College Governance

College Council is a formal committee comprised of elected staff and students who meet once or twice a term to decide on College-wide policies in the wider interests of the College as a whole. It meets under an appointed chair (usually the College Principle), and oversees the general development of the College.

CSAS and JCRCS are responsible to their College Council, but run their own affairs and activities as determined by the committee’s Terms of Reference. 

Representatives from departments and CSAC/JCRCs have a place on the College Council.

The Council approves the allocation of funds that are used for running the College Offices as well as making improvements to the physical environment of college life and developing programs of extra-departmental activities and projects.

The College Committee is a group of elected student volunteers who provide activities, opportunities and representation to College members. College Committee activity is guided by their Terms of Reference. 

Committee members are elected in the Autumn term each year and they are in office from January until December. The Chair or President leads their committee and represents their members to York SU, College Council, and The University. Execs often lead on specific areas such as Sports, Wellbeing or Events, then Officers lead on representation of specific groups, and support student opportunities (such as RAG and Volunteering). 

Each College has a team of staff who manage day to day operation, as well guide the long term aims of the College. This team consists of a College Manager, College Administrator, College Life Coordinator, College Life Advisor, and College Principle. College Committees are often guided by the College Manager primarily, although each of these members sits on the College Council, chaired by the College Principal, which provides overall guidance for the committee.