Legaslative framework

Higher Education Act of 1997 and the Institutional Statute

• The structures, as indicated in the HEA, constitute the basic framework for the operation of a university.
• The Institutional Statute gives effect to any matter not expressly prescribed by the HEA. [11] 
• The main statutory structures are as follows:
  

• The roles of these structures are underpinned by the principle of institutional autonomy and academic freedom. [12]
• The primary accountability for the institution is shared between the lay members of Council, acting as trustees in the public interest, and professional academics in the Senate who are responsible for the curriculum, assessment, research and other academic activities.

[11] Higher Education Act (Act 101 of 1997), section 32(1)(a).

[12] Council on Higher Education Governance Task Team Policy Report: Promoting Good Governance in South African Higher Education, May 2002 (CHE Policy Report).

Approved - Management Committee -  17.01.06
(c) 2006 UNISA