| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 69.26 |
| Liaison | Gioia Thompson |
| Submission Date | March 1, 2017 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of Vermont
PA-8: Committee on Investor Responsibility
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
Claire
Burlingham Controller Controllers Office |
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indicates that no data was submitted for this field
Does the institution have a formally established and active committee on investor responsibility (CIR) that makes recommendations to fund decision-makers on socially and environmentally responsible investment opportunities across asset classes?:
Yes
None
The charter or mission statement of the CIR or other body which reflects social and environmental concerns or a brief description of how the CIR is tasked to address social and environmental concerns:
The University of Vermont ‘s Statement of Investment Policies and Objectives states the following: “” Adherence to these investment strategy objectives does not preclude consideration of moral, ethical and social criteria in selecting investments or participating in shareholder resolutions that address moral, ethical or social issues. However, the core responsibility of the Board is to steward University assets in a manner consistent with prudent fiduciary practices.
The University is dedicated through its intellectual assets in climate change-related programs and initiatives and UVM has made substantial investment in research, critical to understanding and remediating the adverse impact of global climate change as well as being responsible stewards for the environment in our operational practices as outlined in the Statement by the Investment Subcommittee on Institutional Climate Change initiatives.
In order to meet the overall responsibly outlined above, socially responsible investing (SRI) has gone through many iterations at the University of Vermont. Currently, the SRI Advisory Council, formed in May, 2012, makes recommendations on issues related to socially responsible investing of the endowment to the VP for Finance (VPF) which by the discretion of the VPF are moved forward for consideration to the Investment Subcommittee. In its current form, the SRI Advisory Council serves as a resource to conduct research on issues related to proxy voting, shareholder initiatives, screening and monitoring the University’s existing investment portfolio for indications of social harm.
Does the CIR include staff representation?:
Yes
Does the CIR include faculty representation?:
Yes
Does the CIR include student representation?:
Yes
Members of the CIR, including affiliations and role (e.g. student, faculty, staff, alumni):
Amy Seidl, Charles Schnitzlein, Faculty Members; Francis Churchill, Evan Litwin, Staff Members; Mairi-Jane Fox, Eduardo Rodriguez, Graduate Student Members; Tyler Davis, Alyssa Johnson, Student Members; Lindsey Donovan, Assistant Controller
None
Examples of CIR actions during the previous three years:
The SRI Advisory Council was heavily involved in research and discussions on fossil fuel divestment, ultimately moving forward a recommendation to the VP for Finance to divest from coal that was voted on by the Board of Trustees. The SRIAC also researched and moved forward recommendations to develop shareholder resolutions related to UVM’s holdings in Monsanto Company. The group has also held university-wide forums on socially responsible investing on average twice a year.
Optional Fields
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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