University of Glasgow | Court

University of Glasgow | Senate

The University Court was established as a supervisory body by the Universities (Scotland) Act of 1858. Its powers were increased by the Universities (Scotland) Acts of 1889 to 1966.

The Court was established as a corporate body with perpetual succession and a common seal. Initially, its role was to supervise and review the decisions of the Senate to make sure it was carrying out its duties and to oversee appointments to chairs. The Universities (Scotland) Act, 1889 increased its powers by entrusting to it the government of matters of finance and general administration. The powers of the modern Court, which are fully set out in the Universities (Scotland) Acts 1858 to 1966, can be summarised as follows: to administer the whole property and revenue of the University; to review any decision of the Senate appealed against by a member of the Senate or other interested member of the University; to receive representations and reports from the Senate and General Council; to appoint chairs which are in the patronage of the University; to appoint examiners and lecturers; to recognise as qualifying towards graduation the teaching of any college or individual teacher; to take proceedings against a principal or professor, lecturer, assistant, recognised teacher or examiner or any other person employed in teaching or examining; to fix fees; to found new professorships; and on the recommendation of the Senate, to prescribe regulations for degree courses. The Court's powers are exercised either outright or by resolution under the 1966 act. However, in a few cases they are recognised by ordinance.

Overall the Court has ultimate responsibility for the deployment of resources in the University and for the strategic plans of the institution. In addition to this, the Court has a monitoring role in relation to the performance of the University, and it holds the Principal accountable for the efficient and effective management of the University. It is also responsible for the well-being of staff and students and for the reputation of the University.

The Court comprises the Rector (chairman), Principal, Dean of Faculties, President of the Student's Representative Council, an Assessor nominated by the City of Glasgow Council, an Assessor nominated by the Chancellor, five Assessors elected by the General Council, seven Assessors elected by the Senate, of whom at least three are readers or lecturers, two employee representatives and up to five co-opted (business/company) members.

From 1858 until 1887, a Secretary was appointed from the members of the Court. In 1887, the first stipendiary Secretary was appointed. In 1888, the senior partner of the Glasgow law firm, Cowan, Clapperton and Barclay, was appointed to hold the post part-time. It was not until 1944 that the Secretary became a full-time member of the University staff when the post was combined with that of Registrar. The two posts were separated in 1983.

The Court is currently part of the Management Services Division (MSD) of the University's Central Administration Planning Unit (CAPU). It meets on a regular basis throughout the year, receiving papers from the Senate and various other committees. The role of the Court Office is to provide support for the work of the Court and for the Secretary of Court as head of central administration.

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Authority record created according to the National Council on ArchivesRules for the Construction of Personal, Place and Corporate Names (NCA Rules)1997 and International Council on Archives: Ad Hoc Committee on Descriptive StandardsInternational Standard Archival Authority Record for Corporate Bodies, Persons and Families (ISAAR) CPF1995.

Corporate name authority record compiled for the GASHE project by Victoria Peters, research archivist, 13 April 2004.