Senate - 9 August 1999

Matters on which authority is retained by Senate [not delegated]

Type of approval	Source of authority	Comment
Elect the Chancellor	University Act, s. 10(1)
Elect the Pro-Chancellor	University Act, s. 11(1)
Co-opt members of Senate	University Act, s. 12(1)(j)
Legislative matters
Make, alter and repeal By-Laws, Statutes and Regulations	University Act, s. 24(4), 25(1), 26(1)	The Act states this power cannot be delegated [s.18(1)]
Any proposed amendments to the Murdoch University Act
Strategic planning
Approve the University’s strategic plan
Receive annual reports on any substantial variations, both positive and negative, from the SQIP targets	Senate resolution 98/98
Staffing matters
Appoint the Vice-Chancellor, extend or terminate his employment	University Act, s. 23(2) and new Statute No. 25, s. 5 & 7
Appoint an Acting Vice Chancellor when the Vice Chancellor is ill or absent for more than one month	new Statute No. 25, s.3(j)
Determine any guidelines for the remuneration and conditions of service of the Vice Chancellor	new Statute No. 25, s.6(b)
Appoint selection committees for Executive Deans	Division reg. 4
Appointment of Executive Deans – if the Vice Chancellor does not accept the recommendation of the Selection Committee	Division Reg. 4
Appoint selection committees for Chairs
Designate Senior Executive Officers of the University	General Staff EB Agreement 1997, s.4
Authorise persons to act under the By-laws	University Act, s. 24(3)
Naming rights for an academic post	Senate resolution 31/98
Determine any question arising as to whether a person is or is not a member of University staff	University Act, s.3(2)
Approve conditions for the award of Senate Medals		Award of the Medals delegated to Senate Medals Selection Panel – Senate resolution 50/97
Financial matters
Borrow and invest money, acquire and dispose of property, give security, grant leases up to 21 years	University Act, s. 29(1)
Establish investment common funds	University Act, s. 30
Approve investment policy and guidelines	University Act, s.29(1)(g)
Act as a trustee	University Act, s. 31
Redeem debentures	University Act, s. 31(2)(d)
Negotiate loans	University Act, s. 32(2)
Establish a superannuation scheme	University Act, s. 33
Approve Guild subscriptions	University Act, s. 20(11), Statute No. 17, s.10
Approve the annual University Operating Budget
Authorise expenditure from the Development Fund, for amounts above the VC’s delegation	Senate resolution 68/97
Establish Foundations	Trust Deeds, s. 7.4
Approve appointment of Trustees of the Murdoch University Trust and Murdoch University Veterinary Trust
Determine what fees and charges may be imposed	new Statute No. 22, s. 1(g)
Authorise write-offs above $50,000	Senate resolution 10/99
Ensure the effectiveness of accounting and financial management information systems	FAAA Act, s. 55(e)	via Audit Committee
Authorise certification of the University’s annual financial statements and the certificate of compliance for the Annual Report	FAAA Act s. 66
Acceptance of external funding of any University posts and facilities where the project, or acceptance of funds from that donor, would be contrary to official University policy or to the statement of University mission and values approved by Senate	Senate resolution 19/99
Property matters
Development or acquisition of a new campus	University Act, s. 29(1)(a)
Adopt master plan for use of University land
Naming of buildings or facilities	Senate resolutions 107/89, 162/93 & 31/98
Approval of new buildings and other capital works (including roadworks and car parks) on campus, their location, and of funds to be allocated to them	University Act, s. 29(1)(a)
Authorise persons to act under the By-laws	By-law 1(2)	Same power given to VC by this By-law
Any declaration by the Vice-Chancellor under By-law 3 (about access to or use of University land) which gives effect to a Senate resolution can be modified or revoked only by Senate resolution.	By-law 3(4)
Organisational arrangements
Designate the office of the University	Statute No. 8, s. 1
Establish and name Divisions	Division reg. 1
May determine that a particular AOU not be located in a Division, under such arrangements as Senate determines.	Division reg. 15
Decisions on whether an institution shall be affiliated with the University, and which of its units shall be acceptable for admission or for credit towards the University’s degrees or diplomas	Statute No. 21, s.5, 6(b)
Approval of incorporation of a University body	Senate resolution 17/99(a)
For each incorporated body, receive a report on the University’s continued involvement after a 5-yearly review, and decide whether the body should continue without change; continue with changes; or be wound up.	Senate resolution 17/99(a)
Student matters
Grant variations from requirements of regulations in individual cases	Bachelor reg. 70, Masters reg. 40, diploma reg. 30, certificate reg. 13
expulsion of a student for misconduct does not take effect unless confirmed by Senate	Statute No. 23, s. 2.2.6(a)
A student expelled from the University shall not be re-enrolled except with the authority of the Senate.	Statute No. 23, s. 2.2.7
Declare who is ineligible for membership of the Guild of Students	Statute No. 17, s.4(3)(c)
Determine maximum fines for student misconduct	Statute No. 23, s. 2.3.2(1)(a), 2.3.3(1)(a), 2.3.4(1)(a), 2.3.5(1)(a)
Public image of the University
Approve the University’s Annual Report	Murdoch University Act, s. 34(2) FAAA Act, s. 66 Senate resolution 121/90
Adopt the University logo
Approve policy on public comment by members of University staff
Miscellaneous matters
The official seal of the University shall not be used except pursuant to a resolution of Senate.	Statute No. 1, s.1	To University Secretary for various classes of documents – Senate resolution 90/85
Determine which degrees, diplomas and certificates the University offers; their titles, and conditions of their award	Statute No. 4, s.1
Determine the Senate Standing Orders	University Act, s. 12(8)
Appoint members of Senate committees	University Act, s. 12(3)
Discussion of sensitive University matters, especially legal/industrial ones