University Senate

The Senate is the academic authority of the University, whose role is to oversee the teaching and research of the University, be responsible for academic quality and standards and for the admission and regulation of students, subject to the overall control of Council.

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Senate meets four times during each academic year, usually in October, December, March and June.

Typically, its agendas include a presentation and report by the President and Vice-Chancellor, as well as discussion on key aspects of the reports of Senate committees, such as the Senate Education Committee, Senate Research and Innovation Committee and Senate University Research Ethics Committee.

Senate also receives a report from the Council for information.


There shall be a Senate of the University which shall, subject to the Statutes and the control and approval of the Council, oversee the teaching and research of the University and the admission and regulation of students.

University Charter

Article 5


Chaired by the President and Vice-Chancellor, Senate's membership is drawn from within the University, and staff members include:

  • Vice-Presidents
  • Vice-Presidents and Heads of Faculty
  • The Faculty Directors of Education and of Research and Innovation, nominated Heads of Departments and elected staff representatives
  • Students are represented by six students at least two of whom are Students' Union Officers

Overview

Terms of Reference (PDF)

Regulations (PDF)

Minutes

Committees of Senate

Senate membership

Current academic year:

Senate membership 2024-25 (Google Doc)

Download membership lists for past academic years:

Members of staff on grades 7 and above who are not already members of Senate can seek membership through a nominations exercise conducted each year.

There are 30 places. Those appointed serve for three years.

Details of the nominations process are circulated by email to all staff and published on this page.


Downloads

Senate Standing Orders (PDF)

Senate Code of Conduct (PDF)

Senate Executive Summary template (Google doc)

Senate Executive Summary Guidance Notes (PDF)

Election Rules (PDF)


Links

Information for Members

Senate Minutes

President & Vice-Chancellor's Reports to Senate

A global reputation

Sheffield is a research university with a global reputation for excellence. We're a member of the Russell Group: one of the 24 leading UK universities for research and teaching.