University of Technology, Sydney

Staff directory | Campus maps | Newsroom | What's on

Governance at UTS

The University of Technology, Sydney, was established by the University of Technology, Sydney, Act 1989 No 69, which replaced the University of Technology, Sydney Act 1987 and the University of Technology, Sydney (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1987.

The object and functions of the University are outlined in section 6 of the Act.

Council, the governing body

The University is governed by a 20-member Council, including elected and appointed members who have the expertise and background relevant to the governance needs of the University. The Council's powers are set out in the University of Technology, Sydney, Act 1989 and relevant By-law and Rules.

The Council meets at least six times a year and is chaired by the Chancellor, who is elected by the Council from among its members. Elected members of Council serve for two years and appointed members for four years.

The Vice-Chancellor and President (UTS Chief Executive Officer) is an ex officio member of Council and the Council governs the University with and through the Vice-Chancellor. In addition to the Vice-Chancellor's key role in advising Council, the Council is also advised by its standing committees. Council makes external appointments with relevant expertise to key committees, for example, the Audit and Review, Finance, and Physical Infrastructure committees.

Academic Board

Council has delegated to Academic Board a range of powers for academic matters. Academic Board, a major committee of Council and the primary forum in the University for the discussion and resolution of academic matters, has the power to determine academic policies within the University, and decide on the introduction, review, accreditation and discontinuation of award programs and eligibility for admission requirements.

Governance principles

To improve governance across UTS, the University's Council has adopted a set of governance principles. Offering a framework to be applied at all levels of the University's governance, the principles are to:

  • focus on the University's purpose and goals
  • perform effectively in clearly defined roles and responsibilities
  • promote and act in accordance with UTS guiding principles
  • make informed, transparent decisions within UTS accountability systems
  • develop the effectiveness of the UTS Council and others responsible for governance
  • recognise and engage the relevant interests of the University's stakeholders.

This framework is being used in the ongoing improvement of governance structures and processes.