The Charter
I.
II.
III. Visitor
IV. The Chancellor
V. The Pro-Chancellor
VI. Deputy Pro-Chancellors
VII. The Vice-Chancellor
VIII. Deputy Vice-Chancellor
IX. Pro-Vice-Chancellors
X. The Court
XI. The Council
XII. The Senate
XIII. Regulations as to procedure
XIV. Members of the University
XV. Equality and Diversity
XVI.
XVII.
XVIII.
XIX.
XX.
XXI.
The University of Leeds received its Charter as an independent
institution from Edward VII in 1904.
The Charter
EDWARD VII, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of
Great Britain and Ireland and of the British Dominions beyond
the seas, King, Defender of the Faith. To all to whom these
presents shall come, greeting.
Whereas by Charter of Her Late Majesty Queen Victoria, dated
20th April, 1880, the Victoria University was founded and
constituted having its seat in the City of Manchester.
And whereas the Owens College, Manchester, was thereby constituted
a college in the University and provision was made that other
colleges might from time to time be admitted as colleges in
the University in the manner and subject to the conditions
therein prescribed.
And whereas the University College, Liverpool, was by resolution
of the Court of the University admitted as a college of the
University on the 5th November, 1884, and the Yorkshire College,
Leeds, was by resolution of the said Court admitted as a college
in the University on the 3rd November, 1887, but no other
college has been so admitted.
And whereas the said University College, Liverpool, has presented
to Us in Our Council a humble petition under the Common Seal
of that college praying us to erect a university within the
City of Liverpool.
And whereas the Owens College, Manchester, has presented
to Us in Our Council a humble petition under the Common
Seal of that college praying that a new or supplemental Charter
may be granted so as to constitute and continue the Victoria
University as a university in Manchester without association
with any college except the Owens College.
And whereas the Yorkshire College, Leeds, has presented to
Us in Our Council a humble petition under the Common Seal
of that college, praying Us to erect a university having its
seat in Leeds.
And whereas we have taken the said petitions into Our Royal
consideration and are minded to accede thereto.
Now therefore know ye that We by virtue of Our Royal Prerogative
and all other powers in that behalf enabling us of Our Special
Grace certain knowledge and mere motion by these presents
do for Us, Our Heirs and Successors, grant, will, direct,
and ordain as follows:
I.
There shall be from henceforth for ever in Our said City
of Leeds a university of the name and style of ‘The
University of Leeds’, which shall be and continue one
body politic and corporate with perpetual succession and a
common seal and with full power and capacity, subject to the
restrictions herein set forth, without any further licence
to all persons and corporations to assure and to the University
to take, by gift or otherwise purchase and hold and also to
grant demise or otherwise dispose of real and personal property.
II.
The University shall have the powers following:
1. To grant and confer degrees and other academic distinctions
to and on persons who shall have pursued an approved course
of study in the University and shall have passed the examinations
of the University under conditions laid down in its Statutes
or Ordinances. Provided that degrees representing proficiency
in technical subjects shall not be conferred without proper
security for testing the scientific or general knowledge underlying
technical attainments.
2. To admit graduates of other universities to degrees of
equal or similar rank in the University.
3. To confer degrees of the University on any persons, who
hold office in the University as professors, readers, lecturers,
or otherwise, or who shall have carried on independent research
therein, or on any persons who, at the date of this Our Charter,
are Associates of the Yorkshire College.
4. To grant diplomas, licentiateships, certificates, or other
distinctions to persons who have pursued a course of study
approved by the University under conditions laid down by the
University.
5. To confer Honorary degrees, or other distinctions on approved
persons. Provided that all degrees and other distinctions
shall be conferred and held subject to any provisions which
may be made in reference thereto by the Statutes, Ordinances,
or Regulations of the University.
6. To provide for instruction in such branches of learning
as the University may think fit, and also to make provision
for research and for the advancement and dissemination of
knowledge.
7. To examine and inspect schools and other educational institutions,
to grant diplomas and other certificates, and to provide such
lectures and instruction for persons not members of the University
as the University may determine.
8. To accept the examinations and periods of study passed
by students of the University at other universities or places
of learning as equivalent to such examinations and periods
of study in the University as the University may determine,
and to withdraw such acceptance at any time. Provided that
in no case shall the University confer a degree in medicine
or surgery upon any person who has not attended in the University
during two years at least courses of study recognised for
such degree, or for one of the other degrees in the University.
9. To affiliate other colleges or institutions or branches
or departments thereof, or to admit the members thereof to
any of the privileges of the University, and to accept attendance
at courses of study in such colleges or institutions in place
of the attendance at courses of study in the University, and
upon such terms and conditions and subject to such regulations
as may from time to time be determined by the University.
10. To co-operate by means of joint boards or otherwise,
with other universities and authorities for the conduct of
matriculation examinations, for the examination and inspection
of schools and other academic institutions and for such other
purposes as the University may from time to time determine.
11. To enter into any agreement with the Yorkshire College
for the incorporation of that college in the University, and
for taking over its property and liabilities, and, if necessary,
to promote a Bill in Parliament to confirm or carry out any
such agreement.
12. To enter into any agreement with any other institution
for the incorporation of that institution in the University
and for taking over its property and liabilities, and for
any other purpose not repugnant to this Our Charter.
13. To enter into any agreement with the Victoria University
of Manchester or with the University of Liverpool for the
division or apportionment of any of the moneys, endowments,
or property of the Victoria University, with due regard to
the local origin of any particular foundation, to the wishes
of the donors, and other special circumstances, and for reference
to an arbitrator in case of difference.
14. To institute professorships, readerships, lectureships
and any other offices required by the University and to appoint
to such offices. Also to institute and award fellowships,
scholarships and exhibitions and prizes.
15. To license halls for the residence of students.
16. To revoke degrees, diplomas, licentiateships and certificates
and other academic awards following cases of cheating, plagiarism,
fabricated or fraudulent coursework and other forms of academic
fraud.
17. Jointly with other higher education institutions having
the power to grant such qualifications, to grant degrees and
other qualifications to persons who shall have pursued a course
of study and shall have passed the examinations under conditions
laid down in the Statutes or Ordinances of the University
or other regulations and in the relevant prescribed programme
approved by the Senate.
18. To do all such other acts and things whether incidental
to the powers aforesaid or not, as may be requisite in order
to further the objects of the University as a teaching and
examining body, and to cultivate and promote arts, science
and learning.
III. Visitor
We, Our Heirs and Successors, Kings and Queens of the Kingdom
and Dominions aforesaid, shall be and remain the Visitor and
Visitors of the University through the Lord President of our
Council for the time being, and in the exercise of the Visitorial
Authority, We and Our Heirs and Successors shall have the
right from time to time and in such manner as We or They shall
think fit to direct an inspection of the University, its buildings,
laboratories, and general equipment, and also of the examination,
teaching, and other work done by the University.
IV. The Chancellor
There shall be a Chancellor who, except as otherwise provided in this Our Charter,
shall confer degrees and shall discharge such other responsibilities,
and hold office for such period, as may be from time to time
determined by the Council.
The Chancellor may be removed from office for good cause by
the Visitor at the instance of the Court on the recommendation of the Council. Our right trusty
and entirely beloved Cousin and Councillor, George Frederick
Samuel, Marquess of Ripon, Knight of Our Most Noble Order
of the Garter, Doctor of Laws, shall be the first Chancellor
of the University.
His successors from time to time shall be elected by the
Court on the nomination of the Council of the University.
V. The Pro-Chancellor
There shall be a Pro-Chancellor who, in the absence of the Chancellor, or pending a vacancy in
the office of Chancellor, or during the Chancellor’s
inability to act, shall exercise all the
functions of the Chancellor, except the conferring of degrees.
The Pro-Chancellor shall carry out such other responsibilities
as may be determined from time to time by the Council, but may not hold office both
as Chair of Court and Chair of Council.
Our trusty and well-beloved Arthur Greenhow Lupton, chairman
of the Council of the Yorkshire College, shall be the first
Pro-Chancellor of the University, and shall hold his office
for one year. Subsequent appointments to the said office shall
be made by the Court on the nomination of the Council for
such periods not exceeding three years at a time as may be
agreed by the Court on the recommendation of the Council.
VI. Deputy Pro-Chancellors
On the recommendation of the Council, the Court may designate up to two members of the Council, not being students of the University or members of Faculty, as deputy pro-chancellors. Such deputy pro-chancellors shall carry out such duties and responsibilities as may from time to time be assigned to them by the Council.
VII. The Vice-Chancellor
There shall be a Vice-Chancellor, who shall be the chief executive and principal officer of the University; she or he shall discharge such duties and responsibilities as may from time to time be determined by the Council. The Vice-Chancellor shall be ex officio chair of the Senate.
In the absence of the Chancellor the Vice-Chancellor shall
confer degrees, except as otherwise provided in this Our Charter.
Our trusty and well-beloved Nathan Bodington, Principal of
the Yorkshire College, Doctor of Letters, shall be the first
Vice-Chancellor of the University, and shall hold such office
for such term or terms and subject to such conditions as may
from time to time be determined by the Council.
His successors from time to time shall be appointed by the
Council on the recommendation of a committee of the Council which includes within its membership nominees of the Senate, and shall hold such office for such term or terms
and subject to such conditions as may from time to time be
determined by the Council.
VIII. Deputy Vice-Chancellor
The Council may appoint a Deputy Vice-Chancellor. Any such appointment shall be made on the recommendation of a committee of the Council that includes within its membership nominees of the Senate.
Subject to the Statutes and Ordinances of the University, a Deputy Vice-Chancellor may act as or on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor on such basis as the Vice-Chancellor may from time to time determine, and shall hold office for such term or terms and subject to such conditions as may from time to time be determined by the Council.
IX. Pro-Vice-Chancellors
The Council may appoint Pro-Vice-Chancellors from among the members of Faculty. Any such appointments shall be made on the recommendation of a committee of the Council which includes within its membership nominees of the Senate. Subject to the Statutes and Ordinances of the University, pro-vice-chancellors shall discharge such duties and responsibilities as may from time to time be assigned to them by the Vice-Chancellor or the Council, and shall hold office for such term or terms as may be determined by the Council.
X. The Court
There shall be a Court which shall have the following powers:
1. To ask questions about, and to express an opinion on,
any matter whatsoever relating to the University; and to convey
such opinions to the Council and other University authorities
2. To appoint the Chancellor, the Pro-Chancellor, the Chair
of Court (if not Chancellor or Pro-Chancellor) and the Chair
of Council (if not Pro-Chancellor) and may designate up to two members of the Council as deputy pro-chancellors
3. To appoint members to serve on the Council, and to co-opt
members to serve on the Court in accordance with provisions
set out in the Statutes and Ordinances
4. To award honorary degrees of the University
5. To establish committees to determine appeals lodged by
students against sanctions imposed upon them under the University’s
disciplinary procedures
6. To establish such other committees as it considers necessary
to advise it on the discharge of its powers.
XI. The Council
The Council shall be the governing body of the University
and shall direct the form, custody and use of the common seal,
and shall have power to regulate and determine all matters
concerning the University, and generally shall exercise all
the powers and discretions of the University, except as otherwise
provided by this Our Charter or by the Statutes.
The Council shall have power by Statute to increase or diminish
the number of its members, by increasing or diminishing the
number to be nominated or appointed by the persons or bodies
possessing the right of nomination or appointment, or by adding
representatives of other bodies, or in any other manner.
The Statutes set forth in the schedule hereto annexed shall
be the Statutes of the University under this Our Charter.
The Council may amend, add to, or repeal the Statutes for
the time being in force [including those set forth in the
schedule hereto], but no such amendment, addition, or repeal
shall be valid or operative until allowed by Us or by a committee
of Our Council.
Ordinances may be made by the Council for the regulation
of all matters not required by this Our Charter to be dealt
with by Statute.
Provided 1. that it shall not be lawful for the Council,
by any Statute or otherwise, to apply any religious, racial
or political test in considering any person for a professorship,
teaching post, for the holding of any office or membership
of the University, or for admission as a student, or to enable
that person to graduate thereat, or to enjoy or exercise any
privilege thereof.
Provided 2. that any Statute or Ordinance made by the Council
be not repugnant to the laws of this Realm or to the general
object of this Our Charter.
Provided 3. that Ordinances relating to degrees,
studies and examinations shall not be adopted without report
from the Senate.
Provided 4. that no change shall be made in any Statute or
Ordinance altering the status, powers, or constitution of
the Court or the Senate until such body
shall have had an opportunity of pronouncing an opinion upon
the proposed change.
Degrees in absentia shall be conferred by a resolution of
the Council or in such manner as the Council may from time
to time determine.
The acts of the Council shall not be invalidated by any vacancy
among its members.
XII. The Senate
The constitution of the Senate shall be determined by Ordinance.
The Senate shall, subject to the Statutes and Ordinances
of the University, and subject also to review by the Council,
have the control and general regulation of the instruction
and education within the University and shall have power to
discuss and pronounce an opinion on any matter whatsoever
relating to the University and such other powers and duties
as may be conferred upon it by Statute or Ordinance.
XIII. Regulations as to procedure
The Court, the Council and the Senate may from time to time make regulations for governing
their respective proceedings, subject to this Our Charter
and to the Statutes and Ordinances of the University.
Subject to the Statutes and Ordinances of the University
any power exercisable by the Court, the Council and the Senate
of the University and any duty
imposed by this Our Charter or by the Statutes of the University
may be delegated by the Court, the Council and the Senate to any Committee or individual
and so long as the delegation remains in force the power shall
be exercisable wholly or in part by the Committee or individual
and not by the delegating body; provided that any such delegation
shall be revocable at any time by the delegating body but
such revocation shall not affect the validity of anything
done by the Committee or individual by virtue of the delegation.
XIV. Members of the
University
The members of the University shall be the Chancellor, the
Pro-Chancellor, the Vice-Chancellor, the members
of the University Court, the members of the University Council,
all employees of the University, members of the Faculties,
the wardens or other chief officers of halls of residence
licensed by the University, fellows, graduates and diplomates; postgraduate
students and undergraduate students of the University and
such other classes of students as the Council may from time
to time determine; emeritus professors and life fellows and
other persons as the Council, on the recommendation of the
Senate, may from time to time determine.
The postgraduates of the University shall be such persons
as are admitted to postgraduate courses in the University.
The undergraduates of the University shall be such persons
attending lectures or receiving instruction in the University
as shall have matriculated under the Statutes.
Membership of the University may be waived at the request
of a person made for reasons considered by the Council, on
the recommendation of the Senate, to be sufficient, and upon
the person concerned entering into such undertakings and guarantees
as may be required to the effect that the person concerned
will continue to observe the Charter, Statutes and regulations
of the University as though that person had continued to be
a member thereof.
XV. Equality and Diversity
As the Governing Body of an institution that is proud to
be a multi-cultural community, the Council shall take steps
to ensure: that all individuals are treated fairly, with dignity
and respect; that the opportunities it provides are open to
all; and that the University provides a safe, supportive and
welcoming environment for staff, students and visitors.
XVI.
The University may from time to time found and endow fellowships,
scholarships, exhibitions, and other prizes for which funds
or property may, by bequest, donation, grant, or otherwise
be provided, and may make regulations respecting the same
and the tenure thereof, but, except as aforesaid, and except
by way of prize, reward, special grant, or remuneration for
services rendered or to be rendered, in the past, present,
or future respectively, the University shall not make any
gift division or bonus in money unto or between any of its
members. Whilst no member of the Council may be remunerated
for serving on the Council, members of the Council may be
remunerated for other services rendered or to be rendered
to the University, in the past, present or future.
XVII.
The University may demand and receive such fees as the Council
may from time to time appoint.
XVIII.
The Council may from time to time alter, amend, or add to
these presents by a special resolution in that behalf, and
such alteration, amendment or addition shall, when allowed
by Us, our Heirs, or Successors, or by any committee of Our
Most Honourable Privy Council, or otherwise as We or They
shall think fit, become effectual so that these presents shall
thenceforward continue and operate as though they had been
originally granted and made as so altered, amended, or added
to. This article shall apply to this Charter as altered, amended,
or added to in any manner aforesaid.
XIX.
A special resolution is a resolution passed at one meeting
of the Council and confirmed at a subsequent meeting, held
not less than one month, nor more than three months after
the former, provided that the resolution be passed at each
meeting by not less than three-fourths of the members of the
Council present and voting thereon.
XX.
In this Our Charter ‘Statutes’ means the Statutes
set forth in the schedule hereto and any Statutes altering,
amending, adding to, or repealing the same or any of them
which may hereafter be made and may be allowed by Us in Council,
or by a committee of Our Council.
‘Ordinances’ means acts of the Council under
the powers conferred by this Our Charter to which Our further
sanction is not hereby or by Statute required.
‘Regulations’, except when otherwise required
by the context, means Regulations made pursuant to this Our
Charter or the Statutes.
XXI.
Our Royal Will and pleasure is that this Our Charter shall
always be construed and adjudged in the most favourable and
beneficial sense for the best advantage of the University,
and the promotion of the objects of this Our Charter as well
in all our Courts as elsewhere notwithstanding any non-recital,
mis-recital, uncertainty or imperfection herein.
[ Index ]
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