Guidelines for Proposing an MAA Minicourse

An MAA minicourse has a workshop format and focuses on some aspect of collegiate mathematics, the undergraduate mathematics curriculum, or mathematical pedagogy. Minicourse participants expect to be involved actively throughout the minicourse, participating in small group discussions, working hands-on activities, etc. Depending on the desires of the organizers, minicourses may include up to 80 participants.

Each minicourse is four hours in length, with the time usually divided into two, two-hour sessions on different days. For example, a minicourse might be scheduled for Thursday, 2:15–4:15, and Saturday, 1:00–3:00. Other formats and schedules can be accommodated.

To propose a minicourse for a national meeting, use the online proposal form. The proposal will open in a new window or tab. We strongly urge that you look back at these instructions repeatedly as you prepare your proposal.
  1. Repeat Proposal: If this is a repeat proposal, you are urged to contact the Chair of the MAA committee on Minicourses first.

  2. Choose the appropriate meeting, list the title of your proposed course, and choose Minicourse as the 'Event Type.'

  3. Enter your abstract in the box labeled Abstract/Session Description. Note: This is the only information prospective participants will see. Thus, it should clearly articulate the content and goals for the minicourse, the format of the course, and any necessary prerequisite knowledge. Given space limitations, the abstract should not be more than 100 words in length.

  4. In the Contact tab, please enter all the requested information for the minicourse organizer(s).

  5. In the Additional Information tab, under AV Needs Request, list any special equipment needs. (A computer projector and overhead projector will be provided; presenters are expected to bring their own laptops.) Also indicate whether minicourse participants will be expected to bring their own laptops.

  6. In the final box labeled Additional Notes, please include this information:

    7. A. Detailed Description: Please include a list of topics to be covered and the approximate time spent on each topic. Also, indicate how the participants will be involved. (Note: Minicourses are scheduled for two 2-hour sessions, on two different days; e.g., Monday and Wednesday, 9:00 - 11:00.)
    B. Biographical Sketches: For each presenter, provide a brief bio, including information concerning the presenter’s experience related to the proposed minicourse.
    C. Special Logistical Requests: Generally, rooms for minicourses are set up with tables and chairs facing the front. List any special needs for the course, in terms of furniture set-up.

  7. Also under Additional Notes, please indicate that you have read and agree to the following two MAA policies:

    8. D. Policy on Commercial Promotion: Whereas some minicourses will relate to commercially-available products, such as books or software, the promotion of such products in a minicourse is not appropriate. Participants in a successful minicourse naturally will want to know more about the materials used in the course, but the minicourse may not be used to promote any particular product.
    E. Policy on Recording or Broadcasting: The recording or broadcasting of any MAA sponsored event, including but not limited to proceedings at sectional and national meetings, workshops, minicourses, short-courses, and colloquia, is strictly forbidden without the explicit permission of the Mathematical Association of America.

  8. After you have submitted your proposal, the chair of the minicourse committee will contact you and may ask you to elaborate on the detailed description in 6A.

Joint Meetings Deadline: Last Tuesday in December 13 months prior to JMM

MathFest Deadline: Second Tuesday in October in year preceding MathFest

Sample Proposals: Sample 1   Sample 2   Sample 3

Questions? Contact Jeff Knisley, Chair of the MAA Committee on Minicourses: knisleyj@etsu.edu