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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 |
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 7 March 2025 | Friday 21 March - Saturday 22 March 2025 | All day |
| Friday 2 May 2025 | Friday 16 May 2025 | 9am |
| Friday 13 June 2025 | Friday 27 June 2025 | 9am |
| Friday 8 August 2025 | Friday 22 August 2025 | All day |
| Friday 12 September 2025 | Friday 26 September 2025 | 9am |
| Fridat 24 October 2025 | Friday 7 November 2025 | 9am |
| Friday 28 November 2025 | Friday 12 December 2025 | 9am |
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 6 March 2026 | Friday 20 March - Saturday 21 March 2026 | All day |
| Friday 24 April 2026 | Friday 8 May 2026 | 9am |
| Friday 12 June 2026 | Friday 26 June 2026 | 9am |
| Friday 7 August 2026 | Friday 21 August 2026 | All day |
| Friday 11 September 2026 | Friday 25 September 2026 (Reserve) | 9am |
| Friday 23 October 2026 | Friday 6 November 2026 | 9am |
| Friday 27 November 2026 | Friday 11 December 2026 | 9am |
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
| Agenda items due | Meeting date | Meeting time |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, 14 February 2025 | Friday, 28 February 2025 | 9:30am - 12.00pm |
| Friday, 9 May 2025 | Friday, 23 May 2025 | 9:30am - 12.00pm |
| Friday, 29 August 2025 | Friday, 12 September 2025 | 9:30am - 12.00pm |
| Friday, 31 October 2025 | Friday, 14 November 2025 | 9:30am - 12.00pm |
All submissions to Senate Committees must first be endorsed by the University Executive
| Agenda items due | Meeting date | Meeting time |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, 13 February 2026 | Friday, 27 February 2026 | 9:30am - 12.00pm |
| Friday, 8 May 2026 | Friday, 22 May 2026 | 9:30am - 12.00pm |
| Friday, 21 August 2026 | Friday, 4 September 2026 | 9:30am - 12.00pm |
| Friday, 30 October 2026 | Friday, 13 November 2026 | 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.
Members
| Position | Member | Term of office |
|---|---|---|
| Chair | Peter Scott | Current term as Chair: Previous term as Chair: |
| Chancellor ex-officio member |
David Thodey AO | Current term as Chancellor July 2024 - June 2028 |
| Deputy Chancellor ex-officio member |
Richard Freudenstein | Current term as Deputy Chancellor Previous term as Deputy Chancellor |
Vice-Chancellor and President |
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 Previous term |
| Fellow of Senate | Yinfeng (Benny) Shen | Current term Dec 2022 – Nov 2024 |
| External Member |
Dianne Leeson | Current term Previous terms |
| External Member |
Vacant | |
| External Member |
Hugh Wehby | Current term Jun 2023 - May 2025 |
Attendees
| Position | Attendee |
|---|---|
| Vice-President (Operations) | Nicole Gower |
Chief Financial Officer |
Wayne Andrews |
Chief University Infrastructure Officer |
Greg Robinson |
| Chief, Central Operations Serivces | David Coomber |
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 |
| Agenda items due | Meeting date | Meeting time |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday 26 February 2025 | Wednesday 12 March 2025 | 2:00pm - 4:30pm |
| Wednesday 2 April 2025 | Wednesday 16 April 2025 | 2:00pm - 4:30pm |
| Wednesday 21 May 2025 | Wednesday 4 June 2025 | 2:00pm - 4:30pm |
| Monday 14 July 2025 | Monday 28 July 2025 | 3:00pm - 5:30pm |
| Wednesday 27 August 2025 | Wednesday 10 September 2025 | 2:00pm - 4:30pm |
| Monday 13 October 2025 | Monday 27 October 2025 | 2:00pm - 4:30pm |
| Monday 10 November 2025 | Monday 24 November 2025 | 2:00pm - 4:30pm |
| Agenda items due | Meeting date | Meeting time |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday 25 February 2026 | Wednesday 11 March 2026 | 2:00pm - 4:30pm |
| Wednesday 8 April 2026 | Wednesday 22 April 2026 | 2:00pm - 4:30pm |
| Wednesday 20 May 2026 | Wednesday 3 June 2026 | 2:00pm - 4:30pm |
| Wednesday 15 July 2026 | Wednesday 29 July 2026 | 2:00pm - 4:30pm |
| Tuesday 25 August 2026 | Tuesday 8 September 2026 | 2:00pm - 4:30pm |
| Wednesday 30 September 2026 | Wednesday 14 October 2026 | 2:00pm - 4:30pm |
| Monday 9 November 2026 | Monday 23 November 2026 | 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
Members
| Position | Member | Term of office |
|---|---|---|
| Chair |
Karen Moses |
Current term as Chair Previous term as Chair |
| Chancellor ex-officio member |
David Thodey AO | Current term as Chancellor July 2024 – June 2028 |
| Deputy Chancellor ex-officio member |
Richard Freudenstein | Current term as Deputy Chancellor Previous term as Deputy Chancellor |
| 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 Previous term |
| Fellow of Senate | Vacant | |
| External Member |
John Meacock | Current term Jun 2024 - May 2026 Previous term September 2021 - May 2024 |
| External Member |
Amelia Hill | Current term September 2021 - May 2024 |
| External Member | Alex Harvey | Current term October 2024 - May 2025 |
Attendees
Other members determined by the chair:
| Position | Member |
|---|---|
| Vice-President (Operations) | Nicole Gower |
| 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.
Members
| Position | Member | Term of office |
|---|---|---|
| Chair | Dr Lisa McIntyre | Current term as Chair
|
| Chancellor ex-officio member |
David Thodey | Current term as Chancellor July 2024 - June 2028 |
| Deputy Chancellor ex-officio member |
Richard Freudenstein | Current term as Deputy Chancellor Previous term as Deputy Chancellor |
| 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 Previous term as Chair of the Finance Committee |
| Fellow of Senate | Intentionally vacant given the appointment of three external members | |
| External Member |
John Livanas | Current term Previous term |
| External Member |
Nerida Hall | Current term Previous term |
| External Member |
Vacant |
Attendees
| Vice-President (Operations) | Nicole Gower |
| 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
| Agenda items due | Meeting date | Meeting time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday 24 February 2025 | Monday 10 March 2025 | 9.00am - 12.00pm |
| Monday 5 May 2025 | Monday 19 May 2025 | 9.00am - 12.00pm |
| Monday 21 July 2025 | Monday 4 August 2025 | 9:00am - 12.00pm |
| Monday 8 September 2025 | Monday 22 September 2025 (reserve) | 9:00am - 12.00pm |
| Monday 10 November 2025 | Monday 24 November 2025 | 9:00am - 12:00pm |
| Agenda items due | Meeting date | Meeting time |
|---|---|---|
| Friday 20 February 2026 | Friday 6 March 2026 | 9.00am - 12.00pm |
| Thursday 7 May 2026 | Thursday 21 May 2026 | 9.00am - 12.00pm |
| Monday 13 July 2026 | Monday 27 July 2026 | 9:00am - 12.00pm |
| Monday 14 September 2026 | Monday 28 September 2026 | 9:00am - 12.00pm |
| Monday 9 November 2026 | Monday 23 November 2026 | 9:00am - 12:00pm |
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
Members
| Position | Member | Term of office |
|---|---|---|
| Chair | Emeritus Professor Alan Pettigrew | Current term as Chair Previous term as Chair |
| Chancellor ex-officio member |
David Thodey | Current term as Chancellor July 2024- June 2028 |
| Deputy Chancellor ex-officio member |
Richard Freudenstein | Current term as Deputy Chancellor Previous term as Deputy Chancellor |
| 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 Previous term |
| Fellow of Senate | Professor Tom Calma AO | Current term Aug 2024 - Jul 2026 |
| External Member | Shirley Chowdhary | Current term Jun 2024 – May 2026 |
| External Member | Susan Ferrier | Current term Aug 2022 - May 2024 |
Attendees
| Position | Attendee |
|---|---|
| Vice-President, Operations | Nicole Gower |
Chief Governance Officer |
Michelle Stanhope |
Chief Human Resources Officer |
Sam Liston |
| 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 |
| Agenda items due | Meeting date | Meeting time |
|---|---|---|
| Friday 14 February 2025 | Friday 28 February 2025 | 2:00pm - 5:30pm |
| Monday 5 May 2025 | Monday 19 May 2025 | 2:00pm - 5:30pm |
| Thursday 10 July 2025 | Thursday 24 July 2025 | 2:00pm - 5:30pm |
| Monday 6 October 2025 | Monday 20 October 2025 | 3:00pm - 5:00pm |
| Monday 3 November 2025 | Monday 17 November 2025 | 2:00pm - 5:30pm |
| Agenda items due | Meeting date | Meeting time |
|---|---|---|
| Friday 14 February 2025 | Friday 28 February 2025 | 2:00pm - 5:30pm |
| Monday 5 May 2025 | Monday 19 May 2025 | 2:00pm - 5:30pm |
| Thursday 10 July 2025 | Thursday 24 July 2025 | 2:00pm - 5:30pm |
| Monday 6 October 2025 | Monday 20 October 2025 | 3:00pm - 5:00pm |
| Monday 3 November 2025 | Monday 17 November 2025 | 2:00pm - 5:30pm |
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.
Members
| Position | Member | Term of office |
|---|---|---|
| Chair | Jason Yat-Sen Li | Current term as Chair Previous term as Chair |
| Chancellor ex-officio member |
David Thodey AO | Current term as Chancellor July 2024 - June 2028 |
| Deputy Chancellor ex-officio member |
Richard Freudenstein | Current term as Deputy Chancellor Previous terms as Deputy Chancellor |
| 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 2023 - Dec 2025 Previous term as Chair of the Academic Board Jan 2022 - Dec 2023 |
| Fellow of Senate |
Karen Moses | Current term Previous term |
| Fellow of Senate | Professor Ben Saul | Current term
|
| Fellow of Senate | Professor Renae Ryan AM | Current term Previous term |
| Fellow of Senate | Benjamin Jorgensen | Current term Dec 2022 - Nov 2024 |
| External Member | Jackie Lee-Joe | Current term |
| External Member | Rob Warren | Current term Previous term |
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) | Nicole Gower |
| 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.
Members
| Position | Members | Term of office |
|---|---|---|
| Deputy Chancellor Chair ex-officio member |
Richard Freudenstein | Current term as Chair Previous term as Chair |
| Chancellor ex-officio member |
David Thodey AO | Current term as Chancellor July 2024 - June 2028 |
| 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 2023 - Dec 2025 Previous term as Chair of the Academic Board Jan 2022 - Dec 2023 |
| Fellow of Senate | Dr Lisa McIntyre | Current term Previous term |
| Fellow of Senate |
Peter Scott | Current term Previous term |
| Fellow of Senate |
Emeritus Professor Alan Pettigrew | Current term Previous term |
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.
Members
| Position | Member | Term of office |
|---|---|---|
| Deputy Chancellor Chair |
Richard Freudenstein | Current term as Chair Previous term as Chair |
| Chancellor ex-officio member |
David Thodey AO | Current term as Chancellor |
| 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 2023 - Dec 2025 Previous term as Chair of the Academic Board Jan 2022 - Dec 2023 |
| Fellow of Senate | Professor Renae Ryan AM | Current term Previous term |
| 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.