Ad-Hoc Committee on Special Action Requests (2024)
About the Ad Hoc Committee on Special Action Requests
In July of 2015, the Ad Hoc Working Group on Responsible Investing released its final report. The report recommended:
That the amended Endowment Investment Policy incorporate provisions for a transparent process to consider and implement recommendations in response to stakeholder expectations for action on specific RI issues, including existing calls from some University stakeholders that it divest itself of all investments in the fossil fuel market
In response to this recommendation, a Special Action Policy for the Endowment Portfolio (the "Special Action Policy") was developed based on a number of existing and developing best practices among universities in Canada and in the United States.
Under the Special Action Policy, an Ad Hoc Committee is established to receive and review any special action requests received under the Policy.
The report and recommendations of an Ad Hoc Committee are provided to the Finance Committee and, ultimately, to the Board of Governors for review and consideration.
For further information about the special action process please view the complete Special Action Policy.
Special Action Requests Received
On Thursday, March 28, 2024 the University of Guelph received a Special Action Request. In its review of this request, the Ad Hoc Committee is also taking note of a subsequent document that was submitted by the same group on May 21, 2024.
Community Input
In accordance with the policy, interested individuals and groups are invited to submit written representations to the Committee in response to the Special Action Request. Written representations can be emailed to csar@uoguelph.ca. The deadline to submit written representations is September 20, 2024.
Timeline
At present, the Ad Hoc Committee on Special Action Requests is inviting interested individuals and groups to submit written representation. The committee aims to have a report and recommendations submitted to the Finance Committee for review and consideration in the Fall.
Guiding Documents
Special Action Request received March 28, 2024
Subsequent document received May 21, 2024
Final Report of the Ad Hoc Working Group on Responsible Investing