Senate

The Senate is the Board of Directors of Australian Catholic University Limited and is the governing body of the University. Learn more about the Senate, its terms of reference and current members.

Terms of reference

The Senate is the governing authority of Australian Catholic University Limited. It comprises 18 Senators, each of whom are elected, nominated or ex-officio (a holder of another office position). 

Currently, the Senate meets five times per year.

The Senate’s composition, authority and processes are described in Clause 13 of the Australian Catholic University Constitution.

Senate objectives

The objectives of Senate are as follows:

• review and endorse strategic directions and priorities; and monitor progress against agreed goals
• oversee the establishment and effective operation of key policies
• ensure adequate risk management procedures and associated internal controls are established and effectively maintained
• oversee the effective and prudential operation of the University, including approval and monitoring of budgets and financial plans
• require and monitor compliance with statutory and regulatory obligations
• ensure the University’s assets and resources are properly managed
• effectively manage its own operations, with due concern for proper and appropriate accountability
  appointment of the Vice-Chancellor
• ensure a clear definition of Senate’s role and the delegated responsibilities and authorities it assigns to the Vice-Chancellor, other officers, the Senate Subcommittees and the Academic Board.

Standing Committees of the Senate

According to Clause 16.1 of the University Constitution, the Senate can appoint committees and delegate many of its powers to them. 

At least a third of a committee’s members must be made up of Senators, and any power exercised by a committee is deemed exercised by the Senate.

Current Standing Committees of the Senate include:

• Standing and Finance Committee: Chaired by the Pro-Chancellor
• Audit and Risk Committee: Chaired by an expert in audit committee and financial matters – may be external to the University and Senate.
• Honorary Awards Committee: Chaired by the Chancellor
• Nominations and Remunerations Committee: Chaired by the Chancellor.

Senate membership list

Learn more about the 18 members of the Senate, including nominated, ex-officio and elected members.

See Senate membership list