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Council Delegations Schedule

Schedule overview

1 Purpose

To provide a framework for the Delegation of authority at the University.

2 Scope

This schedule must be read in conjunction with the Delegations Policy and is subordinate to it.

The schedule applies to all Council members, Employees, Students, members of Council committees, other University committees and unincorporated bodies of the University such as joint ventures, centres, associations and institutes.

3 Schedule

3.1 Council Delegations Schedule

The governing authority of the University of Southern Queensland (the University) is the Council. The Council is empowered to Delegate its powers, authorities, duties and functions.

The Council Delegates its powers, authorities, duties and functions in a variety of ways, including by:

  1. Council resolution
  2. approval of policies and procedures.

The Council Delegations Schedule is an extract of Delegations from various sources such as the University of Southern Queensland Act 1998 (UniSQ Act), Policy Instrument documents of the University, and resolutions of the Council. The Council Delegations Schedule does not seek to introduce new Delegations for Council or to vary existing Delegations.

The purpose of the Council Delegations Schedule is to enable Delegations of the Council, its Committees, or officers of Council to be easily identified.

The Council Delegations Schedule is also a means by which Council formally endorses changes brought about by changes to the UniSQ Act, or the terms of reference of its Committees.

The Council Delegations Schedule sets out the authority of Council, its Committees, and designated officers to make Decisions or take actions, and sets the limits of such authority.

The following principles apply:

  1. Council may not Delegate its powers to another group, position or Employee unless specifically stated in the Delegation
  2. this document is intended as a quick reference. It does not relieve Council or its Members from their duty to be fully conversant with the source materials that affect their powers and which give the context and rationale for the exercise of such powers
  3. in carrying out its Delegations, Council must give appropriate consideration to the University budget
  4. all Delegations must be exercised in good faith and in accordance with the UniSQ Act, the Charter of University Governance and, where appropriate, University policies.

Queries or comments on the Council Delegations Schedule or in relation to a particular Delegation, should be directed to the University Secretary.

3.2 UniSQ Act

Delegated Authority

Existing Delegation

Policy/Council Delegation (where applicable)

Scope/Limits of Delegation

Source of Authority

Appoint, and terminate the appointment of, the Vice-Chancellor of the University

Council

Procedure 'Appointments: Senior Positions Procedure'

Council, through the Remuneration Sub-Committee, reviews the performance, remuneration arrangements and renewal of contracts for senior executive positions, as provided in the Terms of Reference of the Remuneration Sub-Committee

UniSQ Act S32(1), S32(2) and S39D-F

Delegate powers and duties of the Vice-Chancellor of the University

Vice-Chancellor

UniSQ Act S11(3), S32(4), S32(5)

Terms of appointment of the Vice-Chancellor

Council

UniSQ Act S32(3)

Confer and revoke degrees, diplomas and certificates

Council

Policy 'Award Eligibility and Graduation Policy'

UniSQ Act S5(e)

Power to invest certain moneys

Council (delegated via the Financial Delegations Schedule)

Policy 'Investments and Cash Management Policy'

UniSQ Act S49-S55

Financial Management Practice Manual

Power to adopt the annual budget

Council

Cannot Delegate

UniSQ Act S11(2)(b)

3.3 Common Seal

Delegated Authority

Existing Delegation

Policy/Council Delegation (where applicable)

Scope/Limits of Delegation

Source of Authority

Maintain location of the Common Seal

University Secretary

'Use of the University Seal Policy', 'Use of the University Seal Procedure'

Use of the Common Seal

Council (delegated to Vice-Chancellor)

'Use of the University Seal Policy', 'Use of the University Seal Procedure'

Affixing the Common Seal to documents made by Council and authorised to be sealed by Council

University Secretary

'Use of the University Seal Policy', 'Use of the University Seal Procedure'

Signature of documents with the Common Seal affixed

Vice-Chancellor or Deputy Vice-Chancellor and University Secretary or such other person appointed by Council

'Use of the University Seal Policy', 'Use of the University Seal Procedure'

Recording the use of the Common Seal

University Secretary

'Use of the University Seal Policy', 'Use of the University Seal Procedure'

3.4 Election of Staff and Student Members to Council

Delegated Authority

Existing Delegation

Policy/Council Delegation (where applicable)

Scope/Limits of Delegation

Source of Authority

Perform the role of Returning Officer

University Secretary

'Council Election Procedure'

3.5 Council Committees

Delegated Authority

Existing Delegation

Policy/Council Delegation (where applicable)

Scope/Limits of Delegation

Source of Authority

Approve establishment of Council Committees and working parties

Council

Charter of University Governance 1.3

All Terms of Reference of Council Committees and the Academic Board are determined by Council. This includes any review of the roles, functions and membership provisions of committees

Council

Charter of University Governance 1.11 and 1.12

3.6 Academic Board

Delegated Authority

Existing Delegation

Policy/Council Delegation (where applicable)

Scope/Limits of Delegation

Source of Authority

Establish an Academic Board

Council

UniSQ Act S39(1)

Determine the membership of the Academic Board

Council

UniSQ Act S39(2)

Appoint the Chairperson of the Academic Board

Council

UniSQ Act S39A

Action urgent items normally within the Academic Board's remit which cannot be managed within the Board's regular business processes, and report to the Academic Board any resolutions or urgent items of business so undertaken

Academic Board Executive Committee

Academic Board Executive Committee Terms of Reference

3.7 Entitlements of Community Members of Council

Delegated Authority

Existing Delegation

Policy/Council Delegation (where applicable)

Scope/Limits of Delegation

Source of Authority

Approve attendance at overseas graduation ceremonies

Vice-Chancellor and Chancellor

Authorise reimbursement of expenses incurred at overseas graduation ceremonies

Vice-Chancellor

Authorise reimbursement of travel and accommodation expenses for community members of Council

University Secretary

Financial Delegations Schedule

Financial Management Practice Manual

Authorise reimbursement of expenses for community members of Council

University Secretary

Financial Delegations Schedule

Financial Management Practice Manual

3.8 Internal Audit Charter

Delegated Authority

Existing Delegation

Policy/Council Delegation (where applicable)

Scope/Limits of Delegation

Source of Authority

Approve Internal Audit Charter

Council (on recommendation of Audit and Risk Committee)

Audit and Risk Committee Terms of Reference

3.9 Chancellor's Committee

Delegated Authority

Existing Delegation

Policy/Council Delegation (where applicable)

Scope/Limits of Delegation

Source of Authority

Exercise all the powers, authorities, duties, and functions of the Council (other than powers specifically excluded under legislation) during the periods between ordinary meetings of Council on any matter which the Chancellor has determined to be of an urgent nature that ought not await consideration by the Council at its next meeting and report back to Council

Chancellor's Committee

Chancellor's Committee Terms of Reference

Nominate, on delegated authority of Council, prospective members of Council to the relevant appointment authorities

Chancellor's Committee

Consider and approve the appointment and termination of the University Secretary

Chancellor's Committee

3.10 Honorary Awards

Delegated Authority

Existing Delegation

Policy/Council Delegation (where applicable)

Scope/Limits of Delegation

Source of Authority

Approve honorary Awards and titles and report to Council on Awards to be conferred

Honorary Awards Committee

Honorary Awards Committee Terms of Reference;

Policy 'Honorary Award and Title Policy'

Confer honorary Awards and titles

Council

Revoke an honorary Award or title

Council

3.11 Audit and Risk

Delegated Authority

Existing Delegation

Policy/Council Delegation (where applicable)

Scope/Limits of Delegation

Source of Authority

Internal Audit

Approve the appointment of and any subsequent changes to the Head of Internal Audit position, including any proposed termination of employment of the Head of Internal Audit by the University

Audit and Risk Committee

Audit and Risk Committee Terms of Reference

Review and approve a Strategic Internal Audit Plan on a triennial basis

Audit and Risk Committee

Audit and Risk Committee Terms of Reference

Review and approve the annual internal audit plan, monitor its scope and progress and approve any significant changes to the plan

Audit and Risk Committee

Audit and Risk Committee Terms of Reference

Review and approve internal audit reviews conducted in accordance with the annual internal audit plan

Audit and Risk Committee

Audit and Risk Committee Terms of Reference

3.12 Finance and Facilities

Delegated Authority

Existing Delegation

Policy/Council Delegation (where applicable)

Scope/Limits of Delegation

Source of Authority

Financial and Business Operations

Approve borrowings by the University

Approve the University's annual plan and budget

Approve the annual accounts and financial aspects of the Annual Report

Approve fees and charges for Award bearing Courses imposed by the University

Approve monthly financial statements

Approve changes to financial Delegations involving authority amounts of $5,000,000 and above

Council (on recommendation of Finance and Facilities Committee)

Investment Management

Approve the investment strategy of the University

Council (on recommendation of Finance and Facilities Committee)

3.13 Vice-Chancellor

Delegated Authority

Existing Delegation

Policy/Council Delegation (where applicable)

Scope/Limits of Delegation

Source of Authority

Report to Council on the affairs of the University

Vice-Chancellor

Charter of University Governance 1.6

Delegate powers and duties of the University Secretary

University Secretary

Charter of University Governance 1.9

Position Description of University Secretary held by the People Portfolio

Fee Adjustment

Adjustment (from 2014 onwards) of any service fee payable by Students

Vice-Chancellor

Within the Commonwealth indexation cap. Any increase in approved fee to be reported to Council.

Council decision, 10 December 2012

Fee Setting

Approve amendments relative to Council approved fees to the extent of +/- 10% for Services Fees, including Student Services Amenities Fees, Library Fees and Charges, and Administrative Fees and Charges

Vice-Chancellor *

* Reporting to Council on all fee setting flexibility arrangements to be incorporated into the Annual Fee Setting process

Council decision, 28 October 2019

Approve amendments relative to Council approved fees for Domestic and International Non-Award, Undergraduate, Postgraduate and Research Full-Fee Courses, with a cumulative value in any year up to 10% of the approved Domestic and International Full-Fee paying budget for that year

Vice-Chancellor *

* Reporting to Council on all fee setting flexibility arrangements to be incorporated into the Annual Fee Setting process

Council decision, 5 December 2022

Approve amendments relative to Council approved fees to the extent of +/- 10% for Residential Colleges Accommodation Fees

Vice-Chancellor *

* Reporting to Council on all fee setting flexibility arrangements to be incorporated into the Annual Fee Setting process

Council decision, 10 December 2018 and 11 December 2017

Approve amendments relative to Council approved fees to the extent of +/- 20% for group UniSQ Residential College accommodation bookings

Vice-Chancellor *

* Reporting to Council on all fee setting flexibility arrangements to be incorporated into the Annual Fee Setting process

Council decision, 10 December 2018

Approve new fees for additional refurbished UniSQ Residential College blocks where the proposed rate is the same as the rate previously approved by Council for the same or similar accommodation

Vice-Chancellor *

* Reporting to Council on all fee setting flexibility arrangements to be incorporated into the Annual Fee Setting process

Council decision, 10 December 2018

Approve amendments relative to Council approved fees and commissions to the extent of:

i) +/- 10% amendments to International Partner Fees;

ii) Up to 5% in volume-based incentives for domestic and international recruitment agents; and

iii) Up to 5% in volume-based discount incentives for international and domestic partners

Vice-Chancellor *

* Reporting to Council on all fee setting flexibility arrangements to be incorporated into the Annual Fee Setting process

Council decision, 11 December 2017

Approve:

i) Additional subject area groups (eg Business and Commerce) which are to be charged at the same Council approved rate as other subject area groups for the same partner or student cohort; and

ii) Additional subject area prefixes (eg ACC, ECO) which are to be charged at the same Council approved rate within the relevant subject area group

Vice-Chancellor *

* Reporting to Council on all fee setting flexibility arrangements to be incorporated into the Annual Fee Setting process

Council decision, 11 December 2017

3.14 Appointment, Performance and Remuneration of the Vice-Chancellor

Delegated Authority

Existing Delegation

Policy/Council Delegation (where applicable)

Scope/Limits of Delegation

Source of Authority

Approve and amend Appointment, Performance and Remuneration of Vice-Chancellor Policy

Council (Chancellor's Committee on recommendation of Remuneration Sub-Committee considers the performance and remuneration of the Vice-Chancellor)

Chancellor's Committee and Remuneration Sub-Committee Terms of Reference

Appointment of the Vice-Chancellor

Council

Procedure 'Appointments: Senior Positions Procedure'

UniSQ Act S32(2)

Annual Review of Vice-Chancellor's Performance

Council (delegated to Chancellor and Deputy Chancellor)

Charter of University Governance 1.7

UniSQ Act S32(3)

Recommend the appointment of an Acting Vice-Chancellor

Vice-Chancellor (in consultation with Chancellor for acting appointments in excess of 1 month)

Policy 'Human Resources Delegations Schedule'

Recommend the composition of Selection Panel for Vice-Chancellor

Council

Charter of University Governance 1.8, Procedure 'Appointments: Senior Positions Procedure'

3.15 Appointment, Performance and Remuneration of Senior Executives

Delegated Authority

Existing Delegation

Policy/Council Delegation (where applicable)

Scope/Limits of Delegation

Source of Authority

Determine the position establishment of the University

Council and Vice-Chancellor

Procedure 'Position Establishment and Classification Procedure'

Approve composition of Selection Panel for the above

Vice-Chancellor

Procedure 'Recruitment and Selection Procedure'

Recommends appointments

Selection Panel

Procedure 'Recruitment and Selection Procedure'

Determines whether to accept recommendation from Selection Panel

Vice-Chancellor

Procedure 'Recruitment and Selection Procedure'

Consider and approve recommendations from the Remuneration Sub-Committee relating to the performance and remuneration of the Senior Management Team (excluding the Vice-Chancellor), and report to Council on remuneration arrangements for these positions

Chancellor's Committee

Chancellor's Committee Terms of Reference

3.16 Strategic Planning

Delegated Authority

Existing Delegation

Policy/Council Delegation (where applicable)

Scope/Limits of Delegation

Source of Authority

University Strategic Plan:

Approve/
Review

Implement/ Monitor

Council, Vice-Chancellor and Senior Executive team

Integrated Planning and Performance Procedure

3.17 Establishment, Operation and Review of Organisational Structures and Operational Units

Delegated Authority

Existing Delegation

Policy/Council Delegation (where applicable)

Scope/Limits of Delegation

Source of Authority

Approve the establishment, operation and review of a Division

Vice-Chancellor

Integrated Planning and Performance Procedure

Approve the creation, dissolution or merger of units

Vice-Chancellor

Integrated Planning and Performance Procedure

Approve the establishment of a University company, and the appointment of Chairperson and Board members

Council (on advice and recommendation from the Vice-Chancellor)

UniSQ Act S60-S61

3.18 University Policy

Delegated Authority

Existing Delegation

Policy/Council Delegation (where applicable)

Scope/Limits of Delegation

Source of Authority

Approve new and revised policies and procedures concerning University wide operations

Refer to Policy Framework

Governance Policy - Council

Academic Quality Policy - Academic Board

Executive Policy - Vice-Chancellor or Vice-Chancellor's nominated officer

University Procedure - Vice-Chancellor or Vice-Chancellor's nominated officer

3.19 Students - Graduation

Delegated Authority

Existing Delegation

Policy/Council Delegation (where applicable)

Scope/Limits of Delegation

Source of Authority

Determine Academic Dress

Provost

Policy 'Award Eligibility and Graduation Policy - Academic Dress Schedule'

Determine Format of Testamurs

Council

Posthumous Awards

Chancellor

Policy 'Award Eligibility and Graduation Policy'

Any Awards approved are to be reported to Council

3.20 Appeals

Delegated Authority

Existing Delegation

Policy/Council Delegation (where applicable)

Scope/Limits of Delegation

Source of Authority

Academic Appeal

Student Academic Appeals Committee

Student Academic Appeals Committee Terms of Reference

Policy 'Student Grievance Resolution Policy'

Procedure 'Student Appeals Procedure '

Non-academic Appeal

Relevant responsible officer

Policy 'Student Grievance Resolution Policy'

Procedure 'Student Appeals Procedure'

3.21 Grievance Resolution

Delegated Authority

Existing Delegation

Policy/Council Delegation (where applicable)

Scope/Limits of Delegation

Source of Authority

In terms of the broader University community and its operations, determine whether a Complaint is upheld or dismissed

Vice-Chancellor

Policy 'Code of Conduct Policy' and Policy 'Disciplinary Action for Misconduct or Serious Misconduct'

In terms of Council and the conduct of its business

Chancellor

Policy 'Policy on Complaints Involving Council Members'

3.22 Students - Conduct

Delegated Authority

Existing Delegation

Policy/Council Delegation (where applicable)

Scope/Limits of Delegation

Source of Authority

Power to exclude Students

Vice-Chancellor

Policy 'Student General Conduct Policy'

Set and apply penalties for Student misconduct

Vice-Chancellor

Policy 'Student General Conduct Policy'

Student General Misconduct

Student General Misconduct Committee

Student General Misconduct Committee Terms of Reference

Policy 'Student General Conduct Policy'

Procedure 'Student General Misconduct Procedure'

4 References

Nil.

5 Schedule Information

Accountable Officer

University Secretary

Responsible Officer

Executive Officer (Council)

Policy Type

Governance Policy

Policy Suite

Delegations Policy

Approved Date

26/6/2023

Effective Date

26/6/2023

Review Date

26/6/2028

Relevant Legislation

University of Southern Queensland Act 1998

Policy Exceptions

Policy Exceptions Register

Related Policies

Award Eligibility and Graduation Policy

Code of Conduct Policy

Honorary Award and Title Policy

Investments and Cash Management Policy

Policy Framework

Policy on Complaints Involving Council Members

Research Code of Conduct Policy

Student General Conduct Policy

Student Grievance Resolution Policy

Use of the University Seal Policy

Related Procedures

Appointments: Senior Positions Procedure

Disciplinary Action for Misconduct or Serious Misconduct Procedure

Employee Recognition and Reward Procedure

Integrated Planning and Performance Procedure

Position Establishment and Classification Procedure

Recruitment and Selection Procedure

Research Code of Conduct: Management of Potential Breaches Procedure

Student Academic Misconduct Procedure

Student Appeals Procedure

Student General Misconduct Procedure

Related forms, publications and websites

Academic Board Terms of Reference

Academic Misconduct Penalty Schedule

Audit and Risk Committee Terms of Reference

Chancellor's Committee Terms of Reference

Charter of University Governance

Council Committee Terms of Reference

Council Terms of Reference

Finance and Facilities Committee Terms of Reference

Financial Management Practice Manual

Honorary Awards Committee Terms of Reference

Medals and Awards with Distinction Schedule

Remuneration Sub-Committee Terms of Reference

Student General Misconduct Committee Terms of Reference (TBA)

Student General Misconduct Procedure Penalty Schedule

Definitions

Terms defined in the Definitions Dictionary

Award

The qualification conferred upon a Student following the successful completion of an Academic Program. The categories of Award are listed in the Program Nomenclature Schedule....moreThe qualification conferred upon a Student following the successful completion of an Academic Program. The categories of Award are listed in the Program Nomenclature Schedule.

Complaint

A Complaint is an “expression of dissatisfaction made to or about the University, related to its products, services, staff or the handling of a complaint, where a response or resolution is explicitly or implicitly expected or legally required”....moreA Complaint is an “expression of dissatisfaction made to or about the University, related to its products, services, staff or the handling of a complaint, where a response or resolution is explicitly or implicitly expected or legally required”.

Council

Council means the governing body, the University of Southern Queensland Council....moreCouncil means the governing body, the University of Southern Queensland Council.

Decision

A determination made by an Employee, contractor or other authorised delegate in the course of their duties on behalf of the University....moreA determination made by an Employee, contractor or other authorised delegate in the course of their duties on behalf of the University.

Delegate (verb)

Delegate (verb) means to authorise an officer, Employee or committee of the University with decision-making power or authority to decide to take action in a specified area....moreDelegate (verb) means to authorise an officer, Employee or committee of the University with decision-making power or authority to decide to take action in a specified area.

Delegation

A formal authority or power granted to Council members, Employees and Council committees to make Decisions on behalf of the University....moreA formal authority or power granted to Council members, Employees and Council committees to make Decisions on behalf of the University.

Employee

A person employed by the University and whose conditions of employment are covered by the Enterprise Agreement and includes persons employed on a continuing, fixed term or casual basis. Employees also include senior Employees whose conditions of employment are covered by a written agreement or contract with the University....moreA person employed by the University and whose conditions of employment are covered by the Enterprise Agreement and includes persons employed on a continuing, fixed term or casual basis. Employees also include senior Employees whose conditions of employment are covered by a written agreement or contract with the University.

Policy Instrument

A Policy Instrument refers to an instrument that is governed by the Policy framework. These include Policies, Procedures and Schedules....moreA Policy Instrument refers to an instrument that is governed by the Policy framework. These include Policies, Procedures and Schedules.

Student

A person who is enrolled in a UniSQ Upskill Course or who is admitted to an Award Program or Non-Award Program offered by the University and is: currently enrolled in one or more Courses or study units; or not currently enrolled but is on an approved Leave of Absence or whose admission has not been cancelled....moreA person who is enrolled in a UniSQ Upskill Course or who is admitted to an Award Program or Non-Award Program offered by the University and is: currently enrolled in one or more Courses or study units; or not currently enrolled but is on an approved Leave of Absence or whose admission has not been cancelled.

University

The term 'University' or 'UniSQ' means the University of Southern Queensland....moreThe term 'University' or 'UniSQ' means the University of Southern Queensland.

Definitions that relate to this schedule only

Keywords

Schedule, delegation, responsibilities, authority, spending, procurement, opinion, represent UniSQ, financial, purchasing

Record No

13/549PL

Complying with the law and observing Policy and Procedure is a condition of working and/or studying at the University.

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