Corpobligation: Universities losing face?

• How should universities screen donations?

• “Naming a noteworthy building or a street after an individual is one of the most visible ways society can recognize outstanding achievements that contribute to the public good. Institutions like hospitals and universities make similar gestures when they name wings or programs after individuals whose career dedication or financial contributions leave a legacy that benefits future generations.”

• “...have we really come to the point where even a university’s good name is up for sale at the right price like some “rebranded” hockey arena?”

• See Marc Spooner's article, “Universities losing face: Sign of the times?”

• Where does corporate obligation come in? Universities are often faced with the opportunity to receive “donations” from corporations, which seek to bolster their brand and invest in basic research and training for their future employees.

• Question: When should universities take or refuse a donation? Is any money too dirty? See related

Naming a noteworthy building or a street after an individual is one of the most visible ways society can recognize outstanding achievements that contribute to the public good.

Institutions like hospitals and universities make similar gestures when they name wings or programs after individuals whose career dedication or financial contributions leave a legacy that benefits future generations. This type of recognition is a laudable practice that serves both to honour these fine role-models as well as to remind us all to strive for noble ideals. It can imbue public places with meaning and enrich our shared sense of history.

CO: Students from colleges and universities across the USA and Canada converged on the US Congress to wake up legislators and to learn more about how to "Change It"

• Work shops were led by experienced facilitators to turn student passion into action
• Will this make a difference in the future? Yes. Organization is essential to ensure that energy and outrage is channeled effectively into change.
• Participant Jenna K ., New Jersey, pledges to change the world: "By teaching others that our choices will make a difference in environmental and social justice standards for future generations."

Student coalitions can promote human rights and draw attention to issues as seen in the efforts of STAND USA (A Student Coalition Against Gencide in Darfur formerly Students Taking Action Now for Darfur ) and STAND Canada (still Students Taking Action Now for Darfur).

These groups have formed coalitions and brought wide ranges of students together to pressure their respective governments and to push for divestment of university, pension and other funds. The coalition has reached beyond just university students to include highschool students, which bodes well for the future of the movement.

STAND Canada produces a series of excellent newsletters on the issue, which are accessible from their website.

STAND USA also has a newsletter accessible from their site and a news section.