St Andrews Rector Returns to University Court Amid Ongoing Governance Tensions

In a dramatic turn, Stella Maris, the Rector of the University of St Andrews, has been reinstated to the university's supreme governing body, the University Court, for the second time in less than two years. This development follows a legal judgment on March 12, 2026, by The Rt Hon the Lord Keen of Elie PC KC, who upheld the university's right to remove her but allowed her return upon a formal written undertaking to adhere to established governance protocols. The dispute highlights deep-seated questions about the balance of power between the student-elected Rector and other Court members in Scotland's ancient universities.

The University Court, as the highest decision-making body at St Andrews, oversees strategy, finances, and compliance as a registered charity. Maris's reinstatement comes after months of legal wrangling that distracted from pressing issues like financial pressures facing UK higher education institutions.

Understanding the Rector's Role in Scottish Ancient Universities

The Rector position, unique to Scotland's five ancient universities—Aberdeen, Dundee (formerly), Edinburgh, Glasgow, and St Andrews—originated in the 19th century under the Universities (Scotland) Acts of 1858 and 1889. Elected by students for a three-year term, the Rector serves as an independent voice, traditionally presiding over University Court meetings as 'president'. At St Andrews, founded in 1413, this role symbolizes student influence in governance, with past Rectors including celebrities like Kate Kennedy (fictional) and activists.

However, the Higher Education Governance (Scotland) Act 2016 introduced the Senior Lay Member (SLM), tasked with ensuring the Court's leadership and effectiveness. Since 2008, St Andrews' protocol—detailed in the Court Members' Handbook—has the Rector opening and closing meetings, while the SLM chairs substantive business on policy, resources, and accountability. Rector candidates sign a declaration agreeing to this upon election. This arrangement reconciles statutory roles but relies on mutual consent, creating friction points.

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Stella Maris's Election and the Initial Gaza Controversy

Stella Maris, a former St Andrews student and human rights advocate, was elected Rector in October 2023, securing student support with promises of amplifying marginalized voices. Her term runs until October 2026. Shortly after, in late 2023, she emailed all students describing Israel's actions in Gaza as 'genocidal attacks' and 'apartheid', calling for a ceasefire. This sparked backlash, with complaints from Jewish students about anxiety and fear.

An independent investigation by Morag Ross KC in July 2024 found breaches of obligations but deemed dismissal disproportionate. Nonetheless, the Court removed her from presidency and trustee roles in August 2024. Maris appealed successfully to Chancellor Lord Menzies Campbell, who reinstated her in May 2025, ruling the removal threshold unmet.

The Governance Clash: Protocol Breach in October 2025

Tensions reignited at the October 17, 2025, Court meeting focused on St Andrews' finances amid sector-wide challenges like declining international enrollments. Maris attempted to chair substantive items, overruling the SLM protocol. When Court voted to uphold procedures, she accused members of unlawfulness, refused collective responsibility—essential for charity trustees under Scottish law—and rejected mediation or reform proposals.

Collective responsibility means Court members support adopted decisions publicly, even if dissenting privately, per the Scottish Code of Good Higher Education Governance (2023). Maris argued the protocol violated her statutory presidency, allowing dissent on 'unlawful' matters.

This standoff disrupted critical discussions, exemplifying how governance disputes can sideline strategic priorities in universities.

January 2026 Removal and Legal Appeal

On January 9, 2026, following the Governance and Nominations Committee's recommendation, Court dismissed Maris under Handbook section 1.10 and the 2016 Act. The Scottish Funding Council affirmed the protocol and removal powers. Maris retained her Rector title but lost Court membership and trustee status.

She appealed, seeking reconsideration. With the Chancellor's passing, Lord Keen reviewed, finding her initial refusal breached duties but noting her March 4, 2026, submission accepting terms.

Lord Keen's Judgment: Vindication with Conditions

The March 5, 2026, determination confirmed:

• Rector's statutory presidency intact, but protocol lawful via delegation.
• Collective responsibility binding as trustees.
• Removal competent for non-compliance.
• Dismissal quashed upon undertaking: accept responsibility, comply with SLM chairing.

University: "Vindicated... distraction over."University statement Maris: Governance issue, not silencing; seeks investigation.

Stakeholder Perspectives: University, Students, and Experts

The university emphasized governance stability amid crises: lab budget cuts, visa changes impacting Europe-wide mobility.Explore Europe higher ed jobs Student Union spokesperson noted review; past pro-Palestine support evident, but governance less polarized.

Experts like Wonkhe analysts see unresolved statutory tensions in ancient universities, potential for repeats without legislative clarity. Maris frames as power play stifling dissent.

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Implications for University Governance Across Europe

This row underscores charity trustee duties: collective accountability vs. individual voice. In Europe, similar tensions arise in student-represented bodies, e.g., German AStA or French UNEF influences. Scotland's model, blending tradition with modern oversight, influences UK ancient unis.

Lessons:

• Clear protocols prevent disputes.
• Training on codes essential.
• Appeals safeguard roles.

Student Reactions and Broader Campus Impact

Limited public student outcry on governance vs. Gaza issue. Reddit threads show mixed views: support for Maris's activism, frustration with 'infighting'. Union focuses representation.

Impacts: Delayed decisions, eroded trust. Positive: Reinforces protocols.

Future Outlook: Stability or More Clashes?

With term ending 2026, focus shifts elections. Legislative reform possible for Rector-SLM clarity. St Andrews eyes recovery: international students, research.

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Optimistic: Undertaking fosters unity. Risks: Dissent tests.

Photo by Quang Nguyen Vinh on Unsplash

Navigating Governance Careers in European Higher Education

This case offers insights for lay members, rectors. Actionable:

1. Review handbooks pre-role.
2. Seek mediation early.
3. Understand trustee law.

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