The University Senate is the highest academic body at the University, with the power to establish the educational policies of the University. Specifically, it has purview over admission standards, programme descriptions and curricula, review of academic appeals, the granting of degrees, and the determination of academic qualification requirements of faculty.

The membership of the Senate consists of representatives from the University administration, faculty, staff and student bodies, and the community-at-large, as well as representatives from the Board of Governors, and a number of ex officio members.

The University of Waterloo Act describes the powers and role of the Senate. Its actions are governed by a number of bylaws.

The University Senate has a number of committees to which it has delegated some of its authority. The following committees have undergraduate student senator representation:

Student Appeals

Undergraduate Council

Scholarships & Student Aid

Honorary Degrees

Finance

Long Range Planning

Executive

Present member of the Senate are located here, while undergraduate student members of Senate include: