Role and Responsibilities of Senate

THE SENATE AND ITS OFFICERS

The constitution, powers and responsibilities of the Senate are prescribed by the Murdoch University Act:

17.

The Senate is the University's governing body and is accountable to the State Parliament for the operations of the University. It is predominantly a lay body with a maximum membership of 25. The majority of the lay members are appointed by the Governor on the advice of the government of the day, but the Senate also has the capacity to co-opt up to three members from the general community.

The University's academic and general staff elect members to the Senate as do the students. Graduates of the University elect Senate's Convocation members and four places, including those of the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor, are filled by the holders of some designated offices or their nominees.

Except for the student members, whose terms are for one year, appointed, elected or co-opted members serve three-year terms. They are eligible to remain members for a maximum of three consecutive terms before they must step down for a period of at least twelve months before they can become eligible to return to the Senate.

The Chancellor is the Chair of the Senate, and is elected by it from within or outside its membership. Like other members, the Chancellor holds office for a three year term, but there is no limit on the number of terms the Chancellor can serve. In addition to the formal role of the position, as set down in the Act, the Chancellor interacts with the Vice-Chancellor on a regular basis to ensure that the decisions of the Senate are put into effect, to offer advice and to be satisfied that the management of the University is effectively carried out.

The Pro Chancellor, who deputises for the Chancellor as Chair of the Senate, is elected annually from among the members for a one year term. Usually the incumbent is re-elected for a second year.

The Vice-Chancellor is the chief executive officer and academic principal of the University and is responsible to the Senate for its management. The Vice-Chancellor presents a report to each meeting of the Senate on significant matters and developments that have occurred since the previous meeting.

The University Secretary (Andrew Bain) is the Secretary of the Senate.

THE ROLE OF THE SENATE

The role of the Senate has been described in the report of the Higher Education Management Review Committee (" the Hoare Committee") in the following terms :

" The governing body exists to oversee the development and adoption of institutional strategic plans and key policies, to monitor and review the institution's overall performance and to bear ultimate accountability for the institution. Its activities should be principally those of guidance and review, rather than executive management, and its members should recognise their overriding responsibility to bring diverse viewpoints together for the advancement of the institution rather than to represent sectional interests. "

To carry out its role effectively, the Senate must assume ultimate responsibility for:

• appointment and performance management of the Vice Chancellor

• setting strategic directions for the University

• monitoring University performance against strategic objectives

• setting and critically monitoring policy and risk management

• setting and monitoring broad budget and planning framework, ensuring that the University finances are sound and taking major financial decisions

• oversight of management

• legislative roles, including ensuring that the University is acting ethically and in conformity with all legal requirements

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF SENATORS

Duties are defined as the fundamental roles of the Senate which are not discretionary, which cannot be delegated and for which the Senate (and Senators) is/are accountable. Specifically, the Senate has the following duties:

Responsibilities of the Senate

Responsibilities are defined as the discretionary roles taken on by Senate which it can delegate if it so chooses. Current responsibilities which Senate has resolved to retain are:

1. Approve selection committees for Chairs and for Executive Deans. Appoint Executive Deans, if the Vice Chancellor does not accept the recommendation of the selection committee.

2.  Approve naming rights for academic posts.

3. Approve appointment of Trustees of Murdoch University Trust and Murdoch University Veterinary Trust.

4. Determine the University structure, including establishing and naming academic Divisions.

5. Determining affiliations with/of other institutions.

6. Approve incorporation of a University body.

7. Appoint the Director of Internal Audit.

8. Determine whether or not the University shall accept any external funding which would be contrary to University policy, mission or values.

9. Approve the master plan for use of University land.

10.  Approve and name new buildings and capital works.

11. Determine whether academic Regulations be varied in individual student cases.

12. Set public comment policy.

13. Resolve sensitive University matters, especially legal/industrial ones.

A full list of decisions reserved for Senate was noted by Senate on 9 August 1999. It is available at the following URL:

http://senate.murdoch.edu.au/1999/aug/attch/Senautori.html

ACCOUNTABILITY

The University is subject to the Financial Administration and Audit Act 1985. Under this Act, the Senate must report annually to the Parliament on the affairs of the University generally and, in particular, on the management of the University's resources.

The University is also required to comply with the requirements of a considerable range of other statutes, both Commonwealth and State, which are concerned with such matters as industrial relations, equal opportunity and occupational health and safety. In addition, decisions and actions of the University are subject to review by the Governor (in the capacity of University Visitor) and the State Ombudsman.

Although members of the Senate are not expected to involve themselves in the day-to-day operation of the University, they have a duty similar to that of company directors to ensure that they are aware in broad terms of the manner in which the University's business is being conducted and to speak out on matters of concern to them.

As is the case in most organisations exercising similar powers, Senate members are expected to declare any financial or personal interest they might have in matters coming before the Senate and to abstain from voting on these matters.

MATTERS REQUIRING SENATE APPROVAL

For a detailed table showing the matters which go to Senate for decision click here.