Overall Rating	Gold
Overall Score	73.33
Liaison	Maria Dahmus
Submission Date	Nov. 30, 2023

STARS v2.2

University of St. Thomas
EN-14: Participation in Public Policy

Status	Score	Responsible Party
	2.00 / 2.00	Amy McDonough Chief of Staff Office of the President

"---" 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?:

A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the municipal/local level:

The University of St. Thomas is active in its work with local neighborhood groups. Although the University has not engaged in advocacy for a specific policy at this level in the reporting timeframe, the University has worked with district councils and a neighborhood advisory committee. In discussions with neighborhood groups about campus and city development, St. Thomas consistently highlights sustainability as a goal and works to incorporate sustainability goals in any project that comes before the city. This year, St. Thomas is building a Science, Technology Arts and Mathematics complex and has made its sustainable design a top priority, seeking LEED gold certification upon completion. Through its work with the Union Park District Council, the Macalester Groveland District Council and the West Summit Neighborhood Advisory Committee, St. Thomas updates neighbors on its sustainability priorities.

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 University of St. Thomas hosts an annual Day at the Capitol, which focuses on the Minnesota State Grant program. In partnership with the Minnesota Private College Council, the University advocates for need-based grants that help one out of every three Minnesota students pursue bachelor, associate and technical degrees.

The University's School of Social Work and School of Education co-sponsored the "Prenatal to Three Policy Forums" in partnership with state elected officials and Elders for Infants (active 2016-2022). The success of our state depends on getting every child off to a great start. Many organizations and coalitions are working on plans across a wide variety of topics – from prenatal care to early learning, from home visiting to screenings, and more. The forums provided a space for early-childhood advocates, and those interested in this critical topic, to share their plans and build toward a unified agenda.

National advocacy

Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the national level?:

Yes

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

The University of St. Thomas is a signatory on the "We Are Still In" Declaration (signed by former President Julie Sullivan in June 2017), conveying the university's support of efforts to achieve the U.S. commitment under the Paris Agreement "to hold warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius and to accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy that will benefit our security, prosperity, and health."
https://www.wearestillin.com/

In addition, the University of St. Thomas joined over 1,500 businesses and institutions in signing the "America is All in" statement, which was published in December of 2020. The statement affirms our commitment to the goals of the Paris Agreement and calls for a national mobilization to advance just and equitable climate solutions.
https://americaisallin.com/

International advocacy

Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the international level?:

Yes

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

The Center for the Common Good at the University of St. Thomas hosts the Global Justice Movemement which serves as the university chapter for student engagement with Catholic Relief Serivces (CRS). St. Thomas student leaders with the Global Justice Movement attended the CRS National Gathering in Washington, D.C. to advocate for the continuation of foreign aid spending in areas greatly impacted by climate change through the farm bill.
https://news.stthomas.edu/st-thomas-students-advocate-in-washington-d-c/

Optional Fields

A brief description of other political positions the institution has taken during the previous three years (if applicable):

The university takes positions – nationally, statewide and locally – on public policy issues that directly affect higher education (in general) and our operations. For example, we are strong advocates for state and federal support of grant and loan programs that help students afford a college education.

None

A brief description of political donations the institution made during the previous three years (if applicable):

As a 501c3, we do not make donations to candidates for office or those who hold office.

Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability advocacy efforts is available:

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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.