Senate Handbook

Senate Constitution and Rules of Procedure

As described in the Bylaws of St. Thomas University, to the Senate “is entrusted the internal academic regulations of the University, subject to the approval of the Board.” Thus, Senate shall have the duty and the power to control, regulate and determine the academic character of the University according to the mission of the University.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Senate shall not act contrary to the Collective Agreements between the University and the Faculty Association of St. Thomas University. Nor shall Senate act contrary to the Bylaws of the University.                        

I.          Without restricting the generality of the foregoing. Senate shall have the duty and the power to:

1. establish its own Constitution and Rules of Procedure, which it may amend within its own authority. Amendments to the Senate Constitution and Rules of Procedure may only be enacted by a two-thirds majority of Senate members. Notices to amend the Senate Constitution and Rules of Procedure must be placed on the agenda at least one meeting prior to the meeting at which  the matter is to be considered.
2. regulate the curriculum, the programmes of study and the courses of study of the University;
3. establish the academic and other qualifications required of applicants for admission as students to the University or to any of its programmes of study;
4. approve candidates for degrees in course, diplomas, certificates and honourary degrees;
5. review and make recommendations on those financial matters of the University which pertain to the academic affairs of the University;
6. approve the establishment or discontinuance of any programme of study, department, course of instruction, chair, fellowship, scholarship, bursary, or prize;
7. regulate the awarding of fellowships, scholarships, bursaries, and prizes;
8. control the academic content of the University calendar and provide for its preparation and publication;
9. deal with matters referred to the Senate by departments as affecting these departments;
10. appoint representatives of Senate (See Appendix B "Senate Representation");
11. deal with matters referred to the Senate by the Board of Governors and make recommendations to the Board of Governors promoting the interests of the University;
12. fix the academic terms of affiliation with other universities, colleges or other institutions of learning;
13. make or amend any University rule or regulation concerning the academic affairs of the University, providing the rule or regulation so made or amended is consistent with the provisions of the Act incorporating St. Thomas University

II.        Senate shall provide orientation materials and other such education as required for all new members of Senate.

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