Governance at a Glance

How the University Secretariat supports Carleton

As a bicameral institution, Carleton’s governance is shared by the Board of Governors and the Senate. The University Secretariat links these governing bodies with the university’s administration.

• Ensure good governance
• Coordinate senior executive searches, including the President, Vice-Provost, Provost, and Chancellor
• Facilitate elections and nominations to the Board and Senate
• Preserve Carleton’s corporate memory by managing archives and corporate records
• Advise on and review university policies and procedures

Board of Governors

The Board of Governors is a diverse group of volunteers who understand the positive impact of higher education and its force for good. As the university’s corporate body, the Board oversees budgetary and infrastructure decisions and appoints the President, Vice-Chancellor, and other key senior executives. Six standing committees assist the Board in exercising its oversight.

The Board consists of 32 members representing the Carleton community:

• 2 undergraduate students
• 2 graduate students
• 2 faculty members
• 2 members of Senate
• 2 alumni
• 2 professional services staff
• 18 community members
• Chancellor and President are ex-officio members

Senate

The Senate is the highest academic body in the university. As the academic authority on campus, the Senate makes decisions of significant importance to students and faculty. The Senate’s regular work includes awarding degrees and scholarships, approving new programs and revised curriculums, and establishing regulations concerning students’ academic work.

The Senate consists of 82 members representing the Carleton community:

• 21 Ex-officio Members
• 41 Elected Members of the Faculty
• 13 Elected Student Members
• 2 Contract Instructors
• 2 Representatives of the Board of Governors
• Clerk of the Senate
• COU Academic Colleague
• Alumni Representative