Directed Reading Program Fall 2025
What is it? The Directed Reading Program (DRP) in the UW Madison Department of Mathematics pairs undergraduate students with graduate mentors for semester-long independent studies. During the semester, the student will work through a mathematical text and meet weekly to discuss it with their mentor. The original DRP was started by graduate students at the University of Chicago over a decade ago, and has had immense success. It has since spread to many other math departments who are members of the DRP Network.
Why be a student?
- Learn about exciting math from outside the mainstream curriculum!
- Prepare for future reading and research, including REUs!
- Meet other students interested in math!
Why be a mentor?
- Practice your mentorship skills!
- It strengthens our math community!
- Solidify your knowledge in a subject!
Current Organizers: Ivan Aidun, Ari Davidovsky, Jake Fiedler, John Spoerl
Requirements
At least one hour per week spent in a mentor/mentee setting. Students spend two to four hours a week on individual study, outside of mentor/mentee meetings. At the end, students give a 10-12 minute presentation at the end of the semester introducing their topic. This semester, presentations will be Wednesday, December 3rd.
Applications
Mentor Applications here: (https://forms.gle/QWkNbw5CdCwNBwe46). Application closes Wednesday, September 3rd at 11:59pm.
You can find examples of past projects from the DRP main page.
Students:
Application Coming Soon
Questions?
Contact us at drp-organizers@g-groups.wisc.edu