Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Whom can I ask questions not appearing here?

A: If you have questions about the status of your application to the Mathematics Department, and/or whether certain materials have arrived in the Mathematics Department please write to Bonny Fleming, at b-flem@umn.edu.

If you want to know if your application is complete, please write to Bonny Fleming, at b-flem@umn.edu.

If you have questions about our timeline, please see Q3 below.

If you are unsure of whether you have been recommended for admission, rejected, or put on the waiting list, please write to Bonny Fleming, at b-flem@umn.edu.

If you know that the Graduate School has issued your I-20, but you want to know if it was mailed out (see Q77 below), please write to Bonny Fleming, at b-flem@umn.edu.

If you have questions about your Graduate School application, please see Q30 below.

If you seek permission to take FM 5001/5002, please read Q56 and Q86 below, and then write to the MFM Program Director Scot Adams, email address: mfmath@umn.edu.

If you already have permission to register for FM 5001/5002 as a non-degree student, but are having difficulty with the registration process, please first try to resolve the issue with One Stop (see Q133 below), and then, if problems persist, try Bonny Fleming, at b-flem@umn.edu.

For other registration questions, please read Q56 below. If that doesn't resolve the issue, contact One Stop (see Q133 below), and, if there are still problems, try Bonny Fleming, at b-flem@umn.edu.

For billing quesitons, see Q71 and Q110 below and then, if necessary, contact One Stop (see Q133 below).

Other questions can go to Prof. Scot Adams, email address: mfmath@umn.edu.

Q2: What if I have trouble applying?

A: Contact the program director, Scot Adams, email address: mfmath@umn.edu.

Q3: When are applications due to MFM? When will we be notified of decisions? Searching keywords: timeline deadline

A: Early application is encouraged for all candidates. Candidates who have complete applications (both to the Math Department and to the Graduate School) prior to 28 February will be evaluated and notified of admission decisions by 31 March. Some applicants not admitted will be placed on our waiting list, and there is the possibility of further offers being made toward the middle of April, some more toward the middle of May, and perhaps even some in early to mid-June.

We do not start to review applications before 1 March, so there is no need to complete your application before 28 February, unless you want to.

For applications that are not completed until after 28 February, there isn't a detailed official timeline, but, in past years, our process has been to do a once per month review of new applications. Thus, if, say, an application arrives in March, it will probably go into the batch to be reviewed in early April. Because of the April 15 resolution, we hope to complete the review of March applications in time to make a round of offers on 10 April.

If you decide to apply, it is to your advantage to complete your application as early as possible since it is possible that we will "fill up" and have to turn away applicants, not based on their qualifications, but only on our need to keep a reasonable bound on class sizes. This problem, in fact, occurred during the 2008 admission season.

The final application deadline is 5 June. Again, this means that both applications (to the Math Department and to the Graduate School) must be complete on that date, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and all other parts of the application. For application not being considered for early admission, there is no set schedule for when admissions would be made, but we do expect to complete our work by 15-20 June.

We hope that applicants who do not receive an early offer of admission will give us until 15 April before they make a final decision (see Q138M. below). We recommend that, if we have not offered admission by 15 April, and if they have another offer with a 15 April deadline for decision, then they should accept it, even if they are on our waiting list.

If you want to check on the status of your application following 15 April, we recommend writing at the beginning of May and/or at the beginning of June, since we will likely not have information at other times. (Please write to Bonny Fleming, see Q1 above.) Notification of final decisions will go out toward the end of June.

WARNING: You may be required to submit a GRE exam score. (Please point to http://www.math.umn.edu/finmath/admission_requirements/ for information about our admission requirements. Also, see Q8 below.) If so, we recommend that you register during early summer, so that you can take the October or November exam, so that the score can be reported by the 28 February deadline for early decision. You could also take the April exam, but you would not hear about a decision about waiving the prep course until after the results are reported.

Similarly, if you need to take TOEFL, you should register very early, probably in early summer, several months before applications are due.

Q4: Do you have spring or summer admission?

A: We do not. We admit students in fall semester of each year.

Q5: What financial support is available?

A: The Mathematics Department does not offer financial support for this program in the form of Graduate Assistantships or Graduate School Fellowships. This is true for arriving students, and for students who have been in the program for a period of time. We certainly understand that there can be financial strains because of expenses, but do not attend the program hoping that financial support will become available after the first year.

Allianz Life will be offering at least one one-year tuition fellowship next year, to be followed by a summer internship. All applicants for the early admission program will be considered for this fellowship/internship. You do not need to do anything additionally to apply for it, and no materials outside of your regular application will be considered.

There are many other sources of support for education outside of the department. For general information about financing graduate school, here are three sources:
       http://www.grad.umn.edu/prospective_students/Financing/other.html
       http://www.onestop.umn.edu/onestop/financialaid.html
       http://www.grad.umn.edu/prospective_students/Financing/index.html

We do help MFM students who are doing well in coursework to seek summer internships, but we don't require them, nor are they guaranteed. (See Q70 below.)

Please be aware that this is a tuition-based professional program, and the Mathematics Department does not offer Teaching Assistantships, Research Assistantships, Scholarships or Fellowships for students in this program.

Q6: Which FM courses are required to complete the program?

A: There are five course sequences in the program, FM 5001/5002, FM 5011/5012, FM 5021/5022, FM 5031/5032, FM 5091/5092. (Point to http://www.math.umn.edu/finmath/courses/ to find out more about them.) All but FM 5001/5002 is required. We may ask that some admitted students take FM 5001/5002 in preparation for the rest of the courses. (See Q15 below.)

Q7: How long is the program? How quickly can I complete it? How many hours per week of work is required? Searching keywords: time to complete, length of program, duration of program, how long, how fast

A: Much depends on how many courses you take each semester. Note that all students are required to take FM 5011/5012, FM 5021/5022, FM 5031/5032, FM 5091/5092. Some students are, in addition, required to take FM 5001/5002, the preparatory course sequence. These four or five course sequences complete MFM graduation requirements, but some students may take additional courses outside of the MFM program; note that we have "with emphasis options" listed at the bottom of http://www.math.umn.edu/finmath/courses/.

It is possible for a student with the proper background, and working as a full-time student, to complete the entire program in one year. However, to do this, the student must have the preparatory course sequence FM 5001/5002 waived, and that, requires that, at the time of the application, a GRE Mathematics Subject score needs to be submitted. If FM 5001/5002 is not waived, then the minimum amount of time to complete the MFM program is two years.

For those who have FM 5001/5002 waived and wish to complete MFM in one year, the estimated work time would be 45 hours per week (when class is in session), and 12.5 of those 45 hours would be in-class hours.

The amount of time to completion for a part-time student would vary significantly, depending on how many courses they take per semester. For example, a part-time student might start with FM 5001/5002 and FM 5091/5092 in their first year, continue with FM 5011/5012 and FM 5021/5022 in the second year and finish with FM 5031/5032 in the third year. We ask that all students in the program take at least one FM designated course each fall semester and one FM designated course each spring semester. We hope to avoid leaves of absence as much as possible.

One bit of information that can help you with this question: The goal is that each credit-hour of coursework will involve about three hours per week of work and roughly 50 minutes of that three hours would be in-class time. So, if, in one semester, you take two three-credit courses (totaling six credits), and if you're the mythical "average student", then you would have a work load of 18 hours per week, and five of those 18 hours would be in-class hours.

However, please do bear in mind that, here in Minnesota, all of the students are above average.

Q8: Do I have to take the GRE? Even if it's not required, do you recommend it? Do you recommend taking the GRE Mathematics Subject test, or the GRE General test, or both? Searching keywords: Do I need to take the GRE, Do I need the GRE require the GRE, Do I need to submit a GRE score

A: If you are applying for admission to MFM in Fall 2010, if you haven't already taken the preparatory course sequence (FM 5001/5002), and if you wish to be exempted from that sequence, then we request that you submit a GRE Mathematics Subject test score. Only the Mathematics Subject test needs to be taken. Note that, for students who take FM 5001/5002, the program is a minimum of two years in length.

If you are applying for admission in Fall 2010, and if your undergraduate graduation date is after September 2004, then we require either a GRE Mathematics Subject score or a GRE General score, as part of our MFM admissions requirements (see Q23 below). If you are planning (before or after admission to MFM) to take our preparatory courses, then you may choose to submit only a GRE General test, but one of these two scores (GRE General or GRE Math Subject) is required for admission from any applicant who has graduated from college after September 2004 (even from those who are taking or have completed the preparatory course sequence). We would also be happy to see GRE Subject scores in other science related areas, but it is neither required nor sufficient for admission.

It's hard to make definite recommendations, since much depends on the background and goals of the individual. We have many applicants who are recent college graduates (since Sept 2004) and who either are currently taking FM 5001/5002 or who intend to take it on entry to the program. Most such applicants decide to take the GRE General test, but not the GRE Math Subject. It does no harm to take both, but, if an applicant takes only the GRE Math Subject test and scores poorly, we will not be able to compare him or her against others who have taken only the GRE General test.

If your undergraduate graduation date is during or before September 2004, you are not required to take the GRE. However, you may choose to do so, if you think it will enhance your application. If you do not, we will be making an evaluation based on your work experience and will be especially interested in your work activities related to finance.

WARNING: If you wish to take the GRE Mathematics Subject exam, then we recommend that you register during early summer, so that you can take the October or November exam, so that the score can be reported by the 28 February deadline for early decision. You could also take the April exam, but you would not hear about a decision about waiving the preparatory course sequence until after the results are reported.

The GMAT is not a substitute for the GRE, and we do not require it, nor do we evaluate it.

Q9: Is it possible to audit courses in this program or to take them pass/fail?

A: It's possible but strongly discouraged because it is almost never in the student's best interest --

For a person who is considering applying to the MFM program, and wishes to take the preparatory courses (FM 5001/5002) as a non-degree student: You should take those courses A-F because good grades in those courses can help your application. (See Q145 below.) Moreover, without the letter grade, if you were accepted, we would very likely request that you retake those courses in order to get permission to take FM 5011. (Grades of "B" or better in FM 5001/5002 are, for most MFM students, needed to continue to FM 5011, see Q44 below.)

For a current MFM student: It would be a mistake to take any MFM course pass/fail. First, MFM students who have not had the preparatory courses waived will need to receive letter grades of "B" or better in both FM 5001 and FM 5002 in order to get permission to take FM 5011. (See Q44 below.) Second, to graduate from the MFM program, each MFM students is required to list all the remaining MFM courses (meaning FM 5011/5012, FM 5021/5022, FM 5031/5032 and FM 5091/5092) on his/her degree program form, and we do not allow courses to be so listed without a letter grade of "C-" or better.

Note that, if you are not a student in the MFM program, then you cannot register for any MFM course (even as an auditor), with the exception of FM 5001/5002. (See Q12 below.) So, the only conceivable situation where a person would reasonably take an MFM course pass/fail would be: A non-MFM student who is curious about the content of FM 5001/5002, but has no intention of seeking an MFM degree in the future.

Q10: How many students do you admit each year?

A: We have no lower bound, but we have to limit the number of incoming students each year to a maximum of 50, just to keep our class sizes reasonable. We have admitted a few more than that, under the assumption that some who plan to attend the program will, for one reason or another, be unable. That is, we do slightly "overbook", but we aim for a limit of 50.

(Addendum: We ended up with a first class of 54 students entering our program in Fall 2007.)

Please see also Q127 below.

Q11: Do you have a PhD program in Financial Mathematics?

A: No, I'm afraid we do not.

Please also see Q105 below.

Q12: I'm not currently a student in the MFM program. May I take a Master of Financial Mathematics course? Searching keywords: not an MFM student, non-MFM student, not a student, courses open to non-MFM students?

A: With permission, you may take the Preparatory Course sequence FM 5001/5002, but the others are only available to students who have been accepted to the MFM program. (Point to http://www.math.umn.edu/finmath/courses/ for a listing of our courses.) You may seek permission for FM 5001/5002 (but during the registration period only) by writing to mfmath@umn.edu. (See Q58 and Q86 below.) You will need to seek permission only once, for both FM 5001 and FM 5002. Permission is dependent on the level of mathematical preparedness; the prerequisite for FM 5001/5002 is a full year of calculus (see Q94 below), with grades of "B" or better (in *all* freshman-level calculus courses).

If you are only seeking permission to take FM 5001/5002, and are not applying to the MFM program, then we do not require documentation of your coursework; we trust you if you simply state by email that you have completed a full year of calculus with grades of "B" or better. In the end, it's not really in your own interest to spend money on a course that is at too high a level for you to succeed. If you have not had a full year of calculus (with "B"s or better), we recommend you consider starting in a calc sequence. (See Q31 below.)

WARNING: The MFM tuition rates listed at http://www.math.umn.edu/finmath/tuition/ are only for MFM students. They do not apply to students outside our program who enroll to take FM 5001/5002. In those cases, students pay the rate determined by their own program, or, if they are non-degree students, then they pay the standard Graduate School rate, which can be found at standard Graduate School rate.

Note that FM 5001/5002 with grades of "B" or better can help in applying to the MFM program, see Q145 below.

Incidentally, for interested parties, there is a Financial Mathematics Seminar, and anyone can attend. For more information, please point to http://www.math.umn.edu/finmath/seminar/

Finally, there are two regular Mathematics courses that are available to U of Minnesota students and cover some of the subject matter of the program. They are
MATH 5075 - Mathematics of Options, Futures, and Derivative Securities I
MATH 5076 - Mathematics of Options, Futures, and Derivative Securities II.
Taking these even may provide some credit toward the MFM program; see Q53 below. Other MATH courses related to the program can be found at Q25.

Q13: I find it difficult to attend classes at the University of Minnesota. Do you have a distance program? Searching keywords: online distance, learning on-line, distance education, distance learning

A: Four MFM courses will be offered by distance starting in Fall 2010. Information is available at http://www.math.umn.edu/finmath/distance_ed/.

Currently available is a small on-line lecture series, at http://www.math.umn.edu/finmath/lectures/.

Q14: I would like to send you some extra materials to support my MFM application. How do I do this? Searching keywords: additional materials to support my application, supplemental materials

A: It may be possible to upload some supplemental materials into the Graduate School application and, if you do that, we should receive them. However, since the Graduate School will likely not use them, it may make more sense to send them directly to the MFM program, at b-flem@umn.edu. (For surface mail, see Q51 below.)

You're also welcome to do both (upload them into the Grad School application *and* send them to the MFM program).

Q15: How can I gauge whether the preparatory course sequence FM 5001/5002 would be good for me to take? How can I tell whether it will be required? Is it possible to have it waived?

A: If you have not applied to the MFM program, but wish to take the preparatory courses FM 5001/5002 as a non-degree student, then please read Q86 below. For those who are applying to the MFM program:

Our admissions committee will, for each admitted applicant with a GRE Mathematics Subject score (see Q8 above), make a recommendation about exactly this question, and this recommendation will be communicated to you at the time of admission. For some applicants, we may request that FM 5001/5002 be completed, with grades of "B" or better, before continuing to FM 5011/5012. In deciding whether to require the FM 5001/5002, we'll be trying to evaluate the individual's undergraduate-level knowledge of multivariable calculus, probability theory, numerical analysis, linear algebra and differential equations.

If you are not asked to take this course sequence, but you want to, you are welcome to do so, but be aware that this will increase the total cost of the program.

If you wish to have FM 5001/5002 waived, you must take the GRE Math Subject test; however, it is possible to take it in April, after acccepting an offer of admission. Once that score is reported we can consider your request for a waiver. If you do not take the GRE Math Subject test before the start of your first semester here, then FM 5001/5002 will not be waived.

Q16: What jobs are available in the local area for graduates of this program? Searching keywords: career, market meltdown, employment

A: You can try typing "quantitative analyst", selecting "100 miles" and typing the zip code "55455" in a search in monster.com, but there may be a good deal of local employment (particularly in insurance) for which quantitative tools are important, but which don't formally use "quantitative analyst" in the job title. You can also point to http://www.math.umn.edu/finmath/local_industry/ which is our local industry website. In the MCIM (http://www.math.umn.edu/mcim/), we have a partner with a great deal of experience in helping our students find internships, and note that three recent students have found internships in the local finance industry. Starting in 2008, in addition to MCIM, the MFM program will be using the Institute of Technology Career Center for Science and Engineering to seek internships. (See Q70 below.)

There are many possibilities for careers in finance that use mathematical skills. Typically, as in the preceding paragraph, one thinks of "quantitative analyst" or "quant", but there are jobs available that may not have that kind of designation. Careers for our graduates are available in many different industries from insurance to hedge funds to asset management funds to banks to pension funds. Moreover, many large companies that are not specifically oriented toward finance nevertheless need to manage large portfolios of assets, and sometimes (e.g., Cargill) even even run their own trading desks to help hedge their risks. So it's difficult to give a precise answer to which career paths exist, only because the overlapping need for mathematical and finance skills is so ubiquitous.

Our alumni details website, at http://www.math.umn.edu/finmath/Alumni/details.shtml may give you some idea of what kinds of jobs some of our graduates have found. Note that we only reveal information as our graduates give us permission.

See also Q99 above.

Q112: How can I see a schedule of courses offered at UMN?

A: Point to http://onestop.umn.edu/onestop/index.html,
and click on "Class Schedule" in the right sidebar, near the top.

The MFM course schedule is at http://www.math.umn.edu/finmath/course_schedule/.

Q113: How can I participate in Financial Math before being admitted to the MFM program? Searching keywords: not an MFM student but want to participate, not a student, non-MFM student

A: There are many good books to read, see, e.g., our reading list at http://math.lib.umn.edu/mathfinancebooks.html. We have some online lectures you can watch; point to http://www.math.umn.edu/finmath/lectures/ and listen to the audio.

If you're a student at UMN:

First, you can attend our seminar, which is open to the public; point to http://www.math.umn.edu/finmath/seminar/. Second, you might consider taking
         MATH 5075 - Mathematics of Options, Futures,
                  and Derivative Securities I
         MATH 5076 - Mathematics of Options, Futures,
                  and Derivative Securities II.

Third, if you wish to strengthen your mathematics background, in preparation for the MFM program, you could consider taking FM 5001/5002. See Q12 above.

Fourth, if you are a Mathematics graduate student at UMN, you might want to seek an internship with a focus in Financial Mathematics, through the MCIM. For more information, point to http://www.math.umn.edu/mcim/.

Fifth, you might consider applying to the program described at http://www.math.umn.edu/finmath/modeling/.

Q114: Is there a dual MBA-MFM degree at the University of Minnesota?

A: Currently there is not, so those wishing to have both degrees would have to enroll in both programs, one after the other. There are serious discussions going on about developing such a program, but it will likely be a year or two at least before a formal proposal is made and approved.

In the meantime, it is possible to seek an MFM with Emphasis in Management, and you can read about that by pointing to http://www.math.umn.edu/finmath/courses/ and then searching on "Master of Financial Mathematics with Emphasis in Management". This involves fulfilling the MFM requirements with three CSOM courses. (CSOM is the University of Minnesota business school.)

Q115: What is the average undergraduate GPA of students admitted to your program? Searching keywords: average GPA

A: We don't have a record of GPAs. It's difficult because different countries use very different grading scales, so GPA is often self-reported and may be, in some cases unreliable. The information in Q23 above may give you some idea of what we look for in an application.

Q116: Why do I have to submit a degree program form? When must it be submitted? What courses should I include on my degree program form?

A: The degree program form is a Graduate School requirement. It lists all the courses you've taken that you want counted toward your degree. That is, it states, officially, which courses you want to count.

Some people have complicated educational plans, but MFM is really very simple, so the degree program form is relatively straightforward. If you were, say pursuing two completely different Master's degrees at the same time, it can get confusing, because some courses might pertain to one degree and others to the other. The degree program form allows the Graduate School to know which courses you believe go with which degree.

Once the DGS of each of the relevant departments signs the degree program form, they are certifying that the student has met the departmental requirements of that degree.

As to *when* the form must be submitted: MFM operating standards are that our students should submit their degree program by the end of their first semester in the program. If a student is unsure about whether he/she may seek a minor in another department, it is reasonable to wait beyond that, although there may be warning messages generated as a result. However, some care should be taken because the Graduate School asks that you file your Degree Program Form with them at least one term before you intend to graduate. For more information, point to http://www.grad.umn.edu/current_students/degree_completion/masters/index.html scroll down to "Forms for Master's Students", continue a few more lines to "Degree Program Form", then look over to the right for the word "Explanation", and click on that.

As to which courses to put on the degree program form: You must include FM 5011/5012, FM 5021/5022, FM 5031/5032 and FM 5091/5092. Beyond that, if you intend to get a minor in another department, you need to include the required courses for that minor. Exactly which courses are required is something to be discussed with the DGS of that department, but many of our "with emphasis" options do cover the requirements for a minor. (Point to http://www.math.umn.edu/finmath/courses/ and scroll down to the bottom of the page to see a list of our "with emphasis" options.) You should check the column labeled "Other Prog. Crs.+" next to your minor courses, and you'll need to have the DGS of the minor program sign your degree program form under "SIGNATURE OF DIRECTOR OF GRADUATE STUDIES (MINOR FIELD)".

It is your choice, but we recommend that you don't include courses beyond the ones described in the last paragraph, and the reason is this: If, at some point in the future, you should decide to pursue another degree at UMN, then you will have to fill out a degree program form for that degree, and you may wish to use courses you take while in MFM on that degree program form. However, there are limits on the extent to which coursework from one degree program form can be used on another. Therefore it could be to your benefit to minimize the number of courses that you list on your MFM degree program form, so that they remain free for use in a future degree program form.

Q117: Please give me a checklist of materials that are needed to complete my MFM application to the School of Mathematics at the University of Minnesota. Searching keywords: check list Check List

A: First, please note that this question only concerns materials needed by the School of Mathematics to review your application. If you have questions about additional materials that may be needed by the Graduate School, please do contact them directly. (See Q30 above.)

Required materials can vary a bit, from applicant to applicant, and details can be found at http://www.math.umn.edu/finmath/admission_requirements/ and also in Q23 above. All applicants need to submit
                  three letters of recommendation,
                  a personal statement,
and
                  copies of all of their transcripts and diplomas.
International students may need to provide the Graduate School with
                  proof of English proficiency.
Recent college graduates must send either
                  GRE General scores,
or
                  a GRE Math Subject score
(or both). Anyone wishing to skip FM 5001/5002 (the preparatory course sequence) needs to submit
                  a GRE Math Subject score.
For more information about our GRE requirements, see Q8 above.

NOTE: The online application system used by the Graduate School (called ApplyYourself) now has three personal statements. In our program, we tend to look most closely at the first one, so you may want to focus your energy there.

To begin applying, please point to http://www.math.umn.edu/finmath/online_application/ and follow the instructions there. Thanks for your interest in our program!

Q118: I'm an MFM instructor. How do I submit grades? Where can I read about UMN grading policies? Searching keywords: submit grades put in grades, enter grades

A: Grades for FM 5031/5032 should be submitted to the MFM Graduate Assistant for that course. For the other courses, point to http://onestop.umn.edu/onestop/faculty.html, find the column labeled "Teaching and Learning", scroll down until you see "Grades" in that column, and then, just below that, click on the link "Enter Final Grades". At this point you may or may not be asked to log in using your x500 userid and password. After that, a new link also saying "Enter Final Grades" will appear, and you should click on that as well. Then click on the current therm, and then click on the link describing your FM designated course, and then follow the prompts from there.

For UMN grading deadlines for Spring 2009, point to http://onestop.umn.edu/pdf/policies_spring2009.pdf, then go to page 81, then go to the left column, then go down to "grades" then go down to "ACADEMIC STAFF", and then go down to "Final Grades", which says, in part:

Final grades for all courses are due within 72 business hours after the examination.

Also, please see Q146 and Q147 below.

Q119: I'm an MFM student, and I'd like to submit a course evaluation. How can I do that?

A: Please point to http://eval.umn.edu/, and the rest should be straightforward. If you have troubles, please write to eval@umn.edu.

Q120: What is average GRE General test score of applicants who were admitted in Fall 2008?

A: First, while we occasionally look at verbal and writing scores, we focus on the Quantitative score, and only have statistics for that. Second, bear in mind that not everyone applying was required to submit a GRE score and so some admitted applicants are excluded. Third, bear in mind that some applicants submitted a GRE Math Subject score instead of GRE General scores, and they are excluded from this analysis, as well. With those caveats, the average of the Quantitative scores for applicants offered admission in Fall 2008 was 768.48. (In Fall 2007, it was 770.17.)

Q121: Are there guidelines for MFM resumes? Where are MFM resumes posted?

A: Yes, we follow the NYU model, see http://www.math.nyu.edu/financial_mathematics/content/04_current/01.html. Some MFM resumes are posted at http://www.math.umn.edu/finmath/current_students/. Also, see Q71 below.

Q122: I'm applying to MFM. Even though MFM is using the online letters system, I have some recommenders who would prefer to send in paper letters. Is there a way to do that?

A: Yes, just make those letters offline by selecting the radio button for this when you create those recommenders. (See also Q35, Q58 and Q67 above).

Q123: I will be working at the University of Minnesota while a student in the MFM program. Can I be exempted from tuition? Searching keywords: employee discount

A: First, like all those wishing to take FM designated courses, you must first be accepted into the MFM program, the one exception being the preparatory course sequence FM 5001/5002. (See Q12 above.)

That said, University faculty and staff are eligible for the Regents scholarship program (which covers tuition) if they have at least a 75% time appointment for the entire semester in which the coursework is taken. The only Regents scholarship provisions for postdocs is Post Doctoral Associate (9546). Other Professionals-in-training appointments do not qualify. The coursework must be for academic credit (A-F or S/N--pass/fail) and the application is approved by the supervisor or responsible departmental administrator.

Policy information restrictions, etc. may be found online at: http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/benefits/tuition/index.html

Q124: What are the minimum graduation requirements from the MFM program? Searching keywords: Minimum GPA, minimum gpa, minimum GPA, MINIMUM GPA

A: The MFM program's graduation requirements are that a student must be able to list FM 5011, FM 5012, FM 5021, FM 5022, FM 5031, FM 5032, FM 5091 and FM 5092 on his or her degree program form. By Graduate School standards, this requires that the student receive a "C-" or better in each of these eight courses. (We hope, and expect, that our students will do better!) Note that the Graduate School may have additional requirements. In particular, they do require a minimum GPA of 2.80 for graduation. (This GPA averages grades only for those courses listed the student's Degree Program Form.) For more information about, this, please contact Graduate Student Services (see Q191 below).

Please note that, with grades below the level of "B", it becomes increasingly difficult to make a strong recommendation for the student who is seeking an internship or job placement.

Q125: I'm applying to the MFM program. The GPA system is not followed in my university. How should I calculate my GPA?

A: GPA calculation is not standardized, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GPA .

The Graduate School asks you to report your own GPA, using your best judgment as to how to put your grades on their 4.0 scales. Many schools not operating on the 4.0 scale offer some guidance about this, but there is not a single answer.

Further questions about this should go to Graduate School Admissions (see Q30 above).

Q126: How does your program differ from an MBA program, from CFA certification and from an FSA?:

A: This program focuses on the mathematics of finance. It involves significantly more graduate-level mathematics than any of the options mentioned in the question.

Q127: I would like information about your admission statistics, your progress statistics, your completion statistics. Also, please give me information about the internships your students have held, and about placement and current location of your graduates. Searching keywords: statistics, current location of grads, how many international, employment record of grads

A: For admission, progress or completion statistics please point to http://www.grad.umn.edu/data/stats/1216500.html and click on "Admissions", "Fall Term Enrollment", "Graduate Student Progress" or "Degrees Conferred".

We had 123 applicants requesting admission in Fall 2009, we offered admission to 95 of them, and we are currently expecting (based on acceptances) an incoming class of 50. We had 151 applicants requesting admission in Fall 2008, we offered admission to 100 of them, and we ended up with an incoming class of 42. (We also had four others who started MFM in Fall 2008 as "Change of Status" from other programs, bringing the total from 42 to 46.) We had 115 applicants requesting admission in Fall 2007, we offered admission to 91 of them, and we ended up with an incoming class of 49.

Some characteristics of the 42 incoming students in Fall 2008: They were 21% female, 74% international and 5% minority. Some characteristics of the 49 incoming students in Fall 2007: They were 27% female, 53% international and 24% minority.

For placement information about our graduates, point to our alumni website, at http://www.math.umn.edu/finmath/Alumni/. Note that we only reveal information as our graduates give us permission, and this detailed information is posted at http://www.math.umn.edu/finmath/Alumni/details.shtml.

Our program is only two years old as of this writing (6 July 2009), and we have only had nine graduates, and we are writing to each of them to collect data. We expect more to graduate by the end of the summer. Many more have completed all the necessary MFM courses, but will continue taking additional coursework in other programs to help bolster their resumes.

(See also Q70, Q104 and Q120 above.)

Q128: What is it like living in Minnesota?

A: It's wonderful.

Of course, a more detailed answer depends a lot on the context of the question. One can find some information by pointing to http://www1.umn.edu/twincities/index.php and clicking on the left sidebar links that read

Arts & Culture, Business & Community, International Resources, Gophersports, News Service.

Another source of information is http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minneapolis-Saint_Paul.

Q129: Could you recommend what classes I should take to enhance my application to the MFM program?

A: This is really a job for a local advisor, since no one here knows you or your school. Moreover, it is really your advisor's prerogative to give such advice, not ours.

At a more general level, though, one of our primary concerns in evaluating applicants is their knowledge of mathematics, and to this end it may help to review Q25 above. Note that that FAQ indicates (at the end) how you can obtain course descriptions of the courses mentioned there. I hope that, with that information in hand, you and your advisor can make good choices.

Q130: I've been (or currently am) a graduate student at the University of Minnesota. Do I need to reapply to the Graduate School to join the MFM program?

A: If you have been registered in the Graduate School, even for a single term, and now wish to enter the MFM program, you need to apply to the Grad School for a Change of Status/Readmission and apply to the MFM program for admission. (See Q131 below.)

We strongly prefer that you do not pursue the MFM degree while you are in another program at the University. (See Q22 above and Q193 below.)

Q131: I'm currently a student at the University of Minnesota, and would like to apply to the MFM program via a Change of Status. How is a Change of Status different from a regular application for admission?

A: First, you must follow the Graduate School's Change of Status procedures, see http://www.grad.umn.edu/current_students/registration/readmission.html .

Second, you will need to have hardcopy letters of recommendation sent directly to the School of Mathematics at the address given in Q51 above. FAX is okay too, see Q48 above.

Third, please submit your Personal Statement by hardcopy, using again the address or FAX number in Q51 and Q48.

Fourth, if you wish to submit a GRE score (either GRE General or GRE Mathematics Subject), you should send copy of the score to the School of Mathematics at the address given in Q51 above. FAX is okay too, see Q48 above. If you are unsure about whether or not you should submit a GRE score, please see Q8 above.

Fifth, you should not have to worry about arranging for transcripts and diplomas, since all that material should be forwarded by the Graduate School to the School of Mathematics, along with your Change of Status application.

Sixth, if you have any questions about special procedures, they should go to Grad School Admissions, and the contact information is in Q30 above.

Seventh, we do ask that you fill out the departmental online application form at http://www.math.umn.edu/finmath/online_application/, but please enter 0 for the field labeled "AY ID".

WARNING: If you make a Change of Status to MFM, you must make MFM your primary plan. You cannot take MFM courses unless MFM is your primary plan. See Q22 above and Q193 below.

Q132: Where is the mathematics building at the University of Minnesota?

A: It's Vincent Hall, and the address is
206 Church St. SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455.

For a map to Vincent Hall, point to http://onestop.umn.edu/Maps/VinH/index.html. Nearest parking is at http://www1.umn.edu/twincities/maps/WashRamp/index.html or http://www1.umn.edu/twincities/maps/ERivRdGar/index.html or http://www1.umn.edu/twincities/maps/4StRamp/index.html.

For a Google Map, click here.

The MFM office is Vincent 262, and Bonny Fleming is in Vincent 127.

Q133: How can I contact One Stop Student Services? Searching keywords: One Stop, onestop, Onestop

A: The contact information is:
         "One Stop"
         http://onestop.umn.edu/
         (612) 624-1111

Q134: What are the University procedures for completing my MFM degree, once all of my coursework is finished? Searching keywords: before graduation before you can graduate

A: Please point to http://www.math.umn.edu/finmath/current_students/degreecompletion.pdf and to http://www.grad.umn.edu/current_students/degree_completion/masters/index.html for information about this. Also note Q116 above and Q135 below.

Q135: I'm planning to graduate MFM soon. When must I submit my Graduate Application for Degree? Searching keywords: before graduation before you can graduate

A: Please see http://www.math.umn.edu/finmath/current_students/degreecompletion.pdf which reads, in part:

Graduate Application for Degree Submit to the Office of the Registrar (200 Fraser Hall/130 Coffey Hall) by the first working day of the intended month of degree completion.

Please see also Q134 and Q116 above.

Q136: Is the MFM program designed for actuaries?

A: Not specifically, though our program was designed to emphasize insurance products, because the Twin Cities area has so much involvement in that industry. Two of our Advisory Board members are FSAs, and one of them teaches a four-week mini-course, as a part of FM 5032, see http://www.math.umn.edu/~garyh/FM5032.html This course teaches the pricing and hedging of modern insurance products.

While some of the material we teach overlaps with some parts of the actuarial exams, we do not offer any direct help in passing those exams.

Q137: I would like access to the prospective employers website http://www.math.umn.edu/finmath/prospective_employers/, but it's password protected. May I see it?

A: Access is restricted to current MFM students and teachers. If you are a current MFM student or teacher, you should have received a username and password, and, if you don't have them, feel free to write to Bonny Fleming, at b-flem@umn.edu, and request them.

Q138: I'm an MFM applicant, and I have an offer from another school, but have not heard yet from MFM. Could I get a quick decision in my case?

A: First, if today is before 15 April and the school participates in the "April 15 resolution" (and most major US universities do), then you should be able to wait until that date. See http://www.cgsnet.org/portals/0/pdf/CGSResolutionMay2009.pdf for the text of the resolution. If the school requesting a decision from you is one of the signers on that website, and if they are requiring a decision before 15 April, you may choose to send us their request, and we will check with the director of the other program, not mentioning you by name.

Our decision timeline is, roughly, as follows: If your applications to both the Math Department and the Graduate School were complete as of 28 February, then you should receive information from us by 31 March. (That information might be acceptance or rejection or the waiting list.) If your applications were not complete by 28 February, then there's no set timeline, though we try to make additional offers in early to mid-April, early to mid-May and early to mid-June. For more information about our timeline, please see Q3 above.

If it appears that you will have to give a response to the other school before hearing from us, then do feel free to write to us hoping for a quick decision, but understand that we may not be able to speed up the process, since (especially during the month of March) we are working as fast as we can, on reviewing applications. We're sorry if this puts you in an awkward position, and will certainly understand if you must accept the other offer, but do at least consider requesting an extension.

Q139: I've been accepted to MFM, but would like to defer the admission to sometime in the future. Can you do that? Searching keywords: deferred admission

A: I'm afraid not. You would have to reapply when you're ready to join. However, in your reapplication, you can mention (e.g., in your personal statement) that you were accepted to the program in an earlier year, and that would certainly be taken into consideration.

Q140: I've have applied, but not been offered admission, to the MFM program. I'll be able to supply you with additional information during the summer, and that additional information may make my application more attractive. Could you offer me conditional admission, conditioned on, e.g., a high score on a certain standardized test? Searching keywords: conditional admission

A: No, presently we don't do that.

Q141: I've have not been offered admission to the MFM program, but I will be living in the Twin Cities area next year and would be interested in attending some of your courses, with plans to reapply. Can I do that?

A: Yes, our preparatory course sequence (FM 5001/5002) is available to you, as a non-degree student. Please see Q12 above for details.

Q142: I applied to MFM, and have been placed on the waiting list. Could you tell me my position on that list? Am I near the top? When can I expect to know if I'm accepted or not?

A: We don't order our waiting list. The problem is that decisions about additional admissions depend on who accepts our offer early. For example, if no professionals working in the Twin Cities area accept before about 10 April, we might decide to make a few more offers to applicants in that group. If, on the other hand, we have plenty of "local" acceptances, but not many from people just graduating from college, we may seek more from that latter group. As a result, there really is no order to our waiting list.

Depending on the rate of acceptances in various categories, we may make another review of waitlisted files near 15 April, and may consider making additional offers at that time. We will also be re-reviewing files in early April, in early May and in early June.

We understand if you cannot wait that long, but do note the "April 15 Resolution", see Q138 above.

Please note that, if you live in the Twin Cities area or are planning on moving here, then, even if you are not accepted, you could consider taking the preparatory course sequence (FM 5001/5002) as a non-degree student, and preparing a new application next year. This would give you a chance to "sample" the program, and would give us a chance to get to know more about you, as well. See Q12 above and Q145 below.

Thanks for your application to our program.

Q143: When can I take the GRE General exam?

A: This is subject to change by the ETS and you should check with them for a definitive answer (using the phone numbers given below, or by going to "Contact Us" within the website given below).

As of this writing (25 March 2008), the GRE general test is offered most places in the US every week Monday through Saturday. Test takers can register at any time subject to the seat availability, and there is no set time for registration. For Computer-based GRE general test registration, point to http://www.ets.org/bin/getprogram.cgi?test=gre or call 1-443-751-4820 or 1-800-473-2255.

Q144: I was unable to register in time to take the GRE Math Subject test before beginning the MFM program. May I take only FM 5091/5092 in my first year, and, during the year, then take the GRE Mathematics Subject Test to see about waving FM 5001/5002?

A: This is a allowed, but carries one serious concern: We now require the GRE Math Subject test as part of the requirements for waiving FM 5001/5002 exactly so that we can let students know, before they begin the program, what all of the course requirements are. If a new student thinks he or she will be able to skip FM 5001/5002 and is told, after starting the program, that it's not allowed, then there is some concern that he or she may feel "baited and switched".

We do not intend to mislead anyone. If you feel that, after starting the program and paying tuition and taking coursework, you would be very unhappy with a late decision that FM 5001/5002 could not be waived, then we strongly recommend waiting, and applying a year later, with a GRE Math Subject score as part of your application.

Q145: If I take FM 5001/5002 as a non-MFM student and do well, does it guarantee me admission to the MFM program?

A: While it's not promised, our operating standard is that MFM applicants receiving "B" or better in FM 5001, and doing well in FM 5002, are offered admission, assuming there are no significant "red-flags" in their application, and assuming that both of their applications (to the Math Department and to the Graduate School) are complete by 28 February, in time for consideration for early admission. (See Q3 above.)

Q146: I'm an MFM instructor. By when must grades be submitted?

A: For all courses, grades must be submitted by 72 hours after the final exam. For FM 5031/5032, the MFM Director (Scot Adams) will calculate and submit grades, based on module grades. Assuming the final is, as usual, on a Wednesday evening, he needs to have all the module grades posted on Moodle by Friday at 2pm, which means that they should be reported to the TA by Friday at noon.

Also, please see Q118 above and Q147 below.

Q147: How can I find out when the final exam will be in a class?

A: Please point to http://onestop.umn.edu/onestop/, scroll down to heading "Calendars" (written in red) in the middle section, and, under that, then click on the link that reads "Final Exams".

Q148: I have a form on which I need the signature of the MFM Director. How can I get the form signed? Searching keywords: forms

A: First, fill out the form, except for the signature. A blank form will not be signed.

Please leave the form with me or with Bonny Fleming, who can give it to me. I will examine it and, if I don't find any difficulties, I will sign it and give it to Bonny Fleming. Please indicate what should be done with the form when it is signed -- the default is that she'll write and ask you to pick it up.

WARNING: I do develop checklists of typical problems on the forms that I sign. For example, for "COURSE DESCRIPTION (FOR F-1 CURRICULAR PRACTICAL TRAINING)" at http://isss.umn.edu/forms/pdf/f1/cpt_application.pdf, I make sure that in the blank after "for course", I see "MATH 8991 - Independent Study", and no other courses.

Q149: Do I have to submit all of my application materials simultaneously, or can I submit different items at different times?

A: You can submit different items at different times and, in fact, that's how most applications arrive; it's difficult to ensure that all letters of recommendation, all standardized test scores and all transcripts arrive at exactly the same time. However, be aware that your application will not be reviewed with in the mathematics department until all required items have arrived. If you want to find out if your application is complete, please see Q1 above.

Q150: I'm an MFM student. Is there an MFM policy about course grading? About incompletes?

A: Each MFM instructor makes his or her own decisions about these matters, but we discourage the use of an incomplete grade as a way of avoiding a poor course grade that's based on poor course performance.

Q151: I'm an MFM instructor. What items should I put on my syllabus?

A: This, in the end is up to you, but we recommend discussing your basic grading policies, office hours, incomplete policy, extra credit policy. You may want to include information about whether exams are open book or closed book, about the amount of allowed interaction between students on work done outside of class and about whether calculators are allowed on exams, and, if so, which kinds.

Q152: I have a serious disagreement with an instructor over a grade (or over another matter). Is there a student dispute resolution center at UMN? Searching keywords: dispute resolution, conflict resolution

A: Yes, please point to http://www.sos.umn.edu/.

If you should, in addition, wish counseling services, please see Q166. See also Q192 below.

Q153: I'm a PhD student in the mathematics department, and I am considering working as the TA for MFM. What would be my main duties?

A: For FM 5001, FM 5002 and FM 5011, the MFM TA grades homework and is responsible for providing solutions to homework problems and exam problems. The teacher for FM 5012 might also ask for similar help.

The MFM TA also tracks grades and keeps evening office hours.

That's the bulk of it. There are no recitations to lead, but there are a several miscellaneous things that might come up here and there.

The MFM TA must be prepared to be available in the evenings, since that's when MFM students are on campus.

Q154: I'm a PhD student in the mathematics department, and I am considering working as the TA for MFM. How much of my TA load would this cover?

A: Serving as an MFM TA is the equivalent of TAing for two regular MATH courses per semester. (See also Q208, Q209, Q210, Q211 and Q212 below.)

Q155: I'm an MFM student. Must I attend every Orientation event?

A: First, note that, while there are many Orientations offered at the University, only the MFM Orienation http://www.math.umn.edu/finmath/orientation/ is required, and it is only required of incoming MFM students. Continuing MFM student (those who were in the program in earlier years) need not attend the Orientation.

Second, for each Orientation event, there is a note indicating whether it is required. See http://www.math.umn.edu/finmath/orientation/ for the Orientation schedule.

Note that most of the required events are on Monday, so, if you're an incoming student you should plan to attend that day, in full. Please do look through other Orientation days, though, so see what else you might need to attend.

Also, do keep in mind that many of the events are intended to help you get to know your classmates, so you may wish to come to a few of those that are not required.

Q156: Please give me a brief description of the MFM program.

A: Perhaps the text in our poster, at http://www.math.umn.edu/finmath/poster/umn_finmath_poster.pdf may be the best response here. It reads:

This Master's level program familiarizes students with the tools needed for high-level mathematical quantitative analysis in finance. Its duration can be as short as one-year, and it includes hands-on experience with financial software and programming. Courses are offered in the evening, for the convenience of working professionals.
The program is housed in the School of Mathematics at the University of Minnesota, a large department with a growing focus on interdisciplinary research and with strong groups in both probability and numerical analysis. Moreover, it also has affiliation with the Minnesota Center for Industrial Mathematics, which has a long successful history of internships and job placement in industry. The finance industry in the Twin Cities is well- developed; see our "Local Industry" website http://www.math.umn.edu/finmath/local_industry/.
We provide a high-quality educational experience, with special emphasis on presentation and the use of technology to expose sophisticated ideas in a down-to-earth way. Our tuition compares favorably with other similar programs. For application and tuition information please visit our website www.math.umn.edu/finmath See www.math.umn.edu/finmath/lectures for our on-line lecture series.
Questions? See www.math.umn.edu/finmath/faq or contact mfmath@umn.edu.

See also Q54 above, for information about how our program differs from other financial engineering programs. See also Q162 below for a short description of the subject of financial mathematics.

Q157: What is the "plan for completion" or "completion plan"? Is it the same as the "degree program form"?

A: They are NOT the same, though they appear on similar looking forms.

The plan for completion (or completion plan) is internal to the MFM program and is not used by the rest of the university. By contrast, the degree program form is used by the Graduate School. The plan for completion can be altered with relative ease; the degree program form is harder to change, and, in some cases, may require students to go through a petition process. Bonny Fleming will help students in preparation of the degree program form, and we typically try to minimize the number of courses appearing, though some care is required if the student is, e.g., seeking a minor in another department. More information on this point (and on other aspects of the degree program form) can be found in Q116 above.

Each student's plan for completion is based on a document that they fill out during Orientation, as they matriculate into the MFM program. It may be changed several times, and each student is responsible for getting permission for changes; usually an email request is sufficient. The plan for completion should indicate, at any given moment, the student's best guess as to which courses they plan to take and when. Each of the MFM required courses must be in the plan. (These are FM 5011/5012, FM 5021/5022, FM 5031/5032 and FM 5091/5092.) Students who are taking the preparatory course sequence (FM 5001/5002) need to include those two courses as well. Finally, students who plan to do a with emphasis option, or to take other additional coursework, should indicate, as best they can, which courses and when.

We request that each student take responsibility, if their plans change, to let us know as soon as possible, so that we may update the completion plan in our files. This is particularly important for international students, since, in some cases ISSS might contact us asking for information about the students plans. If you should provide them with information that contradicts what we say, then some confusion can result.

Q158: I'm not an MFM student, but I'm interested in the program, and am considering applying. May I attend Orientation? Must I attend Orientation if I will be taking MFM courses as a non-degree student?

A: Non-MFM students need not attend any Orientation event.

Our general expectation is that non-MFM students will not attend any Orientation events. However, most of the Orientation is open to the public, and if you have a strong interest in some Orientation events, we're happy to accommodate you as best we can, within limits of space. Do note that the cruise is restricted. We have large rooms for most of the lecture events, but, of course, we could conceivably run out of seats. By contrast, the walk along the Mississippi, and the party at Prestons is open to everyone who wants to attend.

Q159: I'm an undergraduate Mathematics major at the University of Minnesota. Does this guarantee me admission to the MFM program, if I decide to apply?

A: No, it does not. However, while it's not promised, it is our operating standard that undergraduate Mathematics majors at the University of Minnesota

who have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better; and
who receive a positive recommendation to the MFM program from the Mathematics Director of Undergraduate Studies (currently Prof. Larry Gray)

are offered admission, assuming there are no significant "red-flags" in their application, and assuming that both of their applications (to the Math Department and to the Graduate School) are complete by 28 February, in time for consideration for early admission. (See Q3 above.)

We recommend to students that, if they are planning to take advantage of this operating standard, they should talk with the Director of Undergraduate Studies far enough in advance to avoid surprises or disappointments.

Finally, see Q25 above, for undergraduate course recommendations.

Q160: I was recently admitted to the MFM program, and sent in a signed acceptance, but now would like to delay enrollment for a year? Is this possible?

First, we're very sorry to hear that you may not join our program this year, and hope you'll reconsider. During the 2008 recruitment season, we turned away several qualified late applicants, simply because we didn't have space in the program, so we count on those who have sent in a signed acceptance to honor their commitment.

We do not have a mechanism for delaying enrollment. Any MFM student who has not completed MFM requirements (FM 5011/5012, FM 5021/5022, FM 5031/5032 and FM 5091/5092), and who does not take one FM-designated course each fall semester and one more each spring semester, is considered to have dropped out of the program, and typically must apply for readmission (see Q95 above), unless prior arrangements have been made.

Q161: Is a leave of absence from the program possible? Searching keywords: not coming after all, wait a year, leave of absence

A: I'm afraid it's typically not. Any MFM student who has not completed MFM requirements (FM 5011/5012, FM 5021/5022, FM 5031/5032 and FM 5091/5092), and who does not take one FM-designated course each fall semester and one more each spring semester, is considered to have dropped out of the program, and typically must apply for readmission.

In certain situations, permission for a leave might be granted by the Director of MFM, but this would be quite unusual. More typically, the route to restart the program is by readmission. (See Q95 above.)

Q162: Please give me a short description of the subject of financial mathematics (a.k.a. financial engineering or quantitative finance).

A: Point to http://www.math.umn.edu/finmath/faq/descr.shtml. Please send comments or questions to mfmath@umn.edu. See also Q156 above for a brief decscription of our particular program (called MFM).

Q163: What are the main software tools (e.g., MATLAB, C++, etc.) that will be used in MFM courses? Searching keywords: technology recommendations, technical requirements

A: The primary tools we'll be using are MATLAB and C#. In addition, students will need Visual Studio 2008 Professional, since it happens to have some features we will be using. Finally, we will use Excel occasionally, so students should have Microsoft Office.

NOTE: Students can download VS2008 for free: The website http://channel8.msdn.com is run by Microsoft to serve as a download portal. In the upper-right corner of the screen there is a "DreamSpark" link that allows students to download various MS products for free. VS2008 is a disc image (.ISO) and roughly 3.3GB. It is unfortunately somewhat tedious for a user to prove to Microsoft that he or she is indeed a student, so the process is generally protracted, but bear in mind that the retail version runs $800 as of this writing (31 July 2008).

See Q83 above for the corresponding hardware question.

Q164: If I want to find the name and contact information of the current DGS from some department, how do I do it?

A: Point to the current DGS roster, at http://www.grad.umn.edu/faculty_rosters/DGS_roster.html, and scroll down to the department of interest. That will give you the name of the DGS. You can then find contact information using Q166 below.

Q165: How can I find contact information of someone at UMN, assuming I know their name or internet ID? Searching keywords: email address

A: Point to the UMN search website http://search.umn.edu/ and fill in the information you know about them.