VOLARÉ Institute
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Visioning, Organizing, Leading, and Advancing the Research Enterprise at IHEs Institute (VOLARÉ Institute)
Join VOLARÉ Institute Cohort 2
The VOLARÉ Institute has opened applications for Cohort 2. Designed to enhance research capacity at institutions of higher education (IHEs), this initiative offers a unique opportunity to collaborate, innovate, and grow your institution’s research enterprise and STEM initiatives.
Program Overview
The VOLARÉ Institute is a yearlong initiative providing research capacity-building workshops and strategic support to help two- and four-year institutions of higher education strengthen and expand their research enterprise. With a focus on broadening participation in STEM and cultivating a diverse research workforce, the program leverages HACU’s national network to deliver accessible tools, expert mentorship, and inclusive resources that promote long-term, sustainable research development.
The VOLARÉ Institute is focused on the pre-award period, with the overarching goals of VOLARÉ to catalyze research enterprise (RE) at IHEs by:
- Providing VOLARÉ participants with a framework for conducting systematic RE needs assessments and developing action plans.
- Forming communities of practice and/or regional consortia among IHEs to develop and share RE resources and expertise.
- Offering professional development opportunities, mentoring, and coaching from experienced practitioners to VOLARÉ institutions to pilot new RE strategies and enhance sustainability and growth.
Eligibility Requirements and Selection Criteria
Eligibility
- Institutions of higher education with limited research infrastructure.
- Emerging research institutions.
Selection Criteria
Cohorts will be selected based on criteria including evidence of support from campus leadership, faculty engagement in research, existing research enterprise capabilities, growth potential, and commitment to data-driven processes.
Participants
Apply
Application Deadline: June 13, 2025
Project Timeline 2025-2026
| Dates | |
|---|---|
|
May 15- June 13, 2025
|
Announce applications, recruit participants |
|
June 13, 2025 |
Applications due |
|
July 2025 |
Review applications and select Cohort 2 |
|
August 2025 |
Virtual kickoff meeting |
|
September 2025 |
Meeting 1: Orientation to RE Assessment Tool |
|
September – November 2025 |
Campus assessments |
|
October 2025 |
Meeting 2: HACU meeting featuring events and workshops for cohort |
|
December 2025 |
Meeting 3: Cohort meeting to present assessments and orientation to RE Action Plan Tool |
|
January 2026 |
Virtual overview of the upcoming in-person event in February, including an overview of NSF Granted |
|
February 2026 |
In-Person 3-day meeting |
|
March 2026 |
Meeting 4: Virtual research enterprise financial model workshop; Attend NCURA Pre-Award Meeting |
|
April 2026 |
Meeting 5: Present action plans, workshops on action implementation |
|
May-June 2026 |
Mentoring to implement action plans and draft NSF GRANTED proposals |
|
June 2026 |
Meeting 6: Grand Finale Meeting, end of program |
Frequently Asked Questions
Program Overview
What is the VOLARÉ Institute?
The VOLARÉ institute is a research capacity-building program led by HACU. It is designed to support leaders and administrators at institutions of higher education in strengthening their institutional research infrastructure and advancing competitive research agendas.
Eligibility Requirements
Who should apply to the VOLARÉ Institute?
The application must be led by a senior administrator from an IHE or emerging research institution. Up to two additional team members may be included, preferably administrators who manage research activities. If your institution has an employee who acts as the Authorizing Official for Federal grants, this person would be a key participant.
Can faculty members be team members?
Yes, faculty may be included, especially if they have been or will be pivotal to advocation or expanding the institution’s research or scholarship agenda. In addition, faculty and other interested members of the campus community can be kept apprised of VOLARÉ activities through your existing on-campus committees and channels of communication.
Application Process
Applicants must provide:
- Contact information for up to three core team members. Core members should be selected based upon their role in developing, expanding, or advancing the research enterprise at your institution.
- Institutional research metrics (e.g., grants, funding levels). These are most likely available from an office of research administration, an office of institutional research or the equivalent at your institution.
- A 250-word team bio/justification.
- A letter of institutional support signed by a president, chancellor, provost, or vice chancellor.
What kind of institutional data is requested?
The application asks for data such as:
- Number of students and faculty
- Research grant submissions and funding (research and non-research)
- Administrative capacity
- Partnership networks
- Barriers to research expansion
What is the deadline for applying?
June 13, 2025
What are HACU’s expectations in terms of time and commitment?
HACU expects each institution selected for the VOLARÉ Institute to commit to at least two one-hour meetings per month: one Community of Practice session and one office hour with mentors. Team members should dedicate time to hands-on learning and applying new tools, actively engage in coaching and peer support, and distribute responsibilities equitably within their team.
Travel & Costs
Is there a cost to participate in the VOLARÉ Institute?
No. There are no fees for participants, and the cost to attend one planned in-person meeting is subsidized
What kind of institutional data is requested?
Yes, participation in the in-person meeting is expected as part of the program. However, if a participant is unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances or personal reasons, accommodations can be made, and it will not impact their standing or completion of the program.
Selection & Outcomes
How are applications evaluated?
Application assessments are based on:
- Team composition, based on roles and qualifications and justification.
- Alignment between current research infrastructure and stated goals.
- Strength of institutional commitment (as indicated by the support letter).
What will participants gain from the program?
Participants will gain:
- An evidence-based actionable research growth strategy.
- Guidance for improving research administration and infrastructure.
- Networking and peer learning.
- Increased competitiveness for federal research funding.
Will applicants be notified if not accepted?
Yes, all applicants will be notified of their application status after the selection committee completes its review.
What if I still have questions, or need help deciding if this opportunity is right for my institution?
For any questions or additional information, please contact Dr. Oralia De los Reyes, Assistant Vice President of Programs and Services, at (210) 576-3244 or [email protected].
For more details and to apply, visit here.
Get in Touch
Contact Information
Please feel free to contact us or fill out the form.
GENERAL
For general questions, please contact:
SAN ANTONIO OFFICE
- (210) 692-3805
- [email protected]