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Academic Council

Terms of Reference:

The following terms of reference are derived from the Regulation Governing the Powers of Academic Council, approved by Senate, 25 November 2014.

(a)   Statute XI (3) states that, subject to the Charter and Statutes, the Academic Council will have control of the internal academic affairs of the University, the scope of which shall be prescribed, from time to time, by the Senate.
(b)   Academic Council will have the following powers unless otherwise prescribed by the Senate:
    (i) Recognition to teach and examine at undergraduate and postgraduate level.
    (ii) To promote research within the University and to require reports, from time to time, on such research.
    (iii) To recommend to Senate upon all proposals for the institution or abolition of degrees or other qualifications.
    (iv) Approval of Regulations/Procedures in relation to academic collaborative arrangements with other institutions and organisations.
    (v) Approval of standard academic collaborative arrangements with other institutions and organisations.
    (vi) To approve individual courses of study provided in recognised institutions as equivalent to the whole, or defined part, of an approved course of study of the University.
    (vii) Approval of Regulations/Procedures concerning the monitoring and review of academic programmes and subjects.
    (viii) The conferment of titles for Chairs. 
    (ix) The conferment of honorary academic titles.
    (x) Appointment of examiners.
    (xi) Appointment of teaching assistants.
    (xii) The determination of rules governing the award of fellowships, studentships, scholarships, exhibitions, prizes and other academic awards.
    (xiii) To make rules and regulations for admission and progress of students undertaking University courses of study, and for the good order of research and teaching in the University, whether leading to academic awards or not, for the conduct of examinations, for the conferment of degrees, diplomas, certificates and other academic awards and for academic appeals.
    (xiv) Concessions to students.
    (xv) Approval of regulations/guidelines governing student conduct.
    (xvi) Approval of procedures governing student complaints.
    (xvii) To discuss and pronounce an opinion on any academic matter relating to the University, including any matter referred to it by the Senate.
    (xviii) To delegate any of its functions as it may, from time to time determine, to committees appointed by Academic Council.

Composition:

Chair:    President and Vice-Chancellor    
Ex Officio:  

Pro-Vice-Chancellors
Faculty Pro-Vice-Chancellors
Heads of Schools
Institute Directors (not represented by Schools)
University College Principals
Registrar and Chief Operating Officer
President, Students' Union

Other members:   Elected members of Academic Staff (the number not exceeding one half of the total Council membership)
Up to 6 co-opted members of Staff
3 Student representatives
In Attendance:   Relevant University Officers
Serviced by:    Registrar and Chief Operating Officer
Reports to:   Senate  
Receives 
reports from:
  Academic Board 
Central Students' Appeals Committee
Education Committee 
Honorary Degrees Committee 
Honorary Titles Group 
Planning and Finance Committee 
Research Committee
   
Meetings:  

Academic Council meets three times each year, with extraordinary meetings held as required.