Attachment C
Faculty Senate Agenda
February 19, 2004

Academic Program Review
Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Summary of Commendations and Recommendations

Commendations to the Department:

1. The department is commended for the positive relationship it has built and continues to maintain with both current students and alumni.
    
2. The department is commended for its dedicated faculty, who demonstrate strong commitment to the education of their students.
    
3. The department is commended for its commitment to the training of future mathematics teachers. We especially note the new blended program for high school mathematics teachers, the first of its kind in the state.
    
4. The department is commended for its web site, one of the best on campus.
    
5. The department is commended for its efforts to recruit new faculty from traditionally underrepresented groups and for faculty who can promote expansion of applied programs.

Recommendations to the Department:

1. The department should begin to infuse modern mathematical software into several of its courses.
    
2. The department should take steps to ensure that the tutoring lab is staffed with assistants who are both familiar with, and sensitive to, the needs of all students who seek their assistance.
    
3. The department should work with the newly appointed Director of Liberal Studies at CSUS to develop an ongoing vehicle for discussion about the math curriculum as it pertains to Liberal Studies students.
    
4. The department should revisit its decision to drop the thesis option for graduate students. Theses should be allowed and encouraged.
    
5. The department should focus attention on its assessment efforts. It should begin by revisiting recommendations made in its 1996 Program Review Report.
    
6. The department should introduce students to a variety of teaching methods.
    
7. The department should work with its Dean to support the Blended Program in Mathematics through various methods, including coordinator assigned time.
    
8. The department is encouraged to reconsider its present deadline for acceptance into the Blended Program.
    
9. With regards to the Blended Program the department should develop a standing committee, consisting of faculty from CSUS as well as community college math departments. The purpose would be communication and articulation of students from community college math to CSUS mathematics and statistics courses.
    
10. The department is strongly encouraged to raise its scholarly profile.
     
11. The department is urged to maintain its aggressive hiring plan for the coming years.

Recommendations to the College:

1. The Dean is encouraged to monitor the department's efforts in development and implementation of its assessment plan,
    
2. The Dean is encouraged to work with the department chair and current coordinator for the Blended Program in Mathematics to ensure continuity and success in this new delivery mode.
    
3. In concert with the recommendation made by external consultant Dr. Sheldon Axler that the department raise its scholarly profile, the Dean is encouraged to work with the faculty to find ways to assist in the redistribution of their teaching loads.
    
4. The Dean is encouraged to communicate frequently with the Department about their ongoing recruitment efforts.

Recommendations to the Faculty Senate:

1. That the Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics be approved for six years, or until the next Program Review.
    
2. That the Master of Arts degree in Mathematics be approved for six years, or until the next Program Review.