Rector

The word rector ("ruler," from the Latin regere) has a number of different meanings.

Academic rectors

The Rector is the highest academic official of many universities. Its use may be found all over Europe: in Italy, Germany, Scandinavia, Spain, and Scotland, for example. A notable exception to this terminology was England, where universities were traditionally headed by a "chancellor" (although today Imperial College in the University of London is headed by a rector). At some universities this title is phrased as rector magnificus or Lord Rector.

Related Topics:
Universities - Imperial College - University of London

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Scotland

In Scotland, the position of Rector exists in the four ancient universities, St Andrews, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Edinburgh as well as Dundee.

Related Topics:
Scotland - Ancient universities - St Andrews - Glasgow - Aberdeen - Edinburgh - Dundee

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The post (technically Lord Rector, usually just Rector) was made an integral part of these universities by the Universities (Scotland) Act 1889. The Rector chairs meetings of the University Court, the governing body of the university and is elected at regular intervals by the matriculated students of each university.

Related Topics:
Universities (Scotland) Act 1889 - University Court - Matriculated

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In recent years the Rector has become more of a figurehead. The chief executive of the university is the Principal (or Vice-Chancellor).

Related Topics:
Principal - Vice-Chancellor

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Rectors have often been elected from the world of celebrity (Peter Ustinov at Dundee, and John Cleese and Frank Muir at St. Andrews, for example), but nonetheless their position is of some importance to the running of each university.

Related Topics:
Peter Ustinov - John Cleese - Frank Muir

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The head teacher of a Scottish secondary school may also be a rector.

Related Topics:
Head teacher - Secondary school

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Oxford University

At Oxford and Cambridge, English universities headed by "chancellors", most colleges are headed by a "master". At a few colleges, this role is instead played by a "president"; and at two of the Oxford colleges — Lincoln College and Exeter College — the head is called a "rector."

Related Topics:
Oxford - Cambridge - College - Lincoln College - Exeter College

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See also

• Education in Scotland
• Lord Rector of Glasgow University
• Lord Rector of Edinburgh University
• Lord Rector of Aberdeen University
• Lord Rector of Dundee University
• Lord Rector of St Andrews University