Rector of the University of Dundee

The Rector of the University of Dundee is elected by the matriculated students of the University. From 1967 (when the University gained independence from the University of St. Andrews) to 2010 the Rector was automatically a full member of the University Court (the University Governing body). The Rector also had the right to appoint an Assessor, who was also a full member of the University Court. Following changes made to the University Charter in August 2010, the Rector must choose to either take up full membership of Court or appoint an Assessor who has full voting rights. If the Rector chooses not take up full membership of Court, he retains the right to receive Court papers and attend its meetings but not to vote. The present holder of the position is Mr Brian Cox, CBE. Brian Cox has chosen not to take up full membership of Court, and his Assesor, Mike Arnott, therefore has full voting rights on Court.

Aside from his official duties to the university, the Rector is charged with the responsibility of representing the students of the University who elect him for a three year term. The Rector is officially installed in a ceremony soon after his election by the University's Chancellor or, in his place, the Vice-Chancellor.

History

The position of Rector in the ancient universities of Scotland dates back centuries and is one of the oldest offices in academic governance in Scotland. To this day, it only exists in the ancient universities of Scotland and at Dundee, which...
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