Elections to senior governing bodies

Elections

Elections

Elections

In the last term of the 2023-24 academic year there will be a number of elections to find new members of Senate and Council, which perform particular functions in the University’s governance.

Senate is the senior representative academic forum of the University and involved in shaping academic and research strategy and providing assurance to Council on matters of academic governance.

“Being a member of Senate is a fantastic opportunity to be directly involved in the academic governance of the University and to be a part of discussions and decisions that have a real impact on the University. Recently, Senate has had critical input into proposals for the Future Structures Programme and been actively engaged and consulted on the implementation of key University strategies and policy, including the academic mitigation policies employed in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, such as the No Detriment Policy. Senate also continues to have a pivotal role in providing assurance on the academic quality and standards across the University and key elements of the Education and Research strategies. Becoming a member of Senate also provides further opportunities to be involved in wider governance across the University, including as members of Education Board, Postgraduate Research Board and on Council as representatives of Senate."

- Professor Lisa Roberts, President and Vice-Chancellor and Chair of Senate

Council is the governing body of the University and has ultimate oversight and responsibility for all of the University’s activities, including its future strategy and financial, estates, legal and regulatory matters.

"What is it like to be on Council?

Having had two terms on Council, formerly as a student representative, and now as PS representative, I’ve seen first-hand what a unique experience it can be. 

Council is a great opportunity to contribute to and gain insight about how the University makes decisions and projects future plans. It is also an incredible learning opportunity as you are surrounded by Councillors with diverse sets of experiences, a real sense of purpose and they are of the brightest minds in the country. Further being on council also offers an opportunity to provide constructive challenge, and input the experiences of your fellow PS colleagues. There’s loads to learn and contribute too so if that sounds like you, give it a go!

- Shades Chaudhary, Assistant Director (Culture and Inclusion), outgoing Professional Services Representative on Council

The University encourages nominations from groups currently underrepresented within our senior leadership and other leadership roles.  We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer.

The University of Exeter Procedural Guidelines for Elections will give you further information but if you have any questions, please contact the University Committee Secretariat team.

Details for each election can be found under each heading below.

Senate Elections - Nomination Form‌

Professional Services Representative on Council Election Nomination Form (available from 13 May 2024)

Senate Representative on Council Election Nomination Form (available from 13 June 2024)

Information about each candidate and their manifesto can be found on the dedicated election webpages below following the close of the nominations window.

Elected Members of Senate - Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy

Elected Members of Senate - Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences

Elected Members of Senate - Faculty of Health and Life Sciences

Professional Services Member of Council

Outgoing member - Shades Chaudhary

Senate Representative on Council

Outgoing member - Professor Barrie Cooper