How does the University Secretariat support Carleton?

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

  • Ensure good governance
  • Coordinate senior executive searches including the President and 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 and review university policies and procedures

Board of Governors

The Board of Governors are a diverse group of volunteers with a unique understanding of higher education and its force for good. As the corporate body of the university, the Board provides oversight of budgetary and infrastructure decisions as well as appoints the school’s President and Vice-Chancellor and other key senior executives. The Board has six standing committees to help exercise its oversight.

The Board is composed 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. Regular work of the Senate includes awarding degrees and scholarships, approving new programs and revised curriculums, and establishing regulations concerning students’ academic work.

The Senate is composed of 82 members representing the Carleton community. However, currently there:

  • 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