AGY-3517 | Academic Senate [II] [University of Newcastle]

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The second Academic Senate was created by the University of Newcastle Act, 1989 (section 15). The Senate consisted of the Vice-Chancellor and other persons determined by the University Council in accordance with by-laws. The Academic Senate was established under University By-laws 32-36 which were approved by the Governor on 27th October, 1989 [1]. The by-laws nominated the following ex-officio members - Deputy President of the Academic Senate, Deputy Vice-Chancellors, the Pro-Vice Chancellors, the Deans of the University and the Directors and Heads of Schools. The University Council could resolve to appoint other ex-officio members. The by-laws also provided for elected members - representatives of the University staff and student body. These were elected for terms and in the manner resolved by Council. (2) The functions of the Academic Senate were as follows:
(a) to advise the Council on matters concerned with the academic activities of the University;
(b) to consider any matter referred to it by the Council;
(c) to refer any matters to Faculty, School or other Boards for their consideration and report;
(d) to determine, following consultation with relevant Faculties, Schools and other Boards matters affecting courses, studies and examinations which are not solely within the province of a single Board; and (e) consider any matter affecting the policy and activities of the University as a whole, and make recommendations on any such matter to the Council or to any other body, committee or authority within the university. (3) The Vice Chancellor was the President of the Academic Senate but the Deputy President took this role in his absence. (4) When the Senate did not pass unamended a recommendation from a Faculty, School or other Board it could refer the matter to the Council together with any observations. (5) The University Council could consider matters referred to it by the Academic Senate concerning the teaching, scholarship or research within the University. If these matters were not accepted by the Council without amendment it was required to seek further views of the Academic Senate. This did not apply if the matter was urgent or the differences between the two bodies was slight. (6) The Academic Senate could appoint committees for particular purposes. It was not essential for all members of these committees to be members of the Senate. (7) The Academic Senate could make rules concerning the time and manner of holding meetings, the conduct of and voting at meetings, the election of its Deputy President and the appointment, powers and duties of committees. (8) The Senate met for the first time on the 9th November of the same year. Meetings of the Senate are normally held monthly, from January to November of each year. By-law 33.(1) defines the Academic Senate as 'the principal academic body in the University.' Endnotes
(1) New South Wales Government Gazette No. 105 (27th October, 1989), p.8883.
(2) University of Newcastle By-Law s.32 (3) Ibid. s. 33 (4) Ibid. s. 34 (5) Ibid. s. 35 (6) Ibid s. 36 (7) Ibid. s. 37 (8) Ibid. s. 38