F U
SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY
S.90-26
MEMORANDUM
Date:
February 26, 1990
To:
L. Salter
From:
N. R. Reilly
Acting Vice President
Acting Chairman
Academic
Mathematics & Statistics
Subject: Response to Review
The response of the Department of Mathematics to the External Review
Report was given formal approval at the departmental meeting on Monday, 26
February 1990. The first draft of the response had been discussed at the
departmental meeting on November 30, 1989 at which it was agreed "that the
chairman would write a second draft incorporating most of the written
suggestions that he had received, and provide that to the faculty for their final
comments before sending it on to the Dean of Science".
Since the review took place, the Department has made good progress on
several of the developments discussed in the Report of the Review Committee:
1.
The M.Sc. programme in Mathematics Education admitted its first class in
September, 1989. The calibre of the 15 students currently in the
programme is excellent.
2.
The Actuarial Certificate Programme received the approval of, Senate in
December, 1989 and discussions have already taken place with one
local actuarial consulting firm that plans to establish a scholarship related
to the programme.
3. A system whereby intended mathematics majors are matched to advisors
is being established in order to identify, encourage and guide good
students. The undergraduate programme requirements are also under
review.
4. A search is currently under way for a director of the Statistical Consulting
Service and plans have been put in place toextend the service to the
Harbour Centre Campus in the next expansion phase there.
5. Detailed plans for the Institute for Statistics and Data Analysis and the
Institute for Applied and Computational Mathematics are currently being
drafted.
6. Implementation plans are currently being drafted for the introduction of a
structured M.Sc. program in Applied and Computational Mathematics
and the revamping of the Ph.D. program.
.
N. R. Reilly
0
cc:
Dr. C. Jones, Dean of Science
NRR/ml
5c1P OLf
.
SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY
MEMORANDUM
To: Prof. L. Salter, Acting
From: C.H.W. Jones, Dean
V.P. Academic
Faculty of Science
Subject:
External Review of
'
Date: January•30,.1990
Mathematics
&
Statistics
Please find attached the External Review Report of the Department of
Mathematics and Statistics. The report is a model of clarity and brevity, as
indeed is the Department's response.
It would be appropriate for me to comment on a number of the major
recommendations.
Recommendation 2
The Dean and Chair of the Department should investigate thoroughly the
working conditions of the department's lab instructors and take immediate steps
to ensure that these individuals have the opportunities for holidays and
pro fessional development
This matter has been discussed with the Chair of Mathematics & Statistics.
Several steps have been taken to begin to address the concerns expressed.
i)
For 1989-90, theDepartmentof Mathematics & Statistics was allocated an'
additional 40 B.U. of teaching assistantships to provide some relief to the hard-
pressed laboratory instructors. This was equivalent to 1 full T.A. per semester
for Fall and Spring to assist the laboratory instructorsintheir tasks.
ii)
An additional laboratory instructor position for Mathematics & Statistics is
included in the Faculty three-year budget plan for catch-up and growth.
iii)
I have discussed with the Chair the role of the workshops and their staffing
by T.A.'s and laboratory instructors. The current mode of operation of the'
workshops is.-remarkably manpower intensive and the Department may Wish to
reconsider whether or not this mode of instruction could be modified to better
match the resources available.
Regarding 1115 page 5
Teaching loads in the department are above average for the Faculty of Science
but not excessive with respect to other similar departments across Canada.
Professors should participate in grading at the lower level.
I was a little surprised by this observation, or at least the comments that
teaching loads in Mathematics & Statistics are above the average for the
Faculty. The Report does not present any data to support this conclusion.
During 1990, I will undertake a review of all teaching loads in the Faculty of
Science to further explore this question.
Recommendation 6
We suggest that the University review its teaching assistant policy since the time
spent teaching may be one of the causes of the lengthy completion times for
graduate degrees.
A Faculty of Science Task Force was struck in Fall 1989 to review teaching
assistant work loads within the Faculty. This is an important issue which has
emerged in several recent external reviews and should be addressed directly
by the University.
Recommendation 7
The Chair and the Dean of Science should investigate obtaining further
university funding for research assistantships for support of graduate students.
Recent Access Funding has led to an increase in the number of graduate
stipends and graduate scholarships available across the University. These are
the only sources of University support for graduate students other than through
the T.A. programme.
Recommendation 8
The Dean of Science should form an ad hoc committee to investigate space
problems within the Department and formulate plans for the acquisition of
additional space and the detailed design thereof.
The Faculty of Science has a standing committee on space which in Fall 1989
reviewed the overall space allocations and space needs within the Faculty.
In Fall 1989, the Department of Mathematics & Statistics was allocated Ca.
2,000 sq. ft. of additional space, as a result of moves associated with completion
of the Applied Sciences building. This has helped to alleviate the space
problem for workshops and for graduate students.
Since the review a new building initiative has been announced. A new
classroom complex, which is scheduled for completion in 1991-92, will be built
off Kinesiology and Physics and close to Mathematics & Statistics. This building
will provide additional office space for faculty and graduate students in
Mathematics & Statistics.
Regarding VIII 1
pp
10-11
Shou l
d the Department create officially recognized sub-units (e.g. Applied
Math, Statistics,...)? Formation of ad hoc committee.
The Department proposes to bring forward proposals for the establishment of
an Institute of Statistics and Data Analysis and an Institute of Applied and
Computational Mathematics. I welcome these initiatives.
Regarding VIII 2
pp
11-12
Not in favour of the formation of a faculty of Mathematical Sciences at the
present time.
•
The external reviewers concluded that the Department should not, at the
present time, leave the Faculty of Science to establish a Faculty of Mathematics.
The Department has accepted that the timing does not appear appropriate for
such a move.
The Department has stated that it has been and continues to be a fully
participating member of the Faculty of Science and I completely concur with that
view.
In summary, I would comment that the Department of Mathematics and
Statistics is to be congratulated on the very positive assessment of the
Department as a whole and its stature on the national and international scene.
As noted in the external review, the Department has a number of outstanding
scholars and several areas of significant research strength. The energy and
quality of recent new appointees was also noted and this indeed augurs well for
the future.
L
'
C.H.W. Jones
CHWJ :rh :Encl.
C.C.
N. Reilly, Acting Chair
Department of Mathematics & Statistics
0
o..
A
REVIEW
OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS
AND STATISTICS
SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY
MARCH, 19R9
..
.
1.
I.
INTRODUCTION
Earl y
in 1989 the Dean of Science at Simon Fraser University formed
an ad hoc committee charged with the task of performing an in depth
review of all aspects of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at
the University. The committee consisted of Dr. P.J. Browne, Head,
Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Calgary as
Chairman, Dr. W.S. Edelstein, Department of Mathematics, Illinois
Institute of Technology,. Dr. J.G. Kalbfieisch, Dean, Faculty of Math-
ematics, University of Waterloo and Dr. B.L. Funt, Department of Chemis-
try, Simon Fraser University. On March 13, 1
/
i, 15 the. committee visited
the university and conducted interviews with the President, the Vice
President (Academic), the Vice-President (Research) , the Deans of
Graduate Studies, Science and Education, the Chairs of the Departments
of Mathematics and Statistics, Biosciences, Physics, Chemistry and
.
Computing Sciences, facult
y
members, laborator
y
instructors and stu-
dents. Information and statistical data were made readily available and
the committee is more than satisfied that every opportunity to perform a
thorough review was provided.
The committee found the department to he a congenial group of
academics genuinely interested in and concerned with the well being of
their discipline, their students and their university. We understand
that from its inception the department has tried to achieve a broad
coverage of the mathematical sciences: the committee sympathises with
this aim and judges that it has been achieved in large measure. The
department has many strong points and accomplishments of which it can be
justifiably proud.
II.
THE FACULTY
The Department has a number of outstanding scholars recognized on
national and international fronts and has severe), areas of significant
research strength. Logic and combinatorics are particularl
y
strong
within pure mathematics. In applied mathematics and statistics too, the
department has recognizable strength. Overall., we were impressed by the
level, of research activity and scholarship.
2.
While we found the proportion of faculty members funded by NSERC to
be
:i little low by national standards, those who are supported have good
grants ninny of which are significantly above the national average. We
also noted success in Conference, 1quipment, Infrastructure and Team
grants in addition to the standard NSE1C/SS11RC operating grants.
In general the department has it-group of faculty whose collective
expertise is more than adequate to staff a broadly based undergraduate
programme and who can offer graduate supervision in most areas of modern
mathematics and statistics. In this sense then we see the fulfillment
of the original aim of breadth at both undergraduate and graduate
levels. We were impressed by the energy and quality of recent young
appointments which augur well for the future. We would encourage the
department to continue its philosophy of breadth in future development
as chances for hiring new faculty arise through overall university
expansion and from vacancies arising from retirements, resignations,
etc.
III. TIM UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME
1.
It in natural in
it
large modern North American university for the
Department of Mathematics and Statistics to have a large service compo-
nent in its undergraduate teaching programme. This reflects the fact
that students from many disciplines will, require at least introductory
mathematics and statistics. In our judgement, the deportment takes .this
service role seriously and responsibly and as such is in accord with
what we understand to be
it
university policy to the effect that a given
discipline should be taught only by the 'department of the discipline'.
The department is thus to be applauded for resisting the spread of (for
example) statistics courses and for offering instruction in mathematics
and statistics to students from a wide variety of other units.
At the first year level the department has a number of similar
courses in calculus designed for various groups of students. This
s:Lti,ation Is not uncommon among mitlien,at:Lcs departments and can be
defended pedagogically. Little or no fiscal saving would result from
cnmhiiiing these courses into a single offering for the numbers of
.
students involved would
require 1Iie
;cIiiIu L.1I%g ul. ;tv
C .L1.
i.
•i
I .1 Ci
3
sections.
2.
We were impressed by the system of 'worlcshops' associated with
introductory courses and particularly by the dedication and enthusiasm
of the 'lab instructors.' who supervise these classes. The workshops are
popular with students and in our judgement offer the required individual
instruction to offset the large lecture classes. They are particularly
effective in overcoming 'math anxiety' expCrieflCe(l b
y
so many students.
Some hope was expressed that the ver
y
best students be identified
early in their careers and offered more challenging programmes. The
'honours supplement' for calculus designed and offered by the workshop
s
y
stem is an excellent first step in this direction. We noted also the
Putnam competition training sesstons. In general we sympathised with
the hope and so offer
RECOMMENDATION 1.
The Department should take steps to identify
S
excellent students as early as pocil'lc in their
programme
and
offer challenging
programmes to
them.
We were concerned about what might be termed as the working con-
ditions of the lab instructors. t.ith the pressure of the timetable
Of
the academic year, these incll.vidual.s frequently are unable to schedule a
full holiday to which they are entitled. They should also have oppor-
tunities for professional development, such as attendance at pedagogical
meetings, time to assess new texts, teaching software and so on.
Te
judged the service given to the department b
y
these individuals to be
outstanding -- they are genuinely committed to having their students
learn, understand and appreciate the course material..
RECOMMENDATION
2. The Dean and Chair
of
the Department
should
investigate thorough
11/
the working conditions
of
the department's
lab
instructors and take
immediate steps to
ensure that these
.
individuals have
the
opportunities for holidays, and professional
development.
I'.
In one form or another it is quite likely that more manpower will
have to be provided in the workshop system.
3.
We were concerned with the large number of courses taught by
visitors and sessionals. In particular we noted that the department has
had two faculty members on unpaid leave for the last few years. The
funds released from the salaries of these individuals are used to hire
visitors/sessinnals and in general provide more teaching (in terms of
cnures) than would he provided b
y
the two faculty if they were at home.
A quick calculation b
y
the Chair showed this shortfall to be 8 or more
courses. On the surface it appears that, to staff its courses, the
department has to rel
y
on two regular faculty members being on leave
without pay, rind this situation seems undesirable.
TCOMMENDATION
3. The Department should develop a strategy/ for
reducing its dependence on visitors and sessional instructors.
We also heard concerns that standards and workloncls expected of
students can vary substantially from year to year when visitors are
assigned lower level classes. This is particularly the case when the
visitors are not familiar with local conditions. We feel it would be
helpful for the Department to produce detailed course syllabuses,
including the amount of time to he spent on individual topics, for
courses assigned to visitors. It may be possible to appoint a regular
Department member to be in charge of a given course so that a visitor
assigned this course has a resource person to turn to for guidance.
CO?U!TNDATION 4.
The Department should offer detailed guidance to
its visitors and cessional.s in order to maintain consistency in the
quality of instruction and the demands placed upon students.
4.
The committee studied the regulations governing the degree require-
ments pertaining to the major and honours programmes offered by the
department.
We noted that there is a minimum requirement of only one course in
linear algebra and we wondered if this were sufficient. We believe that
all graduates in mathematics and statistics should have some exposure to
5.
probability and statistics and to computing science; yet it seems that
the regulations (10 not guarantee this. We would suggest that the
Department consider developing a common core
.
requirement for the first
two ve.ars to which additional requirements for the various streams or
options could be added in the third and fourth years.
In general we are satisfied that an appropriate Spread of courses
is available (and taken by most students) to build a well rounded
degree: it is mostl
y
the structure of the degree programmes that needs
a careful review.
RECOMMENDATION 5.
The Department should conduct a thorough review
of
the regulations governing its degree programmes with the above
points in mind.
5.
We considered teaching loads in the department. In comparison with
other science departments they appear above average but not excessive in
comparison with other mathematics and statistics departments, especially
when we take into account the direct support provided by lab instructors
and teaching assistants for large lower level classes. In this
connexion we feel that professors should take a more active role in the
grading of mid-term tests and final, exams at the lower level.
6.
We noted the popularity and success of the Co-op programme and
offer a suggestion that the department consider a co-op programmein
conjunction with the Facult
y
of Education for the training of
mathematics teachers. (The Universit
y
of Waterloo has such a
programme.)
We also noted the offering of courses in actuarial mathematics at
the downtown campus. In our opinion this is an area which could develop
into a strong and popular programme provided that the department can
acquire properly qualified permanent staff in this area.
ó
IV. GRADUATE PROGRAMMES
1.
Recent trends in the department have seen enrollment growth in
foreign students with the numbers of Canadian students remaining
Do
constant.
Of
late the
foreign
students
have largely come from one country
(PRC).
This is a national
phenomenon
but it does present some possible
difficulties
connected
with
the
lack
of
diversity
among
the
foreign
students
and the
necessity
of
financial
support
for them.
Along
with
every
department
in
the
country, this
department
should
debate
whether it
wishes
to place
a
limit
on
this
trend.
2.
In general, graduate degree programmes seemed sound but we noted the
absence of a graduate level course in functional analysis.
Such a central area
should be offered to graduate students.
3;
We examined data concerning the time graduate students require to
complete their programmes in the Department.
While this time seems average
or low by standards at the university, it is high by national standards; e.g. in
our
,
experience a student ought to be able to complete an M.Sc. programme
-
within five or six semesters. We wondered whether this long completion time
placed the Department (and indeed, the university) at a disadvantage in
attracting good 'Canadian students.
We were also concerned with the work loads required of a graduate
student
in connection with a teaching assistantship.
Again, we are concerned
that these local demands may place the department at a disadvantage in
attracting gOod students.
RECOMMENDATION
6. W e suggest that the University review its
teaching assistant policy since the time spent teaching may be one
of
rue causes of
the lengthy completion times for graduate degrees.
We note that work loads can increase for a student who is a teaching
assistant for several different courses at the same time and we urge
0
7-
10
1
the
Chair to bear this in mind when assigning duties to teaching assis-
tants.
Average NSERC grants in mathematics and statistics are much lower
than those in the experimental sciences. Thus when man
y
students in
those disciplines are supported in the summer from research grants,
students in this department must continue with teaching assistantships.
We would encourage faculty members to support graduate students from
their grants as much as possible and we add
RECOMMENDATION 7.
The Chair and the Dean of Science chould inves-
tigate obtaining further university funding for research assistant-
ships for support
of
graduate students.
At first glance the number of graduate students looks large, but
when we consider the average duration of a graduate programme the
programme is more in line with national averages.
•
4.
We were impressed with the joint Master's programme offered with
the Faculty of Education and we commend the Department for its progress
in this important area. -
5.
We were concerned about the quality of space provided for graduate
students. It is reported as poor and scattered about in remote loca-
tions. Graduate students need to be part of the Department. We have
recommendations on this topic in the next section.
V.
DEPARTMENT SPACE AND FACILITIES
1.
While the problems with Departmental space may be eased to some
extent in the near future, there are several questions needing atten-
tion.
(i)
The department has no lounge/coffee room where faculty, graduate
students and even senior honours students can mingle and interact not
only socially but also professionally in a relaxed setting. Many
o
departments regard such a facilit
y
as extremely important and its
absence here is regrettable.
(ii)
Accommodation for graduate students is unsatisfactor y both in its
qualit y and location. It is important that these students be brought
8.
into central departmental space in order that they become an
integral
part
of the department's life.
(iii)
The space provided for lower level
course
workshops is inadequate:
we also had reports of the air being 'stuffy' leading to less than
optimal working conditions for students and instructors.
(iv)
The space in which the MacIntosh network is located is not well
stilted to teaching.
Overni). then there are many pressing space problems and we offer
RECOMMENDATIONS,
The Dean
of
Science should form an ad hoc
comm i ttee
to investigate space problems within the Department and
formulate plans for the ac
q uisition
of
additional space and the
detailed desiqn thereof.
2.
We heard concerns from many quarters about the level, of computing
support for all aspects of the department's activities. There is a need
for some computing facilities in the workshops for the purposes of
enrichment and demonstration connected with the lower level courses.
Concerns were expressed about, the lack of support for statistical
packages owing to the operating s
y
stem on the mainframe computer. The
availability of properly supported central and local computing
facilities is increasingly important for teaching and research in
mathematics and statistics.
We noted that whIle the department does have some computing
equipment already, it falls across a spectrum of types and makes and
seems to indicate a rather ad hoc development. Accordingl
y
we suggest
RECOMM1NDATInN
9. The Department should form a committee to review
ai7. aspects
of
computinq support and to develop a plan for the
co-ordinated acquisition
of
further equipment and support.
VI. OThER DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIE
S
1.
We were impressed with the work
o
f the department in the general
area of high school liaison. Problem sets for schools,
rl
L4
programmes/seminars on campus for teachers and students the special
course MATH 190, the booklet "Mathematicians Work", etc are all
indicators of excellence. We urge the Department to continue with its
first class efforts in this important area.
2.
In comparison with other departments of mathematics and statistics
the Department seems to have adequate support/secretarial, staff.
However we heard concerns about long dela
y
s for the production of
research manuscripts and the fact that many professors now perform
secretarial tasks themselves which the
y
, and we, do not regard as
efficient use of facult
y
time. It seems appropriate that the Chair
should prepare a detailed anal
y
sis of recent experience concerning the
level of secretarial support for submission to the Dean of Science.
3.
We applaud the Department's'pinn to expand the Statistical Con-
suiting Service but we do not support the proposal that the Director's
salary include a percentage of the fees received. We feel that this
incentive scheme may easily lead to conflicts with academic priorities.
Rather we feel the Director should have a fixed salary in accordance
with qualifications and expertise. The overall budget of the Consulting
Service may well include expectations of external revenue but we feel, it
important that this be revenue for the Service as a whole thus giving
incentive for the Director to ensure that the Service overall survives
and flourishes.
We regard it as important that the work of facult
y
members in
connexion with the Consulting Service be regarded as scholarly activity
and rewarded as such. Without this attitude and approach there is no
incentive for (particularly, junior) faculty members to work on problems
generated by the service. For particularly onerous projects it may be
necessary to consider some teaching relief for faculty members.
Overall we see the Statistical Consulting service as providing
valuable contributions to both the education of graduate students in
Statistics and to the broader universit
y
community of statistics users.
I;
We received some comments expressing disappointment at the level of
attendance and support for seminars within the department. There was
some hope that a department wide colloquium series would be established
with lectures for a general mathematical audience which faculty and
graduate students would be encouraged to attend.
10.
VII. FUTURE DEVELOPMENT
1.
In term
,
; of appointments of new faculty we support the established
priorities of Applied Mathematics and Statistics. Following that we
would urge the Department to consider some contral core areas of math-
'matics in accordance with its philosophy of breadth of coverage.
Possible areas which ought to be considered are Algebraic Topology,
Algebra. Partial Differential Equntinnc, Control Theory: this list is
b
y
no means complete.
2.
In general we see a need for additional staff particularly to
reduce the reliance on visitors mentioned earlier. It Jr. also important
that the Department have its appropriate share of future overall univer-
sti expansion.
We note that the Department does have a planning committee and we
regard it as important that an overall development plan be produced.
Such a plan should include not only staff but also questions of space,
computing support etc. Civen that the university anticipates some
growth, the production of such a plan should be given the highest
priority.
flECOWNDATION JO.
The
Department ahouid produce an ovcrall devel-
opment plan for submission to the Dean
of
Science.
It is our anticipation that the Dean will convey this plan to
appropriate university administration officers.
VIII. ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE
1.
Within the Department we see the group of statisticians an ready
for and wanting official recognition as a sub-unit of the department.
We detect no desire to form a separate Department of Statistics. At
some stage other groups (e.g. App].ied Mathematics) amy also seek recog-
nition. While we would not want to see the Department fragment into a
large number of groups, we support the aims of the Statistics group and
iii
I
I,.in
I.. develop
:I
dofnile
' l
1 hI
tiI:If
Inn ro the flep:irt-
ment. at large. There are examples (e.g. University of Calgary) where a
11.
large department of mathematics and statistics with officially recog-
nized sub-groups functions successfully.
While the Department does have a long range planning committee we
r__.
also suggest the formation of an Executive Committee to consider all
aspects of the Department's operation and to he advisory to the Chair.
Such a committee should be widely representative of the department (and
should contain the leader of the Statistics subgroup, if formed). We
leave the initiative for acting on this supgestion with the Chair -- but
should he decide to go forward we suggest he form a small ad hoc group
to develop detailed terms of reference for the txecutive Committee for
presentation to a general department meeting.
2.
We turn now to the question of a new Faculty of Mathematical
Sciences. While this was merely' one point in our overall terms of
reference, it was brought forcibl
y
to our attention both in the review
document generated by the department and in all of our interviews.
Clearly, it is a source of considerable concern with faculty membdrs.
There is no guarantee that the formation o a new faculty would
bring extra resources to Mathematics and Statistics. Within the Faculty
of Science, we see the department currentl y beLn treated on an eqtai.
footing with the experimental departments in terms of allocation of
funds and resources. We saw no significant evidence of systematic
mistreatment over the y ears of the Department bul l -we do recognize that,
as often happens elsewhere, the strengths and academic aims and
aspirations of the department have not been fully appreciated or
understood by other scientists. The mathematical sciences fall in an
intermediate ground between the Arts on the one hand and the Sciences on
the other; they have aspects of, and historical roots in, both sides and
indeed this is the fundamental strength and attraction of Mathematics
and Statistics.
In our opinion, the involvement of Computing Science would be
essential in any Faculty of Mathematical Science. iTowever we detect a
reluctance on the part of Computing Science to participate. The
y
have
only recently found their current home, are about to acquire new space,
and in general regard such a reorganization as premature. We also
considered but rejected the possibility that the Department of
12.
Mathematics and Science move to the Faculty of Applied Science.
Philosophically this does not seem appropriate.
We come therefore to the conclusion that, at the present time, it
would not be advantageous to either the department or the university,
for the department to leave the Faculty of Science.
We recognize that
the current Dean is anxious to ensure that the department is treated
fairly and equitably.
We urge him to take all possible steps to inalce
his whole facult
y
aware of the considerable strengths to be found in
Mathematics and Statistics.
It is essential in working towards the
department feeling wanted in the Faculty of Science,
to ensure that it
is appreciated and understood by the members of his other departments.
We are confident that such steps can and will be taken.
To the Department itself w
would sa
y
that it is time to put this
issue aside and to concentrate on excellence in teaching, research,
faculty and university governance, service, high school ].iaison and so
on.
The Department is far too good and has far too much to offer to
mathematics at large, and to the university, to become preoccupied with
this question of administrative location.
The committee extends its thanks to the Dean of Science, the Chair
of the department and to all who helped us perform this review.
We find
the Department to have considerable strengths and potentials and we wish
it
-
well. in its future development.
0
'i
S
Department of Mathematics and Statistics
The Department of Mathematics and Statistics is pleased to present the following response to
A Review of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics"
performed in March 1989. We respond item-by-item to the various recommendations and
comments found in the Review.
The Review Committee (page 1) judges that the department has achieved in large measure a
broad coverage of the mathematical sciences. We emphasize that this remains one of the
department's main priorities.
Recommendation 1:
The Department should take steps to identify excellent
students as early as possible in their programme and offer challenging
programmes to them.
S
We agree completely and are working through various programmes such as Management and
Systems Science, Mathematical Physics, Statistics, Applied Mathematics,
Mathematics/Computing Science and, most recently, Actuarial Mathematics to achieve precisely
this goal. The Departmental Undergraduate Studies Committee is also engaged in a review of this
question with a view to providing more challenging programmes to major and, particularly,
honours students.
Recommendation
2:
The Dean and Chair of the Department should investigate
thoroughly the working conditions of the department's lab instructors and take
immediate steps to ensure that these individuals have the opportunities, for
holidays and professional development.
We are in complete agreement with this recommendation and are arranging discussions to see
that this is done. It is of immediate importance that we pursue this recommendation. The hiring
of an additional Laboratory Instructor would move us well towards a solution of this problem.
Recommendation 3
The Department should develop a strategy for reducing its
dependence on visitors and sessional instructors.
We agree completely with the need to reduce our "dependence" on sessional instructors when
this term refers to those who have minimal interaction with the regular faculty, do no research,
take no part in seminars, do not supervise graduate students, do not add to SFU's prestige by
attending conferences, etc. The question is - how? We can conceive of only two ways: reduce
offerings or hire more regular faculty to meet the demand. We (and we hope the university) are
not in favour of the first method as this would run contrary to Recommendation 1 and the
comments made in III 1 (page 2) regarding the importance of the service aspect of our teaching
program. Thus, simply, the problem can only be solved by replacing the teaching being done by
such sessionals with teaching by regular research faculty. On the other hand we should continue
to urage "visitors" i.e., research faculty level visitors to our department and maintain ways of
funding their visits which may include some involvement in teaching. The reason for this is the
research expertise as well as the "world view" of mathematics which they bring to the University.
Ideally, such research visitors would only teach upper levels courses, graduate courses or
seminars where the regular faculty lack the specific expertise.
Recommendation
4:
The Department should offer detailed guidance to its
visitors and sessionals in order to maintain consistency in the quality of
instruction and the demands placed upon students.
Although documentation (including a description of the grading system and the course
syllabuses) concerning the teaching of Mathematics and Statistics courses is provided to a visitor
or sessional and although the visitor or sessional usually discusses the course with a regular
faculty member who has taught the course in the past, we agree that more communication along
these lines with the new teacher would be in order. Steps will be taken to this end. For instance, a
brief orientation seminar, conducted by the chair and involving other regular faculty as well, will
be required of all first time teachers in the department at the beginning of each semester.
Recommendation
5: The Department should conduct a thorough review of the
rcgularions governing its degree programmes with the above points in mind.
The department reviewed its program "structure" not long before the review took place in March.
The result was that, in view of the wide diversity of subjects which can be pursued in this
department, we elected to maintain a maximum of flexibility for students pursuing degrees
through the department. However, as a result of this recommendation and as there remains some
support for it within the department, we will undertake another review shortly in order to take
some steps towards satisfying recommendation
5.
2
Regarding 1115 (page 5). Summary:
Teaching loads in the department
are above average for the Faculty of Science but not excessive with
respect to other similar departments across Canada. Prof essors should
participate in grading at the lower level.
In general, we are not very dissatisfied with teaching loads in the department. However,
if
we are
to be a full participating member of the Faculty of Science we should have teaching loads in line
with other members of that faculty. All faculty are expected to participate fully in the evaluation
(including grading of exams) of the students in their classes.
Regarding III 6 (page
5).
Summary:
Recommend Co-op program for
training mathematics teachers (with Faculty of Education). A ppreciates
actuarial mathematics.
We would be happy to discuss with the Faculty of Education, a co-op program for potential
mathematics teachers. We note the existence of a joint graduate program with the Faculty of
Education which leads to a degree of Master of Education in Mathematics Education. The
certificate/minor program in Actuarial Mathematics has already been approved by Senate and
will begin operation at the Harbour Centre campus immediately.
Regarding IV 1 (page
5).
Summary:
High enrolment of visa students in the
graduate program.
We have recently reviewed the admission procedures for graduate students. With the growing
reputation of our graduate program, the number of applicants for graduate work has greatly
increased of late. We felt that it would be improper to place artificial quotas on any national
group. However, we are taking additional steps to ensure that the quality of all admittees is high
and also to try to attract strong Canadian candidates to the graduate programs by, for instance,
writing to other universities to identify and encourage top Canadian students to do graduate work
at SFU.
Regarding IV
2
(page 6). Summary:
No graduate course in functional analysis.
o
Although Math 832 (Real Analysis II) contains a significant amount of "functional analysis"
material and Math 833 (Real Analysis: Selected Topics) can be offered as a functional analysis
course given sufficient demand, we agree with this comment. The lack of a regularly offered
.4
functional analysis course is yet one of many inadequacies which are a direct result of our limited
faculty resources.
0
Recommendation 6.
W e suggest that the University review its teaching assistant
policy since the time spent teaching may be one
of the causes
of the lengthy
completion times for graduate degrees.
We agree with a complete university review of TA workloads. A task force is now in place in the
Faculty of Science to consider several questions relating to teaching assistantships. Although
graduate degree "completion rates" in the Department of
.
Mathematics and Statistics are better
than those of most of the other units on campus, we agree that reducing these would be helpful in
developing an even, stronger graduate program. Indeed, our experience indicates that our TA
duties are heavier here than in the typical North American university.
Recommendation
7. The Chair and the Dean
of Science should investigate
obtaining further university funding for research assistants/zips for support of
graduate students.
The department fully agrees with such a step. For the reasons given by the review committee
(mainly the lack of flexibility with NSERC funds), it would not be out of line for the department
to obtain specially allocated funds for graduate student support.
Recommendation 8.
The Dean
of Science should form an ad hoc committee to
investigate space problems within the Department and formulate plans for the
acquisition of additional space and the detailed design thereof.
Recent developments indicate that the space problems in Mathematics and Statistics will be
relieved (but by no means completely solved) over a period beginning January 1990 and
extending for several years. This relief relates to graduate student space, Workshop space, micro
computer network (teaching lab) space and, finally, office space. This additional space comes
from space made available as a result of the completion of the new Applied Science Building and
from new space being built in connection with the Institute of Molecular Biology and
Biochemistry. We would greatly welcome an
ad hoc
committee to investigate the requisition of
adequate space for the development of the mathematical sciences.
Unfortunately the problem of air quality in the new expanded workshops is not being addressed
by the university and we believe it deserves great attention.
5
We are assured by the founding Head of the Department of Mathematics at SFU that from the
very beginning a coffee room for faculty and graduate students was a high priority. Unlike most
other departments, we have never had an adequate room in which to informally discuss research
and teaching with colleagues, graduate students, and visitors.
Recommendation
9.
The Department should form a committee to review all
aspects of computing support and to develop a plan for the co-ordinated
acquisition offurther equipment and support.
The department has a computing committee doing what this recommendation suggests.
Computing equipment development within the department can be described as in a state of
infancy. It has only been four years since we started to acquire any such equipment. Recently
research computing in the department received a boost with the acquisition of 12 more SUN
workstations. We hope to see continued growth in this area.
We have learned that acquiring computing equipment is one thing, but getting the necessary
infrastructure support necessary to maintain the equipment as productive research and teaching
tools is quite another thing. We urge the University to develop an enlightened view in providing
access to software and
continuing
technical support needed in connection with equipment
purchases.
Regarding VI
2
(page 9). Summary:
Support/secretarial staff seems adequate.
Long delays in production of research manuscripts.
We have recently hired another staff person to help relieve some of the support-related problems.
Unfortunately, staff salary levels provide a deterrent for hiring technical typists familiar with the
text processing capabilities of our new computer equipment. Administrative staffing is under
constant review by the departmental assistant and the chair of the department.
Regarding VI 3 (page 9). Summary:
Expanded Statistical Consulting Service
applauded. Director should have fixed salary not based on external consulting
revenues. Recognition of consulting work performed by faculty.
The department accepts the views of the review committee regarding the role of the director in
the expanded Statistical Consulting Service. We have been searching for a few months for a
director, but as of this writing have not been able to finalize an appointment. As the service
develops the exact role the faculty will play in its operation will evolve simultaneously.
Regarding VII 1 (page 10). Summary:
Priorities of
A pplied Mathematics and
Statistics supported. Need for people in "core" areas.
Since the review, a statistician (September 1, 1989) and an applied mathematician (Summer
1990) have been appointed. However, there has also been a resignation of a senior member in the
area of combinatorics. The department is actively pursuing its present priorities and is taking the
review committee's reference to holes in certain core areas of mathematics very seriously. Given
the expectation of significant enrolment increases at SFU, the need for research capability in
several areas as well as the view in Recommendation 3, the department would expect a
significant number of new faculty positions to be allocated over the next five years.
6
.
Recommendation 10.
The Department should produce an overall development
plan for submission to the Dean
of Science.
The department (like all other units at SFU) must periodically develop such plans. One (for 3
years) has recently been submitted to the Dean and a five year plan is under development.
Regarding VIII 1 (pages 10-11). Summary:
Should the Department create
officially recognized sub-units (e.g. A pplied Math, Statistics, ...)? Formation of g
1zac
committee.
The department is not very keen to see a fragmentation of the department into "officially
recognized" subgroups, if by this is meant the further isolation of the individual faculty members
from the dean or the vice president academic. As long as we remain a department within the
Faculty of Science, such subgroups could result in an administrative nightmare which is surely
undesirable. On the other hand, we fully recognize the importance of appropriate recognition
being given to certain groups within the department as a vital ingredient to their development. A
separate full fledged Department of Statistics (or of Applied Mathematics) is certainly a possible
future development and is not opposed by the department in general. We particularly note how
statistics has flourished at institutions which have supported the creation of a separate
department, e.g., Waterloo, Toronto, Washington, UBC and Manitoba. As a first step we
recommend the bringing forth of two proposals, one for the creation of an Institute of Statistics
and Data Analysis and another for the creation of an Institute of Applied and Computational
Mathematics. The responsibilities of these institutes would be to oversee and develop the
7
I
undergraduate, graduate and research programmes in the relevant areas within the department.
IIriII'. IIic;r uiiIitiilc;
v,iII
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uc; I c
I
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'
l
hint
iIi'ihic-;
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colloquiums, short and long term seminars, visitorships, etc.)
This and several other recommendations of the Review Committee suggests the formation of a
committee. We do not agree with the nearly unending formation of new committees.
Finally:
Regarding VIII
2
(pages 11-12). Summary:
Not in favour of the formation of a
Faculty of Mathematical Sciences at the present time.
We believe the review committee misinterpreted the degree to which the department was
"preoccupied" with the question of forming a faculty of mathematical sciences. We do not
believe any sleep or work was lost by anyone over this question. It was not the only topic of
discussion in the corridors of our department.
The formation of such a faculty at Simon Fraser University in the context of modern
developments in the mathematical sciences was and is still, in our view, a good idea. No one in
this department ever suggested anything other than remaining full, active and loyal members of
the Faculty of Science until such a new faculty was actually formed. We were and are now fully
participating members of the Faculty of Science.
Unfortunately, it is true as mentioned in the review that the School of Computing Science at
present would not wish to join a new Faculty of Mathematical Sciences and that, without the
participation of Computing Science, a Faculty of Mathematical Sciences makes much less sense
than it otherwise would. SFU is not ready for such a significant development at present. We
accept this and will continue to work in our present "administrative location".
General Comment: the department noted that the review committee's report focussed primarily
on administrative and curriculum matters and missed the opportunity to make more constructive
recommendations regarding our research efforts. In current times, the vital role of Mathematics,
"the Queen of the Sciences", to provide necessary resources to a modern day research university
is seldom questioned. It is a fact that essential areas of mathematical research have not been
adequately supported due to a lack of commitment on the part of the SFU administration, and
that this was not mentioned to any significant degree in the departmental reviewers' report.
