These projects from the Vassar community were awarded grants
 for the academic year.

All members of the Vassar community are invited to submit proposals to convene an Institute for the Liberal Arts program.

Deadline for submission: November 15th, 2024.

Criteria for Proposals

• The proposal has a clear and reasonable budget that is consistent with College policies and practices.
• The speakers, guests, or other programmatic desires are viable and attainable by the applicant/submitter (i.e. is it possible that the key aspects of the proposal can be materialized).
• The proposal demonstrates values of inclusion and Engaged Pluralism. Importantly, the content of the proposal reflects an appreciation for and inclusion of heterogeneous perspectives/ideas that embody the principles of speaking across difference.
• The proposal demonstrates robust collaboration across the campus or off-campus communities. The program is not situated in a narrow department or office, but rather engages various on- and off-campus constituencies.
• The proposal aligns with the Institute’s mission to create a space for intellectual exploration.
• The proposal aligns with the “Vassar In the World” pillar of the capital campaign, in that it amplifies Vassar voices and engages contemporary thought-leaders in public discourse.
• The proposal lends itself to the creative use of resources to attract and engage alums, faculty, students, and others who may not be geographically proximate to campus.
• The proposal demonstrates a compelling reason why the proposed activities should be Institute-branded. The proposal demonstrates alignment with the specific mission of the Institute, distinct from Vassar’s overall mission as an institution of higher education.

You can review examples of Signature Programs and past Summer Institute programs. Do not feel you need to replicate this model; there are many ways Institute programming can embody the values of the College and the Institute.

Thank you.

The Institute for Liberal Arts Committee