University Court

The University Court is the governing body of the University, working to the Nine Principles of Public Life in Scotland: duty, selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability and stewardship, openness, honesty, leadership and respect.

The Court is responsible for the following key areas:

mission, vision and strategy of the University
University students and staff
financial systems and control environment
corporate governance
senior management of the University

The Chair of the Court is responsible for the leadership and effectiveness of Court and ensures that the University is well connected with its stakeholders, including its staff and students. The Chair ensures that Court members work together effectively and efficiently, and have confidence in the procedures laid down for the conduct of business.

University Court information

Court maintains a Register of Interests into which members of University Court and officers declare any personal, business or other interest which may, or may be perceived by a reasonable member of public to, influence their judgement and the University’s decision making process.

Access the University Court's documents, agendas and minutes.

A copy of the summary report from the last review of Court Effectiveness is available here Court Effectiveness Report.

Induction is arranged for new members when required. New members will be contacted about this to arrange suitable times. For ongoing training the University makes use of AdvanceHE Governors Development Programme which provides opportunities for governors to continually develop their skills.

Details of courses currently being offered are available below:

Governor Development Programme (GDP) | Advance HE

Governance Handbook

University Calendar

Schedule of Reservations and Delegations

Court members - skills and experience required

Role of the Chair of Court

Statement of Primary Responsibilities

University Court Standing Orders

Guidelines for sealing documents

Emeritus status guidelines and application

The University recently undertook a process to appoint a Chair of its Governing Body, the University Court, in accordance with the requirements of the HE Governance (Scotland) Act 2016.

Report on Chair of Court Election for Publication

The University of Stirling's coat of arms dates back to November 1966 and, following application to the Lord Lyon, the University gained its University status by Royal Charter on 27 December 1967.

The coat of arms is reserved for ceremonial purposes, graduation certificates and the Principal and Vice-Cancellor's Office only.

The coat of arms may be described as an arched bridge topped by a tower and surrounded by open books. The bridge may represent a governor or magistrate, the tower safety and guardianship, while the open books have clear associations with learning and knowledge. The imagery portrays the University as an official guardian entrusted with the safekeeping of the process of imparting knowledge, whilst willingly serving the public.

On a more visual level, the three elements of the coat of arms may be interpreted as a reflection of the University’s striking location in a historic Scotland, suggesting as they do Stirling Bridge, the National Wallace Monument and the University itself.

University Court membership

Membership of Court is defined in Statute 9 in the University Calendar. Chaired by a lay member, it comprises:

The Principal
The Convenor of Stirling Council
The President and Vice President of the University of Stirling Students’ Union
One member nominated by the Chancellor
The Senior Deputy Principal
Six members of Academic Council, of which no fewer than two should be non-professorial
One member from the University of Stirling Alumni
Up to eleven other lay members (non-University staff)
One member appointed by Staff Assembly not being a member of Academic Staff

The University Secretary and Service Directors from across the University also attend Court meetings on a regular basis. Court is serviced by a Clerk to Court from Policy and Planning.