The Academic Senate, a standing committee of the University Council, is the peak academic body responsible for ensuring the academic quality and integrity of Flinders’ academic operations on behalf of the Council.

The Senate debates and advances issues that affect the implementation, enhancement and quality of Flinders’ academic mission – from the way we teach, to the courses we offer and the quality of our research activities.

The Chair, Professor Christopher Kee, facilitates robust discussion between the 28 Senate members who span Flinders’ senior management, College appointees and student representatives to progress academic issues facing the University. Here’s an example of what the Senate discussed in its November meeting:

• Approvals to extend several critical Research Institutes and Centres.
• Updates to academic policies that enhance student support.
• College reporting on course portfolios.
• Monitoring breaches of academic and research integrity and discussing ways for Flinders to manage them.

Many Senate members also serve on Senate’s sub-committees, which gather each month to monitor and action matters regarding Flinders’ Education Quality, Learning and Teaching Innovation, Research Quality, and Flinders-wide Higher Degrees by Research.

Academic Senate meetings are open to all members of the Flinders community, except when confidential items are being discussed. For more information about Senate, its structure and responsibilities, please visit the webpage.