University Council

What is it?

Since 1963, the University Council has served as the central institution for governing policy at the University of Pennsylvania. From the guide for student representatives and leaders:

University Council is a deliberative and broadly representative body, which serves an advisory role to the president, provost, and senior administration of the University. The purpose of University Council is best described in its Bylaws, which state that Council “exists to consider the activities of the University in all its phases, with particular attention to the educational objectives of the University and those matters that affect the common interests of faculty, staff and students.”

For more info, see the Web site of the Office of the University Secretary.

How are seats divided?

Since 1969, students have had a voice on UC. Penn undergraduates currently hold 16 seats on University Council. Under revised UA Bylaws (Spring 2012) and revised NEC Bylaws and procedures:

  • 1 seat is reserved for the Chair of the United Minorities Council (UMC).
  • 3 seats are allocated, by default, as ex officio positions to the following Undergraduate Assembly executive members:
    1. UA President
    2. UA Vice-President
    3. UA Speaker
  • 9 seats are allocated, by default, to student representatives of mis/underrepresented student organizations, appointed by the NEC.
  • 3 flex seats: following the appointment of up to nine representatives by the NEC, the exec boards of the NEC and the UA jointly determine the division of the remaining three flex seats between the two branches, as well as any of the 9 seats above that the NEC votes not to fill.

Applications for NEC-appointed seats are only open to misrepresented or underrepresented constituencies, and the interview process is held only in the Spring of each academic year. The application package is updated each spring with additional information.

For Applicants

The NEC uses our UC Allocation Procedure, passed in 2005 and most recently amended on November 26, 2012. The procedure is outlined within the application which will soon be posted.

The application process for the 2013–2014 academic year has started. Apply now!

Questions? Contact the Vice Chairs of Nominations, Kanisha Parthasarathy and Justine Shiou.