University Seal Statute 2002

Overview

The Australian National University Seal Statute 2002 was enacted by the Council of The Australian National University under section 50 of the Australian National University Act 1991 to formalise the process of affixing the university's seal to various official documents. This statute ensures that the university's seal is used appropriately and consistently, particularly for documents that require official authentication such as certificates and statutes. The objective is to maintain the integrity and authority of the university's documentation, thereby upholding its credibility and legal standing. The statute outlines the responsibilities of the custodian appointed to manage the seal and specifies the circumstances under which the seal must be affixed to documents, ensuring adherence to the university's protocols and policies.

Scope and Application

The Australian National University Seal Statute 2002 applies specifically to the Australian National University, governing the custody, use, and affixing of the University's seal. This statute outlines the responsibilities of the custodian, who must be appointed by the Council, and strictly regulates the circumstances under which the seal can be used. The seal must be affixed to certificates of degrees, diplomas, and other academic awards, as well as to statutes approved by the Council and other documents requiring the University's seal. The Council holds the authority to approve the use of the seal on documents not explicitly mentioned in the statute, with the Chancellor or Vice-Chancellor empowered to direct the custodian in such instances, subject to subsequent reporting to the Council. Attestation of the seal's affixing is governed by Rules made by the Council, ensuring a formal and authorised process for the seal's use. Transitional provisions allow the previous University Seal Statute 1999 to remain in effect until new Rules are established under this statute, after which the older statute will be repealed.

Key Provisions

The University Seal Statute 2002 (Statute) governs the custody, use, and affixing of the seal of The Australian National University (ANU). The Council of ANU is responsible for appointing a custodian to manage the seal, as outlined in section 3.1. The seal must only be used in accordance with the orders of the Council or as specified in the Statute, as detailed in section 3.2. The custodian's duties include affixing the seal to certificates, diplomas, or other documents that recognise academic awards conferred by ANU (section 4.1(a)), to statutes approved by the Council (section 4.1(b)), and to other documents approved by the Council that require the university seal (section 4.1(c)). If a document requires the university seal but is not covered by section 4, the Chancellor or Vice-Chancellor may direct the custodian to affix the seal, with a subsequent report to the Council, as stipulated in section 5.1. The attestation of the seal's affixing must comply with the rules made by the Council for the purpose of this Statute, as mentioned in section 6.1. The Statute imposes specific obligations on the Council, the custodian, the Chancellor, and the Vice-Chancellor. The Council must appoint a custodian to manage the university seal (section 3.1), ensure that the seal is only used as permitted by the Statute or as directed by the Council (section 3.2), and make rules that are necessary or convenient for carrying out or giving effect to the Statute (section 7.1). The custodian is responsible for affixing the university seal to the appropriate documents as outlined in the Statute (section 4.1). The Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor have the authority to direct the custodian to affix the seal to documents not covered by section 4, with a requirement to report to the Council (section 5.1). There are no explicit offences, penalties, or civil or criminal consequences for breach mentioned within the Statute. However, non-compliance with the Statute's provisions, such as unauthorised use of the university seal or failure to affix the seal to required documents, may result in disciplinary action or other consequences as determined by the Council in accordance with ANU's policies and procedures. The Statute does, however, provide for the continuation of the University Seal Statute 1999 until Rules are made under the 2002 Statute (section 8.1) and the repeal of the 1999 Statute once the 2002 Statute takes effect (section 9.1).