Rector (academia)

For other uses, seeRector.

Arector(Latinfor 'ruler') is a senior official in aneducational institution,and can refer to an official in either auniversityor asecondary school.Outside theEnglish-speaking world,the rector is often the most senior official in a university, while in the United States, the equivalent is often referred to as thepresident,and in the United Kingdom andCommonwealth of Nations,the equivalent is thevice-chancellor.The term and office of a rector can be referred to as a rectorate. The title is used widely in universities in Europeand is very common inLatin Americancountries.It is also used inBrunei,Macau,Turkey,Russia,Pakistan,thePhilippines,Indonesia,Israeland theMiddle East.In theancient universities of Scotlandthe office is sometimes referred to as Lord Rector, is the third most senior official, and is usually responsible for chairing theUniversity Court.

Inauguration of RectorLubomír Dvořák(Palacký University)

Europe

Austria

In a few "Crown lands" of the Austrian Empire, one seat in theLandtag(regional legislature of semi-feudal type) was reserved for the rector of the capital's university, notably: Graz inSteiermark(Styria),InnsbruckinTirol,Wien (Vienna) inNieder-Österreich(Lower Austria); inBohemia,two Rectors had seats in the equivalent Landesvertretung.

Today, Austrian universities are headed by a Rectorate consisting of one Rector (elected by the Universitätsrat) and 3-5 additional Vizerectors. The Rector is the CEO of the university.

Belgium

The head of Belgian universities is called apresident,recteur(French-speaking universities),rector(Dutch-speaking universities), previouslyrector magnificus(men) orrectrix magnifica(women).

Czech Republic

The heads ofCzech universitiesare called therektor.The rector acts in the name of the university and decides the university's affairs unless prohibited by law. The rector is nominated by the University Academic Senate and appointed by thePresident of the Czech Republic.The nomination must be agreed by asimple majorityof all senators, while a dismissal must be agreed by at least three fifths of all senators. The vote to elect or repeal a rector is secret. The term of office is four years and a person may hold it for at most two consecutive terms.

The rector appoints vice-rectors (pro-rektor), who act as deputies to the extent determined by the Rector. Rectors' salaries are determined directly by the Minister of Education.

Among the most important rectors of Czech universities were reformerJan Hus,physicianJan Jesenius,theologianRodrigo de Arriagaand representative ofEnlightenmentJosef Vratislav Monse.Jiřina Popelová(Palacký University of Olomouc) became the first female Rector in 1950.

The rectors are addressed "Your Magnificence Rector" ("Vaše Magnificence pane rektore").

Denmark

In Danish,rektoris the title used in referring to the heads of universities,gymnasiums,schools of commerce and construction, etc. Generallyrektormay be used for the head of any educational institution above the primary school level, where the head is commonly referred to as a 'skoleinspektør' (Headmaster; Inspector of the school). In universities, the second-ranked official of governance is known asprorektor.

Finland

In Finland, the head of a primary school or secondary schools is called a rector (rehtori) provided the school is of sufficient size in terms of faculty and students, otherwise the title is headmaster (koulunjohtaja). The head of some Finnish universities is called chancellor (kansleri).

Germany

The head of a German university is called eitherRektor(rector) orPräsident(president). The difference is usually that aRektoris elected by the Senate from among the professors of the university (which is the traditional method of choosing the head of a German university), while aPräsidentneed be neither a professor nor a member of the university (or of any university) prior to appointment. TheRektoris traditionally addressed asMagnifizenz.The rector forms a collegiate leadership body together with the pro-rectors (Prorektor) and the university's chancellor (Kanzler) - collectively the rectorate (Rektorat). The rectorate is usually aided by several advisors (Referent) who provide advice on specific topics and take over responsibilities in the preparation of decisions, roughly comparable to an associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor in the British academic system.

Rektoris also the official title of the principal/headmaster of an elementary school; the deputies are calledKonrektor.In earlier times, the titleRektorwas also used for the head of aGymnasium.Today, these teachers usually hold the title ofOberstudiendirektor( "Senior Director of Studies" ).

Iceland

Therektoris term used for the headmaster or headmistress of Icelandic universities and of somegymnasia.

Italy

Then Rector of theBologna University,Ivano Dionigi,with then Prime Minister of ItalyMatteo Renzi,in 2015.

InItalythe rector is the head of the university andRappresentante Legale(Legal representative) of the university. The rector is elected by an electoral body composed of allProfessori ordinari ed associati(full and associate professors), the two highest ranks of the Italian university faculty, all theRicercatori(lowest rank of departments) and representatives of the staff, students and PhD students.

The term of arettoreis now six years, in accordance with the new national regulation and thestatuto(constitution of the university).

The Rettore is styled and formally greeted asMagnifico Rettore(Magnificent Rector).

Netherlands

In the Netherlands, the rector is the principal of a high school. The rector is supported by conrectors (deputy rectors who can take his place).

In Dutch universities, theRector Magnificusis responsible for the scientific vision and quality of the university. Therector magnificusis one of the members of the executive board of a university. Therector magnificusis afull professor.The ceremonial responsibilities of therector magnificusare to open theacademic year,and to preside over the ceremonial PhD defenses and inaugural lectures of newly appointed (full) professors. During PhD defenses the rector is usually replaced by another full professor who is acting rector during the session.

Norway

A rector (Norwegian:rektor), in the context of academia, is the democratically elected head of a university or university college. The rector is the highest official of the university, and is traditionally elected among the institution's professorship, originally by all the (full) professors and in modern times by all academic employees, the students and the non-academic employees. The rector is traditionally the head of theCollegium Academicum,which has been renamed the university board in the 2000s, and is also the university's chief executive and ceremonial head. The elected deputy of the rector is known as pro-rector (Norwegian:prorektor). Some institutions also have vice rectors, who are appointed by the rector and subordinate to the rector and pro-rector.

Traditionally, Norwegian universities and colleges had democratic elections for the rector and pro-rector positions. Since 2016, the institutions may choose to have an elected or an appointed rector.Universities and colleges usually have auniversity directororcollege director,who is the head of the administration (i.e., the non-academic employees) and subordinate to the rectorate.

Poland

InPoland,the rector (Polish:rektor) is the elected head of a university or university college, in military, military type upper educaction institutions name of rector like official is (Polish:komendant) (commander). The rector is the highest official of theuniversity.Rector of the university can be a person with at least adoctoraldegree, employed by the university as the main place of work. Rector is referred to as Jego/Jej Magnificencja (en. His/Her Magnificence) (abbreviation: JM). The outfit of rector is red or purple coat (robe) witherminefur, often with ascepterand a decorative string of symbols of the university. Deputy rectors (Polish:prorektor) at official ceremonies are dressed in the samegown,but with fewer decorations (usually without the fur). Rectors of military universities wear only an officer's uniform and a necklace with symbols of the university.

As of 2008, the term of office of the rector of public universities lasts for four years (previously three years), beginning on 1 September in an election year and ending on 31 August of the year in which the term ends. A person may not be elected to serve as rector for more than two consecutive terms. In the case of private universities the rule is regulated byuniversitystatute.

Portugal

InPortugal,the Rector (Portuguese:Reitormale orReitorafemale), frequently addressed asMagnificent Rector(Magnífico Reitorin Portuguese), is the elected highest official of eachuniversity,governing and representing the university. Those universities whose foundation has been historically approved by the Pope, as e.g. the rector of theUniversity of Coimbra,the oldest Portuguese university, is referred to asMagnífico Reitor (Rector's name)( "Rector Magnificus (Rector's Name)" ). The others are referred to asExcelentíssimo Senhor Reitor.The rector of a university is helped by vice-rectors and by pro-rectors, with different responsibilities. Until 1974, the director of eachlyceum(high school) also had the title of Rector.

Russia

InRussia,the rector (Russian:Ректор) as a term for a university chancellor introduced in 1961. Before 1961 university chancellor had title "director" (Russian:Директор).

Spain

In Spain, all Rectors must be addressed asSeñor Rector Magníficoaccording to the law (Ley Orgánica 4/2007), but the Rector of theUniversity of Salamanca,the oldest on the Iberian Peninsula, is usually styled according to academic protocol asExcelentísimo e Ilustrísimo Señor Profesor DoctorDon(Rector's name), Rector Magnífico de la Universidad de Salamanca( "The Most Excellent and Most Illustrious Lord Professor Doctor Don (Rector's name),Rector Magnificusof the University of Salamanca ").

InSpain,RectororRector Magnífico(magnific rector, from LatinRector Magnificus) is the highest administrative and educational office in a university, equivalent to that of president or chancellor of an English-speaking university but holding all the powers of a vice-chancellor; they are thus the head of the academy at universities. Formally styled asExcelentísimo e Ilustrísimo Señor Profesor Doctor Don N, Rector Magnífico de la Universidad de X( "Most Excellent and Illustrious Lord Professor Doctor Don N, Rector Magnificus of the University of X" ), it is an office of high dignity within Spanish society, usually being highly respected. It is not strange to see them appear in the media, especially when some academic-related subject is being discussed and their opinion is requested.

Spanish rectors are chosen from within the body of university fullprofessors(Catedráticosin Spanish); it is compulsory for anyone aspiring to become a rector to have been a doctor for at least six years before his election, and to have achieved professor status, holding it in the same university for which he is running. Usually, when running for election, the rector will need to have chosen the vice-rectors (vicerrectoresin Spanish), who will occupy several sub-offices in the university. Rectors are elected directly by free and secret universal suffrage of all the members of the university, including students, lecturers, readers, researchers, and civil servants. However, the weight of the vote in each academic sector is different: the total student vote usually represents 20% of the whole, no matter how many students there are; the votes of the entire group made up of professors and readers (members of what used to be known as theClaustro(cloister)) usually count for about 40-50% of the total; lecturers, researchers (including Ph.D. students and others) and non-doctoral teachers, about 20% of the total; and the remainder (usually some 5-10%) is left for non-scholarly workers (people in administration, etc.) in the university. Spanish law allows those percentages to be changed according to the situation of each university, or even not to have a direct election system. Indeed, in a few universities the Rector is chosen indirectly; the members of the modernClaustro(a sort of electoral college or parliament in which all the above-mentioned groups are represented) is chosen first, and then the Claustro selects the Rector.

Rectors hold their office for four years before another election is held, and there is no limit to the number of re-election terms. However, only the most charismatic and respected rectors have been able to hold their office for more than two or three terms. Of those, some have been notableSpanishscholars, such asBasquewriterMiguel de Unamuno,Rector of theUniversity of Salamancafrom 1901 until 1936.

Sweden

Rektoris the title for the highest-ranked administrative and educational leader for an academic institution, such as a primary school, secondary school, private school, high school, college or university. Therektorsof state-run colleges and universities are formally appointed by the government, i.e. the cabinet, but upon the advice of the concerned institution's board, and usually following some sort of democratic process at the concerned institution. The adjunct of arektorat a university is called aprorektorand is appointed by the institution's board. Some institutions also havevicerektorer(vice rectors), who are appointed by therektorto carry out a sub-set of therektor'stasks. Avicerektoris subordinate to therektorandprorektor.

In the older universities,Uppsala universityandLund university,therektoris titledrector magnificus(men), orrectrix magnifica(women). Younger universities have in more recent years started using the Latin honorary title in formal situations, such as in honorary speeches or graduation ceremonies.

The University Chancellor of Sweden was until 2017 the title of the head of the government accrediting agency, theNational Agency for Higher Education.From 2017, this position carries the title Director General which is the usual title of the head of a government agency. The people recruited to the position have in later times always been formerrektorsof a Swedish university. The position does not include leadership of a university.

Universities and colleges usually have aUniversitetsdirektörorFörvaltningschef,who is the head of the administration (i.e., the non-academic employees) and subordinate to the rectorate.

Switzerland

The heads of theuniversities in Switzerland,usually elected by the college of professors, are titled rector (Rektor,recteur).

United Kingdom

England

In England, most universities are headed by a chancellor (a ceremonial position) and a vice-chancellor (the academic head).

The title of Rector is used at some collegiate universities to refer to thehead of collegeof some colleges.

• At theUniversity of Oxford,Lincoln CollegeandExeter College,are headed by rectors.
• AtDurham University,St Chad's Collegethe rector is the titular head (a position heldex officioby the Dean of Durham Cathedral), while the academic head is the principal.

In addition, a few universities have used rector as the title of their head:

• AtImperial College Londontheheadwas called the rector, until this was split into aprovostand "president and rector" in 2012.In 2014,Alice Gastwas announced as simply president, replacingKeith O'Nionswho has been "president and rector".An amendment to the university's statutes in November 2014 formally replaced the title of rector with that of president.
• AtLiverpool Hope University,the head of the university has the title of "vice-chancellor and rector".

Prior to their conversion to universities, polytechnics often had the rector as the head of the establishment; following their transition to universities, the rector became the vice-chancellor.

Scotland

Ancient universities

Main article:Ancient university governance in Scotland

In Scotland, the position of rector exists in the fourancient universities(St Andrews,Glasgow,AberdeenandEdinburgh) as well as atDundee,which took its governance systems from its early connections to the University of St Andrews.

The current office of Rector, sometimes termedLord Rector,was instituted by theUniversities (Scotland) Act 1858,passed by theParliament of the United Kingdom.With the Universities (Scotland) Act 1889 requiring an election for the Rector every 3 years in theancient universities.The rector is the third-ranking official of university governance and is elected every three years bymatriculatedstudents at Aberdeen, Dundee, Glasgow and St Andrews, and by both the students and the staff at Edinburgh.Until theHigher Education Governance (Scotland) Act 2016came into force the rector chaired meetings of theuniversity court,the governing body of the university, but since 2016 the rector only opens and closes court meetings with the Senior Lay Member chairing the business of the meeting.

Thetitular headof an ancient university in Scotland is theChancellor,who appoints a Vice-Chancellor to deputise in the awarding ofdegrees.ThePrincipalof each university is, byconvention,appointed as Vice-Chancellor, however the position of Vice-Chancellor does not confer any other powers or responsibility on the Principal. The authority to serve as chief executive of each university is vested in the office of Principal, who holds both offices referred to asPrincipal and Vice-Chancellor.

The role of the rector is considered by many studentsto be integral to their ability to shape the universities' agenda, and one of the main functions of the rector is to represent the interests of the student body. To some extent the office of rector has evolved into more of a figurehead role, with a significant number of celebrities and personalities elected as rectors, such asStephen FryandLorraine KellyatDundee,Clarissa Dickson WrightatAberdeen,andJohn CleeseandFrank MuiratSt. Andrews,and political figures, such asMordechai VanunuatGlasgow.In many cases, particularly with high-profile rectors, attendance at the university court in person is rare;the Rector nominates an individual (normally a member of the student body) with the title ofRector's Assessor,who sits as a voting member of the University Court.

TheRt. Hon.Gordon Brown,the formerPrime Minister of the United Kingdom,wasRector of the University of Edinburghwhile a student there, but since then most universities have amended their procedures to disqualify currently matriculated students from standing for election.

As of January 2018,therector of the University of AberdeenisMaggie Chapman,a Member of the Scottish Parliament for theScottish Greens.Therector of the University of Dundeeis the long-distance cyclistMark Beaumont.TherectorofEdinburghisDebora Kayembe.Therector of the University of GlasgowisGhassan Abu-Sittah.Elected in November 2020, therector of the University of St AndrewsisLeyla Husseinthe political activist and first Black female to hold the position.

High schools

Some Scottish high school/secondary schoolhave ahead teacherwhose official title isRector,an example beingBell Baxter High SchoolinCupar,Fife.

Central and Eastern Europe and Turkey

The rector is the head of most universities and other higher educational institutions in at least parts of Central and Eastern Europe, such as Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Romania, North Macedonia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Turkey, Hungary and Ukraine. The rector's deputies are known as "pro-rectors". Individual departments of a university (calledfaculties) are headed bydeans.

North America

Canada

As in most Commonwealth and British-influenced countries, the term "rector" is not commonly used in English in Canada outside Quebec.

Quebec's francophone universities (e.g.,Université de Montréal) use the term (recteurorrectricein French) to designate the head of the institution. In addition, the historically French-Catholic, and now bilingual,Saint Paul UniversityinOttawa,Ontario uses the term to denote its head. St. Paul's College, the Roman Catholic College of the University of Manitoba, uses the term 'rector' to designate the head of the college. St. Boniface College, the French College of the University of Manitoba, uses 'recteur' or 'rectrice' to designate the head of the college.

At the bilingualUniversity of Ottawa,the term president has been used since 2008, but before that time rector was used for the English name; however,recteur(orrectrice) continues to be used as the French term for the head of the university.

Queen's University(Kingston, Ontario) uses the term "rector". The term refers to a member of the student body elected to work as an equal with thechancellorandprincipal.The Badge of Office of the Rector of Queen's University was registered with theCanadian Heraldic Authorityon 15 October 2004.SeeList of Rectors of Queen's University.University of Ontario Institute of Technologyalso use the title.

Mexico

Enrique Graue34th Rector of theUNAMduring his inaugural speech.

In Mexico, the term "rector" refers to the highest authority of most of National and State Universities, it is also usual in private Universities. The Schools and Faculties (Facultadesin Spanish) are in charge of Directors which are below the authority of the rector. The rector is often selected from the full time professors and have periods which vary in the different universities.

The rector of theNational Autonomous University of Mexico,the most relevant Mexican university, is an important mediatic figure of academic authority for all the country. The political relevance of the university makes the rector office one disputed political position and the ex-rectors are often related with the public service after their appointment, for example,Juan Ramón de la Fuenterector from 1999 to 2007 is currentlyPermanent Representative of Mexico to the United NationsandJosé Narro Roblesrector from 2007 to 2015 was after head of theMinistry of Health.Since 2015 the office of rector on the UNAM is occupied byEnrique Graue Wiechers,who was appointed for his second and last period (2019-2023).

United States

Most U.S. colleges do not use the term "rector." The terms "president" and "chancellor" are often used for the chief executive of universities and university systems, depending on the institution's statutes or governing documents. Some state university systems have both "presidents" of the constituent institutions and a "chancellor" of the overall system, or vice versa; for example, in theUniversity of California system,each of the ten campuses is headed by a chancellor, while the leader of the system is given the title "president." Colleges and universities, or state systems, also typically havegoverning boards(akin to aboard of directors), which may be referred to by a variety of names, including "board of trustees" and "board of regents", and which are usually led by a chairperson.

"Rector" is commonly used inVirginia,however. TheUniversity of Virginia(Charlottesville),University of Mary Washington(Fredericksburg),George Mason University(Fairfax),Virginia State University(Petersburg),Virginia Commonwealth University(Richmond),Longwood University(Farmville),Washington and Lee University(Lexington), theCollege of William and Mary(Williamsburg),Old Dominion University(Norfolk),Christopher Newport University(Newport News), andVirginia Tech(Blacksburg) all use the term "Rector" to designate the presiding officer of theBoard of Visitors(or "Board of Trustees", in the case of Washington and Lee).Thomas Jeffersonserved as the first rector of the University of Virginia, beginning in 1819, and intended that the school would not have a president; it lacked that position until 1904.

From 1701 to 1745, the head of the school that was to becomeYale Universitywas termed the "rector". As head ofYale College,Thomas Clapwas both the last to be called "rector" (1740–1745) and the first to be referred to as president (1745–1766). Modern custom omits the use of the term "rector" and identifiesAbraham Piersonas the first Yale president (1701–1707), making Clap the fifth of Yale's leaders, regardless of title.

SeveralCatholiccolleges and universities, particularly those run byreligious orders of priests(such as theJesuits) used to employ the term "rector" to refer to the school's chief officer. In many cases, the rector was also the head of the community of priests assigned to the school, so the two posts – head of the university and local superior of the priests – were merged in the role of rector (See "Ecclesiastical rectors"). This practice is mostly no longer followed, as the details of the governance of most of these schools have changed.Creighton Universitystill appoints a rector. At theUniversity of Notre Dame,the title "rector" is used for those in charge of individualresidence halls.

Some American high schools also have a rector; for example, atSt. Paul's SchoolinNew Hampshire,the rector is equivalent to aheadmaster(head of the school).

Oceania

Australia

The term "rector" is uncommon in Australian academic institutions. The executive head of an Australian university has traditionally been given the British title Vice-Chancellor, although in recent times the American term President has also been adopted. The term rector is used by some academic institutions, such as the University of Melbourne residential college, Newman College; the private boys' school, Xavier College; and the University of Sydney residential college, St John's College (Benedictine).

The title rector is sometimes used for the head of a subordinate and geographically separate campus of a university. For example, the executive head of theAustralian Defence Force Academyin Canberra, which is a campus of theUniversity of New South Walesin Sydney is a Rector, as is the head of the Cairns campus ofJames Cook University,based at Townsville.

New Zealand

The title is used in New Zealand for theheadmasterof some independent schools, such asLindisfarne CollegeandSt. Patrick's College, Silverstream,as well as a number of state schools for boys, includingOtago Boys' High School,King's High School, Dunedin,Waitaki Boys' High School,Timaru Boys' High School,Palmerston North Boys' High SchoolandSouthland Boys' High Schoolshowing the Scots' involvement in the foundation of those schools.

Africa

Benin

In Benin, the term is commonly used for heads of universities and academic institutions.

Mauritius

In Mauritius the term 'rector' is used to designate the head of a secondary school.

Asia

India

The heads of certain Indianboarding schoolsare called rectors. The head or principal of a Catholic school in India is also called a rector.

Indonesia

Rector is the highest executive post in universities in Indonesia. At a public university, university senate members select a pool three candidates for the education minister to decide the rector from. Except for autonomous public university (PTN-BH), rector was elected by university board of trustees. The final decision is not necessarily the one with the majority of the university senate's votes.

Japan

Colonnade at the reconstructedYushima Seidōin Tokyo. The hereditary rectors of thisEdo periodinstitution were selected from theHayashi clan.

During the years of theTokugawa shogunate(1601–1868), the rector of Edo's Confucian Academy, theShōhei-kō(afterwards known at theYushima Seidō), was known by the honorific titleDaigaku-no kamiwhich, in the context of the Tokugawa hierarchy, can effectively be translated as "Head of the State University". The rector of theYushima Seidōstood at the apex of the country-wide educational and training system which was created and maintained with the personal involvement of successive shōguns. The position as rector of theYushima Seidōbecame hereditary in theHayashi family.The rectors' scholarly reputation was burnished by the publication in 1657 of the seven volumes ofSurvey of the Sovereigns of Japan(Nhật bổn vương đại nhất lãm,Nihon Ōdai Ichiran)and by the publication in 1670 of the 310 volumes ofThe Comprehensive History of Japan(Bổn triều thông giam,Honchō-tsugan).

Macau

In the former Portuguese colony ofMacau,aSpecial Administrative Regionof China since late 1999, the highest administrative officials of three universities, namelyUniversity of Macau,University of Saint Joseph and City University of Macau, are titled as 'Rector'. However, the equivalent position is 'President' at the Macau University of Science and Technology.

Malaysia

In thisCommonwealthcountry, the termRektoris used to refer to the highest administrative official in several universities and higher education institutions in Malaysia, such as theInternational Islamic University MalaysiainGombak.For theUniversiti Teknologi MARA,the termRektoris used for head of a branch campus and answers to theNaib Canselor.ARektoris comparable to the position ofNaib Canselor,or vice-chancellor, in other higher education institutions, as theRektoranswers to theCanselor.

Myanmar

The termrector(Burmese:ပါမောက္ခချုပ်) is used to refer to the highest official of universities inMyanmar.Each university department is headed by a professor, who is responsible to the rector. Nowadays, given the large dimensions of some universities, the position of pro-rector has emerged, just below that of the rector. Pro-rectors are in charge of managing particular areas of the university, such as research orundergraduate education.

Pakistan

The heads of certain universities and colleges such asCOMSATS University Islamabad,National University of Modern Languages,National University of Sciences & Technology,Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology,Forman Christian College,Virtual University of Pakistanand PIEAS are all titled "Rector".

Philippines

Herminio Dagohoy,the 96th Rector Magnificus of thePontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas,Manila

See also:Rector Magnificus of the University of Santo Tomas

The termrectororRector Magnificusis used to refer to the highest official in prominent Catholic universities and colleges such as theUniversity of Santo Tomas,theColegio de San Juan de Letran,and theSan Beda University.The rector typically sits as chair of the university board of trustees. He exercises policy-making, general academic, managerial, and religious functions over all university academic and non-academic staff.

During the Spanish colonial period, on 20 May 1865, a royal order from Queen Isabella II gave theRector Magnificus of the University of Santo Tomasthe power to direct and supervise all the educational institutions in the Philippines and thus, the Rector of the university became theex officiohead of the secondary and higher education in the Philippines. All diplomas issued by other schools were approved by the Rector of the university and examinations leading to the issuance of such diplomas were supervised by the professors of the University of Santo Tomas.

Thailand

The termrectoris not widely used to refer to the highest executive position in Thai universities (Thai:อธิการบดี;RTGS:Athikan Bodi), compared to the termpresident.Thammasat Universityadopts this term for this position to reflect its tradition associated with the French education system wherePridi Banomyong,Thammasat's founding father was educated.

ExceptAssumption University,the only International Catholic University in Thailand, the position of the head of the executives and administrators of the institute is "rector". A decade after the present rector assume his duty, the title of Rector Magnificus was bestowed onRev. Bro.Bancha Saenghiran, f.s.g.,Ph.D. at a solemn Academic ceremony on 1 November 2011 at the Assumption University Suvarnabhumi campus in the ornate Chapel of St. Louis Marie de Montfort (founder of theMontfortian Brothers of St. Gabriel.)

South America

Argentina

The termrectoris used to refer to the highest official of universities, and university-owned high schools (e.g.,Escuela Superior de Comercio Carlos Pellegrini) inArgentina.Each faculty (Spanish:Facultad) has its own dean.

Brazil

The termrector(Portuguese:Reitor) is used to refer to the highest official of universities inBrazil.Each faculty is headed by a director, who is under the authority of the rector. Nowadays, given the large size of some universities, the position of pro-rector has emerged below that of the rector. The pro-rector is in charge of managing a particular area of the university, such as research orundergraduate education.

Compound titles

A rector who has resigned is often given the titlerectoremeritus.One who temporarily performs the functions usually fulfilled by a rector is styled apro-rector(in parishes, administrator).

Deputies of rectors in institutions are known asvice-rectors (in parishes, as curates, assistant - or associate rectors, etc.). In some universities the title vice-rector has, likevice-chancellorin many Anglo-Saxon cases, been used for the de facto head when the essentially honorary title of rector is reserved for a high externa dignitary; until 1920, there was such avice-recteurat the ParisianSorbonneas the French Minister of Education was its nominalrecteur.

See also

• Chancellor (education)
• Dean (education)

References

• Herbermann, Charles, ed. (1913)."Rector".Catholic Encyclopedia.New York: Robert Appleton Company.

External links

• Chisholm, Hugh,ed. (1911)."Rector".Encyclopædia Britannica(11th ed.). Cambridge University Press.