The IDRO Strategic Opportunities Fund supports time-sensitive and opportunistic high-impact activities. It offers a one-time, limited source of funds intended to bridge gaps or enhance existing activities to seize exceptional opportunities.

Requests up to $5,000 will be considered, with the majority of projects funded up to $3,000. Funds must be utilized, and a brief, one-page final report on activity outcomes must be provided within six months of receiving the award. The funds can be utilized for student hourly assistance, faculty or students travel expenses related to the activity, materials or supplies supporting the activity, graphic design and document preparation, report or poster printing and publication expenses, development of learning resources, and expenses related to hosting meetings or community outreach events. However, they cannot be used for faculty salary, graduate research assistants, equipment purchases, or routine expenses covered elsewhere
through departmental budgets or internal or external awards.

Requests will be considered if the strategic opportunity aligns with the research or outreach activities outlined in the College of Design’s Strategic Plan. The fund is available to College of Design tenure-track and term faculty, as well as research staff. Each applicant is limited to one request per calendar year.

 

IDRO Strategic Opportunities Fund Application

Application Review and Notification

Requests will be reviewed and awarded as funds are available, and on a rolling basis. Responses will be provided to applicants within five business days, and decisions will be made in consultation with the Office of the Dean.

Questions: Contact Julie Robison, associate director.