Governing bodies

University Council

The University's principal governing body is the Council, comprising up to 16 members. It is responsible for the governance of the University, acts in its best interest, drives performance through strategy and stewardship, provides overall strategic guidance and oversees senior management in carrying out that strategic direction.

Council operates in accordance with the University of Newcastle Act 1989 (the Act) and the University of Newcastle By-law 2017 (the By-law), which set out the powers and functions of the University and how these must be performed.

You can learn more about the role and responsibilities of the Council and its members in the University Council Charter.  This charter plays an important role in the University's governance framework.  The Charter is supported by a number of other documents which you can read more about online via the Council Handbook.

Council Membership and Council Committees

Procedures for the appointment and election of members are prescribed under the By-law.

This includes three official members, nine appointed members (two members appointed by the Minister and seven members appointed by the Council) and four elected members. The Council is also required to ensure that among its members there is a diverse range of skills and experience, with emphasis on financial and commercial expertise.

Under the Act, Council has the authority to establish committees to assist in the exercise of its functions. There are six standing Committees of Council:

The People and Culture Committee is established as a Committee of the Council in accordance with Clause 4, Schedule 1 of the University of Newcastle Act 1989.

The People and Culture Committee Charter sets out the membership, operation and functions of the committee.

The Chancellor's Committee is established as a Committee of the Council in accordance with Clause 4, Schedule 1 of the University of Newcastle Act 1989.

The Chancellors Committee Charter sets out the membership, operation and functions of the committee.

The Controlled and Associated Entities Committee is established as a Committee of the Council in accordance with Clause 4, Schedule 1 of the University of Newcastle Act 1989.

The Controlled and Associated Entities Committee Charter sets out the membership, operation and functions of the committee.

The Finance Committee is established as a Committee of the Council in accordance with Clause 4, Schedule 1 of the University of Newcastle Act 1989.

The Finance Committee Charter sets out the membership, operation and functions of the committee.

The Nominations and Governance Committee is established as a Committee of the Council in accordance with Clause 4, Schedule 1 of the University of Newcastle Act 1989.

The Nominations and Governance Committee Charter sets out the membership, operation and functions of the committee.

The Risk Committee is established as a Committee of the Council in accordance with Clause 4, Schedule 1 of the University of Newcastle Act 1989.

The Risk Committee Charter sets out the membership, operation and functions of the committee.

The Development Committee is established as a Committee of the Council in accordance with Clause 4, Schedule 1 of the University of Newcastle Act 1989.

The Development Committee Charter sets out the membership, operation and functions of the committee.

Academic Senate

The Academic Senate is the primary forum for debate on academic issues in the University and has a major role in academic quality assurance processes. It is the principal advisory committee to the Council on academic matters and has the mission to protect, promote and enhance the excellence of the University's core academic activities - teaching, learning and research.

Contact

The Council is served by the University Secretariat and demonstrates a commitment to good governance practices (PDF 126KB). If you require further information, the Governance and Assurance Services Secretariat team can assist.

If you have any questions please contact the Secretariat team by email secretariat@newcastle.edu.au