Statement 1 - The organisation and functions of the University

The University of Melbourne is a body corporate and politic established by the University of Melbourne Act.

The objects of the University as provided in the Act are:

  1. To provide and maintain a teaching and learning environment of excellent quality offering higher education at an international standard;
  2. To provide vocational education and training, further education and other forms of education determined by the University to support and complement the provision of higher education by the University;
  3. To undertake scholarship, pure and applied research, invention, innovation, education and consultancy of international standing and to apply those matters to the advancement of knowledge and to the benefit of the well-being of the Victorian, Australian and international communities;
  4. To equip graduates of the University to excel in their chosen careers and to contribute to the life of the community;
  5. To serve the Victorian, Australian and international communities and the public interest by:
    1. Enriching cultural and community life;
    2. Elevating public awareness of educational, scientific and artistic developments;
    3. Promoting critical and free enquiry, informed intellectual discourse and public debate within the University and in the wider society;
  6. To use its expertise and resources to involve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of Australia in its teaching, learning, research and advancement of knowledge activities and thereby contribute to— (i) realising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander aspirations; and (ii) the safeguarding
    of the ancient and rich Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage;
  7. To provide programs and services in a way that reflects principles of equity and social justice;
  8. To confer degrees and grant other awards;
  9. To utilise or exploit its expertise and resources, whether commercially or otherwise.

The University has 10 faculties and graduate schools to provide the teaching and research functions of the University.

The University is governed by a Council. Council is assisted by a series of Council Committees. An Academic Board has oversight of academic matters at the University.