What is Governance?
AU is a chartered institution whose Charter was first awarded in 1889 and most recently revised in 2007. The university operates on the basis of its Charter, Statutes and Ordinances, which are defined below:
Charter - Defines objects, powers and officers of the University, and principles such as the power to teach and examine.
Further Information
Statutes - Comprise the rules concerning statutory bodies, members and officers of the University institution.
Further Information
Ordinances - Concerns how the University is governed within the general framework of the Charter and Statutes.
Further Information
The Court
The role of the Court shall be to provide forum for communication and discussion of the University's activities on an annual basis.
The Court shall meet annually to receive information on the working of the University.
The Annual Meeting of the Court shall normally include:
- An address by the President
- An address by the Vice-Chancellor
- Presentations on Higher Education and the work of the University.
All members shall have the right when addressing the Court to speak in either Welsh or English.
The Council
Under the terms of its Charter, the Council is AU's governing body, and is ‘the administrative and financial authority of the institution and controls and undertakes the management of all…funds, property, investments and income' (Article XIII). The composition and powers of the Council are described in the statutes (5 and 6).
The Aberystwyth University are the advancement of learning and knowledge by teaching and research. The university "shall give special attention to the educational needs of Wales having regard to the Welsh language and culture and social traditions of Wales."
The Council is chaired by the President of the University, and includes a wider range of representatives, with a majority of lay members. (see: current membership of the Council).
There is a framework of committees that report to Council, which are defined by the Administrative Regulation.
The council normally meets on a quarterly basis.
For further information, see also:
The Senate
The Senate is defined in the Charter (article XIII) as the academic authority of the university. It is responsible to the Council for the academic functions of the university in teaching and research, and for the regulation and superintendence of students.
Membership of Senate consists of the Vice-Chancellor (as its Chairman), the Pro-Vice-Chancellors, Heads of Academic Departments, and Deans of Faculties together with representatives of academic staff and students. See: membership of the Senate.
The Senate usually meets on five occasions in each academic year.
A number of Committees report to Senate and Council - which are defined in the Administrative Regulation. See: Committees Reporting to Council and Senate and Committees Reporting to Senate.
For further information, see also: