Mathematical and Quantitative Reasoning Strategic Overview

The Mathematical and Quantitative Reasoning Department fulfills a critical role at Utah Valley University. As UVU strives to become the nation's very best open admissions platform for student success, it is imperative that students begin their mathematical experience at UVU successfully. Our program is built to help students accomplish that. The following pages detail our strategic plan, key department metrics, and our contributions to UVU’s dual mission as a comprehensive community college and university.

Mathematical & Quantitative Reasoning Strategic Goals

1

Teaching Excellence

Through excellent teaching, we can foster positive attitudes, grow confidence, and help provide students with a solid foundation for success in their college careers and beyond. UVU is a teaching-focused institution, and Mathematical and Quantitative Reasoning is a teaching-focused department. Our hiring processes focus on excellent teaching, and we emphasize continued growth built on:

  • Faculty Evaluations
  • Effort to Improve
  • Adjunct faculty support

2

Student Support

Students succeed at higher rates when given additional support inside and outside the classroom.  Mathematical and Quantitative Reasoning student support programs, which are designed to promote equity and access, include:

  • Embedded peer support
  • Pro-active advising
  • Placement preparation

3

Relevant, Engaged Curriculum

Students are often frustrated by math curriculum that does not provide them with skills and understanding they will be able to use in their professional, personal, and civic lives. Students also resent learning and re-learning procedures that they do not truly understand and will quickly forget. A truly engaged curriculum must connect students with the broader world, not just develop procedural mathematical fluency. The Mathematical and Quantitative Reasoning Department is implementing curriculum that students will truly find meaningful and useful through the following efforts:

  • 21st century Quantitative Literacy
  • Corequisite-styled remediation
  • Streamlined curriculum
  • Learning strategies

4

Student Learning

Student learning is foundational for any academic institution and academic department. Students cannot be truly successful if they are not learning. As students move beyond our courses into the rest of their academic career, it is critical that they are prepared to succeed. We measure student learning through:

  • Successful completion of general education math requirements
  • Course success rates
  • Success in subsequent math courses
  • Common assessments