University of St Andrews

The University of St Andrews was founded between 1410 and 1413 and is the oldest university in Scotland. The university is situated in the Royal Burgh of St Andrews, on the east coast of Scotland. The university attracts students from over 75 countries. Independent school intake is high but the university has an active widening participation policy. The modern library and many departments are in the town centre. The town's population of 16,000 is increased considerably during the university academic year by the influx of 7,000 students. The University of St. Andrews is also the institution where Prince William recently graduated from.

Governance and administration

In common with the other Ancient universities of Scotland, governance is determined by the Universities (Scotland) Act 1858. This Act created three bodies: the General Council, University Court and Academic Senate (Senatus Academicus).

Related Topics:
Ancient universities - Universities (Scotland) Act 1858 - General Council - University Court - Academic Senate

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General Council

The General Council is a standing advisory body of all the graduates, academics and former academics of the University. It meets twice a year and appoints a Business Committee to transact business between those meetings. The most important jobs it performs is in appointing two Assessors to the University Court and electing the University Chancellor.

Related Topics:
Graduates - Academics - Business Committee - Assessor - University Court - Chancellor

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University Court

The University Court is the body responsible for administrative and financial matters, and is in effect the governing body of the University. It is chaired by the Rector who is elected by all the matriculated students of the University. Members are appointed by the General Council, Academic Senate and Fife Council. The President of the Students' Representative Council is co-opted onto the Court as are several lay members.

Related Topics:
University Court - Governing body - Rector - Matriculated - Academic Senate - Fife Council - Students' Representative Council - Co-opted - Lay

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Academic Senate

The Academic Senate (in latin Senatus Academicus) is the supreme academic body for the University and its members are all the Professors of the University, along with certain senior Readers, and a number of Senior Lecturers and Lecturers, and two students. It is responsible for authorising degree programmes and issuing all degrees to graduates. Another function of the Senate is the discipline of students (both current and former). Under the Sponsio Academica the Senate has the power to strip a graduate of his or her degree should they bring the University into disrepute. The President of the Senate is the University Principal.

Related Topics:
Academic Senate - Professor - Reader - Senior Lecturer - Lecturer - Sponsio Academica - President - University Principal

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Office of the Principal

The Principal is the chief executive of the University and is assisted in that role by several key officers.

Related Topics:
Principal - Chief executive

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The current make of the Office of the Principal is:

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• The Principal: Dr Brian Lang
• Deputy Principal: David Corner
• Secretary and Registrar: Alastair Work
• Master of the United College: Professor Keith Brown
• Vice-Principal (Research): Professor Alan Miller
• Vice-Principal (Learning and Teaching): Professor Ronald Piper
• Vice-Principal (External Relations): Stephen Magee
• Quaestor and Factor: Derek Watson