Facilities: Each group is assigned a large room equipped with a conference table, a blackboard, several comfortable chairs, desks, a library of relevant texts and papers, and networked computers with all the necessary software. Other rooms are available for study and quiet. The groups share a common room with a refrigerator, microwave and coffee-making facilities. The entire area is air-conditioned.
Daily routine: A typical day begins with the group
meeting with the faculty advisor to plan the day's activities. These
might be a presentation by the faculty member of some new material, a
presentation by a student of their progress, or a discussion
summarizing what has been done or what the short or long-term goals
are. The day ends with afternoon tea in the common room.
In general the atmosphere is typical of a scientific research institute.
Presentations: Once a week the students give presentations on their progress in their various projects. These frequent reports are an important part of the overall program and allow the students to develop their public speaking skills. Ample time is allowed for discussion. There are also talks by guest speakers, usually faculty from our own and nearby institutions. In the past, we have also had reciprocal visits with other REU sites including presentation of ongoing work and social activities. We also encourage the students to present their results in mathematics meetings during the following year.
Final Reports: With the help of their advisor, each project produces one or more final written reports on their work. These reports are posted on our web site. If the results merit formal publication (which of course is unpredictable, but has occured fairly frequently in the past), the advisor helps draw the results together into a paper. The publicaton process results in ongoing contact long after the summer is over.
The Setting: Mount Holyoke College is a very pleasant place in the summer. The setting is idyllic, and there is a rich variety of cultural opportunities. The College has a summer theater and the world-renowned music program Musicorda for young string virtuosi. A variety of hiking spots and the campuses of the other four colleges are easily accessible by bicycle. We expect (but do not require) that most students will live on campus. Single rooms in a dormitory and common cooking facilities are provided. Participants are granted library privileges and the use of athletic facilities.