Special Opportunities (and $$) for Undergraduate Math Majors Bulletin: May 1, 2007

The Mathematics Department will have some available positions for

in Fall 2007. Undergrad RAs work with faculty members on mathematical research, curriculum development, data gathering, interdisciplinary work (connections of Mathematics to other subjects), computer-based mathematical experimentation, development of Web-based instructional materials, or other projects. An undergrad RA project is an ideal way to get to know faculty, explore your own interests, build your resume for work or grad school, give faculty a solid basis for writing letters of recommendation for you, or get an idea for an honors thesis project.

The stipend per semester is $1,250 for a regular URA, $1,500 for a VIGRE URA. By NSF rule, VIGRE URAs are limited to US Citizens or permanent residents.

All URAs commit 10 hours per week for undergraduate research activities, and are encouraged to participate in such events as the annual Spring Undergraduate Research Forum, usually in April.

VIGRE URAs are:
(1) expected to attend Undergraduate Colloquia;
(2) expected to present research results at appropriate meetings; funds are available to support travel for these kind of activities.

If you and a specific faculty member already have a project to propose, that's great. If you are interested but not yet partnered with a specific faculty member, that's OK too: we can help to identify potential faculty mentors.

Qualifications for an Undergrad RA: (1) Be a Math major; (2) have performed reasonably well in Math and related courses with a GPA of at least 3.00 with at least 30 s.h.; (3) qualify for USA internship program. In recent semesters, we have been able to appoint most of the qualified students who applied. Things have been getting a little more competitive as interest in the program has grown, but there's no need to be intimidated by the selection process or the job.

How to apply: If you are interested in an Undergraduate Research Assistantship, please pick up the (very short!) application form from Katie Voss in 14 MLH, and return it to Katie. Or, if you are reading this on the Web, the form is here. You can print it, fill it out, and return it to Katie. The deadline for applications is Noon on Wednesday, August 20, 2007 but please try to get them in before this date.

There are also opportunities for paid work in tutoring. We are sometimes asked by other offices and departments on campus to recommend undergraduate tutors or other kinds of assistants. If you would like to do work like this, please get on our list by filling out the form available here or from Katie in the math office . Compensation for tutoring jobs may vary.

For more information about Undergrad RAs contact Prof. Weimin Han.