Responsible Investment
Earnings from university investments are an important part of the funding that supports students, university research, innovation and scholarships.
The ß÷ßäÉçÇø is committed to responsible investment that aligns with university policies, industry-recognized practices and ensures the long-term value and benefit of investments. Responsible investment involves considering environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks and opportunities when making investment decisions and influencing companies or assets through stewardship practices.
Governance
The university’s Board of Governors is responsible for investment management and approves related policies. The Board Investment Committee reports to and supports the Board of Governors by providing strategic oversight, guidance and advice on the management of university investments. The Investments + Treasury team works with external investment managers to maintain the long-term benefit and value of the university’s investments and ensure responsible investment.
2024-25 Responsible Investment Policy Review
The Board of Governors recently reviewed and updated the university’s responsible investment policies and practices. As part of this complex and comprehensive review process, the Board worked with industry experts and consulted with the university community.
Investing in the Path Forward: What We Heard
Community consultation occurred from September 2024 to February 2025. Engagement included opportunities with various governance bodies, university groups and individuals as well as the option to submit written feedback. An online Information and Engagement Session with the university community took place in December 2024.
Feedback provided by the university community throughout consultation was captured and reflected in “Investing in the Path Forward: What We Heard During the Review of University Investment Policies and Practices.”
Policy + Practices
Responsible investment policy is enshrined within the University Funds Investment Policy, section 7.1. The policy includes that the university will:
- Report on ESG risks and opportunities in the Investment Committee’s annual report.
- Regularly engage and collaborate with its external investment managers on matters related to ESG risks and opportunities and review and track stewardship activities including engagements with investee companies and proxy voting records on ESG-related risks and opportunities issues, where relevant.
The policy also states that the university recognizes that the integration of ESG risks and opportunities in the investment process complements traditional financial analysis and portfolio construction techniques and can lead to improved financial performance.
The Board Investment Committee’s Statement of Investment Principles and Beliefs guides asset allocation, implementation, performance evaluation and risk management, while reinforcing requirements relating to responsible investment. The Committee reviews this document annually to ensure it remains current and responsive to the university’s investment needs.
University Endowment Pool Disclosure
The University Endowment Pool (UEP) annual disclosure report includes a listing of all direct and indirect investments in publicly traded companies. The disclosure reports are available on the University Endowment Pool Disclosure page.