GO BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Group of math majors

The Department of Mathematics believes that some of the best mathematics is discovered outside of the classroom. The Department sponsors activities and events each year to promote real world learning and inquiry. They are:

MATH CLUB

During  the fall and spring semesters, Math Club generally meets twice a month for talks and recreational math activities. In addition, there are several opportunities throughout the year to travel  and connect with the wider math community.

For more information, see Math Club Advisor Dr. Daniel Scofield.

Upcoming Meetings

Math Jeopardy! November 6, 2025

Association for Women in Mathematics: Francis Marion Student Chapter

The national chapter of the Association of Women in Mathematics granted Francis Marion University a Student Chapter in Fall 2023. TThe purpose of the Association for Women in Mathematics is to create a community in which women and girls can thrive in their mathematical endeavors and to promote equitable opportunity and gender-inclusivity across the mathematical sciences. The FM student chapter has monthly activities and outreach to support this mission. For more information, contact Dr. Nicole Panza

Upcoming Meetings:

 

Book Club List for Spring 2026:

February’s book: x+y: A Mathematician’s Manifesto for Rethinking Gender

Late March/Early April’s book: Humble Pi when Math Goes Wrong in the Real World

FM UNDERGRADUATE MATHEMATICS CONFERENCE

 The Spring 2026 Francis Marion Undergraduate Mathematics Conference

The Department of Mathematics at Francis Marion University will host the
The 2026 Francis Marion Undergraduate Mathematics Conference
in the upcoming spring semester. For more information, contact Conference Director, Dr. Kevin LoPresto.
Math Students Present Research

PEE-DEE REGIONAL HIGH-SCHOOL MATHEMATICS TOURNAMENT

Students on stage at FMU Math Tournament

The George E. Schnibben High-School Mathematics Tournament will be held December 2, 2025.

Questions should be directed to Mrs. Maria McCormick, the Mathematics Administrative Assistant.

KAPPA MU EPSILON: MATHEMATICS HONOR SOCIETY

Kappa Mu Epsilon Inductees 2023

 South Carolina Epsilon Chapter

Kappa Mu Epsilon is an honor society in mathematics whose purpose is promoting mathematics among undergraduates. Students of mathematics or related disciplines who are of academic distinction and have achieved professional and scholastic merit are eligible for membership. Francis Marion’s chapter of Kappa Mu Epsilon, the South Carolina Epsilon Chapter, was established in March 2005. 

MATH DEPARTMENT EVENTS

Upcoming Fall Events

Kappa Mu Epsilon Induction

Kappa Mu Epsilon will hold its induction ceremony to initiate new students into the honor society. Contact Dr. Scofield for more information.

September 30, 2025 at 5:30PM

Mathematica at the Henry Ford Museum of Innovation

Students will fly to Detroit to visit the interactive exhibit Mathematica at the Henry Ford Museum of Innovation.  “Mathematica reveals that the ‘world of numbers’ represents a tiny percentage of the world of mathematics.  The exhibit sidesteps boundaries between education, play, art, and science,” says Marc Greuther, the museum’s chief curator. Students will also visit the Ford Motor Company’s Dearborn Truck Plant where the Ford F-150 is assembled. Guests can view the Dearborn Truck Plant’s final assembly area via a suspended walkway. Interested students should apply here and see Dr. Fitzkee if you have any questions

October 3-6, 2025

Math Jeopardy at Coastal Carolina

Compete in a friendly match of Math Jeopardy and network with students from Coastal Carolina University.

November 6, 2025

South Carolina Council of Teachers of Mathematics (SCCTM) Fall Conference

Attend the SCCTM Fall Conference dedicated to mathematics and mathematics education. To be held in Greenville, SC. For more information, see Dr. LoPresto

November 20-21, 2025

Upcoming Spring Events

Nebraska Conference for Undergraduate Wisdom in Mathematics

Attend the Nebraska Conference for Undergraduate Wisdom in Mathematics, an undergraduate math conference dedicated to women. Students will have opportunities to meet other student who share their interests in the mathematical sciences. This is also an opportunities to share any research and listen to research done by fellow undergraduates. Contact Dr. Panza if you are interested in attending. Registration occurs during the first week of October.

January 30-February 1, 2026

Math Jeopardy at Coastal Carolina

Compete in a friendly match of Math Jeopardy and network with students from Coastal Carolina University.

Date TBD

MAA Southeastern Section Spring Meeting

Attend the sectional meeting at the University of North Alabama. Compete in Math Jeopardy, participate in the Undergraduate Treasure Hunt, attend talks given by students and faculty, and network with fellow undergraduate math students from other institutions.

March 26-28, 2026

SC EPSCoR Conference

Attend SC EPSCoR conference in Columbia, SC

April 10, 2026

Francis Marion Undergraduate Mathematics Conference

Attend student talks to hear about their mathematics research. See Dr. LoPresto for more information.

April 2026