Women In Mathematics
Women in Mathematics meetings are sponsored by the University of Arizona Math Center. They are semi-annual meetings that are well attended by female undergraduate mathematics majors and graduate students, and female and male faculty members. These meetings serve many purposes, as they bring women in mathematics together in an informal setting to discuss their experiences and issues they are concerned about, for example, gender equity in and out of the classroom, employment issues, and lack of role models in the mathematics profession. A guest speaker is usually invited to speak at the beginning of each meeting with a follow up discussion by the participants. Women in Mathematics brings together all participants in the mathematics educational process and provides role models and extra encouragement for the students, both graduate and undergraduate. It also helps the faculty who attend the meetings become more sensitive to the issues women face in today's society.
Women In Mathematics meetings came about when someone in the Department of Mathematics took the initiative to schedule the first meetings. Women in the department were notified and many came to say these meetings were long overdue. The direction of the meetings changes from year to year depending on the needs and interests of the people who attend. Future plans include becoming more involved with mentoring.
The budget for running the Women in Mathematics meetings is relatively small, approximately $200. Funds are needed for the guest speaker, mailing, copying fliers, refreshments, etc. Since the University of Arizona Math Center sponsors the meetings, all funding comes through the same University sources that fund the University of Arizona Math Center.