Senate
Sometimes described as the University's ‘window on the world', the Senate could also be described as the world's window on the University. The Senate of the University of Regina includes representatives from over 40 professional/occupational organizations, 14 alumni representatives from 11 electoral districts throughout Saskatchewan, the present and past chancellors of the University, as well as the minister and deputy minister of Advanced Education. Joining these external members are the president, vice-presidents, and academic and student affairs associate vice-presidents, the heads of federated and affiliated colleges, deans and academic directors, and six student representatives. The Chancellor is the chair of Senate, and the President is Senate’s vice-chair.
The University of Regina Act establishes Senate as the senior academic decision-making body. Its primary responsibility is to consider and decide on academic matters referred to it by Council, particularly concerning: student appeals; student discipline; granting of degrees (including honorary degrees), diplomas and certificates; establishment of faculties, schools, departments, chairs and courses of instruction or major changes therein (on academic grounds); establishment of advisory councils; admission requirements; academic standards for students; and applications for affiliation and federation. In essence, the Senate cannot act independently on academic matters - it requires recommendations from Council, and decisions with significant resource implications are subject to Board approval.
The Senate by-laws establish each faculty and identify the membership on each faculty council. Each faculty council has representation from other faculties, Senate, and the senior administration.
Senate has several standing committees, some of which are more active than others: Affiliation and Federation, Student Appeals, By-Laws, Executive, Membership and Elections and Nominating.
The Joint Senate and Council Committee on Ceremonies is a joint standing committee of both Senate and Council.
Senate currently meets three times per year (normally in February, June and October).
Chancellor
Pam Klein, B.A., M.Ed., Pro.Dir
Pam Klein, B.A., M.Ed., Pro.Dir, was elected to serve as Chancellor of the University of Regina from July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2022. She will serve as the University of Regina's ninth Chancellor. Pam Klein is the President of the Phoenix Group, Saskatchewan's leading advertising and communications firm. She has been associated with the University of Regina for many years, most recently serving as the Vice-Chair of the Board of Governors.
Pam Klein also has a long history of community service with a number of organizations and agencies including: the Paul J. Hill School of Business; Camp Circle O’ Friends; Amakon Foundation; the MacKenzie Art Gallery; Sask Film; Hospitals of Regina Foundation; North Central Family Centre and Heritage Regina. She founded the Power of Pink, an event to benefit breast health and has donated her communications expertise to many community events. Klein is inducted in the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame and recipient of the Canada 150 Medal for philanthropic contributions.
Pam has been a driving force in our community and a key member of our University family for a number of years. She is a role model for women as entrepreneurs and community leaders and has lived and worked across Canada and around the world.
Senate Bylaws
The Senate Bylaws (PDF) were approved by the University of Regina Board of Governors on July 10, 2020.
Membership of the Senate
The membership of the Senate includes the following persons by virtue of their offices:
- the present and past chancellors of the University
- the president of the University
- the vice-presidents of the University
- the Minister of Advanced Education
- the Deputy Minister of Advanced Education
- the heads of federated or affiliated colleges of the University
- the deans or acting deans of faculties that are now or may hereafter be established by the University
- such other deans of academic and student affairs
- such directors as are nominated by the president and approved by the Senate
- 14 members of Convocation representing 11 electoral districts are elected to the Senate by Convocation
- six students of the University are elected to Senate by the students registered in the University
- Any professional society, group or organization in the Province that, in the opinion of the Senate, contributes in a significant way to the social, economic and cultural welfare of the Province may, with the consent of the Senate, be represented on that body. The current Senate has representatives from 43 different organizations.
Because of its broad public representation, the Senate has been described as the University's "window on the world." Its functions in this respect are of utmost importance. Its general area of concern is the academic welfare of the institution and, within this area, it has a variety of duties and powers. Most of the broader issues of academic policy within the University are reserved for its approval. In another role, it acts as an ultimate court in academic affairs.
2024-2025 Senate Members
2024-2025 Senate Committee Memberships
Senate Index
The Senate Index is a record of programs approved and other decisions for the periods.
February 2017 to October 2023 (PDF)
October 2006 to October 2016 (PDF)
October 1996 to June 2006 (PDF)
Senate Meeting Schedule, Agenda, Minutes
Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.
- Minutes
- Agenda
Friday, February 7, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.
- Minutes
- Agenda (PDF)
Friday, October 18, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.
- Minutes
- Agenda (PDF)
Wednesday, June 12, 2024
Friday, February 9, 2024
Friday, October 21
Wednesday, June 8
Friday, February 11
Friday, October 22
Wednesday, June 9
Friday, February 5
Friday, October 16
Wednesday, June 3
Friday, February 7
Friday, October 18
Wednesday, June 5
Friday, February 1
Friday, October 19
Wednesday, June 6
Friday, February 2
Senate Election
2025 Chancellor Election
On June 30, 2025, Pam Klein will conclude her second term as Chancellor of the University of Regina.
Section 19.2 of the University of Regina Act states:
- The Senate shall elect the Chancellor in accordance with this Act and the bylaws of Senate.
- Any member of the Convocation may submit a nomination for Chancellor during the call for nominations.
- Only persons who have been members of the Convocation for at least 10 years before nomination are eligible to be elected as Chancellor.
- The Chancellor holds office for a term of three years and until his or her successor is elected.
2025 Election of District Representatives
We are pleased to announce the call for nominations for district representatives to the University of Regina Senate, for the following districts:- District 3 (Assiniboia-Bengough) - Incumbent is eligible for re-election
- District 4 (Swift Current-Gravelbourg) - Vacant
- District 5 (Maple Creek-Rosetown-Lloydminster) - Incumbent is not eligible to re-election
- District 6 (Saskatoon) - Incumbent is eligible for re-election
- District 7 (Melfort-Wynyard-Davidson) - Incumbent is eligible for re-election
- District 8 (Melville-Yorkton-Hudson Bay) - Incumbent is eligible for re-election
Background on the University of Regina Senate
The Senate includes 14 elected alumni members of the Senate representing 11 electoral districts.
Because of its broad public representation, the Senate has been described as the University’s “window on the world.” Its functions in this respect are of the utmost importance. Its general focus is the academic welfare of the institution and, within this area, it has a variety of duties and powers. Most of the broader issues of academic policy within the University are reserved for its approval. In another role, it acts as an ultimate appeal body in academic affairs.
Nomination Forms
The following forms must be completed and submitted to senate@uregina.ca by Monday, April 15, 2025.
Nomination Form (Word Document)
Biographical Information (Word Document)
Nomination Information
2025 Chancellor Election
Nominations for the position of Chancellor must be submitted in writing to the University Secretary no later than 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. The nominations must be endorsed by seven members of the Convocation. The nomination must include the written consent of the person being nominated.
2025 Election of District Representatives
All alumni are eligible to be nominated for election as a member of Senate. If elected, service is for a 3-year term commencing July 1, 2025.
There are typically three Senate meetings held per academic year - in the Fall, Winter, and Spring. An orietnation session is held for new Senators in conjunctions with the Fall meeting.
The Senate seeks representation from every sector of the community inclyding business, academia, and cultural communities with a view to engaging in the wider community locally, regionally, and nationally.