Organizational Structure of Autonomous Universities Under University Autonomy Proclamation No. 1294-2023

University Autonomy Proclamation No. 1294/2023 outlines the comprehensive organizational structure of an Autonomous University. This framework is primarily detailed under PART TWO: ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE AND GOVERNANCE, specifically in Article 9: Structure of the Autonomous University, establishing a clear hierarchy and division of responsibilities within these institutions.

Organizational Structure of an Autonomous University

An Autonomous University, as defined by the Proclamation, shall comprise the following key organs, ensuring a robust system of governance, academic leadership, and administrative oversight:

1. Key Leadership and Governance Bodies

• Chancellor: The Chancellor serves as a symbolic figure representing the University’s work and goodwill both nationally and internationally. This individual acts as a senior ambassador for the institution, actively seeking funds and resources, and undertaking various goodwill activities. The Chancellor is appointed by the Prime Minister for a five-year term, intentionally not involving themselves in the University’s internal day-to-day governance.
• Board of Governance: Deemed the highest governance body of the Autonomous University, the Board of Governance consists of nine to eleven members. These members are appointed by the Minister in consultation with the Government, with careful consideration given to gender balance, diversity, and representation from various stakeholders, all based on principles of efficiency. The University President serves as a non-voting member and secretary of the Board. The Board’s extensive responsibilities include ensuring the effective implementation of the University’s powers and responsibilities, approving its internal structure, adopting directives for human resource management, financial administration, and procurement, and establishing internal rules and procedures, among other vital duties.
• President: The President holds the pivotal role of Chief Executive Officer of the Autonomous University. The appointment process involves an international open competition, from which a screening and selection committee, with the participation of colleges and academic units, selects three candidates. The Chancellor then appoints the President from this submitted list. The President’s term of office is five years, with the possibility of competing for one additional term.
• Vice Presidents: Accountable directly to the President, Vice Presidents are elected from the academic staff through a transparent and competitive process. This process includes screening, selection, and active participation from colleges and other academic units. Their term of office is four years, with the possibility of competing for one additional term.

2. Academic and Administrative Councils

• Senate: The Senate is established as the supreme organ on all academic matters within the University. Its diverse membership includes the President, all Vice Presidents, the University Registrar, College Deans, Directors of Institutes, the Chief Librarian, the Dean of Students, and representatives from academic staff associations, clinical staff, and administrative staff. The Senate’s crucial responsibilities encompass approving academic calendars and programs, determining criteria for academic promotion, reviewing strategic plans, and issuing guidelines on teaching-learning, research, technology transfer, and community engagement.
• Autonomous University Council: This council is composed of the President, Vice-Presidents, officials of Colleges and Institutes with Vice President status, College Deans, and heads of key administrative departments (Human Resources, Legal Services, Financial Administration, Procurement, Property Administration). Other members may be identified by the Board. Its primary role involves evaluating the overall performance of the University and its academic units.
• Managing Council: The Managing Council consists of the University President, Vice-Presidents, officials of Colleges and Institutes with Vice Presidents status, College Deans, and heads of Human Resources, Legal Services, Financial Administration, Procurement Administration, and Property Administration. This council is specifically responsible for preparing and submitting draft directives, policies, and other instruments for decision or approval by the Board or Senate.
• Executive Committee: Composed of the University President, Vice-Presidents, and officials of Colleges and Institutes with the status of Vice President, the powers and responsibilities of this committee are determined directly by the Board.

3. Core Operational Units

• Quality Assurance Section and Internal Audit Section: These vital sections are established to ensure the University’s adherence to standards and proper financial oversight, operating with direct accountability to the Board.
• Other Sections: The Autonomous University retains the flexibility to organize other necessary sections as deemed appropriate for its operations.

4. Academic and Research Units

• Academic Units: These are defined as the fundamental organs within an autonomous university responsible for offering education leading to degrees, post-graduate diplomas, and various certificates for specialized trainings. Academic units encompass schools, educational units, and centers that offer similar programs. They are granted internal autonomy necessary for achieving their objectives, including the determination of educational programs, identification of research directions, and the administration of their own finances and property.
• Colleges and Institutes: These are significant organs within the University actively engaged in teaching/learning activities, conducting research, and fostering community engagement. Colleges typically have academic departments, schools, and centers operating under their umbrella, while Institutes can function either independently or as units under a college with a specialized mission.