 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |  |  |
 |
Services & Supports
Governing Authority
Welcome
University Governance
Introduction
National University of Ireland, Maynooth was established as one of the seven universities in Ireland by the Universities Act, 1997. Tracing its origins back over 200 years to the foundation of St Patrick’s College, Maynooth in 1795, the University today is a modern and growing institution with over 8,800 students.
The Universities Act underpins everything that the University does. It provides a foundation for all of its activities, academic and otherwise, and establishes a framework within which these activities should be undertaken and managed. The Act is supported by statutes which give effect to its provisions.
The University is an autonomous body which has the status of a charitable institution. It receives a block grant from government through the Higher Education Authority, which has overall responsibility for higher education in Ireland. Additional income is derived from research grants and tuition fees, which for undergraduates are currently paid by government.
Governing Authority
The decision-making body in the University is the Governing Authority. It has responsibility for the strategic direction of the University, the management and administration of its revenue and property and the general conduct of its affairs.
Members of the Governing Authority are drawn from the staff, students, graduates and external organisations. It normally meets six times a year, and receives reports from a range of committees including: Audit & Risk Assessment Committee, Planning, Development and Finance Committee and Human Resources, Staff Development and Equality Committee. Governing Authority is chaired by an external chairperson or in his/her absence, the deputy chairperson and adheres to the Governance of Irish Universities: A Code of Legislation, Principles, Best Practice and Guidlines (HEA/IUA, 2008) as its primary code of practice.
Academic Council
The Academic Council, subject to review by the Governing Authority, controls the academic affairs of the University, including the curriculum of, and instruction and education provided by, the University. It is chaired by the President, and includes the Vice-Presidents, Registrar, Deans of the Faculties, Heads of Departments and Centres, the Librarian, Directors of the Computer Centre and Language Centre, and representative of all grades of academic staff and students. It is supported in its activities by a committee structure and by Faculties.
Faculties
Following a restructuring of the University in 2006, there are now three faculties, which act as advisory bodies to the Academic Council. In addition, Council has formally delegated some of its powers to Faculties.