University Committees Policy

DCU, originally the National Institute of Higher Education Dublin, was established as an Irish university by virtue of the Dublin City University Act 1989. Since then, the University has grown significantly in terms of its overall size and operational complexity and it is now deemed appropriate to provide a policy, the first of its kind in DCU, that deals exclusively with the establishment and management of its University Level Committees, hereinafter referred to as ‘Committee(s).’   

The purpose of this policy is to:

1. provide a formal definition for the term ‘committee’;

2. establish how such committees are to be created and, when deemed appropriate, disbanded; 

3. set a standard in regard to inclusive representation on committees; &

provide an expectation that committees should meet during the working day.

This policy applies to the following governance bodies and any committees they establish:

• Governing Authority

• Executive Committee

• Academic Council

1. The term ‘University Level Committee’ is intended to apply solely to committees set up by, and/or reporting to, the above three governance bodies. 

2. A committee must have specific and documented Terms of Reference which are reviewed and approved by its parent governance body. 

3. A committee may only be disbanded or stood down at the discretion of its parent governance body. 

4. Where membership of a committee, including committee chairs, is considered, all due effort will be made to ensure that an equitable gender balance (i.e. a maximum of 60% female or male members) is achieved and maintained.  

5. To support staff with caring responsibilities, the University has agreed ‘core meeting hours’ which are between 09:30-16:30, Monday - Friday. Committees will hold their meetings within the core meeting hours of the University unless scheduling a meeting outside of these hours is necessary to facilitate participation by external members of the committee. This policy does not change existing contractual hours and/or obligations.

This policy should be read in conjunction with the following related items. 

Any queries regarding this policy should be directed to the Office of the Chief Operations Officer.

This policy will be reviewed as and when changes are required.