About Us
The Advisory Committee on Investment Responsibility ("ACIR") was established in November 2016 by the President and the Vice President and Chief Investment Officer (the "CIO"), with the endorsement of the Investment Committee of the Board of Trustees.
The ACIR provides a forum for members of the Northwestern University community to raise issues related to investment responsibility and serves as a link to the Board of Trustees, who retain the sole authority to amend or restrict the University's investment policies.
The ACIR will meet regularly to listen to issues raised by the community, review community proposals, and assess whether to present such proposals to the Board of Trustees. The review and assessment of proposals regarding divestment or other investment restrictions are guided by three core principles embedded in the Board of Trustees Statement on Investment Responsibility, and the ACIR determines whether such proposals are sufficiently in line with the principles to warrant consideration by the Board of Trustees. These three key considerations embodied in the Board's statement are:
- Continued investment is morally reprehensible
- Broad consensus exists across university constituents
- Action proposed (divestment or otherwise) is likely to have positive impact on the issue at hand and limited unintended consequences
The ACIR comprises of nine members and includes faculty, staff, students and alumni. The CIO will serve ex officio. With the exception of students (who will serve one-year terms), members will be appointed to serve 3-year terms with the understanding that members may serve at least two consecutive terms.
Applications for available slots will be accepted in the spring.