University Structure

Members of the Senate may include members of the University’s academic community, members of the University administration who are members of the Senate by virtue of their position, as well as researchers, academic staff and recognised artists from other research and higher education institutions.

Student representatives must constitute at least 20 per cent of the Senate members. Student representatives are appointed by the Students’ Representation; if it does not exist, they are appointed by the general conference of student representatives.

Professors and chief research fellows must constitute at least 20 per cent of the Senate members. Associate professors and senior research fellows must also constitute at least 20 per cent of the Senate members. No more than 10 per cent of Senate members may be members by virtue of their position; this group may include staff of other research and higher education institutions. The Rector is a member of the Senate ex officio.

The proportions of Senate members by position, in compliance with the Law on Higher Education and Research and the University Statute, are defined in the Senate Rules of Procedure approved by the Senate.

Every researcher, Doctor of Arts and recognised artist who has obtained a teaching or research position at the University through an open competition has the right to vote in Senate elections and to stand for election.

Appointed student members of the Senate must represent all cycles of study and all University faculties or equivalent academic units.

The Senate is chaired by the Chair of the Senate, who has a Deputy Chair. The Chair and the Deputy Chair (proposed by the Chair) are elected by secret ballot by a simple majority of the Senate members. The election of the Deputy Chair takes place after the election of the Chair. A Senate member is elected to chair the meeting at which the Senate leadership is elected. The Rector, Vice-Rectors and the Chancellor may not be elected as Chair or Deputy Chair of the Senate.

By secret ballot and by a majority of at least two thirds of its members, the Senate may express no confidence in the Chair or Deputy Chair and call new elections.

To organise its work, the Senate forms a Senate Board consisting of the Chair, the Deputy Chair, the chairs of the standing committees and one student member of the Senate. The activities of the Senate, the Board and the standing committees are governed by the Senate Rules of Procedure.

For the implementation of its functions, the Senate establishes the following standing committees:

• Research Committee;

• Studies and Student Affairs Committee;

• Development and Quality Committee;

• Academic Ethics Commission.

The Senate is elected for a term of five years.