A Catholic, Fontanes promoted the return of the Church in public education and worked with notable figures like Jacques-André Émery and the philosopher Louis de Bonald.
According to the decree of July 31, 1809, the grand master's ceremonial costume included a purple silk simarre, a belt with gold tassels, a robe edged with ermine, and a lace cravat.
Following Louis XVIII's return, the university was maintained but the grand master and council were replaced by a Commission of Public Instruction.
Under the July Monarchy, the council of the university grew in importance, with a royal ordinance of 1845 reinstating the structure of 1808.
The Falloux Law of March 15, 1850, abolished the system, and by 1852, under Minister Hippolyte Fortoul, the title of grand master was no longer used.