The rector of the University of Dundee is elected by the matriculated students of the University of Dundee. From 1967 (when the university gained independence from the University of St. Andrews) to 2010, the rector was automatically a full member of the University Court (the university governing body). The rector also had the right to appoint an assessor, who was also a full member of the University Court. Following changes made to the university charter in August 2010, the rector must choose to take up full membership of the University Court or appoint an assessor who has full voting rights.
If the rector chooses not take up full membership of court, they retain the right to receive court papers and attend its meetings but not to vote. The present holder of the position is Keith Harris, an alumnus of the university who was elected to the position in 2021.[1] He succeeded the broadcaster Jim Spence, who was elected in 2019 and was formally installed as rector in a ceremony held on 9 September 2019.[2]
Aside from their official duties to the university, the rector is charged with the responsibility of representing the students of the university who elect a new rector for a three-year term. The rector is officially installed in a ceremony soon after their election by the university's chancellor or, in their place, the vice-chancellor.
- ^ Scott, Katy (1 December 2021). "Former Stevie Wonder manager, Keith Harris, elected rector of Dundee University". The Courier. Retrieved 5 December 2021.
- ^ Keith, Jake (10 September 2019). "'Proud day' as sports pundit Jim Spence celebrates becoming new Dundee University rector…with pint of Guinness". The Courier. D C Thomson & Co Ltd. Retrieved 10 September 2019.