Senate

The University of Sydney Senate is responsible for staff appointments and welfare, student welfare and discipline, financial matters and the physical and academic development of the University. It also awards all degrees and diplomas and is responsible to the Parliament of NSW.

The Senate's primary responsibilities are:

• appointing the Vice-Chancellor as the principal executive officer of the University, and monitoring their performance
• approving the mission and strategic direction of the University, as well as the annual budget and business plan
• overseeing and reviewing the management of the University and its performance
• establishing policy and procedural principles, consistent with legal requirements and community expectations
• approving and monitoring systems of control and accountability, including general overview of any controlled entities
• overseeing and monitoring the assessment and management of risk across the University, including commercial undertakings
• overseeing and monitoring the academic activities of the University.

The statutory powers and responsibilities of Senate are defined by section 16 of the University of Sydney Act 1989 (NSW).