Senate

Terms of reference

Charter, paragraph 12

There shall be a Senate of the University (in this Our Charter called "the Senate") which shall, subject to this Our Charter and the Statutes and to the general control and approval of the Council, be responsible for the academic work of the University, both in teaching and in research, and for the regulation and superintendence of the education and discipline of the Students of the University.

Statute XIV, section 2

The Senate has responsibility for regulating and directing the academic work of the University in teaching, research and the academic aspects of enterprise, and for promoting the student experience, subject to the University’s Statutes and Ordinances. Full details of Senate’s powers and functions are contained in Ordinance IX (The Senate).

Ordinance IX, paragraph 6

The Senate has responsibility for regulating and directing the academic work of the University in teaching, research and the academic aspects of enterprise, and for promoting the student experience, subject to the University’s Charter, Statutes and Ordinances. The Senate has the following specific functions:

  1. To regulate all teaching, and programmes of study or research, including:
    1. The establishment of programmes of study;
    2. The maintenance of the general academic framework for programmes of study, contained within University Regulations,
    3. Arrangements for the admission of students to programmes of study, including the appropriate recognition of prior learning,
    4. Arrangements for assessment, including the appointment of internal and external examiners, and for the conferral of Degrees, Diplomas, Certificates and all other academic distinctions and titles, including those in respect of joint or dual awards delivered in partnership with other institutions.
  2. To make recommendations to the Council in relation to:
    1. Matters concerning the academic business of the University, including matters relating to the terms and conditions of academic staff.
    2. Matters concerning the academic structure of the University.
    3. Matters concerning the discipline of students of the University.
    4. The award of honorary degrees and University medals.
    5. Any other matter of interest to the University.
  3. To regulate the processes for terminating the studies of students, in appropriate circumstances, in relation to registration, attendance, academic performance, tuition fee payment, and (subject to the provisions of Statute XXIV) behaviour.
  4. Where there is good cause to do so, to revoke any Degrees, Diplomas, Certificates or other distinctions or titles previously conferred by Senate.
  5. To elect members of the Council as provided for under Ordinance VIII.
  6. Generally, to exercise all such powers as are, or may be conferred on the Senate by the Charter and Statutes, including the power to make Regulations in the exercise of the powers expressly set out in this Ordinance and of all the other powers of the Senate.