Connor Detlefsen
Lantern Staff
The slightest mention of math is known to cause a few screams here and there, but the newest Developmental Math Program Coordinator Laurie Bruce wants to ease those fears. Bruce was hired on Tuesday, Jan. 17 and is actively making a difference in coordination with other faculty to Butler’s Math Department.
As the Developmental Math Program coordinator, her job is the creation of additions or improvements to Butler’s math programs. As of now, the faculty are working on some new changes to the math department that would make all math classes more student friendly.
Bruce described the addition of the modules saying, “it lets students earn as they learn.”
These new modules are one credit hour each, breaking up some classes into more comprehensive bits.
“The whole system allows you to earn credits as you learn,” Bruce said.
These modules might be subject to change, but as they stand now, they would break into five week sections and after the completion of a test, a student would earn that one credit. The modules plan on being more student friendly and allow students, if they fail, to pick right off from where they passed.
Bruce has a deep compassion for Butler having once graduated from this exact school herself.
“I don’t want any students to feel like they have been left,” Bruce said.
She explained some of the reasoning behind the new changes.
“The main inspiration behind the new modules was to save students time and money,” Bruce said.
Following that theme, there will also be changes to how textbooks and online codes are purchased. Bruce described the codes being a one-time purchase now and will potentially be less expensive. In addition to this, there will also be improvements to the math labs, which means more one on one, time for students.
The only downside to the changes, which are projected to be made in fall, are that students will have to test before taking a class to ensure that the course is appropriate for them. Students will also have to consult with advisors and will not be able to sign up for math classes online for the initial change.
Bruce also wanted to note that the whole department faculty has been involved in the changes and would like to personally credit Professor of Mathematics Bethany Chandler for playing a big part in these changes.
Bruce has been married for 24 years and has two sons, one of which has graduated from Butler. Bruce also owns a small farm, which she plans to expand and raise animals. Bruce is compassionate about nearly everything around her, which makes her a perfect match for Butler’s faculty.
