Article 16 of the Saudi Law of Universities

This article establishes the university council, which under Article 1 is the authority competent to conduct the scientific, educational, administrative and financial affairs of the university and to implement its general policy.

Chair: it is chaired by the university president.

Membership:

1. The vice presidents of the university.
2. The deans of colleges, deanships and institutes in the university.
3. At most four members of experience, competence and interest in university education.

Appointment of the members of experience:

• They are appointed by decision of the board of trustees.
• On the nomination of the university president.
• For two years, renewable once.

Note that the number in the third category is a maximum (at most four), so there may be fewer. The membership of vice presidents and deans is linked to their posts.

This council differs from the board of trustees: the board of trustees is for governance and supervision, while the university council is for conduct and execution, and its composition is mostly internal academic leaders.

Article 17 sets out its competences: it is competent to conduct academic, administrative and financial affairs and implement the university's general policy in accordance with the Law and the regulations and rules issued by the Council of University Affairs and the board of trustees. It is also linked to Article 15, which regulates the secretariat of the board of trustees and filling vacant posts on it.