Advisory Committee on Investor Responsibility
The purpose of the Advisory Committee on Investor Responsibility (ACIR) is to develop strategies for incorporating consideration of social, environmental, and corporate governance (collectively "SEG") issues into the management of The New School's investments. Issues under consideration include but are not limited to: human rights, labor practices, environmental protection, equity, diversity, discrimination, and corporate disclosure. Authorized by the Board of Trustees and in alignment with university policies and procedures, the ACIR presents recommendations to the Investment Committee of the Board of Trustees on SEG issues that arise in the management of the university's endowment. The ACIR’s role is advisory, and in no instances fiduciary, which is the sole responsibility of the university's Board of Trustees.
The ACIR provides an opportunity to connect our university community in a timely conversation around socially responsible investing. To ensure a diversity of perspectives that reflects our academic community, the ACIR includes students, faculty, and staff members. The committee will approach its work with a commitment to considering broad perspectives and developing community support through education, awareness, and by creating guidelines, principles, and matrices to enhance understanding of issues relevant to the management of the university's endowment.
Meetings of the ACIR will be held during the academic year, from July 1st through June 30th annually. Meeting minutes, reports, and resolutions drafted by the Committee will be posted on this website. Please check back regularly for updates and information about how you can get involved.
Committee Members
Committee Chair
Jen van der Meer, Assistant Professor of Strategic Design and Management
Committee Co-Chair
Yasmine Davis, Manager of Restricted Funds Budgeting
Students
Leonardo Ruales, MS Political Economy
Paula M. Ante Wright, BA/BFA Architecture and Politics
Faculty
Rhea Alexander, Assistant Professor of Strategic Design and Management
Staff
Rafael Muñoz, Associate Director of the Arts
Trustee
Christopher Castano, Member, Board of Trustees
Research Associate
Aria Vaghayenegar, PhD student, Sociology, NSSR
Committee Reports
Fall 2024 Report September 12, 2024
Annual Report 2020-2021 Academic Year
Annual Report 2019-2020 Academic Year
Annual Report 2018-2019 Academic Year
Annual Report 2015-2016 Academic Year
Annual Report 2013-2014 Academic Year
Annual Report 2012-2013 Academic Year
Annual Report 2011-2012 Academic Year
Annual Report 2010-2011 Academic Year
Meeting Minutes
Community Messages
Announcing the Members of the Advisory Committee on Investor Responsibility
(May 13, 2024)Update on the Advisory Committee on Investor Responsibility
(May 16, 2024)Second Communication to The New School Community from the Advisory Committee on Investor Responsibility
(June 12, 2024)Third Communication to The New School Community from the Advisory Committee on Investor Responsibility
(August 19, 2024)Fourth Communication to The New School from the Advisory Committee on Investor Responsibility
(September 17, 2024)