Q: Who are the people in the department that can help me out the most?

This webpage, http://www.math.nyu.edu/staff_contact_information.html, is probably the best place to look for this information. It's updated the most frequently. However if you're unsure of who to see your first contact point for most inquiries should be Tamar Arnon for PhD and Masters in Math students, and Melissa Kushner for Math Finance and non-degree students.

Q: When should I arrive in the city?

The fixed dates vary from year to year. Usually you have to be here in time for certain orientations run by the graduate school. As a general rule though the earlier you can get here the better. The start of the school year is always busy and the more you can spread out the work you have to get done the easier it is. That being said it's often difficult for people to get here early due to a lack of housing.

Q: When I first arrive in the city and at the department, who should I go see?

Math Finance and non-degree students should see Melissa Kushner in Room 622. PhD and Masters in Math students should see Tamar Arnon in Room 623. In general they'll deluge you with more info than you can handle, but specifically they'll get you access to the computers and your e-mail account, tell you where your office is (if you get one), and answer any questions you may have.

Q: Are there any orientation sessions at the beginning of the year?

Tons! For the first few weeks you'll probably spend more time in orientations than in class. Some are held by the math department and others by GSAS. A partial list includes:

• Courant Orientation for incoming PhD and interested Masters in Math students,
• Math Finance orientation for new students,
• Payroll and teaching orientations for students who teach,
• GSAS orientation and workshop for graduate students who will be teaching
• International student orientation, with extra workshops for students whose native language is not English.

Q: Are there any receptions planned for incoming students?

Every year there's a wide variety of welcoming events for incoming students. Most are well-catered and should therefore be taken full advantage of. Some examples are:

• A Courant incoming student reception for Masters in Math and PhD students held in mid-September,
• A welcoming reception for Masters in Math Finance students,
• A post-doc wine and cheese which provides a good opportunity to meet some of the post-docs, not to mention the wine and cheese,
• GSAS wine and cheese party for new students, usually held in Silver Center,
• Dean's reception for new PhD students. In the past Courant has been well represented at this affair.

More detailed information about these events will arrive in your e-mail.

Q: Where can I find a list of courses being offered by the department?

The best source is the department webpage where the course listings are constantly updated.

Q: How do I register for courses?

Online through Albert. Login to your NYUHome account and click on the Academics tab. Then on the left hand side you can login to Albert. From this point on the registration process is fairly self-explanatory. You may need the call numbers for the courses you'd like to register for, those can be found on the Math Department courses webpage. In addition some classes (like Stochastic Calculus) need a special code to register. See Tamar Arnon or Melissa Kushner for those.

Q: How much time do I have to register for courses?

It varies from semester to semester and you should always check with Albert for the exact dates. But as a rough guide you have about three weeks from the start of classes to get yourself registered. Be wary of the nonreturnable registration and services fee per unit after first unit here (2012 link)

Q: Where can I get more information about registration?

Each semester Tamar and Melissa place a wide variety of informative documents in the hallway outside their offices on 6th floor. Swing on by and pick up whatever interests you. Most of it is also available online.

Q: For PhD students, is registration different once I'm past my oral exams?

Somewhat. Once you're past your orals the number of courses you're allowed to take can vary from person to person and semester to semester. Therefore it's a good idea to see Tamar BEFORE registering each semester.

Q: For PhD students, what's the department's policy on special topics courses and PhD research classes?

Until students have completed 72 credits of coursework they are only allowed to take a maximum of 4 PhD research courses. The rest must be filled with "regular" classes or, preferrably, special topics classes. After 72 credits, if you can still take classes (and not all people can, see Tamar about this) you're allowed to take as many research classes as you wish.

Q: For PhD students, how many credits of coursework must I have to finish my degree?

The answer is 72, and at three credits per course this works out to 24 courses over the life of the PhD. To maintain full-time status before you finish your 72 you must be enrolled for 12 credits each semester, or be enrolled for 9 credits and get full-time equivalency from Tamar. Once you complete 72 credits you may be allowed to enroll for more (see Tamar to find out if you are), but if not you'll end up enrolling for maintenance of matriculation. It's good to talk to Tamar about this sometime towards the end of your third year or beginning of your fourth so you don't end up taking too many credits and getting into a mess with the registrar.

Q: For PhD students, can I register for more than 12 credits in a semester?

If you are funded by MacCracken, do not register for more than 12 credits (the funding does not cover more). You are free to sit in on any classes you want, however. Please see Tamar for more information.

Q: Where can I find out more about the Written Comprehensive Examinations?

Through the math department's general description of the Written Comprehensive Examinations.

Q: How do I sign up to take the writtens exams?

See Tamar Arnon in Room 623.

Q: What's a good way to study for the written exams?

Do lots of practice problems! There's absolutely nothing better that you can do. Tamar maintains a book of old exams, see her for a copy and try and do every last problem. Another good source is the book Berkeley Problems in Mathematics. And try to study with other people too, it makes the experience that much more bearable.

The department also offers a writtens exams workshop each semester. See the schedule for the exact time and location.

Q: Where can I find written-up solutions of old exam problems?

A wiki has been started (Evan Chou summer 2009) where students can share worked-out solutions to old exam problems.

Q: Who has to take the Oral Exams?

All math PhD students at the end of two years of full-time study.

Q: Where can I find more info on the Oral Exams?

The best and most official source is on the department webpage, available here.

Q: Is there a list of questions that have been previously asked on the orals?

Yes there is! The Orals Previously Asked Question List is hosted on this webpage, and documents many of the questions that have been asked in the past. Everything has been moved to the wiki, and a link is there. On the wiki there are some submitted orals transcripts as well, which you can feel free to contribute to give others an idea of what the atmosphere is like / question flow.

In addition to this Tamar maintains a list of topics that are covered on the generals portion of the orals. Please see her for a copy.

Q: How do I sign up to take the oral exams?

See Tamar Arnon in Room 623.

Q:What's a good way to study for the oral exams?

There's a number of things you can do, beyond the simplest answer of just studying your ass off. Try and:

• Get together with other students and practice quizzing each other
• Go over the list of Previously Asked Questions to get an idea of the typical questions that are asked
• Three or four weeks beforehand ask faculty to practice with a group of students. Most will be glad to do so
• Hold practice sessions with your advisor
• Relax a little bit beforehand. Freaking out over these exams isn't going to help.

Q: Where is the CIMS library?

On the 12th floor of Warren Weaver Hall.

Q: Where can I find more information on the CIMS library?

You can always go ask the staff in person, or another good source is the library webpage. Here you can find out about the library's hours, new books, and a list of journals the department subscribes to, among other things.

Q: Can I drop off books after hours?

Yes, there's a drop-off box located on the 12th floor just after you get off the elevators.

Q: Where can I get a textbook for the course I'm TAing/teaching?

See Joan Randolph in Room 627. You can sign out a copy of the book from her, but of course you have to return it at the end of the semester.

Q: Where can I get chalk for my recitations?

See Larry Cohen in Room 819. Or just swipe it from another classroom.

Q: Who can I turn to if I have questions about teaching?

Beth Markowitz in Room 626 is the best source. She's the guru on all matters undergraduate.

Q: How can I get someone to evaluate my teaching skills for me?

NYU's Center for Teaching Excellence offers exactly this service. Give them a few weeks notice and they'll arrange for one of their helpful staff to come observe your recitation or course and offer constructive criticism afterwards. They can also videotape the lecture so you can watch your own performance and survey your students to find out what they like and dislike about your teaching methods. See their website for more information. For the past few years the department has required that all first-year instructors contact the CTE for a teaching evaluation.

Q: Is it possible to reserve classroom space in Warren Weaver Hall?

Yes, just visit the CIMS Classroom Calendar to view the schedule for each of the classrooms. Once you've found a time slot and location you like, just e-mail Jude Ali and he'll book it for you.

Q: What should I do if I have to miss class one day?

Arrange for someone else to cover the class for you. In the event of an emergency call Joan or Vikki between 9 AM and 5:30 PM at 8-3005.

Q: How do I know if classes have been cancelled due to inclement weather or other emergencies?

This information is available from a number of different sources

• Recorded Phone Message: (212) 998-1220
• University Protection Services: (212) 998-2222
• Radio Stations: AM 710, 1010, 880; FM 107.5, 99.5
• TV: NY1 or any other local station
• Internet: www.worschoolclosings.info

Q: Who's responsible for coming up with the teaching assignments?

For undergraduate courses it's Beth Markowitz in Room 626, and for graduate courses, including the Math Finance ones, it's Tamar Arnon in Room 623 and Sue Taylor in 618. If there's a course you'd really like to teach you can talk to one of them nicely and they'll do what they can to accomodate you.

Q: When are teaching assignments made?

Usually the assignments are drawn up months in advance so students are given ample opportunity to request changes. Finalized assignments aren't made until just before the term starts.

Q: How do I know which classroom I'm teaching in?

Sue Taylor will e-mail you that information before the term starts. It might be wise to double check the room assignment online through Albert, as sometimes NYU switches rooms without notifying the department.

Q: Where can I get a list of the students in my class?

You can get a list of students in your class from ALBERT's Faculty Center. Alternatively, you can use Blackboard which allows you to set up a course homepage for the recitation/course you're teaching. It provides a constantly updated student list, including all of their e-mail addresses. There's many other features and tools available that make the whole system quite useful for managing a course.

Q: What can I do in the summer?

Whatever you want! Some of the more standard opportunities include:

• Doing research under the direction of your advisor,
• Seeking an internship at a government lab; Tamar maintains a list of annual positions,
• Getting an internship with one of the city's financial institutions. Melissa can help with this,
• There are a limited number of teaching positions available through the department. Tamar and Vikki will ask who's interested in April and send out finalized assignments in early May,
• Just relax!

Q: How can I get access to the NYU gyms in summer?

By default since you're not registered for courses in the summer your NYUCard will not let you into Coles or Palladium, and the staff will tell you that you have to pay for summer access. However, by emailing "neyda (dot) gutierrez (at) nyu (dot) edu", who is responsible for the science students in GSAS, and asking her to grant you "maintenance of matriculation" you'll be able to get back into the gyms. As of 2012 however, this policy was changed to having to buy the membership and obtaining reimbursement by submitting the receipt to Neyda. Check near the summer to see if the policy has changed.

Q: Who should supported students see about payroll matters?

Karen Micallef in Room 806. Her extension is 8-3226, and she maintains an excellent webpage with lots of payroll info. It's available here, but you have to be on a CIMS machine to view the page .

Q: Where can I pick up my paychecks from?

There's a designated office for picking up bi-weekly paychecks but its location varies. To find out where exactly see Karen Micallef in Room 806 or check the payroll webpage. Note that even if you use direct deposit to get paid there's still a pay stub for you to pick up every two weeks.

Q: As an international student can I get a Social Security Number? If so where do I get it from?

Your best source for this information is the Office of International Students and Scholars. However the rough answer is yes if you're allowed to legally work in the United States (for most people this means you're paid by NYU). The OISS will issue you a letter certifying that you're entitled to work, and you take this and your passport to a Social Security office where they'll process your application. You won't get the number that day but they'll give you a receipt which banks and NYU will accept as proof that you've applied. A hint for people living in Stuyvesant Town: there's a Social Security office on East 12th Street between Avenues B and C.

Q: What's the best source of information about computing at CIMS?

Luckily we're blessed with two excellent webpages that detail everything you'd ever need to know about the computers. The first is Computing Resources at Courant maintained by Andy Howell and his crack team on the 10th floor. The second page is maintained by the Math Computer Consultant, a math grad student who acts as a liaison between students and the computer guys and compiles computer needs/complaints/suggestions. Between these two sources you should be able to solve all your computer problems, so to prevent unnecessary duplication this document will deal with computing issues in a very limited manner.

Q: How do I get a username and password to get on the computers at Courant?

See Tamar Arnon in Room 623. She'll hook you up.

Q: How can I change my password?

Login to one of the SUN machines, open a terminal window and type in "passwd". You'll be prompted to type your old password once and your new password twice.

Q: Can I do remote logins and file transfers from machines outside of the Institute?

Yes, but you must have a secure program to do this. The Courant Computing Resources page has a list of many of these free programs that are available for download.

Q: Can I hook my own laptop up to the CIMS network?

Yes, anyone with an NYU NetID can do this but you have to apply for access with NYU's Information Technology Services. See the section entitled DCHP Wired Access on the Network Access page for further help.

Q: Is there wireless access in the building?

Yes. See the Network Access page on the Computing Resources at Courant site for more info.

Q: Where are computer labs in the building?

See here.

Q: Does the university have other computer labs I can use?

As a matter of fact it does. The nearest ones are in the basement of Tisch Hall and another at 14 Washington Place. They're Windows and Mac platforms and contain some software not available at CIMS. The ITS Labs Directory has a list of all the available labs. Information Technology Services' website has excellent information on computing issues relating to your NYU NetID.

Q: Does the university have a scanner?

Yes. For instance, on the sixth floor (perhaps there are other machines like it), here is how you can scan something to your home directory:

1. Login to the machine, hit the 'Scanner' button.
2. Look for the 'Folder' tab.
3. Hit the 'Prg. Dest.' button. You will then enter the settings once and save them so this only needs to be done once.
• Go to the 'Auth. Info' tab , hit the down arrow (second page), and switch the method (there is a button). It will ask for a User name and Password. This is the one from CIMS.
• Now go to the 'Folder' tab, and for the URL, type 'sam.cims.nyu.edu\[cims-user-name]' (mind to backslash).
• Do a connection Test (button), and it should succeed.
• Now save (press Ok), give it a name (any name is fine), and now, every time you go to the 'Folder' tab you should see a box that you can press to load these settings.
4. Now you can place your pages face up on the top tray and press the start button. (There is a setting for double-sided scanning as well on the left side)
5. It will now show up in your home folder as a number.pdf, of the form YYYYMMDDTTTTT.pdf (something like that)

Q: How do I get a CIMS e-mail address?

It comes with a computer account. If you don't know your username and e-mail address see Tamar Arnon in Room 623 or Melissa Kushner in Room 622.

Q: Is it important that I check my CIMS e-mail?

Crucially so. All official CIMS correspondence, including course announcements, seminar dates, teaching schedules, and information on important meetings will be sent to your CIMS address. If you don't want to use your CIMS e-mail you should at least have it forwarded to another account that you do use. It's your responsibility to do so.

Q: What if I don't like the name of my CIMS address?

All CIMS accounts are automatically given an e-mail alias of the form "firstname.lastname@cims.nyu.edu" which you can alternatively use. To find out exactly what your first name and last name for this address is, just type the "finger" command into a terminal window and the information will be displayed. If you really don't like the name of your CIMS e-mail address you can e-mail comment@cims and they may change it for you.

Q: What's a good program for accessing my e-mail?

On the SUN machines Mutt, Pine and Elm are good choices. However your best source for finding this out is at the CIMS Computing Resources page or from the Math Computer Consultant. For e-mail access away from the Institute you can remotely login using a secure shell, or there's webmail available at webmail.cims.nyu.edu.

Q: Is there a way I can send out mass e-mails to entire groups of CIMS people?

There are e-mail addresses you can write to that forward your message to everyone at CIMS, or just students at CIMS (includes masters, nondegree, graduate students), or just mathdoc at CIMS (includes Phd students only). Before using these addresses be reasonably sure that a relatively large number of people actually want to hear what you have to say.

Q: What other e-mail addresses do I have?

All students are given a separate "@nyu.edu" e-mail account. The address is your NetID which can be found on your ID card. It's activated by going through NYUHome. This address is where e-mail from higher ups like the president and deans is usually sent, along with library notices and the like. This e-mail can also be forwarded to another account if you like.

Q: What are some good mailing lists to join?

There are a number of mailing lists that can keep you informed of events all over campus. A comprehensive listing of them can be found from the NYUHome page. Some particular ones that may interest you are:

• fun-at-cims: Maintained by the Courant Student Organization it keeps Courant students aware of athletic and entertainment activities being planned by other students
• src-gradlife: A list for NYU grad students; once or twice a semester it sends out an invitation to all grad students for a party at a local bar with cheap booze and free food
• ticket-central: NYU's Ticket Central sells cheap tickets to Broadway shows, baseball games, movies and other events throughout the city at discounted prices
• oiss-clients: Info for international students from the Office of International Students and Scholars

Q: Who's in charge of mail services?

That would be the fabulous Larry Cohen in Room 819 of Warren Weaver Hall. He's the man to see about incoming and outgoing packages.

Q: How do I get a mailbox?

PhD students and full-time Masters students get mailboxes on the first floor, in the giant black shelves behind the guard. They're arranged alphabetically by last name.

Q: How does the interoffice mail work?

NYU mail services can deliver papers for you around the entire university. The interoffice mail envelopes are available from Larry Cohen in Room 819, and if extra ones start to pile up in your office he appreciates them being returned. The drop-off box for interoffice mail is right next to the Mercer Street entrance to the building.

Q: Can I have UPS/FedEx/DHL packages delivered to the Institute?

Yes. Larry will sign for them and they'll be stored in Room 819. A delivery notification slip will be placed in your mailbox and you can then pick up the package. Please do so as soon as possible to help keep Larry's office uncluttered. Also, when having packages sent to the building tell the shipper your office number so Larry can be sure of the intended recipient.

If you have something especially important coming in it's a good idea to notify Larry of it beforehand to reduce the chance of it being lost. Finaly, keeping your contact info up to date in the directory ensures the succesful delivery of most packages.

Q: What should I do if I want to send out packages?

It might be a good idea to see Larry Cohen in room 819 first, especially if the package is intended for overseas and requires customs tags, or is heavy (over one pound).

Q: What should I do about my mail if I'm going to be away?

Please arrange for somebody else to pick it up from your mailbox and store it for you.

Q: Is my mail safe downstairs?

Relatively so, but in the past things have gone missing from the mailboxes so try to retrieve your mail as frequently as possible.

Q: Is there a US Mail drop-off in the building?

No. The closest mailbox is on Broadway and West 4th, right outside of Tower Records.

Q: Where can I find a photocopier?

Photocopying for CIMS related purposes can be done free of charge throughout the building. Each floor should have a basic copy machine. Some are in the open whereas others are behind locked doors, and some require a copy code (see Tamar if you think you really need one). Other students are the best source of info for finding the machines. For more complicated jobs see Larry Cohen in Room 819 who, with his fancy copying machine, can do pretty much anything. Just try to give him 24 hours advance notice of what you need done (there's "Job Request" slips to fill out in his office).

Q: What should I do if a photocopier requires toner, paper or servicing?

Notify Larry Cohen as soon as possible. This way he can have the machines ready to go for the off-hours.

Q: Where is there a fax machine I can use?

Faxing for CIMS related purposes can be done by Larry in Room 819. Most of the floor secretaries (a list is available in the CIMS directory) can do it for you too if you ask nicely. For personal faxes there are a number of private businesses around that offer the service; for example there's Unique Copy Center on Greene Street and Waverly Place.

Q: Where can incoming faxes be sent to?

Your best bet is to send them to Larry Cohen in Room 819. The extension is 5-4121. Please make sure the intended recipient is clearly labelled so Larry can deliver the message to the correct person.

Q: Where can I find office supplies like stationery or envelopes?

Stationery and envelopes with the Courant letterhead and address can be obtained from Larry Cohen in Room 819. The floor secretaries also have small stashes. These materials should only be used for official CIMS business.

Q: What can I do if I'm locked out of my office?

During the weekdays there's a floor secretary available for each floor that can let you in. A list of them is available in the CIMS directory. In off hours the guard downstairs will let you in, but first they'll want to make sure you belong in that office. Hence the importance of keeping your contact info updated in the directory.

Q: What should I do if I lose my office keys?

See Jude Ali in Room 820, he'll get you a new set.

Q: How the hell do I close the window in my office?

The floor secretaries have giant suction cup devices that latch onto the window and make it very easy to pull them shut. The guard downstairs should also have one for off-hours use. It's been proposed, but never tested, that with four of these suction cups one could scale the outside of the building much like Spider-Man.

Q: What's the deal with the old and uncomfortable furniture in my office?

Office furniture is being replaced in spurts. If you have a particularly bad chair that you'd like replaced, talk to Jude Ali in Room 820.

Q: Is theft from offices a problem?

For the most part it's not, but things have been known to go missing. In the last few years there's been at least one incident involving a missing discman. It's a good idea to keep your door locked when nobody is in the office.

Q: In the event of an emergency can 911 be reached from my office?

Yes, but you have to dial 9 first to get an outside line.

Q: What's the best source of information about the building?

That would be the CIMS directory. It contains information on mail services, office services, the library, and various faculty committees, as well as contact information for everyone in the building. A paper copy can be obtained from Larry Cohen in Room 819. It is very important that you keep your contact information up to date in the directory.

Q: How do I find somebody's phone number or e-mail address?

Look it up in the CIMS directory, a paper copy of which can be retrieved from Larry in Room 819.

Q: Is it possible to reserve lounge/classroom space in the building?

Yes, just visit the CIMS Classroom Calendar to view the schedule for each of the classrooms. Once you've found a time slot and location you like, just e-mail Jude Ali and he'll book it for you.

Q: To whom should I report needed repairs such as leaky faucets, burnt-out light bulbs, etc.?

Call the building office at extension 8-1001, or contact Jude Ali in Room 820. You can also e-mail m&o.helpdesk@nyu.edu and tell them where you are and what you need.

Q: Where's a good place to hang out in the building?

The 13th floor lounge of course! It's a great place to have lunch, do homework, grade exams, nap on the couches or get something to eat. The snack bar is open on weekdays until 4:30, and there's filtered water, hot water and a microwave available. In addition to this and sweeping views of the city the lounge also offers a piano for the musically inclined, which can be used to keep students in the 1302 classroom awake.

Q: Is there an on-campus meal plan to take advantage of as a graduate student?

Yes, and there is a nice discount for the meal plan. It can be used in any of the many dining halls on campus (information here). To sign up go here. Take care to note that 'dining dollars' is not the same thing as 'campus cash' and can only be used in certain locations (for instance, the on-campus Starbucks).

Q: Is fun allowed in the math department?

Of course! It's an extremely fun place to be, and quite frankly if you're not having fun you're working too damn hard.

Q: How exactly is the department fun?

First of all it's a very relaxed atmosphere. No one takes themselves too seriously and everyone is very friendly. As much as the students are committed to their studies they also like kick back and enjoy life. Some specific examples of fun activities include:

• A weekly Happy Hour at one of the neighbourhood's drinking establishments
• In December a holiday party in the 13th floor lounge with good food and dancing
• Breakfast Club every week, featuring free bagels and light conversation
• Music at CIMS in the 13th floor lounge
• Weekly grad student tea featuring all sorts of sandwiches, cookies, pastries, cakes, and other scrumptious items. Tea too.

Of course all this fun doesn't organize itself. It requires a constant supply of steadfast volunteers to keep it going. So when the call goes out for help with these activities consider lending a hand. Or, if you have ideas for other events that might be fun take the initiative and organize them yourselves.

Q: How do I find out about all this fun?

The best way is by word of mouth. Announcements are sometimes posted around the building too. Another good source is the fun-at-cims mailing list, which keeps students informed about various events and gives them the opportunity to find others with similar interests. In the past it's been used to organize athletics teams, music outings, chess tournaments, etc. Join up and you can have the fun delivered right to your e-mail address!

Q: This town is fun but also expensive. Is there a way that poor students can entertain themselves cheaply?

As a matter of fact there is! NYU Ticket Central is the university's clearinghouse for discounted tickets to a wide variety of attractions. Anyone with a valid NYU ID can take advantage of this service and enjoy the best the city has to offer at reduced rates. Tickets are made available for Broadway shows, baseball games, Philharmonic concerts, etc., and they also have sell vouchers for cheap movies, Double Decker Bus Tours and the CityPass. They also have a comprehensive listing of free events throughout the city. The best way to stay informed of their fantastic deals is to join the mailing list by sending a blank e-mail to join-ticket-central@forums.nyu.edu.

Outside of NYU there are many other excellent sources:

• Village Voice, a free weekly publication available at newsboxes everywhere,
• Time Out New York, a weekly magazine listing events throughout the city,
• New York Times has all the news that fits to print, including city happenings.

Q: Where around CIMS is a good place to see a movie?

There's theaters all around. There's one in Union Square, another on Third Avenue and 11th Street, independent films three blocks south of Courant at the Angelika Film Center on Mercer and Houston, and much more. Vouchers for cheap tickets can be purchased at NYU Ticket Central. NYU's own Cantor Film Center on East 8th Street and University Place also offers cheap flicks.