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Summer Prelim Study Session Leaders
Summer Prelim Study Session Leaders
Hello all!
The department has volunteered to take over the organization of Prelim Study Sessions previously hosted by AWM.
We are calling for Study Session Leaders over summer to help students prepare for Fall 2026 Preliminary exams. These sessions are a resource for group study and aim to offer structured practice with peer support and guidance of the session leader.
Since it's summer, study sessions should be held virtually. You will have access to the prelim archives and scaffolded past problems to help you facilitate the session. If you are interested in being a study session leader, please fill out this interest form: Summer 2026 Call for Prelim Study Session Leaders.
Submit by Friday, July 3rd so we have enough time to get the word out before sessions begin (mid-July).
Participation will be awarded with a fellowship. To be a study session leader, you must
have passed the prelim exam in the area you wish to support
be available consistently for your 90 minute block each week, plus available for questions during the mock exams.
be willing to facilitate group discussions over Zoom.
Responsibilities are as follows:
For each weekly session, select at least 2-3 scaffolded prelim problems from the prelim archive/scaffolded problems repository.
In the middle and end of sessions, select 4 problems to create a mock exam in your subject.
Be available during study sessions and mock to answer clarifying questions.
Again, to apply for a session leader position, complete the online application form by July 3rd: Summer 2026 Call for Prelim Study Session Leaders
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
ACE Teaching Fellows Program AY 26-27
ACE Teaching Fellows Program AY 26-27
The ACE Teaching Fellows Program is a competitive professional development opportunity for early-career PhD students in the Division of Physical and Biological Sciences at UC Santa Cruz. Fellows receive intensive training and hands-on experience in evidence-based teaching, active learning, and inclusive pedagogy while serving as teaching assistants in high-enrollment introductory STEM courses.
Through mentorship, classroom observations, peer learning, and teaching portfolio development, Fellows gain valuable skills in curriculum design, facilitation, assessment, and student-centered instruction. The program is designed for graduate students interested in academic careers, education, science communication, or leadership roles in scientific organizations.
Participants complete a two-quarter sequence that combines pedagogy training, teaching practice, mentorship, and reflective portfolio development. Upon successful completion, Fellows receive a Certificate of Achievement, access to a professional network of educators, and the opportunity to earn a letter of recommendation based on their work in the program.
Application deadline: July 6
Please be prepared to upload the following documents:
• Personal Statement
• Inclusive Pedagogy Statement
• Faculty Recommendation Letter
• Curriculum Vitae (C.V.)
Detailed requirements for each document will be provided within the application.
Call for Peer Mentors
Call for Peer Mentors
The Math Department is resuming our Peer Mentor Program in Fall 2026.
We look forward to pairing experienced mentors from our PhD and MA programs with our incoming students to provide guidance and support as they start their journeys with us. Topics mentors might help with include what to expect from coursework, finding a faculty advisor, preparing for prelims and other important milestones, and overall wellness. Important: Peer Mentors are not expected to be mental health counselors, but are more than welcome to refer their mentees to the graduate advisor or other campus resources that might be helpful.
Participation would come with a small fellowship, and should include:
Monthly check-ins with mentee(s)
Participation as available in events/panels
Informal availability to mentee(s) outside check-ins
We are also recruiting organizers, who would be responsible for event/workshop planning (with department support) and updating guidance materials for other mentors. Please complete the Call for Peer Mentors form if you are interested in becoming a Peer Mentor. The form also has a place where you can designate whether you would also be interested in organizing.
Independent Study and Thesis Research Class Numbers
Independent Study and Thesis Research Class Numbers
This year enrollment in independent study and thesis research will be self service using the spreadsheet attached**. Permission numbers are required on October 3rd.
**For the link to the sheet containing the class numbers, please find the email in your inbox with subject line "{MathGrads} End-of-Year Math Grad Newsletter".
Please check in with your faculty before enrolling, and double-check you are enrolling in the correct course.
MATH 297: Independent Study
MATH 299: Thesis Research
MATH 298: Thesis Research for Masters Students
Minimum full-time enrollment is 10 units; Enroll in the 10-unit version if this is your only course for the quarter. Enroll in the 5-unit version if you are also enrolling in other courses for the quarter.
After the last date to enroll, faculty will be provided a list of those enrolled in their independent study and thesis research courses.
For more items, see the News Archive
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