Council

Council is the University's most senior decision-making body responsible for the oversight, management and development of strategic plans and key policies.

Council has a number of standing committees that meet regularly. These committees are skills-based bodies designed to deal with specific matters and include

• Chancellors Committee
• Nominations and Governance Committee
• People and Culture Committee
• Finance and Infrastructure Committee
• Risk Committee

Academic Senate

Academic Senate is responsible for protecting, promoting and enhancing academic standards and quality at the University and advises Council on core academic activities including teaching, learning and research, through its President, who is also Council member.

To help deal effectively with specialised issues, Academic Senate is supported by

• Teaching and Learning Committee
• Research Committee
• Research Training Sub-Committee
• PALS Board
• College / PALS Progress and Appeals Board
• College Boards
• Program and Course Approval Committee
• Academic Senate Executive Committee

Executive Leadership Team

Providing advice to the Vice-Chancellor on matters of strategic and operational significance, the primary role of the Executive Leadership Team is to define and focus the Strategic Direction of the University in line with the Strategic Plan, and prioritise operational decisions according to this framework.

Elections

Elections are an important part of the university's governance. They provide opportunities for staff and students to contribute to decision making processes and help shape the future of the University.

• Staff Elections
• Student Elections

Assurance Services

Assurance Services comprises of Risk, Internal Audit and University Policy.

Records and Information Governance

Records Governance Services (RGS) is located within Governance and Assurance Services (GAS), and is responsible for ensuring that the University meets its records and information management obligations in line with legislative requirements, in particular with the NSW State Records Act 1998.  RGS provides advice, education and support and can assist with implementing best practice records and information management programmes throughout the University.

Delegation of Authority

A robust system of delegations provides the assurance that an officer of the University is making specified decisions with a delegation of authority from the Vice-Chancellor or the Council.

Academic Freedom

The Code for the Protection of Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom has been developed by the University in response to a review initiated by the Federal Minister for Education.

Complaints

The University of Newcastle recognises an individual’s right to raise an issue or concern regarding the conduct of the University’s operations, services, staff and facilities, and the applications of its policies and procedures.