Friday, August 4, 9:30 a.m. - 10:50 a.m., Room 122/123

Effectively placing students into their first college math course presents many challenges, and the recent move to test optional has introduced an opportunity to revise placement methods for departments. Placing students too low may affect their ability to graduate, motivation, and sense of belonging. Placing students too high may lead to frustration. Panelists will present successful implementations of math placement.

Organizers:
Jessica OShaughnessy, Stockton University
Amanda Harsy Ramsay, Lewis University
Mariah Birgen, Wartburg College

Panelists:
Allan Donsig, University of Nebraska
Jenn Whitfield, Texas A&M University
May Mei, Denison University
Lydia Maynard, Shenandoah University

Sponsor: MAA Subcommittee on Assessment
 

Incorporating an Undergraduate Research Component into Various Classroom Environments

Friday, August 4, 3:30 p.m. - 4:50 p.m., Room 122/123

Undergraduate Research (UR) has been mostly conducted outside the classroom by a selected group of students. This type of research opportunity gives excellent experience but only to a limited number of students. As a result, incorporating UR components into the classrooms of undergraduate math programs is important for being more inclusive and for providing opportunities for more undergraduate students. A panel of successful undergraduate research mentors will share their insights surrounding incorporating UR experiences/components in various classroom environments. They will also discuss tangible strategies that participants can implement in their own classrooms.

Organizer:
Vinodh Chellamuthu, Utah Tech University
Violeta Vasilevska, Utah Valley University

Panelists:
Semere Gebresilasie, Wentworth Institute of Technology
Michele Joyner, East Tennessee State University
Alicia Prieto Langarica, Youngstown State University

Sponsor: SIGMAA on Undergraduate Research (SIGMAA UR)
 

The Convergence of History and Pedagogy in Mathematics

Saturday, August 5, 9:00 a.m. - 10:20 a.m., Room 122/123

Researchers and educators have long proposed that history can be used to create learning opportunities that support student mathematical learning in various ways. This panel of experts in the art of wedding historical research with effective pedagogy will lead a discussion of recent developments in the use of history to teach mathematics and the field’s future prospects and needs.

Organizers:
Amy Ackerberg-Hastings, Convergence
Janet Heine Barnett, Convergence

Panelists:
Kathleen Michelle Clark, Florida State University
Abe Edwards, Michigan State University
Dominic Klyve, Central Washington University
Daniel E. Otero, Xavier University

Sponsor: MAA Convergence (https://www.maa.org/press/periodicals/convergence)
 

Elevating Calculus for A New-ish Century

Saturday, August 5, 10:30 a.m. -11:50 a.m., Room 122/123

Back in the last century, our community recognized that calculus was both a gateway and a barrier to students’ mathematical goals. Today, work on curriculum, instruction, assessment, and placement are opening new pathways for students’ success in calculus and in the wider world of mathematical studies. We’ll highlight new (AP Precalculus) and ongoing work at the K-12 and college levels to prepare students for calculus and support them in its study. We’ll discuss the challenges and opportunities ahead and share ideas about how to leverage our collective efforts.

Organizers:
Ralph Pantozzi, National Couincil of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Representative to the MAA Committee on Teaching of Undergraduate Mathematics (CTUM)
Stephen Kokoska, Bloomsberg University
Mary Margarita Legner, Riverside City College

Panelists:
Melodie Baker, National Policy Director, Just Equations
Michael Boardman, AP PreCalculus Chief Reader, Pacific University Oregon
Jessica O’Shaugnessy, Chair of the MAA Committee on Assessment
Jason Van Billiard, AP Math and Computer Science Department Head, College Board
Joan Zoellner, Professional Learning and Implementation Specialist, Charles A. Dana Center

Career Paths in Business, Industry, and Governments

Saturday, August 5, 3:00 p.m. - 4:20 p.m., Room 122/123

You’re about to earn a degree in mathematics. Now what? You may be surprised to know that teaching isn’t your only option. Mathematical knowledge is a valued commodity, and there are many interesting job opportunities for mathematicians that don’t necessarily involve teaching. Whether you are a mathematics student looking for a job once you graduate or an advisor looking for advice to give to future job-seeking students, this session will help you gain new perspectives on career experiences in business, industry, and government and what employers value in their employees. Panelists will share their paths to their current positions and offer advice to others looking for employment in similar fields.

Organizers:
Emille Lawrence, University of San Francisco
Ximena Catepillan, Millersville University
Jeb Collins, University of Mary Washington
Caroline Maher-Boulis, Lee University

Moderator:
Thomas Langley, Thomas Langley, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

Panelists:
Allen Butler, President Emeritus, Daniel H. Wagner Associates, Inc
Opel Jones, Analyst, The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab
Pamela Laboy, Consulting Actuary, Milliman
Daniel Prata, Financial Planner & Analyst, Equifax

Sponsor:Committee on Undergraduate Student Programming (CUSP)

Town Halls

Making an Impact: How Can Our Community Best Support High Impact Practices in Mathematics Teaching and Learning?

Thursday, August 3, 3:30 p.m. - 4:20 p.m., Room 122/123

Join us to discuss the value of High Impact Practices (https://www.aacu.org/trending-topics/high-impact) in mathematics teaching and learning and to share experiences, suggestions, and questions concerning these practices. Our CTUM High Impact Practices (HIPs) Working Group needs your guidance to design effective programing, connect experienced practitioners with recent adopters, and support an emerging community of practice around HIPs in the mathematical sciences.

Organizers:
Vicky Klima, Appalachian State University
Pamela E. Harris, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Azadeh Rafizadeh, William Jewell College

Sponsor:High Impact Practices working group of the MAA Committee on Teaching of Undergraduate Mathematics (CTUM)
 

Just Mathematics: Creating Connections between Mathematics Content Areas & Social Justice

Friday, August 4, 2:30 p.m. - 3:20 p.m., Room 122/123

Do your calculus students look at related rates problems about the spread of industrial pollutants in water systems?Do your statistics students look at how race can play a confounding role in statistical designs? Come and share your ideas about how faculty can incorporate social justice conversations in the mathematics classroom.

Organizers:
Mark Branson, Stevenson University
Whitney George University of Wisconsin, La Crosse
Victor Piercey, Ferris State University
Gizem Karaali, Pomona University
Luke Tunstall, Trinity University
Debasmita Basu, The New School

Sponsor:SIGMAA on Quantitative Literacy (SIGMAA QL)
 

What is a History of Mathematics Course For?

Saturday, August 5, 8:00 a.m. - 8:50 a.m., Room 122/123

The increasing need for mathematics education raises the question of history of mathematics. Should such courses serve the mathematics, mathematics education, or other program? Are they mathematics courses, a history courses, or some kind of hybrids - and if so, what kind? The panel will start a discussion that the audience will be invited to join.

Organizers:
Gregory McColm, University of South Florida
Fernando Burgos, University of South Florida
Fernando Gouvȇa, Colby College
Mile Krajcevsky, University of South Florida
Ruthmae Sears, University of South Florida

Please note: All sessions are held at Eastern Daylight Time (EDT = UTC-4:00)