Characteristic of Excellence Overview: A robust summer research program is essential to a vibrant undergraduate research environment. For students, the summer months offer a time when they can concentrate exclusively on a research project. For faculty at more teaching-intensive institutions, the summer months provide the only time during the calendar year when they can focus their efforts exclusively on research. For faculty at all institutions, this is a time with fewer external and institutional commitments, and it can afford the opportunity for more intensive mentoring of undergraduates. Summer research programs must have an equitable model for providing support for participation. Summer is a time for some students to earn funds for the upcoming academic years. An inclusive and accessible research program needs to be attentive to student needs (e.g., housing, monetary support, transportation).