The University is party to a large number of contracts, agreements, memorandums of understanding and similar relationships.

The majority of legal agreements binding the University must be signed by the Vice-Chancellor, although other senior officers have delegated authority in some specific circumstances. It is critical that, prior to signing, all contracts and agreements are reviewed and signed-off by either

• the Research Services Office (in the case of research projects)
  
• the Audit and Governance Unit (in the case of all other contracts and agreements) or

Enquiries

If you have any questions or would like to know more about how you might engage with UC, please contact

• Dr David Hamilton in the Governance Office or
• Legal Services

The Governance Office

The Governance Office provides coordination and support service for University staff and students. The Office can provide assistance with the development and review of Memorandums of Understanding, Affiliation agreements and Tender submissions.

All contracts and similar documents and proposed variations to existing documents must be reviewed and approved by the appropriate University unit prior to signing. This is to ensure that the interests of the University and staff are protected and University staff are not exposed to unwarranted risk. It also ensures a conformity of agreement across the University. Contractual issues of a legal nature for review include indemnities, insurance, intellectual property and termination. The ability of contract managers to provide the goods and/or services referred to in the contract or agreement and to meet the logistical and infrastructure requirements of a contract or agreement, such as the provision of audited financial statements, security of assets, access to facilities, meeting timelines and reporting and acquittal provisions, are within the judgement of the proposer of the contract or agreement and their responsibility. The reviewer will ensure that any liabilities applying to the University are consistent with the University's insurance policies.

Staff submitting documents for review should complete and attach the Contract Review and Approval coversheet.

Research Services Office

Contracts relating to research projects/funding should be submitted for review to the Research Services Office.

Advice for University Staff

The Governance Office can arrange or provide advice on the drafting of contracts and agreements and variations to contracts and agreements relating to the business of the University. A number of standard templates for contracts and agreements are also available to assist staff. Information on these is available from the Office.

Contact: +61 2 6201 2640
Email: legal@canberra.edu.au

Form of Words for the University as party to a contract

When describing the University as a party to a contract or agreement the following words should be used:

UNIVERSITY OF CANBERRA (ABN 81 633 873 422), a body corporate established by the University of Canberra Act 1989, located at University Drive, Bruce in the Australian Capital Territory.

If the agreement is with a subsidiary unit, for example a Faculty, Research Centre or other Centre, the following form of words should be used:

UNIVERSITY OF CANBERRA (ABN 81 633 873 422) a body corporate established by the University of Canberra Act 1989, located at University Drive, Bruce in the Australian Capital Territory, represented by the Faculty of Education.

(Replace example with name of appropriate Faculty or Centre.)