The Chancellor (currently Ms Trish Oakley) is the formal head of the University and chairs the University Council, which is the University's governing body. The Chancellor leads Council members in strategic decision making and oversight of the University's operations. The Council comprises elected, appointed, and co-opted members representing key stakeholders (including alumni, students, and staff) and currently has 12 members.
The Council and its Committees are managed out of the Office of the Registrar and Secretary to the Council. The Council is constituted and empowered by legislation, which defines its functions and duties, including setting the University's long-term strategy, overseeing financial performance, and appointing the Vice-Chancellor as the University's chief executive and employer of staff.
The Chancellor is a lay appointee to the Council and is at the University campus when required for meetings and other events. As Chair of Council, the Chancellor provides leadership to ensure effective governance and compliance with statutory responsibilities.