| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 48.88 |
| Liaison | Amy McElhinney |
| Submission Date | Oct. 2, 2014 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of Mount Union
EN-14: Participation in Public Policy
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
Leah
Graham Sustainability and Campus Outreach Manager Office of Sustainability |
Does the institution advocate for national, state/provincial, or local public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability, including the issues, legislation, and ordinances for or against which the institution has advocated:
The University of Mount Union has the most opportunity to advocate for public policy on sustainability at a local level. Mount Union has partnered with the city of Alliance on several occasions to promote sustainability. Currently the University is partnering with the City to improve the Union Ave pedestrian sidewalks from the campus to the downtown area. Last year, the University collaborated with the City on the Glamorgan Castle Lake Improvement project, led by the University’s Physical Plant Director, Blaine Lewis. The Castle Lakes serve as part of the city’s storm water management system and were in desperate need of dredging. The lakes now not only function better, but add to the beauty of the Glamorgan Castle.
In 2007, the Mayor’s Green Task Force was established, but has since split into two separate entities, the Green Commission, which functions as a commission of the City of Alliance, and assists with the City's Sustainability Plan; and Green Alliance, a non-profit 501(c)(3) entity which shares the mission of the original task force, and primarily serves to educate and empower the community of Alliance through the Sustainable Alliance Festival, educational programs, and fundraising to support the implementation of sustainability projects in the city of Alliance. The University has had membership on the Task Force since its inception and continues to have membership on the Green Commission.
Another effort the institution has worked closely with the city on is the closure of city streets throughout the campus and converting them to pedestrian walkways. Early this fall, the new pedestrian walkways will be in place on what was previously Miller Avenue and College Street. This project is being completed using local materials and ground up asphalt is being pulverized and used as fill material to eliminate landfill waste.
A brief description of other political positions the institution has taken during the previous three years:
President Giese signed the Presidents Climate Commitment in December of 2007 and has maintained membership in the organization up until the 2013-14 academic year when the membership was not renewed due to budget cuts. President Giese signed a petition for gun safety on campus in December 2012.
A brief description of political donations the institution made during the previous three years (if applicable):
None – the University of Mount Union does not make political donations.
The website URL where information about the institution’s advocacy efforts is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
Data from Laura Good and Lori Kumler. Entered by Leah Graham
Data from Laura Good and Lori Kumler. Entered by Leah Graham
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.