INDIANAPOLIS - IUPUI students who need help in math or statistics classes have a new and better place to find assistance.

The IUPUI Mathematics Assistance Center (MAC), now in its second year, will open this fall in a newly renovated space on the first floor of University College. In addition to the new facilities, the MAC will pilot a new program designed for students taking introductory algebra.

Staff for the MAC, a collaborative effort between University College and the Department of Mathematical Sciences, include dedicated faculty members and outstanding math students. Although it is primarily intended to benefit students in lower-level classes up through calculus, the center will be open to every student needing help in mathematics or statistics.

Incoming freshman will find MAC services beneficial in helping them adjust to college-level math, said Margo Page, director of administrative services for the Department of Mathematical Sciences.

"Students find math at the college level to be very different from that at the high school level. They are used to memorization and producing an answer," Page said. "At this level it is important that they understand mathematics conceptually, so that they can actually explain it, as well as lay a firm foundation for the next course."

Learning the concepts through collaborative work assisted by mentors and tutors will help both new and continuing students deal with one common experience - math anxiety.

"There is a great deal of what is called 'math anxiety' among students," Page said. "This is true both for students straight from high school and for those returning to school from the work force. They will say 'I never did well in math,' or 'I just dread this course.' The cheerful and professional assistance of tutors and mentors as well as conversations with their peers can quell these fears and relieve the anxiety."

Students who did well in a particular course will provide peer mentoring to guide others through the same course. Upper-level and graduate students who have demonstrated a proficiency in mathematics will staff a comprehensive tutoring program.

In addition to the traditional assistance programs, the MAC will house a pilot structured learning assistance program as part of the introductory algebra course Math 001. Students in the program will have regular sessions in the MAC with a facilitator trained to improve their learning skills within the course.

The University College center will be the main venue through which the Math Department will provide assistance to its students outside of the classroom. Aside from peer mentoring and tutoring programs, the MAC will also provide a technology-rich environment in support of mathematics supplemental instruction, MAC Director Patrick Frey said.

Using the 30 laptop computers available, students may access an interactive multimedia system for self-paced help through streaming video of lectures and electronic tutoring.

"It is our hope to provide on-going assistance throughout each semester, and we hope this will provide test-time anxiety relief as a pleasant side-effect," Frey said. "We will encourage our students to attend regularly, and we are scheduling the MAC full time with this in mind. We certainly hope that many students will utilize the free services of the Mathematics Assistance Center."

Substantial contributions from the Lilly Retention Grant, University College and the School of Science funded the renovation of an University College lounge to house the math center.

For additional information about the MAC, contact Frey, by telephone at (317) 274-0289 or by email pfrey@iupui.edu.