University of Dundee Staff Council Election Date Announced

Eva Milne

This morning, nominations for vacancies on the University Court and Senate were announced in an all-staff email. There are two positions available on the Senate and one on University Court; all applicants must be an academic member of staff council.

Image: Connor Bertie

All nominations must be submitted by 4pm on the 28th (next Wednesday) and include a supporting statement. Elections will take place online from May 29th.

Staff Council elected Professor Sir Michael Ferguson has served on University Court from 2021.His term concludes on 30th July; however he is eligible to stand for re-election. The elected candidate will serve a four year term from August 1st 2025 to July 31st 2029.

With regards to the senate, the current members, Professors Niamh Nic David and Kim Dale cannot stand in the election since Dale is now interim vice principle and Nic David has completed eight years of service.

What is the Senate and Court?

The Senate regulates and oversees academic work. This includes admissions, teaching activities and graduation. The senate is chaired by the principal, and includes:

• The Principal

• Vice Principals

• Deans of the Schools

• Two members of Staff Council elected by the Council

• DUSA President and Sabafical officers (paid DUSA exec roles)

• Such other student representatives (SRC)

• The Students’ Assessors, if any.

• A minimum number of twenty-seven Professors, Readers, Senior Lecturers and Lecturers who shall be elected in accordance with such procedures.

• Such other Professors, Readers, Senior Lecturers, Lecturers and officers of the University as the Court, on the recommendation of the Senatus.

  
  

The University Court is the ‘governing body’ of the university and are responsible for the employment of staff and the management and administration of property and finance. The Court consists of:

• A Chairman, elected by the Court from its lay members

• The Principal or, in the absence of the Principal, a Vice-Principal

• Deputy Chair of Court (appointed by the Court)

• Senior Independent Member

• Rector/Rector’s Assessor

• Lord Provost of Dundee/Assessor

• Three Senate Assessors (elected by the Senate)

• Two Staff Council members (elected by the Staff Council)

• Two students (nominated by DUSA)

• Academic member of staff (nominated by a trade union)

• Support member of staff (nominated by a trade union)

• Nine co-opted lay members of Court (appointed by Court)

  
  

The Court has a number of Standing Committees, some of which have Sub-Committees. It also establishes Working Groups and other bodies from time to time.

The Court and the Senate hold great importance within the university and are responsible for the smooth running of it; questions have been raised concerning how well the court and senate hold the UEG to account.

Further information on the nominees will be covered when announced.