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University Council

Council is the governing body of the University of York, in accordance with our Charter and Statutes.

It is responsible for determining our future direction. It oversees our activities and monitors our progress against our strategic ambitions. 

Council is ultimately responsible for ensuring there is effective management in place for the University.

It also ensures we remain financially sustainable and that we meet our legal obligations. 

In order to provide independent oversight, the Chair and the majority of Council members are external or 'lay' members, ie they are not members of University staff.

Council meets four times each year and also holds a strategic away day at the start of each new academic session.

Terms of reference

The Council's terms of reference are set out in its Statement of Primary Responsibilities, which also explains how it reviews its own effectiveness and delegates authority.

Find out more

University Council Chair

Who to contact

2022-2023

Council Pre-meeting events

  • Tuesday 29 November 2022, 15:30-18:30
  • Tuesday 28 February 2023, 15:30-18:30
  • Wednesday 17 May 2023, 15:30-18:30
  • Monday 24 July 2023, 15:30-18:30

Council Dinners

  • Tuesday 29 November 2022, 18:30-21:30
  • Tuesday 28 February 2023, 18:30-21:30
  • Wednesday 17 May 2023, 18:30-21:30

All Council meetings will take place in room RCH/103, Ron Cooke Hub unless otherwise specified

  • Wednesday 30 November 2022, 09:30-13:30
  • Wednesday 1 March 2023 09:30-13:30
  • Thursday 18 May 2023, 09:30-13:30
  • Monday 24 July 2023, 09:30-13:30

Council Away Day - Friday 7 October 2022 - The Lakehouse, Ron Cooke Hub

2023-2024

Council Pre-meeting events

  • Tuesday 28 November 2023, 15:30-18:30
  • Tuesday 27 February 2024, 15:30-18:30

Council Dinners

  • Tuesday 28 November 2023, 18:30-21:30
  • Tuesday 27 February 2024, 18:30-21:30

All Council meetings will take place in room RCH/103, Ron Cooke Hub unless otherwise specified

  • Wednesday 29 November 2023, 09:30-13:30
  • Wednesday 28 February 2024, 09:30-13:30

Council Away Day - Friday 6 October 2023 - Treehouse, Berrick Saul Building