MTH 607:Seminar
Building Diverse, Inclusive, Respectful and
Welcoming Mathematical Communities

Winter 2020

Professor: Dr. Vrushali Bokil
Office: Kidder 048
Email: bokilv at math dot oregonstate dot edu

  • Time/Classroom: 1:00 pm - 1:50 pm M, KIDD 238

  • Course Information: 1 credit, Section 011, CRN 38900

  • Required Textbook: None

  • Course Description & Content: This is a seminar for graduate students in Mathematics at Oregon State University that is based on the Oregon State ADVANCE seminar . The recent findings and recommendations of the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine in Sexual Harassment of Women: Climate, Culture, and Consequences in Academic Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (2018) , from the National Academies Press, suggest that a strong and diverse leadership is needed to facilitate change at the highest levels of academic institutions that enable:

    1. increased representation of women and underrepresented minorities in academic sciences, engineering and medicine, and
    2. removal of barriers for their success.

    Graduate students are the future leaders of academic institutions. Training for students in understanding how inequities and injustice are perpetrated within a system of oppression such as an academic institution of higher learning, is important in creating pathways for effective and sustained change. The seminar will aim to address and dispel myths around who can be a mathematician in order to create constructive models for sustained change in representation in mathematical communities.

    In Winter 2020, we will cover the following (tentative) topics. The seminar will be conducted in an active learning format. Students will be asked to read one to two papers before class, write a one page summary of the reading that is to be submitted before class and come prepared to class to participate in discussions.

    • Week 1: Social Identities and Allyship
    • Week 2: Power and Oppression
    • Week 3: MLK Day Holiday
    • Week 4: Implicit Bias and Privilege
    • Week 5: Fragility
    • Week 6: Intersectionality
    • Week 7: Stereotype Threat and Rejection Sensitivity
    • Week 8: Microaggresions and Sexual Harrasment
    • Week 9: Navigating Heteronormativity in the Sciences
    • Week 10: Moving to Action: Creating action plans and writing a Diversity Statement

  • Student Learning Outcomes for MTH 607 (Section 011): A successful student in MTH 607-Section 011 will be able to:

    1. Develop an understanding of issues around unequal representation in mathematics with regard to gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, ability and other identities,
    2. Develop an understanding, through frameworks such as systems of oppression, of how inequities and inequality are perpetrated in mathematics,
    3. Think constructively about their own self-identity as a mathematician and their place in the mathematics community.

  • Prerequisites: None

  • Registration Restriction: Enrollment is restricted to Graduate Students

  • Reading Assignments: Every week students will be asked to read papers related to the topic of the week amounting to a workload of 1-3 hours per week. One page writing assignments will be given per week, that summarize the week's reading and reflect the student's understanding. Each student will work on a 1-3 page "Diversity Statement" during the term. Students are expected to read papers assigned and participate in class discussions. Students are responsible for any material missed due to absence.

  • Course Grading and Related Policies: The course grade is P/NP and is based on participation in class discussions. Students who have more than 2 unexcused absences (i.e., absences that were not approved by the instructor) will receive a grade of NP.

  • Contacting Dr. Bokil: The best way to contact me is via email. Best place/time to see me for questions is in my office during office hours. If you are unable to make it to office hours you may email your questions to me or setup an appointment by email. You can expect a response within 24 hours. Do not expect an immediate response .

  • Student Ethical Conduct Expectations and Policies: Students are expected to be familiar with Oregon State University’s Statement of Expectations for Student Conduct. Please review material at the following sites.

  • Reach Out for Success: University students encounter setbacks from time to time. If you encounter difficulties and need assistance, it’s important to reach out. Consider discussing the situation with an instructor or academic advisor. Learn about resources that assist with wellness and academic success at oregonstate.edu/Reachout. If you are in immediate crisis, please contact the Crisis Text Line by texting OREGON to 741-741 or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

  • Technology Policy & Unauthorized recording and use Policy: I expect that each student will be present and engaged during class time. Please refrain from using cell phones or other electronic devices in the classroom out of respect for your classmates and your instructor. If you choose to take notes or access readings via your computer during class please first request permission from Dr. Bokil. If permission is granted, I expect that you will refrain from surfing the web, reading email, and engaging in other activities not related to the class.

    Recording and/or dissemination of instructional content (for example using the camera on your cell phones) is prohibited, unless express permission of the instructor is obtained for an approved accommodation coordinated via Disability Access Services.

  • Statement Regarding Students with Disabilities: Accommodations for students with disabilities are determined and approved by Disability Access Services (DAS). If you, as a student, believe you are eligible for accommodations but have not obtained approval please contact DAS immediately at 541-737-4098 or at Disability Access Services. DAS notifies students and faculty members of approved academic accommodations and coordinates implementation of those accommodations. While not required, students and faculty members are encouraged to discuss details of the implementation of individual accommodations.

  • Student Evaluation of Courses: The online Student Evaluation of Teaching system opens to students the Monday of dead week and closes the Monday following the end of finals. Students will receive notification, instructions and the link through their ONID. They may also log into the system via Online Services. Course evaluation results are extremely important and used to help improve courses and the learning experience of future students. Responses are anonymous (unless a student chooses to “sign” their comments agreeing to relinquish anonymity) and unavailable to instructors until after grades have been posted. The results of scaled questions and signed comments go to both the instructor and their unit head/supervisor. Anonymous (unsigned) comments go to the instructor only.

  • Course Drop/Add and Other Informational Sites: See