Statute XVII: Resolution of Disputes over the Interpretation or Application of Statutes and Regulations
Part of the University of Oxford's Statutes
(This Statute is a 'King-in-Council' statute – see section 2 (2) of Statute IV.)
Approved with effect from 1 October 2002
(Supplement (1) to Gazette No. 4633, 9 October 2002)
1. If a dispute over the interpretation or application of any of these statutes or any regulation arises in the course of proceedings taken under Statute XI, Statute XII, or Part B of Statute XIII it shall be decided, subject to any right of appeal, by the person or tribunal before whom the proceedings are taking place.
2. Any other such dispute arising between the University and any of its members shall be referred to the Vice-Chancellor in writing for informal determination without a hearing.
3. In determining a dispute referred to him or her the Vice-Chancellor may require the parties to provide further information about the dispute and may consult the High Steward and any other person he or she thinks fit.
4. The decision of the Vice-Chancellor shall be sent to the parties in writing as soon as reasonably practicable together with the reasons for the decision.
5. If any party to a dispute referred to the Vice-Chancellor under section 2 of this statute is dissatisfied with the Vice-Chancellor's decision and wishes to appeal against it, he or she shall within twenty-eight days of receiving the decision give notice to the Registrar requiring the appeal to be determined by the Appeal Court constituted under Part B of Statute XI.
6. The Appeal Court shall have full power to open up and review the Vice-Chancellor's decision and quash, revise, or confirm that decision as it thinks fit.
7. The decision of the Appeal Court made under section 6 of this statute shall be final and binding on the parties.
8. If notice of appeal is not given under section 5 of this statute the decision of the Vice-Chancellor shall be final and binding on the parties.
