Math Enhancement Program at Cal
State Fullerton Geared to Increasing Ranks of Science Degree-Holders
November 3, 2004 :: No. 78
A program established to increase the number
of underrepresented students earning degrees in science, engineering,
computer science and math has begun its third five-year cycle at
Cal State Fullerton, under the direction of Ernie Solheid, professor
of mathematics.
The California State University Louis Stokes Alliance
for Minority Participation is a joint project between the National
Science Foundation and the CSU. It was established in 1993 and currently
operates on 19 CSU campuses, including Fullerton. Cal State Fullerton
recently received $31,250 to support program efforts.
Two main components of the CSUF program are an intensive
summer institute in mathematics and academic year workshops in college
algebra, precalculus and calculus, noted Solheid, who has served
as the campus program coordinator for seven years. Since its inception
in 1993, Cal State Fullerton’s program has served about 400
students. Last summer, 28 new students joined the program.
“The basis for these activities are studies
that indicate that their first-year mathematics courses are one
of the main stumbling blocks for many minority students intending
to major in science or engineering,” said Solheid. “The
summer institute and academic year workshops are designed to provide
these students first, with the appropriate background to start their
first-year mathematics courses, and second, with academic support
while taking the courses.
“Studies by the CSU Chancellor’s Office
have indicated that the program has been very successful in retaining
the targeted students in their chosen majors and helping them to
graduate,” said Solheid. “The grade-point-averages of
students in the program have consistently been higher than the targeted
students who did not participate.”
One new feature of the Cal State Fullerton program,
Solheid added, is a greater emphasis on placing students into graduate
programs. The alliance offers stipends for student participants
to work on independent research projects with faculty members during
the summer and with financial support to travel to research conferences
and graduate schools.
Working with Solheid is Harriet Edwards, professor
of mathematics, who conducts the academic year workshops and Tanomo
Taguchi of Fullerton College, who co-teaches the summer math institute
with Solheid.
Solheid, a Fullerton resident, has been a member of
the campus faculty since 1988. He holds a doctorate from the University
of Wisconsin.
Media Contacts: |
Ernie Solheid at 657-278-7023
or esolheid@fullerton.edu
Pamela McLaren of Public Affairs at 657-278-4852
or pmclaren@fullerton.edu |
« back to University News
|