COV Proposal for a New Position in Mathematics

 

Introduction

Proposed Position

 

We are proposing a new full-time tenure track faculty position in mathematics at the associateistant professor level.  In line with the Science Initiative, we are looking for someone with a broad background in mathematics and an interest in connecting mathematics to other disciplines across the college.  The candidate should have an interest in developing innovative courses that provide alternative entries into the mathematics major, a willingness to teach courses outside of his or her specialty, and a field of research that is suitable for undergraduate research.    Since most mathematicians can teach across the discipline, we do not specify a particular area of specialization, although the candidate’s research area should not directly overlap with any current faculty in the mathematics program.  complement existing strengths in the department, which include combinatorics, algebra, topology, and logic.  Fields that would be ideal include probability, differential equations, dynamical systems, real or complex analysis, although there are many other fields that would be suitable.  The candidate should have a broad background in mathematics, a willingness to teach courses outside his or her specialty, and should work in a field of research that is suitable for undergraduate research.

 

This position is not a replacement for Mark Halsey, who as Associate Dean is currently teaching only one mathematics course per year, but rather a separate position.  As we argue below, the college needs at least five full-time faculty members to cover the all the needed mathematics courses at Bard.  If Professor Halsey continues as Associate Dean past the present academic year, we will propose separately to hire a visitor or post-doc to cover his courses.

 

 

Relationship to the Applied Math Position

 

Essentially, this position is designed to cover the courses we lost when the applied math position moved over to physics.  After two years of failing to hire an applied mathematician, we reconfigured the position and decided to search for a mathematical physicist instead.  The applied math position was based on both the need for more math courses and the desire for more applied offerings.  While the mathematical physicist will teach some applied math courses (at most 2 per year), we are told by the physics program that his or her remaining courses will consist of non-major lab courses and courses for physics majors.  The result is a net loss of 3 - 4 courses each year for the math program.  This loss, together with increasing enrollments and the distribution requirements, more than justifies a 5th faculty member in mathematics.

 

 

Relationship to a proposed 4th Computer Scientist

 

This spring, the computer science program will bring a proposal to the COV for a 4th computer scientist.  We show below that to meet the needs of our students for sufficiently many courses to satisfy the MATC requirement, we need at least 9 fulltime faculty members between the Mathematics and CS programs.   These courses alone necessitate two new faculty members between the Mathematics and CS Programs beyond the current four mathematicians and the three computer scientists.  The CS Program should receive one of these new positions, both to allow the CS Program to offer non-major courses on a regular basis, and to allow for a broader range of CS courses, as well as to help forge connections between the CS Program and programs outside the science division.  However, that new position is not the subject of this proposal   The other proposed new faculty member, which is the subject of this proposal, should be in mathematics, because of the growing demand for mathematics courses by both non-science majors and science majors.  Non-science majors still take mathematics courses in much larger numbers than CS courses, and most science majors take more math than CS courses.  

 

 

 

 

The Mathematics Program

 

The mathematics program is currently the largest program in the division both in terms of number of courses offered and total enrollments.  BackgroundOur program

 

is unique in the science division because of its large service component.  All Physics majors must take or place out of Calculus I, Calculus II, Calculus III, and Differential Equations.  A good percentage of physics majors also take Proofs and Fundamentals, Linear Algebra, and some of our 300-level courses.  Chemistry students take at least Calculus I, II and III.  Computer science students must take Calculus I, but more than half continue on to Calculus II, Calculus III, Proofs and Fundamentals, and some 300-level courses.  Economics students must take Calculus I, but a large number also take Calculus II and III, and several each year take Differential Equations, Proofs and Fundamentals, and Linear Algebra.  Biology students must take biostatistics, but usually also take calculus courses at Bard. 

  (Not true for biology, I think, and probably not for intro chemistry as well)  (Why is that worth mentioning?)

 

Mathematics Program Enrollments

 

Enrollments in math courses at Bard have risen steadily in recent years.  This year we have the equivalent of 5 faculty members, and we are able to offer 26 courses for the first time.  Even so, this fall we had waiting lists for all seven of our 100-level courses.  We had our largest enrollments to date for each our 200-level courses. For the first time, we were able to support three 300-level courses in the fall semester.  Hence, we have enrollment pressures, not just from introductory courses, but across the curriculum.  Although we only have one senior project this fall, we will have at least four next year, and at most likely nine the following year based on predicted moderations this year.    (That’s questionable.)Moreover, graduate school bound students in physics, computer science and economics often satisfy most of the coursework for a math major but without completing the senior project. Thus, more than any other program in the division, even our 300-level courses attract students in several disciplines.  In addition to counting the number of senior projects, this phenomenon must be factored in when determining how many regular faculty members are needed for a program.

 

We attribute increases in enrollments in the math program to a number of factors:

 

1.      The total number of students at Bard has increased. 

2.      The new distribution requirements require that every student take a course in mathematics, computing, statistics or logic (that is absolutely not true as stated, and must be fixed – you must quote the distribution requirement as stated).

3.      As Bard has become more selective, students are coming in with stronger mathematics backgrounds.  (Do you have evidence for this claim?)

4.      Changes in recruitment patterns have resulted in more students coming to Bard with an interest in math and science.

5.      The increase in science, computer science, and economics majors has resulted in more students in mathematics courses at all levels.

 

In the Spring of 2001, the college approved adding a fourth faculty member to the mathematics program, in the area of applied mathematics.  The justification for this position was two-fold.  First, applied mathematics was a topic that was n’ot currently covered at Bard, and such athis hire faculty member could provide a link between mathematics and the sciences, furthering the interdisciplinary focus of the science initiative.  Second, enrollments in our mathematics courses had grown to the point that we could now support the establishment of the computer science program at Bard together with other factors [Ethan: What other factors?] necessitated offering four additional math mathematics courses each year (Discrete Math, an additional section of calculus, elementary linear algebra, and an additional section of Proofs and Fundamentals).  Part of this was due to the establishment of the computer science program at Bard ( many CS students take upper level math mathematics courses, and Discrete Math is required for CS majors), and part due to students coming to Bard with stronger math mathematics backgrounds.   [Ethan: (1) Did we actually add a section of calculus only after the CS Program was established?  (2) Even if we did add a section of calculus in the period after the CS Program was established, is there evidence that the added section was due to the existence of the CS Program?  (3) We did not add a section of Proofs because of the CS Program, I don’t think.]  These new courses together with solid overall enrollments in mathematics made a strong case for an additional faculty member in our program.  In the Spring of 2002, we hired Karen Ricciardi for the applied mathematics position.  She left Bard after two years in the Spring of 2004, and we are currently searching for her replacement after a failed search last spring.

 

 

Course Offerings

 

Currently we are offering 26 courses per year, 13 at the 100-level, 7 at the 200-level, and 6 at the 300-level.  In order to do this next year, we will again need 5 fulltime faculty members in the math program. 

 

Below is a chart for a typical year with the names of courses, and the population that enrolls in these courses.  (Note: If we register close to 500 students again next year, we will need to add additional sections of Calculus I and II, and at least one more non-major course next year, for a total of 29 or more courses.)

 

 

Course number and name

sections needed per year

Student population

Math 102, 107 (Mathematics of Chance, Topics in Geometry)

1 or 2

Primarily non-majors

Math 131, 135 (Number Theory, Game Theory), others TBA

4 or more

Primarily non-majors, some math, CS and econ majors

Math 141: Precalculus:

1 or 2

Primarily non- majors, some econ and science majors

Math 141: Calculus I

4 or more

Science, math, econ, and non-majors.

Math 142: Calculus II

 

2 or more

Science, math, econ, some non-majors.

Math 211: Differential Equations

1

Science, math, and econ majors

Math 212: Calculus III

2

Science, math, econ, some non-majors.

Math 242: Elem Linear Algebra

1

Math, CS, physics and econ majors

Math 261: Proofs and Fund

2

Math, CS, physics and econ majors

Math 275: Prob and Statistics

1

Math, CS, physics and econ majors

Math 331: Linear Algebra

1

Primarly math, some CS, econ, and physics majors

Math 332: Abstract Algebra

1

Primarly math, some CS and physics majors

Math 361: Real Analysis

1

Primarly math majors

Math 3**: Upper Level Electives

3

Primarily math majors, some CS and physics majors

 

 

 

Current enrollment trendsDistribution requirements

 

Enrollments in our math mathematics courses at all levels have continued to grow, and as a result we have n’ot been able to offer as many non-major courses as in years past.  This poses a serious dilemma asgiven that the new distribution requirements require that every student take a course in mathematics or computation.  These new requirements provide the impetus for our request to expand the mathematics program, but we also see a need for additional sophomore and upper level courses as well (an additional section of Calculus III, at least one more 300-level course each year, and another 200 or 300-level elective).

 

The single main reason for

One of the primary reasons  the need for needing a fifth mathematician is the new distribution requirement whichthat requires each student to take a mathematics, computing, statistics or logic course in mathematics or computationcourse.   (you need to have the statement here match your previous statement of the distribution requirement, and both should match the statement of the requirement as stated in the Faculty Handbook).  We will show below that to meet the needs of our students for sufficiently many courses to satisfy the Math/Computing requirement, the college will need to add at least 9 100-level courses between the Mathematics and CS Programs.  These new courses alone necessitate two new faculty members between the Mathematics and CS Programs beyond the current four mathematicians (counting the applied mathematician, who is currently replaced by Prof. Sundaram), and the three computer scientists.  Certainly the CS Program should receive one of these new positions, both to allow the CS Program to offer non-major courses on a regular basis, and to allow for a broader range of CS courses, as well as to help forge connections between the CS Program and programs outside the SM&C Division; that new position is not the subject of this proposal   The other proposed new faculty member, which is the subject of this proposal, should be in mathematics, because of the growing demand for mathematics courses by both non-science majors and science majors.  Non-science majors still take mathematics courses in much larger numbers than CS courses, and science majors are all required to take at least Calculus I (and in many cases beyond that), whereas most are not required to take CS courses.

 

 There are

Even while ProfessorRicciardi was here, the Mathematics Program needed to make use of other faculty members (Profs. Chen, Cutler, Deady, McGrail, and Suzuki, in addition to occasional adjuncts) to cover our courses.  Part of thisThis was partly due to Mark Halsey’s reduced teaching load as Associate Dean, a maternity leave, and a sabbatical.  We'’ve also had a visitor (Sheila Sundaram) as a temporary replacement for Ricciardi.to   In fact, last spring and this fall we have more visitors and adjuncts teaching mathematics courses than regular faculty members.  This will also be the case next semester.  We need to have enough regular faculty in the mathematics program so that this scenario does not recur.and part was due to overall enrollment pressures.

 

[Ethan: I do not agree.  Until the new distribution requirement was implemented, I think that the replacement courses were all due to Mark’s reduced teaching load, your sabbatical, etc.  I think that if Mark were full time, we would not have needed all these replacements, unless you have evidence to the contrary.]  Sseveral other factors for increasing math mathematics enrollments are listed below.:

 

·            The number of students at Bard has increased in the past few years, and we have seen more students in math mathematics courses as a result. 

·            As Bard has become more selective, students are coming in with stronger math mathematics backgrounds.  Moreany more studentsnon-majors than in the past are now taking math mathematics courses beyond the distribution requirement.

·            The growth of the economics program has resulted in more students in mathematics courses at all levels.

·            The Science Initiative calls for increasing the number of students in the sciences and mathematics at Bard.  Since every science student has to take math mathematics courses (most need to take several), any growth in the number of science majors will necessarily boost mathematics enrollments.

·            Based on the new distribution requirements, requiring each student to take a course in mathematics or computation, we need to add at least 9at least 6**  (and likely more) non-major courses between the two programs of mathematics and computer science, or roughly 5 4** new math courses and 4 2** new CS courses.  Justification for this is given below.  The Thesenumber of new courses alone necessitates  two additional hiresan additional faculty member in math/CS in the near future.  the mathematics program.

 

Based on the list above, we believe that we have a strong case for a fifth fulltime faculty member in the mathematics program.

Course Plan for the Mathematics Program

Ethan'

 

 

Proposed Position

We are proposing a new fulltime tenure track faculty position in mathematics.  Since most mathematicians can teach across the discipline, we don’t specify a particular area of specialization, although the candidate'’s research area shouldn'’t have a directly overlap with any current faculty in the mathematics program.  However, a tThe candidate that hasshould have a broad background in mathematics, and a willingness to teach courses outside his or her specialty.  What would be, and ideal is that the candidate'his or hers area of research is particularlyshould be suitable for senior projects. is a willingness to teach applied math and/or statistics courses, and the ability to link with other programs in the sciences, social sciences or the arts would be preferable.

 

N.B. 

This position is not a replacement for Mark Halsey, who as Associate Dean is currently teaching only one mathematics course per year.  We need five full-time faculty members to cover the needed mathematics courses at Bard.  If  Professor Halsey continues as Associate Dean, we propose to hire a visitor or post-doc to cover his courses.
Course Plan for the Mathematics Program

Ethan’s table goes here ***

 

 

To argue the need for a fifth mathematician, we start by counting the number of courses that the college currently offers that are used by students to fulfill the Math/Computing requirement.  We are assuming 4 full-time mathematicians (which includes the yet to be hired applied mathematician, who would teach at most 4 mathematics courses per year (the other course(s) would be taught in other programs), and 3 computer scientists, plus two precalculus courses per year from the Q-director.

 

Listed below are In the table below, we list the courses that currently satisfy the MATC requirement, and the rough percentage of students that use this course to fulfill the requirement.  In other words, we don’t count students that have taken a prior MATC course, because they are not using the current course to fulfill the requirement, and we adjust for students taking two MATC courses concurrently.  These figures are based on data from the registrar over the past three semesters. (The data is at the end of the proposal in the Appendix.)all Mathematics courses, together with relevant courses in other programs, and the number of sections provided for students fulfilling the Math/Computing requirement.  We note that in many courses, only a fraction of the students are using the course to fulfill their Math/Computing requirement.  For example, a student in Calculus II who had previously taken Calculus I at Bard would not be fulfilling the Math/Computing requirement with Calculus II, having already done so with Calculus I.  In the tables below we describe a course as “1 section” if roughly all the students in the course are using the course for their requirement, and for other courses we have estimated the fraction of students fulfilling the requirement based on a detailed look at last year’s enrollments, as well as anecdotal evidence based upon our knowledge of our students.

 

 

In the summary section of the tables weBard has a current enrollment of 1650 students, use the fact that if Bard has 1500 students, then so roughly a quarter of these students, which isor  375412, will need to fulfill the Math/Computing requirement peeachr year.  We assume an average class size of 200 students per section, noting that some classes can go as high as 25, while others have a limit of 15 (non-major mathematics courses have more students than that, though other mathematics courses, and some of the courses listed in other programs, do not always have more than 20).  .  Hence we need on average 375412/2020 = 18.7520.6  MATC sectionscourses per year, which we round up to 19..  Note, we only list lower level courses below, since very few students take an upper level course at their first MATC course.  However, all courses are listed in the Appendix.

 

Looking at the table below, you can see that currently we are offering the equivalent of 10.25 (fall) + 6.65 (spring) = 16.9 sections of these courses per year, four courses shy of the projected need of 20.6 courses.  The lower number in the spring semester can be explained by the fact that many students taking MATC courses in the spring semester took their first MATC course in the fall.

 

 

 


 

 

 

Fall

Mathematics MATC courses – Fall

 

 

Number

Title

FractionNumberAverage number of studentssections of students fulfilling the Math/CS requirements

 

 

 

 

1

Math 10*

Low level non-major

01.95

2

Math 13*

HighRegular level non-major

00.75.90 x 2 sections = 1.81

3

Math 13*

Regular non-major

1

43

Math 110

Precalculus

01.95

54

Math 11141A

Calculus I

01.85 x 2 sections = 1.70.9

65

Math 142Math 11141B

Calculus IICalculus I

0.700.91

76

Math 212Math 11142

Calculus IIICalculus II

0.550.75

87

Math 261Math 212

Proofs and Fund.Calculus III

0.250.5

9

Math 211

Differential Equations

0

108

CS 11*Math 261

Introductory CSProofs

0.75 x 3 sections = 2.250

119

CS 225Math 331

Computer ArchitectureLinear Algebra

0.300

120

Phil 237Math 361

LogicReal Analysis

0.800

131

Math 3**

Applied topic

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

TotalTotal

10.256

 

 

 

 

Spring

MathematicsMATC courses – Spring

 

 

Number

Title

Number Average number of sections of students fulfilling the Math/CS requirementFraction of students fulfilling requirements

1

Math 10*

Low level non-major

0.95

21

Math 13*

Regular non-major

1

32

Math 13*

Regular non-major

1

213

Math 13*

RegularHigh level non-major

0.7585 x 2 sections = 1.71

324

Math 141Math 110

Calculus IPrecalculus

0.70 x 2 sections = 1.41

435

Math 142Math 1141

Calculus IICalculus I

0.350.750.9

547

Math 212Math 1142

Calculus IIICalculus II

0.750.0

658

Math 261Math 2112

Proofs and Fund.Calculus IIIDifferential Equations

0.200.50

769

CS 11*Math 2**

Introductory CSElem. Lin. Alg. /

Prob. Stats.

0.700.25

8107

CS 141Math 261

Object oriented programmingProofs

0.300

9118

Bio 144Math 332

BiostatisticsAbstract Algebra

0.650

10129

Econ 229Math 3**

StatisticsPure Mathematics Pure Math tTopic

0.400

13

Math 3**

Applied topic

0

10

Math 3**

Applied topic

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

6.653.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The math program is the primary contributor to MATC courses.  Our current contribution is based upon our being able to offer at least 26 math courses per year, which translates into 5 fulltime faculty members.  (The CS program claims that their contribution of 4 introductory CS courses per year is contingent upon having 4 faculty members in their program.  They will address this in their proposal next spring.)

 

How to cover the remaining four MATC courses is not the subject of this proposal.  We are merely making a case that we need to offer at least as many courses in future years next year as we are offering this year.  It has been suggested that there could be more MATC courses in the social studies division, and then we might need fewer courses in math and computer science.  This is a reasonable suggestion (add: in principle,) although it is unlikely to yield very many courses in practice.  According to the faculty handbook, an MATC course must be “a course in mathematics, computing, statistics or logic.”  Most social science courses could not be reformulated to meet this requirement.  However, note that Psy 203: Introduction to Statistics and Research Design does meet the criteria for the MATC, yet the program has chosen to designate it as meeting the Social Science requirement instead.

 

 

1.              (Make it sound not just reasonable but a good idea in principle, but not one that will yield very many courses in practice.) (this is the third variant on how you have described the MATC requirement, and this one is completely incorrect – you are asking for trouble if you use the word “quantitative,” because that will confuse everyone with the old Q-requirement; please, please, stick to the official description of the MATC requirement, and use no other description) (get rid of this word!!!! Use the correct terms, which are mathematical and computational)

 

(The second and third points might be valid, but they do not address the issue they are supposed to refer to, namely why the social sciences will not be offering many MATC courses in the future than at present.  Moreover, these last two points make it sound as if you don’t think that it would be a good idea for there to be more MATC courses in the social sciences, and even if you do think that, it won’t go over well.  Anything that makes it appear as if the math program is trying to build itself up at other people’s expenses is to be avoided.  Make it sound as if we would welcome more MATC courses in the social science, but give reasons why that won’t happen in practice.)

 

Non-Math/CS courses

 

 

Number

Title

Number of sections of students fulfilling the Math/CS requirementfraction of students fulfilling requirements

 

 

 

 

1

 

Econ. Stats.

0.25

2

 

Psych. Stats.

1

3

 

Bio. Stats.

0.25

4

 

CS I (fall)

0.5

5

 

CS I (spring)

0.5

4

CS 141 (fall)

Computer Science I

0.25

5

CS 141 (spring)

Computer Science I

0.25

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

2

Mathematics Program Staffing

 

Summary

 

 

 

 

 

Mathematics – fall

6

Mathematics – spring

3.5

Other

2

 

 

Total number of sections available

11.5

 

 

Number of sections needed

19

 

 

Missing number of sections (not counting sabbaticals)

7.5

 

 

Missing sections due to Mathematics sabbaticals (10 courses every 6 years, yielding 1.67 courses per year, of which we assume minimally 1 section of students fulfilling the Math/CS requirement)

1

Missing sections due to CS sabbaticals (7.5 courses every 6 years, yielding 1.25 courses per year, of which we assume 1 section of students fulfilling the Math/CS requirement)

1

 

 

Missing number of sections (including sabbaticals)

9.5 (rounded down to 9 in the proposal)

 

 

 

 

Last year we hired two faculty members in mathematics, one tenure-track and one in a visiting position.  The visiting position was in place of the applied math position which we failed to fill for two years in a row.  The staffing for this year is as follows.

 

Staffing for 2006-7

Ethan Bloch (div chair, tenured):  4 courses

Lauren Rose (program chair, tenured): 5 courses

Samuel Hsiao (tenure-track): 4 courses

John Cullinan (two-year visitor): 6 courses

Jan Rizzuti (Q-director): 2 courses

Mark Halsey (Associate Dean, tenured): 1 course

Jules Albertini (adjunct): 2 courses (Don’t list Jules for next semester unless Michele has approved it)

Bob McGrail (tenured in CS): 1 course

TBA: 1 course (Don’t list Mary’s name unless Michele has approved her)

 

 

Current Enrollments

 

This fall we were able to offer 13 courses, 4 more than last year.  The resulting enrollments are very strong:

 

·        All of our 100-level courses are filled to capacity.  Every 100-level course had a waiting list, including Calculus I and Calculus II. 

·        Every 200-level course has the largest enrollment to date.

·        We offered three 300-level courses in the Fall for the first time, and they all have solid enrollments.

·        This fall there are close to 250 students enrolled in math courses, whereas in the past five years we had 175, 156, 140, 133, 169.

 

 

 

Math Program Staffing 2007-2009

 

For the next two years (Fall 2007 – Spring 2009), Ethan Bloch will be on sabbatical/leave of absence, and when he returns, Rose and Hsiao will each take a semester of sabbatical.  Also, we expect up to 2 two courses will be taught by members of the physics program each year.  (We note that although the mathematical physicist’s position is an outgrowth of the failed search for an applied mathematician, it cannot be considered as a substitute for the applied mathematics position, because the mathematical physicist would contribute at most two mathematics courses per year.)

 

The resulting staffing situation in mathematics will be as follows.

 

Staffing for 2007-8

Lauren Rose (program chair, tenured): 5 courses

Samuel Hsiao (tenure track): 5 courses

John Cullinan (visitor): 5 courses

Jan Rizzuti (Q-director): 2 courses

Mark Halsey (Associate Dean, tenured): 1 course

Mathematical physicist (tenure track in physics): 2 courses

TBA: 6-9 courses, depending on the size of the entering class

 

Staffing for 2008-9

Lauren Rose (program chair, tenured): 5 courses

Samuel Hsiao (tenure track): 5 courses

Jan Rizzuti (Q-director): 2 courses

Mark Halsey (Associate Dean, tenured): 1 course

Mathematical physicist (tenure track in physics): 2 courses

TBA: 11-14 courses

 

 

Rationale for Tenure Track Request

 

As argued above, the need for sufficiently many MATC courses necessitates maintaining the current equivalent of five full-time faculty members in mathematics, in addition to the proposed increase to four full-time faculty members in computer science.  There are a number of possible ways that these five lines might be configured. 

 

Although the standard model would be to have five tenure-track positions, it might be argued that there could be advantages to having four tenure-track positions, together with a rotating full-time visiting position, in order to bring in new ideas, lower the average age of the faculty members in the program, and the like.  However, as long as Prof. Halsey is an associate dean, we already have one of our five positions replaced by adjunct faculty members, and it would not be satisfactory to go down to having only three out of five faculty members in the mathematics program be full-time tenure-track.  Tenure-track faculty members have the strongest commitment to a program and tend to be superior to visitors in teaching, research, and service to the college.  We are trying to build up the programs in the science division, and having too high a percentage of visitors and adjuncts is not ideal. 

 

Given that Prof. Halsey is associate dean, and that Prof. Bloch is going on a two-year sabbatical/leave, the mathematics program considered two options for staffing. 

 

The first option would have been to ask for a visiting replacement for Prof. Bloch for the next two years, which we know is not contractually mandated (only the leave is automatically replaced), but which could be justified on the grounds of having sufficiently many MATC courses.  Then, we would wait until next year, the final year of Prof. Cullinan’s position, to propose a tenure-track search to replace Prof. Cullinan as the “fifth mathematician.”  Although that option would be plausible, it would be very much preferable, for the reasons stated below, to view Prof. Cullinan as filling in for Prof. Bloch next year, and then conducting a tenure-track search this year to fill the “fifth mathematician” slot currently occupied by Prof. Cullinan.  In both options there would be a tenure-track search, the difference between the two options being that in the option we are proposing, the tenure-track search commences this year, rather than next year.  Having the tenure-track search this year would have the following advantages.

 

1.      In order to find the best possible candidates, starting the search this year would give us a second year in case we fail to hire someone good this year.

2.      If we search this year, then Ethan Bloch, the senior member of the mathematics program, would be able to participate in the search.

3.      If we were to hire another visitor for next year to replace Prof. Bloch, then next year only two of the five positions in mathematics would be staffed by tenure-track faculty members, a far from ideal situation.

 

In order to cover 26 or more courses, we need at least five full-time faculty members in the mathematics program, even during sabbaticals.  Because this is not a temporary situation, it makes sense for this position to be a tenure track hire.  Tenure track faculty have the strongest commitment to a program and tend to be superior to visitors in teaching, research, and service to the college.  We are trying to build up the programs in the science division and the best way to do this is to have as few visitors and adjuncts as possible.  We have replaced Mark Halsey’s courses with adjuncts for five years now, and it is not ideal.  We realize that as long as he remains dean we will not be able to reclaim this as a tenure track position, but we can at least request that all of our other positions be tenure line.

 

Besides the general argument given above, there are reasons why a search this year rather than next year is preferred. 

·            We would have two years to find a suitable candidate, in case we fail to hire someone this year.

·            If we search this year, then Ethan Bloch, the senior member of the math program would be able to participate fully in the search.

·            If we hire another visitor, then of the five positions in the math program next year, only two will be staffed by faculty on regular appointments.

 

 

We understand that a full time replacement for Bloch is beyond the contractual requirement of replacing leaves but not sabbaticals, but it is necessary from a curricular point of view.  In order to provide our students with sufficiently many courses so that they can fulfill the MATC requirement, and in order to provide science and econ students with service courses, sabbaticals must be taken into account.

 

 

 

P

roposed Search Committee:  Profs. Rose (chair), Hsiao, Deady, McGrail, and students Jordan Volz and Rachel Stahl.

 

Job Ad: We plan to advertise online with American Mathematical Society.

 

 

Tenure Track Position in Mathematics

 

Bard College invites applications for a tenure-track position in mathematics at the assistant professor level.  A PhD in mathematics is required, with expertise in a  While applicants in all fields will be considered, a preference will be given to those whothat complements our existing strengths (add: in)in  algebra, combinatorics, logic, and topology.  The successful candidate will have A PhD in mathematics is required, as well as a commitment to excellence in teaching in a liberal arts setting, an ongoing program of scholarly activity, and the ability to oversee advanced tutorials and undergraduate research.

 

Bard College is a selective liberal arts college located 2 hours north of NYC on the Hudson River. Please send a cover letter, Curriculum Vitae, statement of teaching interests, statement of research interests, and three letters of recommendation (at least one about teaching) to: Professor Lauren Rose, c/o Human Resources, Bard College, P.O. Box 5000, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY 12504.  Review of applications will commence Nov. 15, and will continue until the position is filled. Women and minority candidates are especially encouraged to apply.  For further information, contact Prof. Rose at rose@bard.edu. AA/EOE

 

 

 

 

Appendix:

 

Enrollment Data from the registrar for Fall 2005, Spring 2006, Fall 2006

Whereas sabbaticals are not as a matter of course replaced from a contractual point of view, from the point of view of providing our students with sufficiently many courses so that they can fulfill the Math/Computing requirement, sabbaticals must be taken into account.

 

The above chart shows that we are missing on average 9 sections of courses for students who are fulfilling their Math/Computing requirement.  To cover these missing sections, we propose that a fifth tenure-track position in mathematics be created.  The mathematics course offerings would then be as shown in the chart below.  New courses are shown in bold.  As can be seen, four of the five proposed new courses are at the 100-level (three non-major courses, and one additional section of Calculus I, which can accommodate both non-majors and the increasing number of science majors), and one at the 200-level (a second section of Calculus III, to accommodate the increasing number of science majors, and non-majors with strong mathematics backgrounds).  Although four of the five new courses are listed in the spring, we would move one existing course, Math 211, to the fall (where it makes more sense curricularly), so that the number of mathematics courses in the two semesters would be balanced.  As seen in the chart below, under the proposed schedule of courses, the Mathematics Program would increase its offering of sections for students fulfilling the Math/Computing offering by 4

 sections per year.

 


Mathematics – Fall

 

 

Number

Title

Number of sections of students fulfilling the Math/CS requirement

 

 

 

 

1

Math 10*

Low level non-major

1

2

Math 13*

Regular non-major

1

3

Math 13*

Regular non-major

0.75

4

Math 110

Precalculus

1

5

Math 141A

Calculus I

1

6

Math 141B

Calculus I

1

7

Math 142

Calculus II

0.75

8

Math 212

Calculus III

0.5

9

Math 211

Differential Equations

0

10

Math 261

Proofs

0

11

Math 331

Linear Algebra

0

12

Math 361

Real Analysis

0

13

Math 3**

Applied topic

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

7

 

 

Mathematics – Spring

 

 

Number

Title

Number of sections of students fulfilling the Math/CS requirement

 

 

 

 

1

Math 13*

Regular non-major

1

2

Math 13*

Regular non-major

1

3

Math 13*

Regular non-major

0.75

4

Math 110

Precalculus

1

5

Math 141A

Calculus I

0.75

6

Math 141B

Calculus I

0.75

7

Math 142

Calculus II

0.75

8

Math 212

Calculus III

0.25

9

Math 2**

Elem. Lin. Alg. /Stats.

0.25

10

Math 261

Proofs

0

11

Math 332

Abstract Algebra

0

12

Math 3**

Pure Mathematics Topic

0

13

Math 3**

Applied topic

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

6.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATC Courses:  FALL 2005

Number Enrolled

Taking More than 1

              

                                           

 

MATC

course

 

 

 

 

 CMSC 141     

FIRST-YEARS                               

      5      

.

              

RETURNING - FIRST COURSE                  

      9      

1

              

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC     

      2      

.

 

 

 

 

 CMSC 243     

FIRST-YEARS                               

      1      

1

              

RETURNING - FIRST COURSE                  

      1      

.

              

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC     

      6      

4

 

 

 

 

 CMSC 305     

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC     

      7      

7

 

 

 

 

 CMSC 353     

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC     

      5      

5

 

 

 

 

 CMSC 401     

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC     

      4      

3

 

 

 

 

 CMSC 402     

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC     

      1      

1

 

 

 

 

 CMSC IND     

RETURNING - FIRST COURSE                  

      1      

.

 

 

 

 

 MATH 110     

FIRST-YEARS                               

     10      

.

              

RETURNING - FIRST COURSE                  

     14      

.

              

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC     

      1      

.

 

 

 

 

 MATH 135     

FIRST-YEARS                               

      9      

.

              

RETURNING - FIRST COURSE                  

     15      

.

              

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC     

      6      

1

 

 

 

 

 MATH 141     

FIRST-YEARS                               

     31      

.

              

NEW TRANSFER                              

      2      

.

              

RETURNING - FIRST COURSE                  

     15      

1

              

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC     

      4      

.

 

 

 

 

 MATH 142     

FIRST-YEARS                               

     12      

.

              

RETURNING - FIRST COURSE                  

      1      

.

              

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC     

      1      

.

 

 

 

 

 MATH 212     

CSP                                       

      1      

.

              

FIRST-YEARS                               

      5      

1

              

RETURNING - FIRST COURSE                  

      1      

.

              

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC     

      2      

1

 

 

 

 

 MATH 261     

FIRST-YEARS                               

      5      

2

              

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC     

      8      

.

 

 

 

 

 MATH 331     

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC     

      6      

1

 

 

 

 

 MATH 361     

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC     

      4      

3

 

 

 

 

 MATH 401     

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC     

      3      

2

 

 

 

 

 MATH T300    

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC     

      1      

1

 

 

 

 

 MATH T400    

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC     

      2      

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

              

                                           

 

 

 

 

 

 

              

SPRING 2006

enrolled

more than 1

 

 

 

 

 BIO  144     

NEW TRANSFER                              

      1      

.

              

RETURNING - FIRST COURSE                  

     15      

.

              

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC     

      8      

.

 

 

 

 

 CMSC 103     

RETURNING - FIRST COURSE                  

     10      

.

              

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC     

      1      

1

 

 

 

 

 CMSC 131     

RETURNING - FIRST COURSE                  

     12      

.

              

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC     

      5      

1

 

 

 

 

 CMSC 141     

RETURNING - FIRST COURSE                  

     17      

1

              

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC     

      6      

3

 

 

 

 

 CMSC 142     

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC     

      7      

4

 

 

 

 

 CMSC 301     

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC     

      9      

8

 

 

 

 

 CMSC 321     

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC     

      8      

7

 

 

 

 

 CMSC 323     

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC     

      5      

5

 

 

 

 

 CMSC 402     

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC     

      4      

3

 

 

 

 

 CMSC IND     

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC     

      1      

.

 

 

 

 

 CMSC T200    

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC     

      1      

1

 

 

 

 

 ECON 205     

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC     

      7      

.

 

 

 

 

 ECON 229     

RETURNING - FIRST COURSE                  

     11      

1

 

RETURNING -PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC         

16

 

 

 

    .

 

 

 

 

 

 MATH 107     

RETURNING - FIRST COURSE                  

     25      

.

              

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC     

      1      

.

 

 

 

 

 MATH 110     

RETURNING - FIRST COURSE                  

     20      

.

              

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC     

      3      

.

 

 

 

 

 MATH 131     

RETURNING - FIRST COURSE                  

     23      

.

              

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC     

      2      

.

 

 

 

 

 MATH 141     

RETURNING - FIRST COURSE                  

     19      

1

              

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC     

      8      

.

 

 

 

 

 MATH 142     

RETURNING - FIRST COURSE                  

      5      

.

              

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC     

     14      

1

 

 

 

 

 MATH 212     

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC     

     10      

4

 

 

 

 

 MATH 242     

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC     

      7      

2

 

 

 

 

 MATH 261     

CSP                                       

      1      

.

              

NEW TRANSFER                              

      1      

.

              

RETURNING - FIRST COURSE                  

      2      

.

              

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC     

      6      

2

 

 

 

 

 MATH 302     

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC     

      7      

6

 

 

 

 

 MATH 332     

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC     

     10      

6

 

 

 

 

 MATH 402     

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC     

      3      

1

 

 

 

 

 MATH 432     

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC     

      7      

5

 

 

 

 

 MATH T300    

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC     

      2      

2

 

 

 

 

 PHIL 237     

RETURNING - FIRST COURSE                  

     11      

.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FALL 2006

enrolled

more than 1

 

 

 

 

CMSC 113    

FIRST-YEARS                                     

             3

 

             

RETURNING - FIRST COURSE  MATH/CMSC            

             10

 

             

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC          

              4

 

 

 

 

 

 CMSC 115    

FIRST-YEARS                                    

             13

1

             

NEW TRANSFER                                   

              1

 

             

PIE STUDENTS                                   

              1

 

             

RETURNING - FIRST COURSE MATH/CMSC             

             11

 

             

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC          

              7

 

 

 

 

 

 CMSC 225    

FIRST-YEARS                                    

              7

4

             

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC          

              9

 

 

 

 

 

 CMSC 308    

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC          

             10

 

 

 

 

 

 CMSC 351    

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC          

              7

 

 

 

 

 

 CMSC 401    

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC          

              3

 

 

 

 

 

 CMSC 431    

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC          

              4

 

 

 

 

 

 CMSC T200   

FIRST-YEARS                                    

              1

1

             

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC          

              2

 

 

 

 

 

 PHIL 237     

CSP                                       

      1      

 

              

RETURNING - FIRST COURSE                  

      7      

 

              

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC     

      4      

 

 

 

 

 

 MATH 107    

FIRST-YEARS                                    

              4

 

             

NEW TRANSFER                                   

              1

 

             

RETURNING - FIRST COURSE MATH/CMSC             

             20

 

             

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC          

              1

 

 

 

 

 

 MATH 110    

FIRST-YEARS                                    

              7

1

             

RETURNING - FIRST COURSE MATH/CMSC             

             15

 

 

 

 

 

 MATH 131    

FIRST-YEARS                                    

             16

1

             

RETURNING - FIRST COURSE MATH/CMSC             

             26

 

             

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC          

              3

 

 

 

 

 

 MATH 141    

FIRST-YEARS                                    

             26

3

 

NEW TRANSFER                                   

              1

 

             

RETURNING - FIRST COURSE MATH/CMSC             

             15

 

             

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC          

              5

 

 

 

 

 

 MATH 142    

FIRST-YEARS                                    

              9

2

             

RETURNING - FIRST COURSE MATH/CMSC             

              4

 

             

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC          

              9

 

 

 

 

 

 MATH 211    

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC          

             19

 

 

 

 

 

 MATH 212    

FIRST-YEARS                                    

             10

 

             

NEW TRANSFER                                   

              1

 

             

RETURNING - FIRST COURSE MATH/CMSC             

              2

 

             

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC          

             11

 

 

 

 

 

 MATH 261    

FIRST-YEARS                                    

              3

1

             

RETURNING - FIRST COURSE MATH/CMSC             

              2

 

             

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC          

             12

 

 

 

 

 

 MATH 331    

CSP                                            

             1

 

             

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC          

              9

 

 

 

 

 

 MATH 361    

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC          

              6

 

 

 

 

 

 MATH 401    

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC          

              1

 

 

 

 

 

 MATH 408    

SIMON'S ROCK VISITOR                           

             1

 

             

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC          

              6

 

 

 

 

 

 MATH T200   

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC          

              1

 

 

 

 

 

 MATH T300   

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC          

              1

 

 

 

 

 

 MATH T400   

RETURNING - PREVIOUS COURSE MATH/CMSC          

              1

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

The Math/CS Distribution Requirement

The current enrollment at Bard is roughly 1500 students.  If  ¼ of these satisfy the math/CS requirement each year, we will need courses for 375 students.  At an average  of 20 students per course, this means we need 19 courses per year that students will use to satisfy the math/CS requirement.  The courses in this category are listed below.  Those with a ½ indicate that fewer than one-half of these students are taking this as their only or “first” math or CS course.  These figures are based on course enrollments over the last five years.  We don’t include courses (such as biostatistics, econ statistics, or differential equations) where the vast majority of students also take a calculus course at Bard.

 

 

Precalc

Precalc

Calc I

Calc I

Calc I

Calc II

Calc II  (½)

Calc III (½)

Low level non-major course

High level non-major course (½)

CS 1 (½)

CS 1 (½)

Psych stats

 

Total:  10 ½  full courses.  Needed:  At least 9 new courses per year in math/CS.

 

Conclusion:  We need two additional faculty members in math/CS to teach 9 courses.  This proposal is for one of those hires to be in the Mathematics Program.

 

 

 

 

 

Current Regular Faculty in the Mathematics Program

Lauren Rose, Chair:  fulltime

Mark Halsey, Associate Dean: 1 course per year

Ethan Bloch, Division Chair: fulltime

 

Additional Faculty teaching math mathematics courses this year:

Sheila Sundaram, Visiting Associate Professor: 2/3 time

Jan Rizzuti, Q-director: 2 courses per year (precalculus)

Jules Albertini: adjunct, 1 course Fall semester.

Joe Kirtland: adjunct, 1 course Fall semester.

TBA: adjuncts for 3 courses Spring semester.

 

V=Proposed Search Committees:

 

Pure mMathematics:  Profs. Rose (chair), Deady, DeSilva, and McGrail, and students Jordan Volz and Mariana Raykova.

 

Applied mathematics:  Profs. Deady (chair), Rose, Keesing, and McGrail, and students Na’ama Zuessman and Ken Ober.

 

 

 

Job Ad: 

 

We propose to put both positions (applied math mathematics and general math) in the same job ad, to save on costs, and to cast a wider net of applicants, and to generate a sense of excitement about the growth of mathematics at Bard.  We plan to advertise online with the American Mathematical Society and the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics.

 

 

Tenure Track Positions in Mathematics and Applied Mathematics

 

Bard College invites applications for two tenure-track positions in the mathematics.  Both positions are at the assistant or associate professor level, , beginning in the fall semester of 2006.  [Ethan: I have been rethinking the rank issue.  Because we will have many applicants not in applied mathematics, and fewer in applied mathematics, and because I want at least one of the mathematicians to be younger, then I think it might work well to specify that the position with no specified area is at the assistant prof. level, and the position in applied mathematics is rank open, depending upon qualifications.]

 

 

 

1.  A 1.  The first position is A tenuretTenure-track position in mathematics at the assistant professor level.:.  The field is open as to the  specific area of mathematics, .  Aalthough interdisciplinary approaches to teaching that connect with the sciences, social sciences and/or the arts are encouraged. although  [Ethan: I would leave out the part about the interdisciplinary approach, etc.; we can keep that in mind, but why scare away or confuse candidates.  If we require something, we should say it, and if not, why mention it?]  This candidate is expected to have a Ph.D. in mathematics is required.  Teaching experience beyond graduate school is preferable, though not required.

 

 

2.  TA tenure-track position at the assistant or associate professor level, in the applied mathematical sciences, broadly construed.  The rank is open, depending upon qualifications.  Requirements include a .DPh.D. in applied mathematics or statistics, or a Ph.D. in a related discipline with graduate coursework in mathematics.   The candidate must have an ongoing research program in some area of the applied mathematical sciences and an interest in working closely with other faculty members in the sciences on issues of research and curriculum development.  The precise area of expertise is open; some possible areas include mathematical biology, probability and statistics, differential equations, dynamical systems, and numerical analysis.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2..  [Ethan: Why do you say here “expected,” whereas for the applied candidate you say that a Ph.D. is “required,” which seems stronger?  I think we should say required for this candidate as well.]

 

[Ethan: Be consistent in how you write “Ph.D.”]

The second position is in the applied mathematical sciences, broadly construed.  Requirements include a Phd in applied mathematics or statistics, or a Phd in a related discipline with graduate coursework in mathematics.   The candidate must have an ongoing research program in some area of the applied mathematical sciences and an interest in working closely with other faculty members in the sciences on issues of research and curriculum development.  The precise area of expertise is open; some possible areas include mathematical biology, probability and statistics, differential equations, dynamical systems, and numerical analysis. 

 

Both positions require a commitment to excellence in teaching in a liberal arts setting, an ongoing program of scholarly activity, and the ability to oversee advanced tutorials and undergraduate research.  Ideally, candidates for both positions should be comfortable teaching introductory applied courses such as probability and statistics, discrete mathematics or differential equations.  [Ethan: Why should we make that requirement of the non-applied mathematician?] 

 

 

Bard College is a selective liberal arts college located 2 hours north of NYC on the Hudson River. Please send a cover letter (indicating clearly whether you are applying for the applied math mathematics position or the general math mathematics position), Curriculum Vitae, statement of teaching interests, statement of research interests, and three letters of recommendation (at least one about teaching) to: Professor Lauren Rose, c/o Human Resources, Bard College, P.O. Box 5000, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY 12504. Women and minority candidates are especially encouraged to apply.  For further information, contact Prof. Rose at rose@bard.edu. AA/EOE

 

 

Proposed Search Committee: Profs. Rose (chair), Deady, Keesing and McGrail, and students Bettina Hajagos and Ken Ober.  ,Na/\''