Below is a summary of the key topics discussed:
Update from the Principal
Peter Mathieson, Principal & Vice-Chancellor, updated Court on a number of recent developments, including:
- Confirmation that the University would host a new national supercomputer;
- Publication of the results of the national Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey, in which the University’s outcomes had improved substantially in a number of areas;
- The process to recruit a Chief Financial Officer;
- Publication of the report of Professor Pamela Gillies’ investigation into financial oversight and decision making at the University of Dundee.
Finance and planning
Court received a full update on the University’s financial position and discussed and approved the budget for 2025-26 and 2026-27, noting planned and ongoing work to ensure financial sustainability.
Staff can access further information on the University Finances SharePoint site:
University Finances SharePoint (login required)
Data-Driven Innovation (DDI) Initiative Progress Report
Court received an update report on this multi-year initiative, centred on the large scale government-funded Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal, and noted its connections to other innovation activity and regional collaboration. The many successes of the initiative were noted, with the focus now on accelerating delivery of an ambitious regional agenda in collaboration with partners.
Court membership
Court approved a number of appointments to Court committees ahead of the next academic year.
The current membership of Court and its committees can be found on the University website:
Other items
Regular reports were received from the Students’ Association, the Sports Union, the Development and Alumni Office, Senate and Court’s committees. Annual reports were received on Prevent duty compliance and requirements of the Education Act 1994 in relation to the Students’ Association. Court also approved amendments to the Delegated Authority Schedule and the Development Trust’s Deed of Trust and approved regulations for the future election of a Senior Lay Member.
Court also approved the implementation of Ordinance No. 217 (General Council Membership and Registration) on 1 October 2025. In line with the recommendation of Senate, Court approved the disbandment of Knowledge Strategy Committee and noted work to develop alternative governance arrangements in this area. Court also approved Resolutions to found professorial chairs and to confirm undergraduate and postgraduate degree regulations for the coming academic year.
More detailed information on the University Court, including the membership, agenda, open papers and approved minutes can be found on the University Court webpages: