Mathematics and Statistics students at GVSU have many opportunities to become active within our department. We have a very active Mathematics and Statistics Club that is a recognized student MAA chapter and has undertaken many activities. For those seeking real challenge, try the Problem Solving group , or attend a departmental seminar .

Undergraduate Research
Students within the department are also involved with faculty in undergraduate research projects. These include projects funded by the NSF funded Research Experience for Undergraduates, the university's Student Summer Scholars Program (formerly Summer Undergraduate Research Program), and independent studies. These projects have been featured in prize-winning posters at the national meetings, award-winning student talks at MathFest, and published papers in journals such as Mathematics Magazine, the Pi Mu Epsilon Journal, Cryptologia, and the College Mathematics Journal. The following faculty have information on the web about specific projects:

• Edward Aboufadel
• Steve Schlicker
• Jody Sorensen
• Paul Fishback
• Matt Boelkins
• Will Dickinson
• Jon Hodge

Finally, the department recognizes the outstanding academic achievement of its students through student awards, student scholarships, and our chapter of Pi Mu Epsilon.

It is the feeling of faculty and students alike that these types of activities, which involve student/faculty interactions outside the classroom, contribute to the strong sense of community within the department.

Links of Interest to Students

Problem Solving Groups

These are organized by Clark Wells (contact him if you are interested and this information is out of date), and are attended by several faculty and more than a few students.

For Fall 2006, we will be meeting Fridays at 2 P.M. in room 2301 Mackinac Hall. There will be snacks. Anyone is welcome to join us. The plan is to start with some problems from a recent competition exam, moving from there to some problems from the national Putnam Exam, and also consider some problems from the GRE subject exam in math. Student input directs our choice of problems.

Related links:

Michigan Autumn Take-Home (MATH) Challenge Putnam Exam homepage a site with all Putnam problems (follow the link to Dr. Schoales' homepage for more problems than you can shake a stick at.). A learning styles test , which was found at a rather complete online problem solving course site. All of the American Mathematical Competitions