Skip to main contentCambridge University Reporter

No 6242

Friday 4 November 2011

Vol cxlii No 7

pp. 124–160

Section I: Guide to the proposed new Statutes (and the continuing Statutes)

For more detail, see the consultation papers. It is important to recognize that the current drafts are preliminary drafts, only meant for consultation, and that more definitive drafts will be prepared later for approval in principle, to be followed by a final Report putting forward the new Statutes, as finally revised, for formal approval.

New Statute A: The Chancellor and the Government of the University

Consultation paper 3

This sets out the structure of government of the University, effectively its internal constitution. The content of its individual chapters is self-explanatory. Changes proposed include the introduction of a category of Special Ordinances to be made after Report (new A, III, 3) and the consolidation in one chapter (new A, IX) of three review or similar pro­cedures at present divided between two Statutes (for alleged breaches of the Statutes and Ordinances, declaration of the meaning of a Statute, and review by the Commissary). Interpretation, transitional provisions and provisions for various other matters not elsewhere regulated are in new chapter A, X. Further provision will also be added as necessary for the arrangements for the commencement of particular Statutes, if appropriate in new A, X or in the individual Statutes about the topic concerned.

New Statute B: Education and Research, Degrees

Consultation paper 4

This sets the basic structure for degrees, courses and examinations, and provides for the duties and responsibilities of the General Board in educational and research matters (empowering it to make regulations to supplement the provisions of the Statutes and Ordinances, including assigning responsibilities for the conduct of any educational or research activity to a Council of a School, Faculty Board or Head of Department, or other authority).

The new Statute also makes provision for the grant of allowances to students, and for applications for appeal or review. Provision is also made for admissions and for candidature for qualifications.

New Statute C: University Officers and Employment in the University

Consultation paper 8

This makes provision for most matters at present dealt with in present Statute D, and in present Statute U (except that Statute’s provision for some University Courts – see new Statute D). New C, I makes provision for University officers, and applies the important ‘guiding principles’ stated in present Statute U to the continuing and new provisions which would replace it. It also provides for the progressive repeal of Statute U provisions in their present form (which are for the time being preserved as a schedule to new Statute C), as new Special Ordinances are made to replace them. New C, II makes general provisions for employment and for the first time requires the competent authorities (the Council and the General Board) to establish machinery for employment matters, and for the constitution of any principal committees etc. to be approved by Grace. New C, II–XIII make provision for particular offices. (Some renumbering will be made later.)

Schedule U to new Statute C restates continuing provisions of the present Statute U, pending their eventual replacement after further review.

New Statute D: Discipline and the University Courts

Consultation paper 4

This brings together in consolidated form the provision for discipline in the present Statute B, VI and the provision for some (but not all) of the University Courts in present Statute U. Minor changes are specific provision for practice directions (new D, II, 6), clarified provision in new D, II, 21 (replacing provision in present B, VI, 22), and a reference in new D, II, 22 to the ‘standard’ of proof. The disciplinary arrangements are extended to include holders of titles of degrees (new D, I, 2). Detailed provision for the initiation of proceedings is transferred to Ordinances to be made under new D, II, 9.

New Statute E, I and continuing E, II–XLVII: Trusts

Consultation paper 7

Present chapter E, I is restated, with minor amendments. No change is proposed to present E, II to XLVII.

New Statute F: Finance, Audit, Planning and Resource Allocation, Property and Buildings

Consultation paper 5

This brings together and updates provision for these matters. It places a duty on the Council to make financial regulations, and to establish machinery for planning and resource allocation, and for buildings, and requires the constitution of any principal committees established for these purposes to be approved by Grace. The requirement for approval by Grace for the erection or demolition of, or substantial alteration to, a University building is maintained, expressed in relation to ‘operational’ buildings.

New Statute G: Colleges and Collegiate Foundations

Consultation paper 2 and forthcoming revised paper or Report

This will bring together University statutory provision for Colleges, at present scattered in several Statutes. New G, I will list the full Colleges, and will make provision for Approved Foundations and Approved Societies. New G, IV will make provision for membership of Colleges, and for professorial fellowships (most detail about which will be transferred to Ordinances).

The future form of present G, II (about College contribution and the Colleges Fund) and present G, III (about College accounts) is still under discussion and will be the subject of a further consultation paper or a Report to the University.

Continuing Statute J: The University Press

Consultation paper 3

This Statute is not now proposed for amendment under the current review process.