The University of West Florida Department of Mathematics and Statistics recently hosted Florida Math Days, a monthlong series designed to strengthen mathematical culture on campus and engage students of all majors in analytical problem-solving.
Supported by a High-Impact Practices grant, the department partnered with the UWF Math Association to offer three two-hour problem-solving sessions leading up to the annual Math Day Competition. The event, designated as a Common Intellectual Experience HIP, drew 45 student participants, with at least 26 students attending every session.
Florida Math Days emphasizes community building, teamwork and the development of analytical skills. Students work in groups, socialize and tackle logic-based problems that rely on basic algebra and reasoning rather than memorization. Throughout the month, they learn a wide range of mathematical techniques, including counting, probability, algebra, geometry and number theory, to apply in coursework and future careers. In addition to growing students’ confidence in mathematical reasoning, Florida Math Days encourages participants to be self-directed learners. Students are expected to devise strategies, break down complex tasks, discuss approaches with peers and articulate their solutions in writing — skills that mirror expectations in upper-level coursework and professional environments.
“Most students think mathematics is about repetition, but problem-solving is at the heart of the discipline,” said Jorge Flores, event organizer and lecturer in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. “Florida Math Days encourages students to think creatively, collaborate and take ownership of their learning.”
The culminating Math Day Competition was held Saturday, Nov. 1, and featured a two-hour exam with six problems similar to those practiced during the problem-solving sessions. Students demonstrated strong performance across the board, with a highly competitive field for the top score.
Two students emerged as winners of the 2025 competition, receiving certificates recognizing their exemplary performance:
Orion Fritz, a junior from Saint Petersburg, Florida, with a major in mathematics and minor in computer science.
Geru Mejia, a sophomore from Lima, Peru, majoring in mathematics.
Florida Math Days remains UWF’s only mathematics competition for UWF students, making it a unique experience that blends community, collaboration and high-level problem-solving in a supportive environment.
For more information about the UWF Department of Mathematics and Statistics, visit uwf.edu/mathstat. For questions about Florida Math Days, contact Jorge Flores at jfloresmatute@uwf.edu or 308.430.8273.