BYU Mathematics Shared Vision

Education is the power to think clearly,
the power to act well in the world's work,
and the power to appreciate life.
—Brigham Young

Brigham Young University is a major undergraduate university with strong graduate programs and research work, whose institutional objectives are to

• educate the minds and spirits of students within a learning environment that is spiritually strengthening, intellectually enlarging, and character building, and that leads to a life of learning and service,


• advance truth and knowledge to enhance the education of students, enrich the quality of life, and contribute to a resolution of world problems,


• extend the blessings of learning to members of the Church in all parts of the world, and


• develop friendships for the University and the Church.

Department of Mathematics at Brigham Young University seeks to

1. Teach mathematics and mathematical thinking at the appropriate levels to enable students to employ critical analysis, thoughtful synthesis, logical deduction, and insightful problem-solving,

2. Extend the frontiers of knowledge in pure and applied mathematics in ways that involve student researchers, enrich instruction, support the major and graduate programs of the department, and contribute to our understanding of the universe, and

3. Build a unified and collegial atmosphere in which faculty and students support each other in teaching and learning, while focusing on student achievement and recognizing and rewarding excellence.

The achievement of these goals can be accomplished by carrying out a variety of supportive activities, including but not limited to

Teaching:

• Inspire students and make student learning central to our work
• Advise and mentor students effectively
• Monitor the competency of our students
• Recognize and reward excellent student achievement
• Keep the major and graduate programs up-to-date
• Maintain communication with client departments

Research:

• Encourage research programs
• Support research seminars
• Involve students in research
• Enable regular presentations by faculty and students
• Encourage appropriate attendance at meetings and conferences

Citizenship:

• Promote the importance of understanding mathematics
• Help students develop esprit de corps through math club and other activities
• Build collegiality
• Work toward shared goals
• Mentor junior faculty
• Give service to the mathematics profession
• Assess teaching and research quality effectively
• Recognize and reward teaching, research, and service excellence
• Maintain contact with alumni
• Hire the best available permanent faculty