Explanatory statement

University of Canberra (Obligations) Amendment Statute 2007

DI2007–32

Section 40 of the University of Canberra Act 1989 gives the University Council the power to make Statutes.

The Obligations Statute 1995, made pursuant to section 40 of the Act, provides that the Vice-Chancellor may certify that a student is in default of a financial obligation to the University. A student in respect of whom such a certificate is issued is not permitted to enrol, re-enrol, graduate, or be provided with a transcript or other record of studies. The Vice-Chancellor must revoke the certificate if the student ceases to be in default or indebted to the University and may do so at any time. Large numbers of such certificates are issued each year with the majority relating to charges for accommodation in university residences, loans and advances made to students, and library fines. The signing and revoking of certificates is an administrative burden on the Vice-Chancellor.

The University of Canberra (Obligations) Amendment Statute 2006 seeks to amend the Principal Statute to allow the Vice-Chancellor to delegate his powers and functions under the Principal Statute, except the power to delegate further. This will allow the Vice-Chancellor to designate an appropriate officer to sign and revoke certificates.

Section 42 of the University of Canberra Act 1989 requires that a Statute, once made by Council, be submitted by the Chancellor to the Executive for approval.