The Vice-Chancellor and Principal
The Vice-Chancellor, in consultation with the Senate, Academic Board and the Senior Executive Group (SEG), leads the University and determines its overall direction.
The Vice-Chancellor is the principal administrative officer, or chief executive, of the University. In this role, he brings together the views of faculty and administration and ensures that all decisions are made in the light of faculty needs using sound business expertise and decision-making.
The Vice-Chancellor also has line management responsibility for directors of strategic administrative areas within the University.
Dr Michael Spence joined the University of Sydney as Vice-Chancellor and Principal on 11 July 2008. As Vice-Chancellor, Dr Spence works with SEG to prioritise the University's many diverse activities and ensures we remain focused on achieving our essential purpose (as stated in the University of Sydney Act) of promoting: scholarship, research, free enquiry, the interaction of research and teaching, and academic excellence.
He also plays a major role in nurturing and sustaining the University's relationships with its many key external stakeholder groups, including alumni, donors, local, state and federal governments, and leaders in business, industry and the professions.
View the University organisation chart.
Office of the Vice-Chancellor and Principal
The Office of the Vice-Chancellor and Principal is a team of staff who provide support to the Vice-Chancellor in carrying out his statutory and customary duties and who take responsibility for a number of specific areas of activity assigned by tradition or regulation to the Vice-Chancellor.
The office is managed by the Director of the Office of the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Chris Coffey.
The Vice-Chancellor's Office Meeting (VCOM) is a weekly meeting of the Vice-Chancellor, his direct reports, and other senior staff to raise issues, discuss progress and provide strategic advice to the Vice-Chancellor.
The Vice-Chancellor's Work Slate
The Work Slate provides staff with a clear view of the University's priority projects and how they interrelate. The Work Slate represents the priority projects the University must focus on to achieve the objectives outlined in its Strategic Plan.