Governance of the University of St Andrews

The governance of the University of St Andrews is laid down in a series of Acts of Parliament (the Universities (Scotland) Acts) enacted between 1858 and 1966.

In common with the other Ancient universities of Scotland, there are three bodies responsible for governance, as determined by the Universities Act 1858. This Act created three bodies: the General Council, University Court and Academic Senate (Senatus Academicus).

General Council

The General Council is a standing advisory body of all the graduates, academics and former academics of the University. It meets twice a year and appoints a Business Committee to transact business between those meetings. The most important jobs it performs is in appointing two Assessor to the University Court and electing the University Chancellor.

University Court

Under the University Act 1858 the University Court is the supreme governing body of the University, having responsibilities for the finances and administration of the University. Its twenty-three members come from within the University, the local community and beyond. It also has the power to review decisions of the Academic Senate. There is a handbook for members available .

The Court is chaired by the Rector who is elected by all the matriculated students of the University.

As of April 2006 the membership of the Court was:

• the Rector (elected by matriculated students, and is President of the Court)
• the University Principal, ex officio
• the Senior Vice Principal......
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