Skip to content Accessibility statement
University of York

Terms of reference for Senate

Statement of Primary Responsibilities

  1. To regulate and oversee the academic work of the University in both teaching and research
  2. To approve academic policies and procedures
  3. To be responsible for providing assurance to the governing body (University Council) on academic quality and standards
  4. To monitor the student academic experience and student outcomes
  5. To ratify the award of academic qualifications in accordance with the Statutes
  6. To approve the appointment of internal and external examiners (via delegation of authority to the Standing Committee on Assessment)
  7. To approve criteria for the admission of students
  8. To approve regulations for student discipline
  9. To express an opinion on any matter or thing pertinent to the University or its affairs (in accordance with Statute 12)

Delegation
Decisions of the Senate on academic matters which have financial or resource implications are subject to approval by the Council.  Conversely, decisions by the Council which have academic implications (for example the creation or closure of an academic department) are subject to consultation with the Senate.  The Senate may establish sub-committees and delegate to such sub-committees any functions which it is itself competent to perform.

Effectiveness Review
To undertake reviews of its own effectiveness as directed by the Council (not less than every five years). 

  • Charter and Statutes

Paragraph 14 of the Charter and Statutes April 2011 (PDF , 151kb) states that:

There shall be a Senate of the University which, subject to the provisions of this Our Charter and the Statutes and to the control and approval of the Council, shall be responsible for the academic work of the University, both in teaching and in research, for the regulation and superintendence of the education of the students of the University and for advising the Council upon all academic appointments.

Statute 12:

  • to express an opinion on any matter or thing pertinent to the University and its affairs
  • to consider and advise upon all matters referred by the Council
  • to transmit to the Council for enaction Ordinances and Regulations relating to teaching and learning
  • to appoint internal and external examiners
  • to regulate, subject to the Ordinances of the University, the admission of persons to the University
  • to grant Degrees, Diplomas, Certificates and other academic distinctions to persons who have pursued in accordance with the Ordinances and Regulations a programme of study approved by the Senate and have passed the examinations or other tests prescribed in that connection, and to direct their conferment on those persons by the University
  • to grant Degrees, Diplomas, Certificates and other academic distinctions jointly with any other institution recognised by the Senate for that purpose to persons who have pursued in accordance with the Ordinances and Regulations a programme of study approved by the Senate and have passed the examinations or other tests prescribed in that connection, and to direct their conferment on those persons by the University

University Senate chair

  • Professor Charlie Jeffrey
    Vice-Chancellor & President
    vc@york.ac.uk

Contacts

Meeting dates

2020/21

  • Thursday 10 September 2020 (extraordinary meeting) 
    14:00-16:00
  • Tuesday 20 October 2020 (paper deadline 9 October 2020)
    2.15pm in Bowland Lecture Theatre, Berrick Saul Building
  • Tuesday 2 February 2021 (paper deadline 22 January 2021)
    2.15pm in Bowland Lecture Theatre, Berrick Saul Building
  • Tuesday 11 May 2021 (paper deadline 30 April 2021)
    2.15pm in Bowland Lecture Theatre, Berrick Saul Building
  • Tuesday 6 July 2021 (paper deadline 25 June 2021)
    2.15pm in Bowland Lecture Theatre, Berrick Saul Building