FAQ

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Eligibility

I don't understand the phrase "preference may be given to faculty who are in their first four years of full-time teaching at this level."

AMATYC Project ACCCESS is designed to serve faculty who are in their first four years of permanent, full-time employment at a community college, technical college, other associate-degree granting institution, or institution where you are teaching mathematics in the first two years of college. However, any faculty who feel that they would benefit from the professional development offered at Project ACCCESS are welcome to apply.

 

I've taught part time at a community college for several years, but just recently got a tenure-track position.  Am I eligible?

There is no limit on the number of years you may have spent as a part-time or adjunct professor.  The four year limit refers only to full-time, permanent positions.

I've been a full time, tenured teacher at the high school level for more than three years, and have taught a lot of the courses that are taught at a two year college.  Am I eligible?

If your full-time position was at an institution other than a community college, then you are still eligible.  Teaching time spent at high schools or baccalaureate-granting institutions does not count against the four-year limit.
 
Application Process

By when do I need apply?

For priority consideration, applications must be received by April 15 in the year for which you are applying; the application window closes on April 30.

What do I have to do to apply?

What should I include in my one-page vita?

An important role of your one-page vita is to tell us your education and employment history in a succinct format so that we don't have to piece it together from your personal statement.  This helps in determining if you meet the eligibility requirements for AMATYC Project ACCCESS.  In addition, we're interested in whatever else you consider important leadership experience, professional affiliations, etc.

What are you looking for in my personal statement?

Your two-page (maximum) personal statement is an opportunity for you to tell us a bit about yourself, what is important to you, and how you view your role as a teacher and professional.  Broad philosophical statements are most helpful when accompanied by concrete illustrations and examples. 

What are you looking for in the letter of support from my institution?

Because we don't want Fellows to drop out of the program due to a lack of  professional development funds, the first thing we look for in the letter of support is a firm and clearly-stated institutional commitment to pay that portion of the applicant's  expenses that are not covered by AMATYC Project ACCCESS.  We also are interested in knowing how the applicant's participation in AMATYC Project ACCCESS would contribute to the department's goals and about its potential effect on the department as a whole.

When will I learn if I've been accepted?

We will contact all applicants no later than May 15th.  On your application cover sheet, please give us both a mailing address and a working e-mail address.  If you'll be away from home in July, be sure to give us secondary contact information.  Then please check your e-mail regularly during July.   

Once I get an acceptance letter does that mean I'm all set?

NO.  In order to assure inclusion in the program, we need to hear back from you, accepting the terms of your appointment, by another deadline that will be given in the acceptance letter.  Due to deadlines for conference registration and housing, if we don't hear from you by that date you will likely lose your spot.
 
Participation

I want to participate in AMATYC Project ACCCESS but previous commitments mean I will need to miss a half day of the first AMATYC conference.  That's okay isn't it?

Unfortunately, the program is very integrated, and missing any component, be it part of an AMATYC conference or part of the other conference you choose to attend (AMATYC affiliate meeting, MAA Section meeting, or NCTM regional meeting), is not permitted.  Although we understand that last minute emergencies do occur, you should not schedule anything that will prevent you from attending all Project ACCCESS activities.

When does AMATYC Project ACCCESS begin?

Conversations through a dedicated electronic network will begin by early August 2025.  Your first AMATYC Project ACCCESS meeting is the AMATYC conference in Reno.  Your first session will be that Wednesday night.  You'll need to plan your arrival so that you can participate in this session.

Can my spouse come to the AMATYC conferences with me?

AMATYC Project ACCCESS activities at the national AMATYC conferences leave little free time to spend with spouses, friends, children, or even other math colleagues.   In addition, we have a "Fellows only" policy for attendance at ACCCESS program elements, meals and sponsored social activities, so coming with a spouse is very problematic.  See also What does double occupancy mean?

What does double occupancy mean?

AMATYC Project ACCCESS Fellows are assigned two to each hotel room for their two conferences as Fellows.
 
Costs

How much does AMATYC Project ACCCESS cost?

There are no direct costs to Fellows for participation in Project activities.  Costs associated with attending the three required meetings are shared by the Project and the Fellow's college. 

What costs does AMATYC Project ACCCESS cover?

The cost is shared by the participant's home institution and AMATYC.

The cost is shared by the participant's home institution and the AMATYC Foundation. AMATYC will provide funding for four nights of lodging (double occupancy) in Reno, registration for the Reno conference, four nights of lodging (double occupancy) in Philadelphia, registration for the Philadelphia conference and select meals at both conferences.

About how much will this cost my college?

We estimate that the total institutional commitment will be approximately $2,000 spread over the two years of the Fellowship.  Assurances of institutional support and eligibility are of critical importance in the acceptance process.

Benefits

In addition, AMATYC Project ACCCESS Fellows participate in an electronic network with each other and with a distinguished group of mathematics educators for the duration of the Project.  Less concrete, but no less valuable, Fellows become part of an energetic, talented group of colleagues that can serve as a resource throughout their career.