Institutional Forum

1. Terms of reference (functions)

The Institutional Forum is only a statutory advisory committee to Council, and does not have decision-making powers.[30]  The purpose of the Institutional Forum is:

• to represent major stakeholders (especially internal stakeholders); and
• to ensure that Council has the benefit of their views.

In fulfilling this role, the institutional forum comprises representatives of:

• students;
• employees other than academic employees;
• academic employees;
• Senate;
• Council;
• Management;
• representative employees’ organisations.

The Institutional Forum is the forum where the mentioned representatives meet as stakeholder groups mandated by their respective stakeholders to develop policy and transformation options for Council to consider.

The HEA [31] determines that the Institutional Forum must advise Council on the following issues:

• The implementation of legislation and national policy on higher
   education;
• Race and gender equity policies;
• The selection of candidates for senior management positions;
• Code of conduct, mediation and dispute resolution procedures;
• The fostering of an institutional culture which promotes tolerance and respect for fundamental human rights.

In addition, it creates an appropriate environment for teaching, research and
learning, and performs such functions as determined by Council.

2 Composition

See Annexure C.

[30] Higher Education Act (Act 101 of 1997), section 31(1)(a).
[31] Higher Education Act (Act 101 of 1997), section 31(1).

Approved - Management Committee -  17.01.06
(c) 2006 UNISA