The University of Western Australia is governed by the University of Western Australia Act 1911.

The 17-member Senate, established under the Act and Statute 1, is the University’s governing body, empowered with the authority to make statutes, regulations and by-laws. The Senate is supported by standing committees, namely the Audit and Risk Committee, the Strategic Resources Committee and the Chancellor’s Committee, all of which eventually report to the Senate for final decision.

The UWA Act 1911 makes provision for the creation of the Guild of Undergraduates under Statute 20 to represent the interests of students, and Convocation under Statutes 4,9 and 12 to represent the interests of UWA graduates.

The Academic Board, established under Statute 19, is the University’s chief academic body and provides advice to the Senate. The Academic Council operates as an executive arm of the Academic Board and manages the day-to-day business of the Academic Board.

Faculty Boards, which are established in accordance with Statute 8, report to the University’s Academic Board. Faculty Boards are supported by Faculty Standing Committees and Schools.

The Vice-Chancellor is the University’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and leads the University Executive comprising the Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor (SDVC), the Deputy Vice-Chancellors for Education, Research and Community and Engagement, and the Faculty Executive Deans who have a direct reporting line to the SDVC.

The Vice-Chancellor makes informed decisions through the Vice-Chancellor’s Advisory Committees and these decisions are transmitted to the Senate for final approval and endorsement, where appropriate.