Senate

The Senate is the governing authority of the University of Sydney

The Senate oversees all major decisions concerning the conduct of the University.

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).

University Executive (UE)

The University Executive is chaired by the Vice-Chancellor and reports to Senate on the prosecution and management of initiatives under the University’s strategic plan, and on the academic and financial health of the University.

As part of the University’s vison and values towards developing leadership for good and education for all, the University has committed to an institutional focus on sustainability that includes ambitious targets for contributing to the United Nations (UN) Sustainability Development Goals. The Sustainability Program Control Board (SPCB), chaired by the Vice-Provost, Professor Susan Rowland, reports biannually to UE on the University’s sustainability activities and initiatives. 

Senate Structure

Senate committee structure diagram

As per Part 5 of the University of Sydney (Amendment Act) Rule 1999 (pdf, 321KB), Senate will convene six to eight times per year.

Agenda items due Meeting date Meeting time
Friday 23 February 2024 Friday 8 March - Saturday 9 March 2024 (Retreat) All day
Friday 26 April 2024 Friday 10 May 2024 1pm
Friday 14 June 2024  Friday 28 June 2024 1pm
Friday 9 August 2024 Friday 23 August 2024 (Mini-Retreat) All day
Friday 13 September 2024 Friday 27 September 2024 (Reserve) 1pm
Wednesday 23 October 2024 Wednesday 6 November 2024 1pm
Thursday 28 November 2024 Thursday 12 December 2024 1pm

The constitution of the Senate is set out in Division 1 of the University of Sydney Act 1989, and Senate is currently comprised of:

  • official members;
  • elected members;
  • Senate appointed members; and
  • Ministerially appointed members.

More information on our Senate Fellows can be found on their profile pages. 

A non-financial annual report is prepared by Senate each year, in line with the University's reporting requirements under New South Wales (NSW) legislation. 

The University provides our annual report by the end of April each year to the NSW Government and it is then tabled in both houses of NSW Government by the responsible minister. 

Our annual report includes:

  • Management and structure
  • Strategy and operations (response to the COVID-19 pandemic; curriculum and student experience; engagement; philanthropy, research performance; planning for the future, including our 10-year strategy, and more)
  • Indigenous strategy and research
  • Sustainability Strategy
  • Culture Strategy
  • Student enrolments and data
  • Other issues
  • Legal change
  • Human resources
  • Workforce diversity (including gender equity, LGBTIQ, disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and cultural diversity)
  • Consumer response
  • Cyber security
  • Risk management and insurance
  • Work health and safety
  • Privacy and freedom of information.

Building and Estates Committee

Agenda items due Meeting date Meeting time
Wednesday 21 February 2024 Wednesday 6 March 2024 9:30am - 12.00pm
Friday 24 May 2024 Friday 7 June 2024 9:30am - 12.00pm
Friday 23 August 2024 Friday 6 September 2024 9:30am - 12.00pm
Friday 1 November 2024 Friday 15 November 2024 9:30am - 12.00pm

All submissions to Senate Committees must first be endorsed by the University Executive

The role of the Building and Estates Committee is to monitor and advise Senate on:

  • matters of planning, development and general oversight of the management of the University’s real property and physical infrastructure with particular reference to: 
    • major capital developments;
    • infrastructure management;
    • operating resource allocation;
    • sustainability;
  • effective risk management in the areas covered by the Committee’s Terms of Reference; and
  • conducting reviews in the areas covered by the Committee’s Terms of Reference.

Full terms of reference (pdf, 171.4KB)

Members
Position Member Term of office
Chair Peter Scott

Current term as Chair:
Jun 2023 - May 2024

Previous term as Chair:
Jun 2021 - May 2023
Jun 2019 - May 2021
Jan 2018 - May 2019
Aug 2016 - Dec 2017

Chancellor
ex-officio member
Belinda Hutchinson AC

Current term as Chancellor
Feb 2017 - Feb 2025

Previous term as Chancellor
Feb 2013 - 2017

Deputy Chancellor
ex-officio member
Richard Freudenstein

Current term as Deputy Chancellor
Apr 2022 – Mar 2024

Previous term as Deputy Chancellor
Apr 2020 - Mar 2022
Dec 2017 - Mar 2020

Vice-Chancellor and President
ex-officio member

Professor Mark Scott AO Current term as Vice-Chancellor
July 2021 - 2026
Fellow of Senate Rebecca Ward Current term
Jun 2023 – May 2025
Fellow of Senate Professor Jane Hanrahan

Current term
Jan 2024 – Dec 2025

Previous term
Jan 2022 – Dec 2023

Fellow of Senate  Yinfeng (Benny) Shen Current term
Dec 2022 – Nov 2024
External Member

Dianne Leeson

Current term
Jun 2022 – May 2024

Previous terms
Jun 2021 – May 2022
Jun 2019 – May 2021
Jun 2017 – May 2019
Mar 2016 – May 2017

External Member

Terry Williamson

Current term
Jun 2022 – May 2024

Previous term
Jun 2020 – May 2022
May 2018 – May 2020

External Member

Hugh Wehby Current term
Jun 2023 - May 2025
Attendees
Position Attendee
Vice-President (Operations)

Stephen Phillips

Chief Financial Officer

Wayne Andrews

Chief University Infrastructure Officer 

Greg Robinson

Chief Governance Officer

Michelle Stanhope
Any other members as determined by the chair

 

Full terms of reference (pdf, 91.3KB)

Finance and Audit Committee

Agenda items due Meeting date Meeting time
Tuesday 27 February 2024 Tuesday 12 March 2024 2:00pm - 4:30pm 
Wednesday 10 April 2024 Wednesday 24 April 2024 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Wednesday 22 May 2024 Wednesday 5 June 2024 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Wednesday 24 July 2024 Wednesday 7 August 2024 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Wednesday 28 August 2024 Wednesday 11 September 2024 (reserve)  2:00pm - 4:30pm
Wednesday 9 October 2024 Wednesday 23 October 2024 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Wednesday 13 November 2024 Wednesday 27 November 2024 2:00pm - 4:30pm

The role of the Finance and Audit Committee is to monitor and advise Senate on:

  • issues relating to the financial performance and sustainability of the University, by reviewing and evaluating information provided by management on the financial impact of strategic proposals, budget and planning priorities, resource and capital allocation, and commercial activities
  • the University’s Annual and Three-Year Audit Plans and Program, including reliability of financial management and reporting and compliance with laws and regulations and the maintenance of an effective and efficient audit capability;
  • ensuring the effective management of financial risk across the University, including the financial risks of subsidiaries and controlled entities;    
  • ensuring the effective management of non‐financial risk in areas covered by the Committee’s Terms of Reference; 
  • effective management of the University’s short-term portfolio, cash flow and liquidity positions; and
  • conducting reviews in the areas covered by the Committee’s Terms of Reference

Full terms of reference (pdf, 177KB)

Members
Position Member Term of office
Chair

Karen Moses

Current term as Chair
Jun 2022 – May 2024

Previous term as Chair
Jun 2020 – May 2022

Jan 2018 – May 2020

Chancellor
ex-officio member
Belinda Hutchinson AC Current term as Chancellor
Feb 2017 – Feb 2025

Previous term as Chancellor
Feb 2013 – Feb 2017
Deputy Chancellor
ex-officio member
Richard Freudenstein

Current term as Deputy Chancellor
Apr 2022 – Mar 2024

Previous term as Deputy Chancellor
Apr 2020 - Mar 2022
Dec 2017 – Mar 2020

Vice-Chancellor and President
ex-officio member
Professor Mark Scott AO Current term as Vice-Chancellor
July 2021 - 2026
Fellow of Senate Emeritus Professor Alan Pettigrew Current term
Jun 2023 - May 2025
Fellow of Senate Dr Lisa McIntyre

Current term
June 2023 – May 2025

Previous term
Jun 2021 - May 2023
Dec 2019 – May 2021

Fellow of Senate Vacant  
External Member
John Meacock Current term
September 2021 - May 2024
External Member
David Thodey AO Current term
Jul 2022 – May 2024
Attendees

Other members determined by the chair:

Position Member
Vice-President (Operations)

Stephen Phillips

Chief Financial Officer Wayne Andrews
Chief Internal Audit Officer Alison Hamill
Chief of Staff Darren Goodsir

Finance Investment Subcommittee

Agenda items due Meeting date Meeting time
Friday 16 February 2024 Friday 1 March 2024 9:00am - 11:00am
Thursday 16 May 2024 Thursday 30 May 2024 9:00am - 11:00am
Monday 19 August 2024 Monday 2 September 2024 9:00am - 11:00am
Monday 18 November 2024 Monday 2 December 2024 9:00am - 11:00am

The role of the Investment Subcommittee is to monitor and advise the Finance and Audit Committee on:

  • matters relating to the University's investment portfolio with particular reference to the:
    • appropriateness of investment policies
    • success of investment strategies
    • sustainability of investment activities;
  • strategies for the management of University investments;
  • recommendations for the University's Future Fund; and
  • recommendations for strategic initiatives which are funded entirely from the Future Fund, including advice on the investment mandate for the Future Fund, which balances support for a broad range of core University objectives with seeking to achieve appropriate commercial returns.

Full terms of reference (pdf, 138KB)

Members
Position Member Term of office
Chair Dr Lisa McIntyre

Current term as Chair
1 Jun 2022 - 31 May 2024


Previous term as Chair

Jun 2020 – May 2022

Chancellor
ex-officio member
Belinda Hutchinson AC Current term as Chancellor
Feb 2017 – Feb 2025

Previous term as Chancellor
Feb 2013 – Feb 2017
Deputy Chancellor
ex-officio member
Richard Freudenstein

Current term as Deputy Chancellor
Apr 2022 – Mar 2024

Previous term as Deputy Chancellor
Apr 2020 - Mar 2022
Dec 2017 – Mar 2020

Vice-Chancellor and President
ex-officio member
Professor Mark Scott AO Current term as Vice-Chancellor
July 2021 - 2026
Chair of the Finance Committee Karen Moses

Current term as Chair of the Finance Committee
Jun 2020 – May 2024

Previous term as Chair of the Finance  Committee
Jan 2018 – May 2020

Fellow of Senate  Intentionally vacant given the appointment of three external members  
External Member 

John Livanas

Current term
Jun 2023 – May 2025

Previous term
Jun 2021 - May 2023
Aug 2019 – May 2021

External Member 

Nerida Hall

Current term
Dec 2023 - Dec 2025

Previous term
Dec 2021 – Dec 2023

External Member 

Vacant  

 

Attendees
Vice-President (Operations) Stephen Phillips
Chief Investment Officer Miles Collins
Chief Financial Officer Wayne Andrews
Others determined by the Chair

People and Culture Committee

Agenda items due  Meeting date  Meeting time
Monday 19 February 2024 Monday 4 March 2024 9:00am - 12:00pm
Wednesday 29 May 2024 Wednesday 12 June 2024 9:00am - 12:00pm
Friday 19 July 2024 Friday 2 August 2024 9:00am - 12:00pm
Wednesday 21 August 2024 Wednesday 4 September 2024 (reserve) 9:00am - 12:00pm
Friday 8 November 2024 Friday 22 November 2024 9:00am - 12:00pm

All submissions to Senate Committees must first be endorsed by the University Executive

The People and Culture Committee monitors and advises Senate on:

  • human resources (HR) policies, structures and processes that support the University’s strategic objectives in:
    • University culture and values;
    • the attraction, development and retention of academic and professional staff;
    • remuneration and reward;
    • diversity and inclusion;
    • workplace relations; and
    • performance management, succession planning and development programs for senior executive roles including the Vice-Chancellor and his or her executive direct reports;
  • the culture at the University, including the need for any reviews or external advice;
  • effective risk management in areas covered by the Committee’s Terms of Reference, including compliance with legal and regulatory requirements; and
  • conducting reviews in the areas covered by the Committee’s Terms of Reference, including the need for any external advice

Full terms of reference (pdf, 67.7KB)

Members

 

Position Member Term of office
Chair Emeritus Professor Alan Pettigrew

Current term as Chair
Jun 2023 – May 2025

Previous term as Chair
Jun 2021 - May 2023
May 2019 – May 2021

Chancellor
ex-officio member
Belinda Hutchinson AC Current term as Chancellor
Feb 2017 – Feb 2025

Previous term as Chancellor
Feb 2013 – Feb 2017
Deputy Chancellor
ex-officio member
Richard Freudenstein

Current term as Deputy Chancellor
Apr 2022 – Mar 2024

Previous term as Deputy Chancellor
Apr 2020 - Mar 2022
Dec 2017 – Mar 2020

Vice-Chancellor and President
ex-officio member
Professor Mark Scott AO Current term as Vice-Chancellor
July 2021 - 2026
Fellow of Senate
Jason Yat-sen Li

Current term
Jun 2022– May 2024

Previous term
Jun 2020 – May 2022
Jan 2018 – Dec 2020

Fellow of Senate Vacant  
External Member Jenni Smith

Current term
Jun 2022 – May 2024

Previous term
Jun 2020 – May 2022
May 2018 – May 2020

External Member Susan Ferrier Current term
Aug 2022 - May 2024

 

Attendees

 

Position Attendee
Vice-President, Operations

Stephen Phillips

Chief Governance Officer 

Michelle Stanhope

Interim Chief Human Resources Officer

Marshall Craddock
Chief of Staff Darren Goodsir 

 

Any others as determined by the chair when necessary.

 

Performance and Risk Committee

Agenda items due Meeting date Meeting time
Wednesday 3 April 2024 Wednesday 17 April 2024 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Wednesday 17 July 2024 Wednesday 31 July 2024 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Friday 4 October 2024 Friday 18 October 2024 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Friday 6 November 2024 Friday 20 November 2024 2:00pm - 5:00pm

The role of the Performance and Risk Committee is to:

  • review and oversee the University’s systems of risk management, internal control and regulatory compliance; and
  • to ensure that they are effective in monitoring and responding to strategic, operational, financial, education and research performance and other emerging risks within the Committee’s Terms of Reference.

The Committee monitors and advises Senate on:

  • systems of risk management including: 
    • Safety, Health and Wellbeing (SHW) related matters including compliance with work health and safety legislation;
    • environmental and sustainability risk and compliance;
  • regulatory compliance; and
  • insurance.

Full terms of reference (pdf, 160.3KB)

Members
Position Member Term of office
Chair Jason Yat-Sen Li

Current term as Chair
Jun 2022 – May 2024

Previous term as Chancellor
Sep 2020 – May 2022

Chancellor
ex-officio member
Belinda Hutchinson AC Current term as Chancellor
Feb 2017 – Feb 2025

Previous term as Chancellor
Feb 2013 – Feb 2017
Deputy Chancellor
ex-officio member
Richard Freudenstein

Current term as Deputy Chancellor
Ap 2022 – Mar 2024

Previous terms as Deputy Chancellor
Apr 2020 - Mar 2022
Dec 2017 – Mar 2020

Vice-Chancellor and President
ex-officio member
Professor Mark Scott AO Current term as Vice-Chancellor
July 2021 - 2026
Chair of the Academic Board
ex-officio member
Professor Jane Hanrahan Current term as Chair of the Academic Board
Jan 2022 - Dec 2023
Fellow of Senate
Karen Moses

Current term
Jun 2022 – May 2024

Previous term
Sep 2020 - May 2022

Fellow of Senate Professor Ben Saul

Current term
Jun 2023 –  31 May 2025

 

Fellow of Senate Professor Renae Ryan AM

Current term
Jun 2023 – May 2025

Previous term
Jun 2021 - May 2023

Fellow of Senate Benjamin Jorgensen Current term
Dec 2022 - Nov 2024
External Member Vince Graham AM

Current term
Jun 2022 – May 2024

Previous term 
Sep 2020 – May 2022

External Member Rob Warren

Current term
Jun 2022 - May 2024

Previous term 
Sep 2020 – May 2022

 

Additional members

 

Senate may, on the advice of the committee, or on its own volition, co-opt additional members as required.

 

Attendees

 

Other members determined by the chair:

 

Position Attendee
Vice-President (Operations) Stephen Phillips
Chief Internal Audit Officer

Alison Hamill

Chief Governance Officer 

Michelle Stanhope
Chief Health and Safety Officer  Kim Grady

Chief Risk Officer

Nisha Padmanabhan

Chief of Staff Darren Goodsir 
General Counsel Olivia Perks 

 

Nominations Committee

The role of the Nominations Committee is to monitor and advise Senate on:

  • governance issues generally as they relate to Senate and the University with particular reference to:
    • induction and continuing education of Fellows
    • Senate performance reviews
    • Senate committee structure and purposes
  • ensuring the effective management of risk in areas covered by the Committee’s Terms of Reference 
  • conducting reviews in the areas covered by the Committee’s Terms of Reference.

Full terms of reference (pdf, 60.3KB)

Members
Position Members Term of office
Deputy Chancellor
Chair
ex-officio member
Richard Freudenstein

Current term as Chair
Jun 2022 – May 2024

Previous term as Chair
Sep 2020 – May 2022

Chancellor
ex-officio member
Belinda Hutchinson AC

Current term as Chancellor
Feb 2017 – Feb 2025

Previous term as Chancellor
Feb 2013 – Feb 2017

Vice-Chancellor and President
ex-officio member
Professor Mark Scott AO Current term as Vice-Chancellor
July 2021 - 2026
Chair of the Academic Board
ex-officio member
Professor Jane Hanrahan Current term as Chair of Academic Board
Jan 2022 - Dec 2023
Fellow of Senate  Dr Lisa McIntyre

Current term 
Jun 2022 – May 2024

Previous term
Sep 2020 – May 2022

Fellow of Senate 
Peter Scott

Current term 
Jun 2022 – May 2024

Previous term
Sep 2020 – May 2022

Fellow of Senate 
Emeritus Professor Alan Pettigrew

Current term
Jun 2022 – May 2024

Previous term
Sep 2020 – May 2022

Additional members
Senate may, on the advice of the committee, or on its own volition, co-opt additional members as required.

Honorary Awards Committee

The role of the Honorary Awards Committee is to advise Senate on:

  • candidates for honorary degrees and honorary fellowships; and
  • naming proposals in relation to University buildings and other significant assets, including scholarships and prizes, centres and institutes, and foundations.

Full terms of reference (pdf, 58.4KB)

Nominations and Past Recipients 

Members
Position Member Term of office
Deputy Chancellor
Chair
Richard Freudenstein

Current term as Chair
Jun 2022 – May 2024

Previous term as Chair
Sep 2020 - May 2022

Chancellor
ex-officio member
Belinda Hutchinson AC

Current term as Chancellor
Feb 2017 – Feb 2025

Previous term as Chancellor
Feb 2013 – Feb 2017

Vice-Chancellor and President
ex-officio member
Professor Mark Scott AO Current term as Vice-Chancellor
July 2021 - 2026
Chair of the Academic Board
ex-officio member
Professor Jane Hanrahan Current term as Chair of Academic Board
Jan 2022 - Dec 2023
Fellow of Senate Professor Renae Ryan AM

Current term
Jun 2023 – May 2025

Previous term
Jun 2021 - May 2023

Fellow of Senate Vacant  
Additional members

Senate may, on the advice of the committee, or on its own volition, co-opt additional members as required.