University Council
Te Kaunihera o Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha
The University Council is responsible for the governance of UC and the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor. It sets UC's policies and approves degree, financial and capital matters and monitors their implementation.
Role and responsibilities
The Council is responsible for the following areas:
- Approve the Investment Plan, Mission, Values, Vision and strategic plans.
- Select, appoint, and monitor the Vice-Chancellor.
- Develop the criteria for senior management.
- Approve financial delegations, objectives, plans and actions.
- Evaluate whether the university is being properly managed.
- Ensure ethical behaviour and compliance with the Education Act and other legislation.
- Assess its own effectiveness in fulfilling these responsibilities.
- Comply with all relevant statutory requirements including the Minister’s expectations of tertiary education institution (TEI) council members.
- Implement the Health and Safety Policy, processes and guidelines.
The Council is chaired by the Chancellor, Hon. Amy Adams. In the absence of the Chancellor, the Pro-Chancellor Mr Shayne Te Aika deputises.
Members
The Council is made up of:
- Four members appointed by the Minister of Education.
- The Vice-Chancellor.
- One permanent UC academic staff member elected by the permanent academic staff.
- One permanent UC general staff member elected by the permanent general staff.
- The University of Canterbury Student Association (UCSA) President elected by UC students.
- One member appointed by the Council after consultation with Te Runanga o Ngāi Tahu.
- Three members appointed by the Council, two of whom must be UC graduates.
See the full list of University Council members.
Meeting minutes and Vice-Chancellor's reports
Council meeting dates as well as meeting agendas, minutes and Vice-Chancellor's reports are available as a public record.
Governance Statement
More information about the governance of UC can be found in the 2022 Annual Report.