Community and Mentorship

The Math Department emphasizes the important role of community and mentorship in learning mathematics. We believe studying mathematics is a transformative experience, and we encourage collaboration and cooperation throughout the department. We are committed to providing spaces and opportunities for undergraduate community and mentorship. On this page, we have compiled a list of community and mentorship initiatives organized by members of the department.

The Peer Math Advisors (PMAs) are undergraduates and graduate students in the mathematics department who are available as peer mentors. Undergraduates are highly encouraged to reach out to PMAs to connect with other students in the math community and seek advice and support from peers. PMAs also hold events and office hours for the undergraduate community. 

The Directed Reading Program (DRP) pairs undergraduates with graduate student mentors to work together one-on-one for a semester-long independent study. The DRP is an excellent opportunity to receive personal attention and mentorship, as well as get to know graduate students in the department. 

The Noetherian Ring is a group for women and non-binary members of the department. The Noetherian Ring hosts social events, lunches, and seminar speakers. The Math Club is an undergraduate student organization which hosts events and activities, organizes PUMAC, a math competition for high school students, and organizes MathReach, a math outreach program teaching math enrichment at a Trenton high school. The Math Club also organizes the Undergraduate Colloquium, where undergraduates give talks to other undergraduates about their research. 

The Math Department is partnering with the residential colleges to offer peer tutoring in undergraduate math classes. Undergraduates can request to be paired with a peer tutor through their college dean or director of studies. Students are encouraged to make use of the peer tutoring program for their math classes. In addition, being a peer tutor for the department is an excellent way to help other students and to strengthen your own understanding and communication. Students can be trained as a math department peer tutor at the beginning of each semester. 

The Math Department offers ways to stay involved during the Wintersession and summer terms through mini-courses taught by professors and graduate students on a range of mathematical topics. There are also opportunities for undergraduate research over the summer. 

The Climate and Inclusion Committee welcomes your feedback on the department’s community and mentorship initiatives. We strive to create a positive, welcoming, supportive environment in the department, with ample opportunities to build community, find mentorship, and grow as mathematicians. We recognize that this is important, ongoing work. Please share your thoughts through the department’s Anonymous Feedback Form, or by emailing the Committee at inclusion@math.princeton.edu.