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Statute 2.1 - The Senate

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(1) The Senate is the governing authority for the Corporation of Australian Catholic University Limited, as empowered by clause 13.1 of the ACU Constitution. The Senate is responsible for the delivery of the Objects of the Corporation, as detailed in clause 2 of the ACU Constitution, and in doing so exercises competent governance, compliance and regulatory oversight of the University’s operations domestically and internationally.

(2) In fulfilling its functions in accordance with the Constitution and regulatory requirements, the Senate is, at all times, guided by the Mission of the University which is informed by the Catholic Intellectual Tradition. In applying a Mission-based lens to the governance of the University, the Senate, acting in Truth and Love, is committed to a governance framework that fosters the pursuit of knowledge, the dignity of the human person and the common good.

(3) Senators must always act in the best interests of the University, in good faith, honestly and for a proper purpose. Senators must also exercise due care and diligence, not improperly use their position to gain any advantage and appropriately manage conflicts of interest. These obligations apply to all Senators as Directors under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), as Responsible Persons under the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012 (Cth) and as Fit and Proper Persons in accordance with the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) Act 2011 (Cth).

(4) In addition to such powers and authorities that are imparted to it by the Constitution, or any restrictions imposed, and notwithstanding any authority properly delegated by the Senate to an officer or Committee in accordance with the Constitution, the Senate is responsible for:

  1. Upholding and safeguarding the University’s Mission including fostering an organisational culture that aligns with the Mission;
  2. Oversight of strategic direction and planning including setting performance targets and monitoring progress to ensure the University is operating effectively and sustainably;
  3. Delegating authority to and monitoring management of the University;
  4. Oversight of the provision of higher education, research and research training along with mechanisms for competent academic governance of the same;
  5. Ensuring the viability of the University by monitoring financial performance and oversight of capital planning;
  6. Maintaining sound and ethical decision-making, informed as appropriate by independent advice, in line with effective corporate governance arrangements;
  7. Ensuring the provision of safeguards for freedom of speech and intellectual freedom including academic freedom;
  8. Oversight of the risk management framework of the University and a risk culture that aligns with the University’s Mission and strategy;
  9. Oversight of a framework for engaging with key stakeholders having regard to the University’s Mission and strategy;
  10. Fostering a culture of diligent and effective governance via systematic enabling of Senators and periodic self-review;
  11. Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ participation in the activities of the University; and
  12. Appointment and monitoring the performance of the Vice-Chancellor and President.

(5) Specific responsibilities under each area in clause (4) may be explicated in a separate document such as a Senate
Handbook, or the like, as approved by the Senate from time to time.

ORIGINATED BY SENATE RESOLUTION: 91/83
DATED: 29-30 October 1991
AMENDMENT NO: 8
SENATE RESOLUTION: S 2024/139
DATED: 10 October 2024