Strategic Allocation of Resources

About the Strategic Allocation of Resources (StAR) Program

The University at Albany’s Strategic Allocation of Resources (StAR) program awards grants ranging from $5,000 to approximately $50,000 to support one-year campus-wide initiatives that advance UAlbany’s Strategic Plan.

Campus community members are invited each year to submit proposals for innovative initiatives that will affect change at the University within one year.

 

Call for 2025 StAR Applications

The StAR program will disburse up to $500,000 during the 2025-2026 Academic Year. It is expected that 10 to 15 proposals will be selected.

Faculty, staff and students are invited to submit proposals that support the 2024-2029 UAlbany Strategic Plan. This year, we are specifically seeking proposals that highlight Engagement and Service, one of the Strategic Plan’s core priorities.  

One primary contact is required for each proposal, but multidisciplinary efforts are highly encouraged. Student proposals must be sponsored by a faculty/staff primary contact.  

2024 StAR proposals must be submitted via the StAR Application Portal by 11:59 p.m. January 31, 2025.  

The StAR Workgroup will review each proposal and provide recommendations to President Havidán Rodríguez and the University’s Executive Council. The President will announce the proposals selected for funding once selections are finalized.  

Disbursements will be made July 1, 2025, and need to be spent by June 30, 2026. Recipients will submit check-ins, as outlined in their proposal’s action plan, and complete a final presentation or report at the culmination of their project.

Successful projects may be evaluated and funded beyond the one-year period by their home Division on a case-by-case basis. 

Please direct any questions to Emily Feuer at [email protected].  
 

Rubric for 2025 StAR Proposals

Alignment with University’s Strategic Plan Priorities

Maximum 15 Points

Poor (0 points)

Proposed project demonstrates weak alignment to the Strategic Plan Priorities

Good (1 to 4 points)

Proposed project demonstrates modest alignment to the Strategic Plan Priorities

Very Good (5 to 9 points)

Proposed project demonstrates appropriate alignment to the Strategic Plan Priorities

Excellent (10 to 15 points)

Proposed project demonstrates strong alignment to the Strategic Plan Priorities

Measurable Outcomes (includes assessment plan and timeline)

Maximum 20 Points

Poor (0 points)

Project will not produce measurable outcomes in the projected time frame

Good (1 to 7 points)

Project may produce measurable outcomes in the projected time frame

Very Good (8 to 14 points)

Project will probably produce measurable outcomes in the projected time frame

Excellent (15 to 20 points)

Project will definitely produce measurable outcomes in the projected time frame

Campus Impact (e.g. enrollment, student success, research, philanthropy, etc.)

Maximum 20 Points

Poor (0 points)

Proposed program is not likely to have a significant campus impact

Good (1 to 7 points)

Proposed program may have a significant campus impact

Very Good (8 to 14 points)

Proposed program is likely to have a significant campus impact

Excellent (15 to 20 points)

Proposed program will definitely have a significant campus impact

Engagement and Service (creates institutional culture; responds to community needs; increases community participation)

Maximum 25 Points

Poor (0 points)

Project proposes the implementation of a program with little impact on engagement; highly likely that the project will not meet its objectives

Good (1 to 9 points)

Project proposes the adequate implementation of a program with moderate impact on engagement; the project may meet its objectives

Very Good (10 to 17 points)

Project proposes the implementation of a high-quality program with appropriate impact on engagement; the project will probably meet its objectives

Excellent (18 to 25 points)

Project proposes the implementation of a high-quality program with strong impact on engagement; the project will definitely meet its objectives

Action Plan (includes project timeline and benchmarks)

Maximum 20 Points

Poor (0 points)

Proposed project does not provide a basic action plan

Good (1 to 7 point)

Proposed project has a basic action plan

Very Good (8 to 14 points)

Proposed project has a very good action plan

Excellent (15 to 20 points)

Proposed project has an outstanding action plan

2025 StAR Workgroup
AffiliationName
Co-chairCarol Kim
Co-chairMichael Christakis
StaffEmily Feuer
Academic AffairsJulia Hormes
Academic AffairsKelly Wissman
AthleticsTravis Wilson
Communications & MarketingJordan Carleo-Evangelist
Diversity & InclusionKathleen DelSignore
Finance & AdministrationNoelle Angelozzi
Government & Community RelationsMary Hunt
Research & Economic DevelopmentSatyen Kumar
Student AffairsCindy Riggi
University AdvancementValerie DiRocco-Ruskin
SenateCecilia Levy