How the University works
Graces, Reports, Notices & Discussions
Graces
A 'Grace' or motion for decision is presented to the Regent House by the Council. It is published in the University's weekly journal, Cambridge University Reporter and, for most minor matters, a footnote of explanation will be appended to it. If no objection or amendment is made by at least twenty-five members within ten days, the Grace is deemed to have been approved. If a vote is called, voting is by postal ballot.
A separate procedure exists under which fifty or more members of the Regent House may initiate a Grace independently of the Council. Very occasionally Graces are submitted to the Senate.
Reports
More complex matters and proposals are presented in the form of a Report, again published in Reporter, with more detailed recommendations. Such a Report is first put up for Discussion, that is, open debate in the Senate-House. Any remarks made at the Discussion are then considered by the body responsible for originating the recommendations, who advise the Council on the response to be made.
Notices
The response by the Council to any remarks made in a Discussion is contained in a statement or Notice, also published in Reporter. Such a Notice normally ends by submitting the proposals to the Regent House in the form of a Grace, incorporating any amendments made after the Discussion. The procedure then allows either for approval without dissent, or, if requested, for a ballot.
Discussions
Discussions are the forum in which members of the University can comment publicly on University business. They are held on Tuesdays at 2pm and usually take place in the Senate-House. Announcements of particular Discussions and of the matters to be discussed are published in the Reporter.
In addition to members of the Regent House and all other members of the Senate, the following persons are also entitled to attend and speak at Discussions.
- graduates of the University who are not members of the Senate
- members of Faculties
- students in the University
- any other person who has been authorised by the Vice-Chancellor
All matriculated Members of the University must wear gowns when attending a Discussion, whether or not they intend to speak. The comments made at Discussions usually consist of prepared speeches that are read out, rather than of spontaneous contributions. If someone wishes to comment but cannot attend a particular Discussion, they may arrange for a colleague to read their remarks. The remarks made to any Report are subsequently published in the Reporter, although irrelevant or defamatory material may be excluded. The Vice-Chancellor, or a deputy, presides at Discussions and has the power to impose a limit on the duration of individual speeches, which is usually fifteen minutes.
A procedure exists whereby if ten members of the Regent House request that a topic be brought forward for discussion, the matter must be placed on the agenda at an early opportunity.
The title of this document is:
University of Cambridge: how the University works
URL:
http://www.cam.ac.uk/univ/works/graces.html
Last updated: 16/02/2011
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