Tier I · Circles

Circle research projects.

Explore the current and upcoming Circle terms, compare approved research projects, and follow each session’s enrollment status.

Current and Upcoming Terms

Review each term independently.

Enrollment periods may overlap. Each term keeps its own approved proposals, session dates, deadlines, and registration status.

Format: Fully online  ·  Cohort size: 8–12 students  ·  Duration: 4 weeks  ·  Live schedule: about 2 live contact hours/week  ·  Tuition: $1,195
Circles are VRI’s broader public entry point for students building research readiness in a guided cohort setting. Official meeting links are assigned by VRI after placement. Google Meet is the default VRI-approved meeting platform; VRI may approve another platform when operationally necessary. Students should expect approximately two live contact hours per week, with independent work between meetings.

Upcoming term

Fall 2026

October 12, 2026 – November 20, 2026

Projects in Preparation Topics pending approval

Projects are being finalized and remain subject to final VRI approval.

Circles · Session 1

October 12, 2026 – November 6, 2026

Projects are being finalized for Session 1 and remain subject to final VRI approval.

In Preparation Topics pending
Interest Form
Pending final VRI approval: project publication and enrollment remain unavailable until the required readiness gates are complete. Regular registration deadline: August 24, 2026.

Circles · Session 2

October 26, 2026 – November 20, 2026

Projects are being finalized for Session 2 and remain subject to final VRI approval.

In Preparation Topics pending
Interest Form
Pending final VRI approval: project publication and enrollment remain unavailable until the required readiness gates are complete. Regular registration deadline: September 7, 2026.

Next term

Spring 2027

February 8, 2027 – April 2, 2027

Projects in Preparation Topics pending approval

Projects are being finalized and remain subject to final VRI approval.

Circles · Session 1

February 8, 2027 – March 5, 2027

Projects are being finalized for Session 1 and remain subject to final VRI approval.

In Preparation Topics pending
Interest Form
Pending final VRI approval: project publication and enrollment remain unavailable until the required readiness gates are complete. Regular registration deadline: December 21, 2026.

Circles · Session 2

March 8, 2027 – April 2, 2027

Projects are being finalized for Session 2 and remain subject to final VRI approval.

In Preparation Topics pending
Interest Form
Pending final VRI approval: project publication and enrollment remain unavailable until the required readiness gates are complete. Regular registration deadline: January 18, 2027.

Questions

Need help choosing a term, session, or pathway?

Review the Questions & Answers and Programs & Pricing pages for placement, scheduling, tuition, and enrollment information. Completed, permissioned student work is published separately in the Research Archive.

Interest Form Questions & Answers Programs & Pricing Research Archive