Pi Mu Epsilon, the nation’s most prestigious mathematics honorary society, was chartered at Elon University on October 23, 2003.  The purpose of the Society is to promote scholarly activity in mathematics among the students in academic institutions.

Pi Mu Epsilon was founded in 1914 at Syracuse University and was incorporated on May 25, 1914 under the laws of the State of New York. Its roots date back to a mathematics club which was founded at Syracuse in 1903. There are currently 350 chapters at colleges and universities throughout the United States. Other North Carolina universities with Pi Mu Epsilon chapters include Duke, Wake Forest, NC State, UNC-Chapel Hill, NC State University, and Appalachian State University.

A chapter may be chartered only in an academic institution whose standards are excellent in all liberal arts departments and particularly mathematics.  In order to qualify for a chapter, the petitioning institution must show that there has been an ongoing history of student mathematical activity outside the classroom, that there are adequate facilities to support these activities, and that the faculty at the institution are fully supportive of the goals and objectives of the society. The application requires information about the university, requirements for the mathematics degree, resumes of the math faculty members, library acquisitions, student research, participation in conferences, and technology.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR MEMBERS

Pi Mu Epsilon is dedicated to recognizing 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 15-minute presentations on mathematical topics of interest. The content of the presentations 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. More information about the conference may be found on the conference webpage http://www.pme-math.org/conferences/national/2012/2012.html.

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. 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.

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.

REQUIREMENTS FOR MEMBERSHIP

Elon students may qualify for membership by being a junior or senior in the top third of their class, having taken calculus, and having at least 20 math credit hours with a grade point average in mathemtatics of at least 3.6.

Members

2013