Grambling State
University established the Center for Mathematical Achievement in Science
and Technology (CMAST) in the fall of 2005. The Center seeks to increase
the number of underrepresented minority graduates with majors in science,
technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM). The Center is pursuing this
agenda through the reform of all introductory mathematics courses, through
research in mathematics education, summer programs for a select group of
pre-freshmen and sophomores, scholarships, undergraduate research, and mentoring.
The Center also conducts summer programs for science teachers from local
middle and high schools that focus on laboratory experiments. The Center
provides the means for GSU to engage in the systematic examination and improvement
of instruction in mathematics, thereby addressing a major obstacle, one
which has limited the retention of students in STEM fields. The Center gives
the University the mechanism for reforming, as needed, its courses in mathematics.
It enhances the role and function of science and mathematics in the curriculum
and significantly raises the profile of study and career opportunities in
STEM fields. The Center supports research on teaching methodologies and
strategies in the teaching of introductory college-level mathematics. It
supports research in applied mathematics which involves student participation.
GOALS:
- Improve student performance in mathematics.
- Increase the number of STEM majors.
- Increase the average grade point average of STEM majors.
- Increase STEM graduates enrolling in STEM graduate programs.
- Increase STEM majors engaging in undergraduate research projects.
COMPONENTS OF CMAST
RESTRUCTURING OF INTRODUCTORY MATHEMATIC COURSES
The introductory mathematics courses are reformed in two ways:
- Use of application to introduce topics.
- Development of modules that strategically use applications.
FACULTY/PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
An important interest of the CMAST program is the growth and development
of STEM faculty. This is consistent with the mission and institutional goals
of Grambling State University.
The CMAST program supports and promotes faculty development by sponsoring
workshops and seminars on research in STEM fields and on the use of innovative
instructional methods and programs.
Faculty
Development Activity Application
INSTITUTION OF A SCHOLARS PROGRAM
The purpose of the Scholars’ program is to enhance the science/mathematics
foundation of STEM majors. This is done by providing “enrichment”
activities that include a Summer Pre-Freshman Academy.
1. Pre-Freshman Academy
The Pre-Freshman Summer Academy invites newly admitted students majoring
in a STEM area to participate in a two-week session that is designed to
increase student success. The Academy focuses on study skills, quantitative
reasoning, and mathematics. The activities of the Academy are conducted
by GSU faculty. Students participating in the academy receive complimentary
housing during the two-week session, meals, a $400 Stipend and a $500 textbook
award.
Pre-Freshman Academy Brochure/Application
2. Rising Sophomore Academy
At the end of the freshman year, Pre-Freshmen Academy students are invited
to participate in a summer research program on the campus of Grambling State
University. This Academy focuses on experimental measurements in the biological
and physical sciences. Students participating in the academy receive complimentary
housing, during the two-week session, meals, a $600 stipend and a $600 textbook
award.
3. Seminar Series
Each academic year, a seminar series is conducted to introduce STEM majors
to topics that extend classroom and laboratory work, and to stimulate student
interest in pursuing graduate studies in STEM areas.
Recommendation
of Potential Seminar Speaker Form
4. Mentoring/Research
During the academic year, starting at the sophomore level, students participate
in research with a GSU faculty/mentor. During the summer, students are encouraged
to participate in undergraduate summer research opportunities at other universities
and research laboratories.
5. Graduate School Preparation
The GRE preparation workshop focuses on essay writing and the verbal component
of the exam. CMAST provides partial support for the GRE registration fee.
During the junior year, each scholar is required to explore graduate schools
that have STEM programs that match his/her interest and career goals. CMAST
provides travel support for scholars to visit graduate schools.
Department of Chemistry
Department of Biology
Department of Physics
Department of Mathematics & Computer Science
Department of Engineering Technology
For additional information contact
RaShon Carruthers, Project Director
Grambling State University
College of Arts & Sciences
403 Main Street
Box 4260
Grambling, Louisiana 71245
Phone: (318) 274-2340
Fax: (318) 274-6041
Email: carruthersr@gram.edu
