Mathematical Sciences Research Institute - Promoting Diversity at the Graduate Level in Math: a National Forum

Cultivating diversity and broadening participation of historically underrepresented groups in the mathematical sciences are national goals that are identified by the National Science Foundation as "essential components of the innovation engine that drives the Nation's economy." The goal of this three-day conference is to stimulate, identify, and disseminate successful models that improve retention of underrepresented groups in graduate programs in mathematics. The conference will provide a forum for the interchange of information among the key constituencies involved in graduate education: research universities, small colleges and graduate students. Representatives will have the opportunity to improve the articulation between undergraduate and graduate training. Department representatives will be encouraged to leave the conference with an appropriate plan for action.

The specific objectives of the workshop are:
- to bring together representatives of graduate departments and small colleges, including minority-serving and women's colleges, in order to develop strategies for improved retention of students from these institutions;

- to enable departments at research universities to articulate their expectations of students enrolled in their graduate programs;

- to enable departments at small colleges to better prepare their students for the demands of graduate education;

-to develop new ideas and disseminate strategies of programs and advisors that have been effective in producing doctorates among women and in other underrepresented groups;

-to demonstrate the mathematical achievements of women and minority mathmaticians and provide networking opportunities for students and faculty.

The first day of the conference is directed at graduate students and young faculty, and will highlight the achievements of women and other underrepresented groups. Critical transition points in the professional development of mathematicians will be the focus of panel discussions and workshops. Representatives of graduate departments and small colleges will join the conference for the last two days. Panels will focus on "Departments with Exemplary Records," "The Students' Persepectives," and "A Tale of Two Cultures." Break-out sessions will explore ways to better collaborate in advising undergraduates and in providing support for graduate students that will facilitate transition, increase retention, and imporve student success. The conference will conclude with the identification of lessons learned and plans for action and dissemintation.

Accomodations:

A block of rooms has been reserved at the Rose Garden Inn. Reservations may be made by calling 1-800-992-9005 OR directly on their website. Click on Corporate at the bottom of the screen and when prompted enter code MATH (this code is not case sensitive). By using this code a new calendar will appear and will show MSRI rate on all room types available.
The cut-off date for reservations is September 29, 2008.

A block of rooms has been reserved at the Hotel Durant. Please mention the workshop name and reference the following code when making reservations via phone, fax or e-mail: K10000. The cut-off date for reservations is September 13, 2008. Room Rate $159/ night.

Registration: Please register on-line .

Lodging
Transportation from Oakland or San Francisco airports
Directions to MSRI
Visa information for foreign visitors

For more information:
Questions about this workshop should be sent either by email to

458@msri.org

or by regular mail to:

Promoting Diversity at the Graduate Level in Math: a National Forum Mathematical Sciences Research Institute 17 Gauss Way, Berkeley, CA 94720-5070. USA

The Institute is committed to the principles of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action.

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