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Chancellery

University Governance - Council


Council

The Governing body of the University as a whole is Council, as set out in the Swinburne University of Technology Act, 1992.

Council has the responsibility to:

  • approve statutes and regulations
  • ensure appropriate University policies and procedures and policy framework are in place
  • determine the structure of the University and its divisions
  • approve the mission and strategic direction of the University
  • ensure that long term and short term planning are undertaken, endorsed and implemented
  • determine the composition and functions of Council Standing Committees and statutory Boards
  • provide oversight of Council Standing Committees and statutory Boards and address their recommendations
  • approve the annual budget and business plan, annual accounts and Annual Report
  • ensure systems of control, risk management, compliance and accountability are in place, including for controlled entities
  • ensure opportunities and risks are appropriately managed, including in relation to commercial undertakings
  • monitor University performance against strategic objectives
  • oversee and monitor the academic activities of the University
  • select, appoint, set the remuneration and manage the performance of the Vice-Chancellor
  • provide oversight of University management and review its performance
  • approve the University’s financial reporting framework and monitor financial performance
  • ensure the financial stability of the University

Council has a number of committees that provide oversight of particular functions:

  • Audit & Risk Committee
  • Campus Planning and Building Committee
  • Finance Committee
  • Fundraising & Development
  • Governance and Nominations Committee
  • Senior Executive Committee
  • Strategy Implementation and Human Resources Review Committee

Council also has an Executive Group, empowered to act on behalf of Council between meetings of Council on urgent matters or in line with policies previously approved by Council.

The functions and terms of reference of these committees are detailed in the Policies and Procedures Database.

Council periodically reviews its own effectiveness, the effectiveness of its Committees and the effectiveness of the University’s governance framework.

Chancellor

The Chancellor is the titular and ceremonial head of the University, and is also chair of Council.