The Senate was established through the University of Waterloo Act, 1972 and is responsible for academic programs, educational policies, faculty appointments and tenure, qualifications for degrees and diplomas, conferring honorary degrees and appointing the Chancellor. The Senate also has the power, subject to the approval of the Board insofar as the expenditures of funds is concerned, to create, modify or remove schools, institutes, departments or chairs.
The composition of Senate is representative of the University community, with both elected and ex-officio membership. Senators include faculty members, undergraduate and graduate students, alumni, governors and administrative staff. The Act requires that the Senate have a majority of elected faculty members.
The Senate conducts its business through committees that bring recommendations to the Senate at regularly scheduled meetings through the governance year. Meetings include open session, which guests are welcome to attend, and closed sessions reserved for Senators.
- The President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Vivek Goel, is the Chair of Senate.
- The Vice-President, Academic and Provost, Dr. James Rush, is the Vice-Chair of Senate.
- The University Secretary or their designate is the Secretary of Senate.
