General Council
The General Council of the University of St Andrews is the body of all graduates and senior academics of the University.
Role and powers
Section 6 of the Universities (Scotland) Act 1858 states that the General Council is empowered to
“...take into their consideration all questions affecting the wellbeing and prosperity of the University, and to make representations from time to time on such questions to the University Court, who shall consider the same, and return to the Council their deliverance thereon.”
The General Council elects the Chancellor of the University, who also holds the role of President of the General Council, and nominates two Assessors to the University Court.
It is consulted on draft resolutions and ordinances, and may appoint committees to support it and define their powers, membership and quorum.
Resolutions and ordinances
The General Council has particular responsibility for commenting on draft resolutions and ordinances referred to it by the University Court.
Ordinances and resolutions that are out for consultation are made available on the Ordinances and Resolutions webpage, and are also sent directly to the General Council Business Committee.
Meetings
The General Council meets twice a year in Parliament Hall in ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø, on the last Saturday of June and November.
At General Council meetings, members receive updates and briefings on the activities of the University, and can meet and exchange news over tea and coffee.
Support and administration
The General Council is supported by its Business Committee and by the Alumni Relations Office.
The current Registrar and Clerk to the General Council is Dr Rebekah Widdowfield, the University’s Vice-Principal (People and Governance).
General enquiries
You can contact the General Council by:
Email: generalcouncil@st-andrews.ac.uk
Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 7194
Convener of the Business Committee of the General Council
General Council Office
91 North Street
St Andrews
KY16 9AJ