The University of Melbourne Act 2009 (Vic) establishes the University, the University Council, sets out its core functions and empowers the University to enact subordinate legislation (statutes and regulations). This combined with policies and processes provide the framework in which the University operates.

University policies are a formal statement of principle that regulate University operations, and are approved under the Policy Framework. University policies are published in the Melbourne Policy Library.

University processes may support policy, workplace agreements and relevant legislation by mapping day to day activities and tasks to be performed by staff. University processes are published in the Process Library.

The Delegations Framework ensures that the appropriate level of decision making is assigned to roles that support the activities of the University.