Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science Department records

Series — Box: 1

Identifier: RG 18-23

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Mount Holyoke College Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science Department Records consist of articles; brochures; flyers; newspaper clippings; reports; correspondence; examinations; syllabi; grade books; student papers; publications; press releases; and photographs. The records contain information about the department's Centennial exhibit in 1937 and the SummerMath Program. The records also contain articles written by professors Sarah E. Smith and Eleanor C. Doak about the department and its aim and scope. Curriculum reviews can be found in the collection in addition to information and advertisements relating to special events in the department, including lectures, colloquia, and conferences. The annual reports of the department to the President of the College can be found in the records. These reports contain information about enrollment trends in the department and in individual courses, including majors, minors, graduate, and honor students; changes in curriculum and individual courses; changes in personnel; faculty research and other activities; and equipment and facilities. Correspondence is mainly limited to letters and telegrams relating to personnel changes, including positions in the department offered, requested, and applied for. A major correspondent was Sarah E. Smith. Course records found in the collection include examinations from various courses, entrance examinations in mathematics, comprehensive examinations, syllabi from various courses, grade books, and student papers. The collection also contains a publication entitled "The Real Number System" by Grace E. Bates and Fred Kiokemeister. The photographs found in the records are limited to faculty and students in classroom settings.

Dates

1875

Conditions Governing Access

Records restricted to use by office/department of origin for 25 years from date of record creation. Access to student and personnel records restricted.

Historical Note

Mathematics has been taught at Mount Holyoke since the first year of the Seminary. Admission requirements included proficiency in arithmetic, and study of algebra was required of all Seminary students. In 1854, trigonometry was added to the Mathematics curriculum, and by 1892, students were able to major in the field of Mathematics, "the science of numbers and space." At this time, the major in Mathematics included the study of the elements of analytic geometry, modern geometry, and calculus; the applications of calculus and the theory of functions; and the history of Mathematics, which Mount Holyoke was among the first colleges to offer courses in. The Department of Mathematics became the Department of Mathematics, Statistics, and Computation in the 1988/1989 academic year. At this time, a significant addition to the courses offered occurred. In 1992/1993, the department was renamed the Department of Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science.