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Governing bodies

Dalhousie University operates under a bicameral governance structure, which means it has two governing bodies.

Board of Governors

The Board of Governors is the senior governing body responsible for the overall management of the university, with particular responsibility for property, revenues, and finance.

Learn more about the Board of Governors View a list of Board members
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Senate

The Senate is the senior academic governing body responsible for overseeing the academic and research activities of the university. The Senate has several standing committees and sub-committees that assist with carrying out its mandate.

Learn more about the Senate View membership lists for the Senate and Senate committees
Studley quad in winter

University Secretariat

The University Secretariat is the administrative office responsible for ensuring the effective and efficient operation of Dalhousie University's bicameral system of governance.

University Secretariat services

The Secretariat manages, coordinates, and informs the effective operation of the Board and Senate by:

  • Supporting the functions of the university’s governance bodies and their respective standing and ad hoc committees.

  • Proposing and developing objectives and plans to establish and achieve priorities.

  • Advising on governance issues and developing and implementing policies, procedures, and processes that reflect governance best practices.

  • Developing, implementing, managing, and coordinating the university's academic integrity, student discipline and academic appeals policies and processes, and maintaining official records relative to these processes

  • Serving as a repository for university policies,  as well as information and data on matters relating to university governance.

  • Facilitating communication and collaboration with key partners.