Overall Rating Silver
Overall Score 60.05
Liaison Jessica Thompson
Submission Date Feb. 15, 2023

STARS v2.2

Northern Michigan University
EN-14: Participation in Public Policy

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.33 / 2.00 Jessica Thompson
AVP Sustainability
People Culture & Wellbeing
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Local advocacy

Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the municipal/local level?:
Yes

A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the municipal/local level:
Northern Michigan University is an official partner in the Climate Adaptation Task Force that works to develop regional-specific strategies for adapting to climate change. The Climate Adaptation Task Force (CATF) was formed to help prepare local leaders and Marquette County stakeholders to think proactively about the effects of climate change and to develop strategies that will make the Upper Peninsula more resilient and effective when dealing with the consequences of climate change. The current Provost, Dr. Dale Kapla was responsible for creating the initial collaboration. The Provost's office provides space and resources for the CATF meetings.

In the past three years, members of the Climate Adaptation Task Force (CATF) have worked with the City Commission of Marquette and Marquette County's Board of Commissions to create climate resolutions. The City Commission passed the climate resolution in early 2022 and the mayor has worked closely with NMU faculty and students to outline climate adaptation and resiliency measures.
https://www.miningjournal.net/news/front-page-news/2022/01/marquette-mayor-speaks-on-climate-change-plans/

Members of the Climate Adaptation Task Force (CATF) have also worked with Marquette County to include sustainability policies in the new county Master Plan. For example, the new Master Plan seeks to promote energy independence, water and green space protection, public transportation, and more.

The Northern Climate Network, which is affiliated with the Climate Adaptation Task Force, engages in campaigns that aim to change public policy on climate change, and to promote greater awareness about local, regional, state, national policy measures. The Northern Climate Network serves as an essential bridge between regional policy makers, advocates, and the scientific community.

Regional advocacy

Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the state/provincial/regional level?:
Yes

A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the state/provincial/regional level:
The Northern Climate Network and Center for Native American Studies at NMU are part of the Keep the UP Wild coalition (https://www.keeptheupwild.com/), which is advocating for legislative support for wilderness designation in the Ehlco area, the Trap Hills, Norwich Plains, and the Sturgeon River Gorge of northern Michigan.

National advocacy

Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the national level?:
No

A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the national level:
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International advocacy

Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the international level?:
No

A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the international level:
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Optional Fields 

A brief description of other political positions the institution has taken during the previous three years (if applicable):
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None
A brief description of political donations the institution made during the previous three years (if applicable):
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Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability advocacy efforts is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.