Senate Governance Committee

Establishment of Senate Governance Committee

1. The University’s Senate is the governing authority of the University established under the University of Queensland Act 1998. The Act permits Senate to delegate its powers under the Act to an appropriately qualified Committee that includes one or more members of Senate.

2. Senate has established a Governance Committee as a Committee of Senate.

Role of the Committee

3. The role of the Committee is to support and advise Senate in exercising its oversight in relation to the matters set out in these terms of reference. The establishment of this Committee does not discharge Senate of its responsibility for these matters.

Responsibilities of the Committee

4. Consider and advise on:

4.1 Matters relating to the overall governance of the University and Senate, and to promote adherence to good governance principles and practice.

4.2 Matters relating to the University of Queensland Act 1998, including any proposed amendments to the University of Queensland Act 1998.

4.3 The making of or amendment to policies reserved for Senate under the UQ Governance and Management Framework (PPL 1.00.01), or any policy brought to the Committee.

4.4 The operating procedures of Senate, including its committee structures, standing orders, and annual cycle of business.

5. Senate Membership:

5.1 Duties and responsibilities of Senate members

Review the duties and responsibilities of Senate members and determine how Members accept these duties and responsibilities.

5.2 Competency requirements

Assess the skills, experience, diversity, and knowledge of Senate members, having regard to the strategic direction of the University.

5.3 Governor-in-Council appointments

Provide the Chancellor with persons who might be recommended to the Queensland Government for appointment by the Governor-in-Council, as vacancies arise.

Appointed members should be selected on the basis of their ability to contribute to the effective working of the governing body by having appropriate skills, knowledge and experience, are supportive of the University’s values and have an appreciation of the University’s core activities of teaching and research, its independence and academic freedom and the capacity to appreciate what the university’s external community needs from that university.

5.4 Senate appointments

Advise Senate on persons who might be appointed to the Senate by Senate, as vacancies arise.

5.5 Elected members

Monitor the election process for Senate members who are elected under the University Elections Policy.

5.6 Chancellor succession planning process

Provide to Senate a suggested succession planning process for the role of Chancellor, noting that Senate makes the election.

5.7 Vice-Chancellor succession planning process

Provide to Senate a suggested succession planning process for the role of Vice- Chancellor, noting that Senate makes the appointment.

5.8 Induction procedure and continuing development

Develop, oversee implementation, and review an induction program for incoming Senate members, and a continuing development program for all Members.

5.9 Performance evaluations

Oversee the development and implementation of a process for the evaluation of the performance of the Chancellor, Senate (as a governing body), Senate members individually, Academic Board and Senate Committees.

6. The Committee will form a Nominations Sub-committee which will recommend to the Governance Committee candidates for appointment as UQ Appointed Directors to the Councils/Boards of residential Colleges. The Governance Committee makes the appointments. The Governance Committee determines the composition of the Nominations Sub-committee.

Power of the Committee

7. The Committee has no delegated authority other than the authority set out in these terms of reference.

8. The Committee provides the first line of oversight for Senate on matters set out in these terms of reference.

Structure and Composition of the Committee

9. Membership and Chair

Senate determines the membership and terms of appointment of the Committee members.

Members of the Committee should have appropriate and recognised governance and legal expertise to ensure that Senate meets its governance and legal obligations.

Senate appoints the Chancellor to chair the Committee.

10. Membership composition

• Chancellor (Chair)
• Deputy Chancellor
• Vice-Chancellor and President, or nominee
• Chair of the Finance Committee, or nominee
• Chair of the Risk and Audit Committee, or nominee
• President of the Academic Board, or nominee
• Up to two additional Senate Members

The Chair, in consultation with Members, may co-opt additional members if required.

In attendance

• General Counsel

11. Terms of appointment

The term of appointment of a Member is up to four years, and may be renewed. Appointment terms should be staggered to ensure continuity of membership.

Operation of the Committee

12. The Committee meets on an ad hoc basis when required.

13. The Secretary is the Senate Secretary.

14. The format of the agenda and minutes should be consistent with those produced for Senate meetings.

15. The agenda papers should be distributed at least a week before the meeting.

16. Members of the Committee may participate in the meeting by way of teleconference/video facilities.

17. The quorum for meetings is a majority of members.

18. The Terms of Reference of the Committee and the functioning of the Committee should be subject to regular review by Senate, including self-assessment by the Committee every two years, to ensure that it is operating effectively and fulfilling its functions.

*As on 3 December 2024