2017-18

The Constitution

The University of Glasgow was founded by Papal Bull in 1451, however, its modern constitutional framework derives from the Universities (Scotland) Acts 1858 to 1966. These Acts make provision for the main statutory bodies and officers: the Court, the Senate, the General Council; the Chancellor, the Principal and Vice Chancellor, and the Rector, and set out the powers and duties of those statutory bodies, as well as specifying their composition. From 1858 until 1966 the instruments by which the University exercised its powers were Ordinances. These were drafted by the University but given legal authority by the Privy Council after approval by the General Councils of the other Scottish Universities. The Universities (Scotland) Act of 1966 gave the power to make legal instruments back to the Universities themselves - these being known as Resolutions. The University Court issues the Resolutions having consulted widely with the University community. In a few restricted areas, mainly of constitutional import, Ordinances are still required.

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