Governance

Senate

The governing body of the University is the Senate which is chaired by the Chancellor. The Senate is predominantly a lay body of the University. The membership provisions are set out in Sections 12-16 of the Murdoch University Act .

The role of the Senate is to oversee the development of and adoption of strategic initiatives, plans and key policies, and to monitor and review the University's overall performance. Section 17 of the Murdoch University Act sets out the functions, powers and duties of the Senate. The Senate has power to:

• control and manage the affairs of the University
• appoint, vary or terminate the appointment of all academic and other staff of the University
• award degrees, grant honorary degrees and other distinctions
• make, alter and repeal the University by-laws
• make, alter and repeal University statutes and regulations

The Senate is advised by a number of Senate committees and also by the Academic Council.

Of the Senate committees the more important include the:

Legislation Committee

The Legislation Committee considers and recommends to the Senate all proposed amendments to statutes, by-laws, regulations and other related matters referred to it by the Senate or the Vice Chancellor.

Resources Committee

The Resources Committee supervises the financial affairs of the University and advises the Senate on matters of investment, insurance, budget and loans and on matters relating to the acquisition, improvement, maintenance and services of the university land, furnishings and grounds.

For additional information about governance of the University, refer to Senate site, or search the Murdoch A to Z Index using the term 'governance'.

Academic Council

Academic Council is the senior decision-making body on academic matters within the University. The Council has delegated authority to award degrees, diplomas and certificates. On matters of academic policy, it makes the final decision; on some matters, it recommends to Senate. Every meeting has substantive debate on some major educational issues, usually following reports from committees.

The Academic Council is advised by a number of Academic Council committees, the more important being the:

Learning and Teaching Committee

The Learning and Teaching Committee advises Academic Council on educational policy issues, introduction of new courses, the annual changes to units and course requirements, and on changes to bachelor, coursework masters and diploma regulations; development of the University's Teaching Management Plan; oversees issues relating to admission of students, academic progress, award of advanced standing, course reviews and distance education and open learning.