| Overall Rating | Bronze |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 37.30 |
| Liaison | Jennifer Dunseath |
| Submission Date | July 26, 2022 |
Roger Williams University
EN-14: Participation in Public Policy
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.33 / 2.00 |
Brian
Williams Chief Of Staff For President Office Of President |
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:
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:
Two most recent efforts. Rhode Island House Bill 5415 was led by RWU faculty member Dr. Koty Sharp to designate the coral commonly known as "Northern Star Coral" (Astrangia poculata) is designated as the official state coral - her area of faculty research and teaching. The RWU President testifed in congress on this bill as well (https://legiscan.com/RI/text/H5415/2021).
2) Law professor and head of RWU Marine Affairs institute, Julia Wyman, is a constant figure on capital hill. RWU is the only law school in rhode island and we are the legal expertise for the Rhode Island Sea Grant program. Most recently one example of our role is Ms. Wyman's appointment on a commission to study beach and coastal access rights in the state. (https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/08/26/metro/new-ri-shoreline-access-committee-plans-additional-meetings-communities-where-beach-access-is-question/)
3) The Narragansett Bay Estuary Program, hosted at RWU, Sponsors regular events and advocacy for our coastal communities. Most recently, they hosted a Plastics forum focused on the sources and fates of plastics in the Narragansett Bay watershed for the community (https://www.nbep.org/plastics-event-2022)
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:
RWU is an active member of AICU-RI where the private universities in Rhode Island work actively on policy and legislation that impacts our collective campuses inclusive of environmental or human well-being issues related to the health and thriving of our students. The university chief of staff serves and the primary government relations contact on this.
Over the last few years, on behalf of its members, AICU-RI and RWU have partnered on initiatives including:
6/31/21 - Advocacy to restore routine visa services and ease travel-related restrictions for our international students and faculty.
2/22/21: Advocacy to support President Biden’s proposal to double the Pell Grant maximum and ensure that increase is permanent by making the increased portion of the grant an entitlement and ensure socio-economic access for our currently enrolled students.
RWU also in July 19, has advocated for improved funding and repairs and bridge safety and environmental controls for the Mt Hope Bay Bridge that is immediately adjacent to campus.
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:
N/A
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):
RWU does not have a policy that allows making political donations with university funds.
Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability advocacy efforts is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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.