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 reports through the President of the Academic Senate, who is also a Council member.
The Academic Senate is responsible for protecting, promoting and enhancing the excellence of the University's core academic activities – teaching, learning and research – through effective oversight. Together with its sub-committees and college boards, the Academic Senate is responsible for developing, approving and monitoring academic programs, courses and policies.
The majority of the members of the Academic Senate are elected by the academic staff of the University. Other members are elected student members, or ex-officio.
The Academic Senate's functions are detailed in clause 18 of the University of Newcastle By-law 2017.
Academic Senate Podcast
Find out more about Academic Senate with this short podcast:
Academic Senate Podcast - What Does Academic Senate Do? (WAV, 32KB).
Academic Senate Sub Committees
A number of Academic Senate Sub Committees have been established to help the Academic Senate deal effectively with specialised issues across research, teaching, program and course approvals, and academic related matters specific to Colleges.
Academic Senate Meeting Dates
The calendar includes Academic Senate meeting dates, as well as the meeting dates for the Academic Senate Sub Committees: Research Committee, Teaching and Learning Committee, Program and Course Approval Committee, and Pathways and Academic Learning Support Centre.
2025 Academic Senate and Committees Calendar
2026 Academic Senate and Committees Calendar
Please Note: These calendars are subject to change.
Academic Senate Members
Meet the 2025 members of Academic Senate (PDF, 145KB).
Most members are elected by academic staff and other members are elected student members or ex-officio members which means they are part of Academic Senate because of their position at the University.
Academic Senate News
Senate News - The Academic Senate Communique
Senate News provides a brief outline of the matters discussed at each Academic Senate meeting.
- 12 August 2025 Senate News (PDF, 1.4MB)
- 27 May 2025 Senate News (PDF, 1.4MB)
- 26 March 2025 Senate News (PDF, 1.3MB)
- 9 October 2024 Senate News (PDF, 1.6MB)
- 7 August 2024 Senate News (PDF, 1.7MB)
Senate Spotlight - The Academic Senate Newsletter
Find out more about issues discussed at Academic Senate:
Report Templates and Resources
All papers should state what Function of Academic Senate is being addressed. You can use the following guide: Functions of Academic Senate (PDF, 81KB)
If your paper is only going to Academic Senate, Research Committee or the Teaching and Learning Committee, please use this template: Academic Senate and Committees Report Template (DOCX, 41kb)
If your paper is also going to ELT and Council, please use this template: ELT and Council Committees Report Template (DOCX, 134KB)
Other Resources
Please email academicsenate@newcastle.edu.au for enquiries regarding meeting papers and minutes.
Academic Senate Handbook
The Academic Senate Handbook (PDF, 668KB) is primarily designed to help new and existing members of the Academic Senate and its Committees/Boards understand their roles and responsibilities.
It is also a useful resource for staff interested in learning more about the University's academic governance, the role of the Academic Senate (or its Committees/Boards), and their areas of focus and responsibilities.
Who to contact
| COMMITTEE | CONTACT |
|---|---|
| Academic Senate | academicsenate@newcastle.edu.au |
| Teaching and Learning Committee | academicsenate@newcastle.edu.au |
| Research Committee | academicsenate@newcastle.edu.au |
| Research Training Sub-Committee | Gareth.Patterson@newcastle.edu.au |
College Boards | College of Engineering, Science and Environment College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing College of Human and Social Futures |
| Pathways and Academic Learning Support Centre | Pals-Education@newcastle.edu.au |
| Program and Course Approval Committee | academicpolicy@newcastle.edu.au |
| Academic Senate Executive Committee | Melinda.Hannan@newcastle.edu.au |
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.