The University of Adelaide Council

The University of Adelaide is governed by its Council which is established by the University of Adelaide Act 1971. The Council's principal responsibilities are:

• appointing the Vice-Chancellor & President as the chief executive officer of the University and monitoring his or her 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 entities controlled by the University (within the meaning of section 50AA of the Corporations Act 2001);
  
• overseeing and monitoring the assessment and management of risk across the University, including commercial undertakings;
  
• overseeing and monitoring the academic activities of the University;
  
• approving significant commercial activities of the University.

The Council must in all matters endeavour to advance the interests of the University.

Council has 21 members, is chaired by the Chancellor and advised by its standing committees - the Convenors' Committee, Academic Board, Audit, Compliance and Risk Committee, Finance Committee, People and Culture Committee, Senior Executive Review Committee and the Special Degrees Committee.

The University is administered by its Vice-Chancellor & President, who is established by the University of Adelaide Act as its principal academic and chief executive officer. The Vice-Chancellor & President "is responsible to the Council for the academic standards, management and administration of the University", and is supported by three senior managers who are responsible for the management of specific portfolios - Deputy Vice-Chancellor & Vice-President (Academic), Deputy Vice-Chancellor & Vice-President (Research) and Vice-President (Services & Resources).

The University's academic disciplines and schools are grouped into five faculties - Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences; Health Sciences; Humanities and Social Sciences; Professions; and Sciences - each of which is managed by an Executive Dean. Faculty Boards report to both the Academic Board and the Vice-Chancellor & President.

The University's wholly-owned entities and companies report to the Council through its Finance Committee.