Senate Research Board Terms of Reference

The official version of these Terms of Reference is housed with the University Secretariat. In the event of a discrepancy, the official version will prevail.  

Terms of Reference

Approving Authority: Senate
Original Approval Date: June 1, 2026
Effective Date: September 1, 2026
Date of Most Recent Review: 2025-26
Previous Reviews:

1. MANDATE

The Research Board has the responsibility to:

1.1.  Ensure that Senate policies pertaining to research activities at the University of Guelph have been subject to appropriate review and consultation with members of the university community.

2. RESPONSIBILITIES

2.1.  General

The Research Board will, in general, consider, review and where appropriate make recommendations to Senate concerning:

2.1.1.  policies pertaining to research activities at the University;

2.1.2.  the University's Strategic Research Plan, and any reports that monitor the University's performance within the framework of the Plan; 

2.1.3.  national, provincial, or regional policies that appear likely to significantly affect the well-being of research programs at the University;

2.1.4. reports on research-related matters where review of such reports by Senate may be required by externally-mandated agencies or legislation;

2.1.5. any other matters within its Senate-mandated responsibilities that are submitted to it by Senate or the Vice-President (Research and Innovation).

2.2.  Annual Reports

Acting on Senate's authority, subject to subsequent report to Senate: 

2.2.1.  receive and review those reports of the Office of Research which are relevant to the business of Senate.

2.3.  Research Centres and Institutes

2.3.1. Review, on an annual basis, the inventory of Research Centres and Institutes. 

3. MEMBERSHIP

3.1.  The Research Board shall consist of the following voting members:

• Vice-President (Research and Innovation)
• Associate Vice-President (Research Services)
• Associate Vice-President (Agri-Food Partnership)
• Associate Vice-President (Graduate Studies)
• One (1) faculty member of the Board of Governors, appointed by the Board of Governors
• One (1) faculty member from each college
• University Librarian or designate
• One (1) staff member
• One (1) graduate student
• One (1) undergraduate student

4. OTHER REGULATIONS

4.1.  Authority to Establish Sub-committees & Working Groups

4.1.1. The Board has the authority to establish sub-committees and working groups with such duties and delegated authority as deemed necessary. Such decisions will be taken with due regard to any Senate guidelines concerning the establishment and operation of such sub-committees and working groups.