Chancellor, Deputy Chancellor and Pro Chancellor Rule

Document Number	000944
Date Approved	19 August 2011

   

2.      Scope

2.1.     Roles referred to in this Rule are those of Chancellor, Deputy Chancellor and Pro Chancellor.

3.      Intent

3.1.     This Rule defines the role and function of the Chancellor and Deputy Chancellor.

3.2.     This Rule establishes the office of Pro Chancellor and defines the role and function of that office.

4.      Definitions

In this Rule:

Act means the University of Newcastle Act 1989 (NSW).

By-law means the University of Newcastle By-law 2005 (NSW).

University means the University of Newcastle.

5.      Principles

5.1.     Chancellor

Establishment and Appointment

5.1.1.    There shall be a Chancellor of the University elected by Council in accordance with Section 10 (1) of the Act.

Role

5.1.2.    The Chancellor shall:

1. chair Council meetings;
2. facilitate open and professional deliberations in which all Council members may contribute to a thorough analysis of relevant issues;
3. guide and mediate the Council actions with respect to organisational priorities and governance concerns;
4. conduct timely Council meetings and regular self-assessments to ensure process improvement;
5. assist Council members in their role, to fulfil their responsibilities and promote the ongoing effectiveness of the Council;
6. develop the agenda and timetable for Council meetings in conjunction with the Vice-Chancellor;
7. ensure there is a proper flow of information to the Council in terms of adequacy and timing of supplementary materials;
8. act as the conduit between members of Council and the Vice-Chancellor;
9. maintain a dialogue with and mentor the Vice-Chancellor;
10. assist the Council to develop good relationships with stakeholders of the University; and
11. represent the Council to external bodies and the community as an official spokesperson for the University.

5.1.3.    In accordance with the Act and the By-law, Council may, by resolution, confer or impose such functions or authority upon the Chancellor as it deems appropriate.

Term of Office

5.1.4.    In accordance with Section 10 (2) of the Act, the office of Chancellor shall be held for a term of up to four (4) years.

5.1.5.    The Chancellor is eligible for re-election upon expiry of a term of office, in accordance with Section 26 of the Act.

5.2.     Deputy Chancellor

Establishment and Appointment

5.2.1.    There shall be a Deputy Chancellor of the University elected by Council in accordance with Section 11 (1) of the Act.

Role

5.2.2.    The Deputy Chancellor shall support the Chancellor in the fulfilment of the Chancellor’s functions specified in Clause 5.1.2.

5.2.3.    In accordance with Section 11 (3) of the Act, the Deputy Chancellor shall be the Acting Chancellor:

1. in the absence of the Chancellor; or
2. during a vacancy in the office of the Chancellor; or
3.  during the inability of the Chancellor to act.

Term of Office

5.2.4.    In accordance with Section 11 (2) of the Act, the office of Deputy Chancellor shall be held for a term of up to two (2) years.

5.2.5.    The Deputy Chancellor is eligible for re-election upon expiry of a term of office, in accordance with Section 26 of the Act.

5.3.     Pro Chancellor

Establishment and Appointment

5.3.1.    This Rule establishes the office of Pro Chancellor in accordance with Part 6 Clause 42 of the By-law.

5.3.2.    Council may appoint one or more of its members to the office of Pro Chancellor.

Role

5.3.3.    A Pro Chancellor holds no formal authority on behalf of the University and may not bind, or make representations for, or on behalf of, the University, the Chancellor or Council.

5.3.4.    A Pro Chancellor, at the invitation of the Chancellor, is to preside at official ceremonies and functions of the University on behalf of the Chancellor where the Chancellor or Deputy Chancellor are unable to do so.

Term of Office

5.3.5.    A  Pro Chancellor may hold office for a term of up to two (2) years.

5.3.6.     A Pro Chancellor is eligible for re-appointment upon expiry of a term of office.

6.      Essential Supporting Documents

• University of Newcastle Act 1989 (NSW)
• University of Newcastle By-law 2005 (NSW)

 

Approval Authority	Council
Date Approved	19 August 2011
Date for Review	19 August 2013
Policy Owner	University Secretary
Policy Contact	Deputy Academic Registrar, Governance and Academic Administration
Amendment History	Approved by Council 19 August 2011 - replaces Rule Governing Role of Chancellor and Deputy Chancellor [Rule - 000298]