The two major statutory bodies in the University are the Senate and the Council. About half of its 40 members are from outside the University.
Academic staff elect nine members and the support staff two members.
The student members are the President and one other sabbatical officer of Durham Students Union. Just under a third of its membership is elected by the Academic staff. It has two student members. The University's system of government is set out in the Statutes, which are reproduced in the University Calendar . The Calendar also includes details of the current membership of University committees, whose terms of reference are to be found in Standing Orders.