The Council is the governing body of the University of Otago. It is constituted and empowered according to legislation.
The Council is supported by a number of committees that report directly to it on specific areas of responsibility. These include committees overseeing financial management and performance, audit and risk, capital development, ethics, and safety compliance.
The Senate reports directly to the Council, advising it primarily on academic matters as the Academic Board of the University. Senate is convened by the Vice-Chancellor, and its membership is drawn mainly from the heads of academic departments. It also includes other senior academics, as well as representatives of other teaching staff and students.
In carrying out its academic governance role, Senate is supported by a number of committees and boards that provide advice and recommendations on specific academic and teaching related matters.