QUT Council
QUT Council is established by the Queensland University of Technology Act 1998 (QUT Act) as the university’s governing body to ensure the proper and effective management and operation of the university. QUT Council's composition, membership, powers and responsibilities are governed by the QUT Act.
QUT Council members include:
- professionals and representatives from higher education, government, commerce, industry and alumni
- elected QUT staff members and students
- the Chancellor, our chief executive officer, the Vice-Chancellor and President, and the Chair of University Academic Board.
Members
QUT Council members serve a four-year term, except for student council members who serve a two-year term. There are 15 members on QUT Council in official, elected and appointed positions.
The Chancellor
The Chancellor is the formal head of the university, and works closely with the Vice-Chancellor and President. The position is elected by QUT Council, and the Chancellor is the chair of the governing body and is responsible for the efficient operation of QUT Council.
The term of office for Chancellor is usually 5 years.
Find out more about the role of the Chancellor in the Manual of Policies and Procedures, or via the University Chancellors Council website.
Responsibilities
QUT Council is accountable for the corporate governance of QUT, having oversight of QUT's:
- direction
- performance targets
- financial viability and sustainability
- corporate culture, and
- identifying and mitigating risks.
In addition, QUT Council is accountable for all higher education operations including the award of qualifications and for continuing to meet the requirements of the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021.
QUT Council can:
- establish committees
- delegate power to committees or officers
- authorise committees or officers to make decisions relating to prescribed policy and procedural matters.
While QUT Council is ultimately responsible for the management of QUT, it has delegated authority to the Vice-Chancellor and President, and to various senior administrators for day-to-day management of the university.
Expression of interest
Individuals wishing to contribute to the university’s governance and strategic direction may express an interest in being a prospective member of QUT Council. Members of QUT Council have a legislative obligation to put the interests of the university above those of any other person, group or organisation. They should understand QUT's values, strategies, priorities and decision-making processes in order to fulfil their responsibilities.
QUT invites members of the public who can add to the range of skills and experiences of our governing body, and who are passionate about education and share our commitment to innovation, access, and real-world impact, to consider registering an expression of interest (EOI).
We welcome individuals with a background in:
- corporate governance
- accounting
- investment or audit committee experience, or
- the higher education, government, law, technology, or research sectors.
A commitment to diversity including engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and inclusivity of people from varied backgrounds and abilities is crucial. Alumni or those with an existing association with QUT are encouraged to register an EOI.
To express an interest in being a prospective member of QUT Council, submit your EOI at any time. EOIs will be reviewed periodically. Only successful individuals will be contacted.
Key dates, reports and activities
QUT Council meeting dates
| 2025 |
|---|
| 27 February |
| 24 April |
| 26 June |
| 28 August |
| 23 October |
| 2 December |
Summaries of the activities of QUT Council and its committees are published periodically as reports.
Graduation dates
| 2024 | |
|---|---|
| 11-15 August 2024 (no ceremonies on Ekka public holiday, Wednesday 14 August) | Mid-year graduations |
| 10-18 December 2024 | End-year graduations |
Council committees
QUT Council recognises that the contribution and involvement of QUT committees and members is critical for decision-making and effective corporate governance. Several committees assist QUT Council in its operations. These committees report directly to QUT Council:
- Risk and Audit Committee, chaired by Adjunct Professor Susan Rix AM
- Governance, Nominations and Remuneration Committee, chaired by Ms Ann Sherry AO
- Finance and Planning Committee, chaired by Mr Paul Lindstrom
- University Academic Board, chaired by Professor Lisa Bradley.
The Vice-Chancellor and President reports directly to QUT Council and has established various committees to meet compliance obligations and contribute to specific management functions.
Awards and honours conferred by QUT Council
Honorary doctorates
A person may be awarded a Doctor of the University by QUT Council for distinguished service to the community, QUT or scholarship. Honorary doctorates are conferred at a graduation ceremony.
Full list of honorary doctorate recipients
Professor Emeritus
The title of Professor Emeritus is conferred in recognition of distinguished academic service by a QUT professor.
Full list of Emeritus Professors
QUT Life Fellows
QUT Council has awarded the title of Life Fellow to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of QUT over a long period.
Our Life Fellows are:
- Ian Cameron, AM, BE(Hons) Qld, FIEAust, FICE, FASCE. Chairperson of Council 1983-1987 (deceased)
- Alexander Fraser, AO, BSc(Eng), BE(Civil), PhD, DIC Lond, MIEAust, FAIM. Foundation Director of QIT 1965-1981 (deceased)
- Mervyn Hegarty, AM, MSc, PhD, FRACI. Council Member 1971-1975, Deputy Chairperson of Council 1975-1980 (deceased)
- Jack Parkinson, OBE, BArch Qld, DUniv, LFRAIA, RIBA. Deputy Chairperson of Council 1971-1974, Chairperson of Council 1974-1983 (deceased)
- Victor Pullar, AO, BEng(Hons) Qld, DUniv, FIEAust. Chairperson of Council 1987-1989, Chancellor 1989-1994 (deceased)
- Roy Wallace, AM, DipMEE, MIEAust, FAIM. Council Member 1971-1988 (deceased)
- Brian Waters, OAM, BCom Qld, AAUQ (Prov). Secretary to Council 1975-1995.