What is Pi Mu Epsilon?

Pi Mu Epsilon History

Pi Mu Epsilon is dedicated to the promotion of mathematics and recognition of students who successfully pursue mathematical understanding. To promote mathematics, the National Pi Mu Epsilon Council sponsors an annual conference in conjunction with the Mathematics Association of America's (MAA) annual MathFest. Traditionally, this conference occurs the first weekend of August. Undergraduate members of Pi Mu Epsilon are encouraged to give a 15 minute presentation on a mathematical topic of interest. The content of the presentation does not have to include original research. Although some presentations may impart new results, the majority often show results of exploration of a topic beyond what is traditionally covered in an undergraduate class. Feel free to contact an officer to verify a topic is suitable for presentation.

In the past, Pi Mu Epsilon has been able to provide travel funds for student speakers at this conference. In addition, the American Mathematical Society has provided funding for awarding cash prizes to outstanding presenters at the meeting. Recognition of all student speakers and prize winners occurs at the PME/MAA banquet. Every student participant should not miss this banquet which recognizes student achievement. After the banquet, PME sponsors the J. Sutherland Frame Lecture. This annual event has a speaker of national recognition present a topic of interest to undergraduate students. This well-attended talk is one of the annual highlights of the conference.

A number of active Pi Mu Epsilon chapters across the country also sponsor regional conferences for student speakers. The Regional Conferences page, which is found under 'Conferences' in the above menu, gives information and links for these events.

In its quest to promote mathematics, Pi Mu Epsilon also sponsors a journal devoted to topics in mathematics accessible to undergraduate students. Papers from students and faculty appear in this refereed forum. The journal also presents a 'Problem' section where a reader can find challenging mathematical problems. Solutions to those problems appear in subsequent editions. For further information link to the PME Journal web page.

The PME Constitution page provides information on how a student may become a member of Pi Mu Epsilon. Briefly, the criteria are:

A person meeting any one of the following four sets of qualifications may be elected to membership by a chapter. This election shall be irrespective of sex, religion, race, or national origin:

Undergraduate students who have completed at least the equivalent of two semesters of calculus and two additional courses in mathematics, at or above the calculus level, all of which lead to the fulfillment of the requirements for a major in the mathematical sciences. In addition, such students must have maintained a grade point average equivalent to that of at least 3.0 on a 4 point scale, both for all courses that lead to fulfillment of requirements for a major in the mathematical sciences, and also for all courses that lead to fulfillment of requirements for an undergraduate degree.
Graduate students whose mathematical work is at least equivalent to that required of qualified undergraduates, and who have maintained at least a B average in mathematics during their last school year prior to their election.
Members of the faculty in mathematics or related subjects.
Any persons who have achieved distinction in a mathematical science.

To obtain information about forming a chapter of Pi Mu Epsilon at your university, view the Chapter Application Process page. This link will outline the process for membership in Pi Mu Epsilon.