| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 77.06 |
| Liaison | Laura Bain |
| Submission Date | June 22, 2021 |
Furman University
EN-14: Participation in Public Policy
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
Laura
Bain Associate Director of Sustainability Assessment David E. Shi Center for Sustainability |
"---"
indicates that no data was submitted for this field
Local advocacy
Yes
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the municipal/local level:
Greenville Racial Equity and Economic Mobility Commission:
The Racial Equity and Economic Mobility (REEM) Commission was formed in the summer of 2020 to convene around matters of racial inequities, social justice, and disparities in key areas that negatively impact the Black community in Greenville County. The commission is Co-chaired by Merl Code and David Lominack, the commission is comprised of community leaders from diverse backgrounds and industries who share a commitment to creating change in Greenville County.
Furman President, Elizabeth Davis, and Chief of Staff, Liz Seaman, sit on the commission. Dr. Davis Co-chairs the Education focus area for REEM. By coming together to listen, analyze, understand and learn, we believe we can start to heal and move forward in more equitable ways for everyone in our community.
https://www.reemgvl.org/
The Racial Equity and Economic Mobility (REEM) Commission was formed in the summer of 2020 to convene around matters of racial inequities, social justice, and disparities in key areas that negatively impact the Black community in Greenville County. The commission is Co-chaired by Merl Code and David Lominack, the commission is comprised of community leaders from diverse backgrounds and industries who share a commitment to creating change in Greenville County.
Furman President, Elizabeth Davis, and Chief of Staff, Liz Seaman, sit on the commission. Dr. Davis Co-chairs the Education focus area for REEM. By coming together to listen, analyze, understand and learn, we believe we can start to heal and move forward in more equitable ways for everyone in our community.
https://www.reemgvl.org/
Regional advocacy
Yes
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the state/provincial/regional level:
Furman has advocated for new state-wide utility programs that would allow for power purchase agreements for large scale solar. Provost, George Shields, submitted a letter of support to the SC Public Service Commission during the creation of Duke Energy's Green Source Advantage program.
https://dms.psc.sc.gov/Attachments/Matter/a02737b6-8b07-4f85-8a47-a0eaf5995b72
https://dms.psc.sc.gov/Attachments/Matter/a02737b6-8b07-4f85-8a47-a0eaf5995b72
National advocacy
Yes
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the national level:
Higher Education Mental Health Act of 2019
Dear Congressman Trone,
On behalf of the undersigned institutions of higher education, we write to express our support for the Higher Education Mental Health Act of 2019, H.R. 3489 in the House and S. 1204 in the Senate.
Research shows that more than 75 percent of mental health conditions begin before the age of 24 [1] and that the number of students seeking support on college campuses has grown exponentially in recent years. [2] As institutional leaders, we have seen firsthand the challenges that students with mental health concerns face on campus. We also know the negative impact mental health disabilities can have on college access and success.
This critical legislation would serve to better inform our institutions and policymakers on how to address the increasing demand for mental health services for our students. It would establish a national commission to examine mental health concerns through the lens of retention and successful completion of post-secondary education. The commission would be comprised of representatives from higher education, mental health professionals, membership organizations, and other concerned stakeholders, who can best assess the current challenges and propose recommendations. We believe the creation of a Higher Education Mental Health Commission will lead to stronger policy and ultimately help students remain in school and complete their degrees. Congress has already taken a number of important steps, including the passage of college mental health provisions in the 21st Century Cures Act. A comprehensive response will seamlessly integrate the Higher Education Mental Health Act of 2019 with those existing efforts.
We strongly urge you to advance this important legislation that would have a positive impact on our students, institutions, and communities.
Thank you for your leadership to prioritize mental health within higher education.
Sincerely,
View Current Signatures:https://furman.wufoo.com/reports/thank-you-for-your-support/
Additional Resources:
Press release:
https://trone.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-trone-introduces-bipartisan-higher-education-mental-health-act-2019
Bill text:
https://www.congress.gov/116/bills/hr3489/BILLS-116hr3489ih.pdf
Fact sheet:
https://bit.ly/2Z1gvPM
Equity and Diversity support:
Statement: “Reflecting on verdict, continued need to pursue equity” https://www.furman.edu/about/president/communications/reflecting-on-verdict-continued-need-to-pursue-equity/
Statement: “A time to reflect and take action” https://www.furman.edu/about/president/communications/a-time-to-reflect-and-take-action/
Statement: “Support in the aftermath of Atlanta murders” https://www.furman.edu/about/president/communications/support-in-the-aftermath-of-atlanta-murders/
Democracy support:
Statement: “A commitment to our democracy” https://www.furman.edu/about/president/communications/a-commitment-to-our-democracy/
Statement: “The importance of Election Day and beyond” https://www.furman.edu/about/president/communications/the-importance-of-election-day-and-beyond/
Dear Congressman Trone,
On behalf of the undersigned institutions of higher education, we write to express our support for the Higher Education Mental Health Act of 2019, H.R. 3489 in the House and S. 1204 in the Senate.
Research shows that more than 75 percent of mental health conditions begin before the age of 24 [1] and that the number of students seeking support on college campuses has grown exponentially in recent years. [2] As institutional leaders, we have seen firsthand the challenges that students with mental health concerns face on campus. We also know the negative impact mental health disabilities can have on college access and success.
This critical legislation would serve to better inform our institutions and policymakers on how to address the increasing demand for mental health services for our students. It would establish a national commission to examine mental health concerns through the lens of retention and successful completion of post-secondary education. The commission would be comprised of representatives from higher education, mental health professionals, membership organizations, and other concerned stakeholders, who can best assess the current challenges and propose recommendations. We believe the creation of a Higher Education Mental Health Commission will lead to stronger policy and ultimately help students remain in school and complete their degrees. Congress has already taken a number of important steps, including the passage of college mental health provisions in the 21st Century Cures Act. A comprehensive response will seamlessly integrate the Higher Education Mental Health Act of 2019 with those existing efforts.
We strongly urge you to advance this important legislation that would have a positive impact on our students, institutions, and communities.
Thank you for your leadership to prioritize mental health within higher education.
Sincerely,
View Current Signatures:https://furman.wufoo.com/reports/thank-you-for-your-support/
Additional Resources:
Press release:
https://trone.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-trone-introduces-bipartisan-higher-education-mental-health-act-2019
Bill text:
https://www.congress.gov/116/bills/hr3489/BILLS-116hr3489ih.pdf
Fact sheet:
https://bit.ly/2Z1gvPM
Equity and Diversity support:
Statement: “Reflecting on verdict, continued need to pursue equity” https://www.furman.edu/about/president/communications/reflecting-on-verdict-continued-need-to-pursue-equity/
Statement: “A time to reflect and take action” https://www.furman.edu/about/president/communications/a-time-to-reflect-and-take-action/
Statement: “Support in the aftermath of Atlanta murders” https://www.furman.edu/about/president/communications/support-in-the-aftermath-of-atlanta-murders/
Democracy support:
Statement: “A commitment to our democracy” https://www.furman.edu/about/president/communications/a-commitment-to-our-democracy/
Statement: “The importance of Election Day and beyond” https://www.furman.edu/about/president/communications/the-importance-of-election-day-and-beyond/
International advocacy
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
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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:
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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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