Joint Faculty/Student Publications in Mathematics
Authors:
The list of authors of a work of mathematics should consist of those who made a significant contribution to the mathematics in the work. The one possible exception is that thesis work is often authored by the student alone, even if the advisor had significant input.
Order of Authors:
The tradition in mathematics is that authors are listed in alphabetical order.
General Discussion:
Since giving appropriate credit will be a continuing part of every scholar's life, all advisors should discuss with their graduate students the nuances of giving credit. This should include a discussion of making bibliographic citations, thanking individuals for help, and thanking appropriate institutions for financial or other support, as well as determining authorship.
Specific Issues:
Faculty advisors are primarily responsible for insuring that graduate students receive appropriate credit for any piece of mathematics to which they contributed. However, students should initiate a discussion of coauthorship with their advisors whenever the circumstances are unclear. Discussion of coauthorship often takes place at the very beginning of a project or as soon as a significant piece of mathematics is completed. It is common to (re)open the discussion at a time when a change in the circumstances (such as the proof of a new result) occurs. Any student or faculty member who feels that there is a concern in regard to authorship should contact the Graduate Group Chair.