Congregations and Graces

Summary

The University has power to prescribe from time to time by Grace the form and manner of holding a Congregation, the conditions under which Graces, having received the sanction of the Council, may be offered to the Senate, the mode of taking votes and recording results, and generally to regulate its own proceedings.

Graces which are offered to the Senate for its sanction are read at a Congregation by the Senior Proctor. Any member of the Senate who objects to any Grace may signify his opposition by pronouncing the words “Non placet” immediately after such Grace has been read. The Senior Esquire Bedell calls “Ad Scrutinium,” and other members of the Senate desiring to vote then take their places, sitting down, on the Placet (south) and Non placet (north) sides respectively of the Senate House. If in the opinion of both the Proctors the result of the division is obvious, the Senior Proctor declares the result forthwith, without taking the votes singly; but any two members of the Senate may request the Vice-Chancellor to direct that the votes be taken singly. In this event the vote is taken on cards provided for the purpose, the count being made, and the result announced, by the Proctors.

SUPPLICATS

The theory in conferring degrees is that the candidate applies to the University for the degree to be conferred in a formal petition, called a Supplicat, which is presented on his behalf by the Praelector of his College.