Governance and structure
The University of Essex Charter
The University of Essex admitted its first students in 1964, with the
Royal Charter granted in 1965. The
Charter outlines the objectives and powers of the University: to advance
education, scholarship, knowledge and understanding by teaching and
research, for the benefit of individuals and society at large.
University Council
As the executive governing body University Council
has overall responsibility for the management and administration of the
revenue and property of the University. The Council is entrusted with
the proper conduct of University business in support of the objectives
defined by the University Charter and Statues – including strategic
planning, financial affairs, including the annual budget, estate management,
staffing matters, health and safety issues and oversight of the Students'
Union. Council normally meets four times a year.
University Senate
University Senate is the supreme academic authority of the University
and is accountable to Council. The role of Senate is to promote the academic
work of the University both in teaching and research and regulate and
supervise education and student discipline.
University Court
University Court is a formal body, established
under Charter and Statutes, which serves a number of functions. An annual
meeting of Court takes place during the Easter vacation, attended by invited
stakeholders including our alumni and local MPs. This meeting receives a
report from the Vice-Chancellor on the workings of the University, alongside
the University's annual audited statement of accounts. Court also encourages
local stakeholders to engage with the University and comment on how we
operate.
University Steering Group (USG)
Chaired by the Vice-Chancellor, the
University Steering Group meets weekly during term time to agree and
execute operational strategy, and prepares and recommends to Council the
University's budget and resource allocation. This includes staff allocation
to the Faculties and Professional Services and on capital investment
projects up to the value of £2 million.
Faculties
The University of Essex has four Faculties:
Each Faculty is headed by a
Pro-Vice-Chancellor. A Faculty Steering Group, chaired
by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor meets regularly and consists of the Head of
Departments (and Centres where applicable) in the Faculty, the Dean of the
Faculty and the Faculty Manager. The Pro-Vice -Chancellor has line
management responsibility for the Heads of Departments and Centres in the
Faculty.
Faculty Board
Each of the four Faculties has its own board that is responsible for
enhancing teaching and learning.
Academic Board
The Academic Board is responsible for policy and procedure.
The University's charity information
The University of Essex is an exempt
charity subject to the provisions of the Charities Act 2006