NUI Convocation Election 2024: Information for Candidates

The Chancellor is the Chief Officer of the NUI. Candidates for this office must be NUI graduates and must be nominated as provided by the University Statutes. The election of a Chancellor takes place when a vacancy occurs, in the event of the resignation, retirement or death of the incumbent. In the event that there is more than one nomination, all members of Convocation are entitled to vote, but must apply in writing to NUI for their ballot at the time of election.

The election of the Chancellor of the National University of Ireland, to succeed Dr Maurice Manning in 2024, will take place at a meeting of Convocation to be held in the National University of Ireland, 49 Merrion Square, Dublin 2, on 17 October 2024 at 10 a.m. The poll will remain open for one hour.

Candidates for the role can be nominated by any two members of convocation of the University (the Graduates of the University along with the Chancellor, the Vice-Chancellor, the Members of Senate, the Professors and Lecturers). Nomination to be on a nomination form which may be obtained on application to the Clerk of Convocation at 49 Merrion Square, Dublin 2 or at www.nui.ie/elections. The form shall have been received by the Clerk of Convocation on, or before 17 May 2024.

Role of Chancellor

The Statutes of the University say

"The Chancellor is the head and chief officer of the University. The Chancellor holds office during their life or until their resignation. The Chancellor is elected by members of convocation of NUI following a nomination of candidates process from convocation."

The role has a much wider remit than those in statute. Given how central higher education is to Irish society and the broad impact and influence of Universities’ research and graduates, the Chancellor has an important leadership role. The Chancellor will actively support and influence NUI’s own strategic priorities but will also support our member institutions in their strategic priorities. The Chancellor will maintain positive relationships with the senior figures in NUI institutions and the higher education sector.

The Chancellor chairs and leads the Senate of the National University of Ireland. They chair various committees of Senate and convene proceedings at graduation ceremonies of the university. They will also be involved in academic, social and cultural events reflecting the broad scope of NUI’s activities. The role is not salaried but reasonable expenses are covered similar to the Chairperson of a University Governing Authority