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Information for Department Leaders

Are you a new department leader, or looking to represent your department's needs effectively to university administration? The AMS provides services in support of academic departments of mathematics and helps to enhance networking and the transmission of data and best practices among departments. Below are links to resources for departments on subjects ranging from research practices in the mathematics profession to news for students.

Network with colleagues

AMS Workshop for Department Chairs and Leaders: annual workshop held around the Joint Mathematics Meetings

Each year the AMS organizes and hosts a one-day Workshop for Department Chairs, usually held in the same location as the Joint Mathematics Meetings. In 2022, this workshop will be held on Tuesday, January 4. For information AMS Department Chairs Workshop

Share Best Practices and the Culture of Mathematics

AMS Departmental and Program Awards

Award for an Exemplary Program or Achievement in a Mathematics Department
Given annually to a department which has distinguished itself by undertaking an unusual or particularly effective program of value to the mathematics community, internally or in relation to the rest of society.
Award for Mathematics Programs that Make a Difference
Awarded annually to one program that 1. aims to bring more persons from under-represented minority backgrounds into some portion of the pipeline beginning at the undergraduate level and leading to advanced degrees in mathematics and professional success, or retain them once in the pipeline; 2. has achieved documentable success in doing so; and 3. is a replicable model.

Information Statements on the Culture of Research and Scholarship in Mathematics

The AMS Committee on the Profession created a series of information statements relating to the evaluation of mathematicians. The goal of the statements is to highlight the ways in which the traditions in mathematics differ from those in other disciplines, especially other sciences and engineering.

Background and Insight on Leading Mathematics Departments

Towards Excellence: Leading a Mathematics Department in the 21st Century (edited by John Ewing, 1999) provides background and insight on a number of issues.

Developments in Mathematics Research

The National Science Foundation is the leading supporter of fundamental mathematics research in the United States. Mathematics: An Overview of NSF Research covers some of the latest developments in mathematics research.

Access Data

Explore Education Initiatives; Resources for Students

  • Considering graduate school? Visit the guide Graduate School: Considering & Choosing by Abbe Herzig
  • Learn more about Homework Software (also known as Web Assessment) by reading an analysis of data collected in a 2009 survey; explore the Notices article, the full report, and a spreadsheet of data.
  • Proceedings of the Conference on Promoting Undergraduate Research in Mathematics, edited by Joseph A. Gallian.
    In 2006, with funding from the National Security Agency (NSA), the AMS organized the conference, "Promoting Undergraduate Research in Mathematics" (PURM). PURM continued the work of the 1999 conference (see below) by bringing together a diverse group of people who are actively involving undergraduates in research programs of all types, in order that they might share their experiences and explore ways of creating more such opportunities, with the goal of bringing the most talented students into research-level mathematics.
    • Proceedings of the Conference on Summer Undergraduate Mathematics Research Programs, edited by Joseph A. Gallian.
      A publication resulting from an AMS conference in 1999 for mathematicians involved in summer research programs for undergraduates. Conference participants discussed issues of common concern and gathered information that would be useful to others in the mathematical community interested in establishing summer undergraduate mathematics programs.
  • Teaching Tips, by Thomas Garrity and Frank Morgan (Williams College).
    Ideas about teaching, including good preparation, good boardwork, and teaching styles.
  • Teaching Mathematics in Colleges and Universities: Case Studies for Today's Classroom, by Solomon Friedberg.
    The Faculty Edition and the Graduate Student Edition include 14 case studies. The faculty edition includes a section on developing effective teaching assistants and explanations about the cases. These volumes are published by the AMS in cooperation with the Mathematical Association of America.
  • How to Give a Good Colloquium, by John E. McCarthy.
    This article is often cited as the primary guide for mathematics colloquium speakers. More guidelines for successful colloquia are also online.
  • AMS for Students
    News, deadlines and resources for high school and undergraduate students in the mathematical sciences. Subscribe to an RSS feed to see new postings.

Discover Special Funding Opportunities

  • China Exchange Program: The Ky and Yu-Fen Fan Fund Travel Grant from the AMS
    These grants support travel of mathematical scientists at institutions in the U.S. or Canada on visits to research colleagues in China, as well as travel of (generally, less senior) mathematical scientists from China to the U.S. or Canada for visits with U.S. or Canadian research colleagues at U.S. or Canadian institutions.
  • AMS Epsilon Fund Grants for Young Scholars Programs
    The AMS Epsilon Fund awards grants of up to $15,000 in support of summer mathematics programs for mathematically talented high school students. Support is offered to existing programs that are most successful in nourishing mathematically talented youth.

Enhance Mathematical Awareness

  • Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month
    April marks a time to increase the understanding and appreciation of mathematics and statistics. College and university mathematical sciences departments, math clubs, and student groups organize and host activities to celebrate. Past activities have included workshops, competitions, exhibits, festivals, lectures, symposia, department open houses, math art exhibits, and math poetry readings. Find ideas on the Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month website and follow and share activities on Twitter and Facebook using hashtag #MathStatMonth
  • AMS Posters
    If you need something to brighten up the halls or departmental lounge, visit this page to find downloadable pdfs of posters (8.5 x 11" and A4-size) promoting awareness of mathematics and of programs and services. Some posters are available upon request in larger size, approximately 12" x 18", compliments of the AMS.

Build Your Faculty

Contact the AMS for help with professional services at 800-321-4267, ext. 4096 or submit an inquiry.