Pre-Conference Survey   Promoting Diversity at the Graduate Level in Mathematics: Proceeding from a National Forum ( PDF ~7.5MB)   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 mathematicians and provide networking opportunities for students and faculty. Conference Schedule 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. Students and others who wish to attend the entire conference should plan to arrive by the evening of Tuesday, October 14th. Department representatives should plan to arrive by the evening of Wednesday, October 15th. The conference program will conclude at 3:00PM on Friday, October 17th. Workshop Photos Carlos Castillo-Chavez (Large file: 80MB PDF) Right-Click link and select "Save File As…" or "Save Link As…". Funding is provided by the National Science Foundation and the National Security Agency. When you register, please choose the "Funding Needed" option to be considered. Funding decisions are typically made 6 weeks before the workshop begins. Requests received after this deadline are considered only if additional funds become available.