Professors say the department is also working to recruit more female professors. It recently hired two women assistant professors, Schmid says.

"In recent years, we've tried two attempts to get women on the tenured faculty," Bott says. "We're always on the lookout for opportunities in this direction."

Female concentrators applaud the department's efforts, though some said wish the efforts were more effective in attracting students and professors.

"I think they do a lot," says concentrator Sulian M. Tay '95. "They bend over backwards."

For those women who do concentrate in math, the department is welcoming and comfortable, students say.

"All the professors I've had have been really encouraging and accessible," says Julianna S. Tymoczko '97.

And several say they see progress.

"I feel like the math department has done a lot for women," says Moon R. Duchin '97. "I like being a woman in the math department. It's not as oppressive as it's painted to be.