It was instituted by the Universities (Scotland) Act 1858, but its constitution and organisation have been considerably altered by subsequent statutes.
Members may raise any matter bearing upon the university, by reference to the convener of the business committee of the general council, College Gate, St Andrews.
Under the Universities (Scotland) Act 1966, new Ordinances and Resolutions are communicated in draft form to the general council, whose opinion thereon is taken into consideration.
(b) If a vacancy occurs in the membership of the committee, either because a member has demitted office before their term has expired or because an insufficient number of candidates have stood for election, the committee may co-opt a new member to fill the vacancy, unless they are excluded by paragraph 3(c), and subject to their being approved at the next General Council meeting.
Should there be an election for Convener or Vice-convener during their period of service, a co-opted member of the business committee shall be eligible to participate as a candidate, proposer or seconder, and they shall have a vote.