La Trobe University - Governance

Governance

The principal governing body of the University is the Council. The Council is composed of the Chancellor, the Vice-Chancellor, the Chair of the Academic Board, 3 persons elected by and from the staff of the University, 2 persons elected by and from the enrolled students of the University, 6 persons appointed by the Governor in Council, 1 person appointed by the Minister administering the Act and 6 other persons appointed by the Council. Under section 8 of the Act that established the university, the Council has the entire direction and superintendence of the University. Some of the Council’s more important responsibilities and functions under the Act include:

• making Statutes and regulations for or with respect to all matters concerning the University (section 28);
• appointing and monitoring the performance of the Vice-Chancellor (section 8);
• approving the mission and strategic direction of the University (section 8);
• approving the annual budget and business plan of the University (section 8);
• overseeing and reviewing the management of the University and its performance (section 8);
• establishing the policy and procedural principles for the operation of the University (section 8);
• overseeing and monitoring the assessment and management risk across the University (section 8);
• overseeing and monitoring the academic activities of the University (section 8);
• approving and monitoring systems of control and accountability of the University, including those required to maintain a general overview of any entity over which the University has control within the meaning of section 3 of the Audit Act 1994 (section 8);
• approving any significant university commercial activities (section 8);
• conferring and granting degrees, diplomas and other academic awards to students (section 10).

The Council is also empowered under section 18 of the Act to delegate powers, authority, duties and functions to any member of the Council, or to any officer or committee of the University.