| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 58.33 |
| Liaison | Michael Amadori |
| Submission Date | March 1, 2019 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Hobart and William Smith Colleges
EN-14: Participation in Public Policy
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
Michael
Amadori Sustainability Manager Office of Sustainability |
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the municipal/local level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the municipal/local level, including the issues, legislation, and ordinances for or against which the institution has advocated:
The Sustainability Manager is the HWS representative on the Geneva Green Committee (GGC). The GGC is charged with evaluating City of Geneva operations and community practices for sustainability impacts, and with making recommendations to City Council on policy changes or changes to operational practices.
The Finger Lakes Institute (FLI) at HWS works to foster a scientific understanding of local and regional environmental issues by the public and policy makers. Specifically, FLI promotes models that integrate economic, environmental, and social impacts in to economic development strategies. The main focus of FLI engagement and advocacy is around comprehensive land use planning, policy development, and sustainable enterprise to promote economic vitality and environmental protection in the region. FLI has been an integral partner in the development of the Finger Lakes Regional Watershed Alliance, which through collective action focuses on watershed protection and advocates for regional policy changes.
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the state/provincial/regional level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the state/provincial/regional level, including the issues, legislation, and ordinances for or against which the institution has advocated:
HWS is a member of the Coalition of On-Site Renewable Users (CORE), which came together in 2016 as an ad-hoc group of renewable energy developers and users. CORE members have been collaborating to advocate for progressive policies related to renewable energy policy changes associated with New York's Clean Energy Standard (CES). Concerns surrounding Renewable Energy Credit (REC) ownership and markets have resulted in CORE members submitting formal comments in response to NYSERDA petitions that would limit NY institutions and entities from claiming renewable attributes necessary for climate commitment progress.
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the national level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the national level, including the issues, legislation, and ordinances for or against which the institution has advocated:
This past year, our current interim president Patrick A. Mcguire, signed the Citizens Climate Lobby Higher Education endorsement. At Hobart and William Smith Colleges, we support a climate solution that incorporates a price on carbon to help reduce emissions. https://citizensclimatehighered.org/endorsements
A national expert on civil rights, social justice and campus culture, former President Gregory J. Vincent ’83 was in the national spotlight addressing public policy conversations. In 2017, he gave the keynote at the 2017 W.E.B. Dubois Public Policy Series, hosted by the Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, known as the Boulé (the Greek term meaning “council of noblemen”), which was founded in 1904 and is the oldest black Greek-letter organization for professional men.
In November 2017, former President Vincent was also featured in the cover story of Diverse: Issues in Higher Education in which he discussed serving as president of Hobart and William Smith, as well as his previous work as a chief diversity officer. The article in the “Exploring Higher Ed Careers” edition of Diverse Issues looks at a trend in higher education of chief diversity officers becoming college presidents.
In March 2016, the Colleges’ were also represented at the President's Summit at Campus Compact 30th anniversary. The Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning (CCESL) staff has also attended President Obama's interfaith and service initiative gatherings in Washington, D.C. These activities are a clear commitment to advocate for civic engagement programs and policies, a central tenet of sustainability.
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the international level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the international level, including the issues, legislation, and ordinances for or against which the institution has advocated:
A brief description of other political positions the institution has taken during the previous three years (if applicable):
A brief description of political donations the institution made during the previous three years (if applicable):
The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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