The University of Waterloo Faculty of Mathematics is comprised of a diverse group of individuals dedicated to learning, researching, and advancing the use and understanding of mathematics for the betterment of society. We share our passion through active outreach and enrichment programs to promote mathematics and computer science on campus, in our communities, and in elementary and secondary schools in Canada and around the world.
With a mix of academic departments and full-time staff who are passionate about supporting these goals, our community strives to engage with and encourage our members to push the boundaries of what is possible through mathematics and computer science while ensuring an equitable experience for all those who wish to pursue mathematics.
Faculty of Mathematics Departments and Units
Community outreach and engagement
Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing (CEMC)
With origins dating back to the 1960s, the CEMC was founded in 1995 with the aim of increasing enjoyment, confidence and ability in mathematics and computer science among students and teachers in Canada and internationally. Through contests, face-to-face workshops, online resources, and publications, the CEMC provides curricular and enrichment support to elementary and secondary schools. The CEMC also offers workshops, school visits, and online resources for teachers.
Learn more and access resources through the Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing.
Equity in STEM
As a mathematics and computer science powerhouse and Canada’s most innovative university, Waterloo is uniquely positioned to break down barriers for women and under-represented gender identities in STEM.
Women in Mathematics (WiM)
The Women in Mathematics (WiM) committee exists to encourage and advocate for under-represented gender identities, to promote interest in studying mathematics and careers in mathematics. The committee engages with cultural and institutional reasons for under-representation, and strives for all genders to be well-represented in mathematics.
Women in Computer Science (WiCS)
Women in Computer Science (WiCS) is dedicated to promoting under-represented gender identities in the field of computer science. Specifically, the mandate of the committee is:
- To build an environment in the School of Computer Science where women, and those whose gender identity is neither male nor female, including gender-fluid, non-binary, agender and more are supported in their work and studies.
- To ensure that these young people see computer science as an option as they enter university.
- To connect to outside organizations and events for under-represented genders in computer science.
Mathematics Endowment Fund
The Mathematics Endowment Fund (MEF) reached a huge milestone in Fall 2011, breaking the million dollar mark in terms of funding distributed since inception in 1994. Each term, MEF collects ten ‘pi’ (π) dollars from each math student (which is rounded to $31.42) and has accumulated over four million dollars within the fund.
MEF has provided funding towards many projects within the Faculty of Mathematics, including computer updates and student conference travel.
New project proposals to MEF are accepted during the third month of every term. For them to be approved by the funding council, they must serve and benefit the education of undergraduate mathematics students (and be legal to complete). The funding council is made up of two undergraduate students per department, a faculty representative from each department, and two alumni who are recommended by the Dean. This way, they can ensure that optimal funding goes to where it needs to be.
Society of Descartes Medallists
The Society of Descartes Medallists was founded in 1968 by the Rene Descartes Foundation for the Advancement of Mathematics at the University of Waterloo. This Society has met annually since 1968 for the express purpose of paying tribute to mathematics teachers of Ontario who are identified as being worthy of special recognition. Each year the Foundation admits new members, chosen for their contribution to the noble cause of mathematics education, to life membership in the Society of Descartes Medallists.
Research seminars
An extensive program of research seminars runs continuously in the Faculty of Mathematics. These talks range from theoretical to applied and often feature visiting researchers from other universities and industry. You can see upcoming seminars on our Departments' websites.