Image of Early Statutes
Photo: Andrew Houston

Our constitution, legal framework, and decision making bodies

Jesus College is a charitable corporation, established by Charter as a place of education, religion, learning, and research.

Like other educational institutions, the College operates from a legal framework that defines its status in law. It is a registered charity and its Charity Registration Number is 1137462.

The College Charter

The College was initially established by Royal Charter, in the form of letters patent granted to Bishop Alcock in June 1496. This granted the right to create a new College in place of the Priory of St Radegund, which had been dissolved.

The College Statutes

These set out the College’s purpose and some of the process by which it is governed. Statute I.1(a) states that Jesus College “is a place of education, religion, learning, and research”. Information to be found in them includes:

  • The membership and responsibilities of the Society and Council
  • The election and duties of the Master, Vice Master, and President
  • The election, admission, and removal of Fellows
  • The appointment and duties of College Officers and of the Educational Board
  • The duties of College Members
  • The student disciplinary process
  • Financial powers and arrangements
  • Procedures for the employment and dismissal of academic staff.

Read the Statutes.

The College Regulations

Regulations have the same force as the Statutes. Information that may be found in them includes:

  • The election of Junior Members of the College Council
  • Residence requirements and other aspects of students’ conduct
  • Lists of scholarships, exhibitions, prizes, and grants
  • Jesus College Capital Fund
  • Disciplinary and grievance procedures for academic and other staff.

Read the Regulations.

The Society and the College Council

The Master and Fellows (The Society) are responsible for the running of the College. The Society as a whole is headed by the President who is elected by Fellows and holds office for one year.

The College Council is responsible for the control and management of the College’s affairs. It is made up of the Master, the President, the Senior Tutor, the Bursar, the Steward, twelve members elected by the Society and four resident members of the College (representing undergraduate and postgraduate students).

Council is advised by committees made up of Fellows, with appropriate staff and students in attendance.

Please contact the Freedom of Information Officer, Jesus College, Cambridge CB5 8BL or email foi@jesus.cam.ac.uk.

Hear from our students

  • Photo of postgraduate student

    Ellie

    Postgraduate

    Jesus College has been a great home for me during my PhD. I chose Jesus College for a number of reasons – first, the location. We are central enough to be within easy walking distance of most things, but far enough away to avoid the hustle and bustle (and tourists in summer!). The College also has extensive grounds, with amenities like the hockey pitch, football pitch and tennis courts all on site. Secondly, the accommodation is some of the best I’ve seen in Cambridge. My house was newly renovated when...

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    Postgraduate
  • Photograph of a postgraduate student

    Tara

    Postgraduate

    Jesus College has all the benefits of being large, historical and prestigious college, whilst also retaining fantastic welfare: the staff and other students all care about each other, and will be there to cheer you on when you are thriving, but also there to support you if you need any help. I chose Jesus due to several reasons, including its prime location, where it is very central, and easy to access everywhere, even if you work in one of the institutes further out. I also selected Jesus for its MCR...

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    Postgraduate
  • Photograph of a postgraduate student

    Matthew

    Postgraduate

    Jesus College has been at the heart of my Cambridge experience. I chose the College because I was impressed by its distinctive blend of academic rigour and extracurricular achievement. A College for all-rounders, Jesus is a lively and rewarding place to study. I couldn’t be happier here! Friendly and engaged, the Jesus postgraduate community never ceases to impress me. At ease with themselves and forever curious, my peers go out of their way to cultivate a sense of camaraderie. After a day of leafing through old manuscripts at the National...

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    Postgraduate
  • Postgraduate at Jesus College

    Tom

    Postgraduate

    There are many reasons why I’m so happy to be a part of Jesus College. The three biggest reasons for me are the opportunities to be involved in College sport, the support the College provides for me with for my research and the help in making sure that we have comfortable, affordable accommodation when we have needed it. Jesus College is so friendly and so it is incredibly easy to get involved in the sport and social side of the College. The MCR does a great job in welcoming new...

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    Postgraduate
  • Postgraduate at Jesus College

    Dolly

    Postgraduate

    I chose Jesus College because of the great mixture of undergraduates and postgraduates, and when I first visited I thought it was the most beautiful place I had ever seen! The sense of community in Jesus has had an enormous impact on my experience here. Whether you need help, advice, cheering up or even just a chat there is always someone there to put a smile on your face. From the MCR committee to the Porters, the canteen staff to the gardeners, everyone is so friendly and welcoming. Jesus also...

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    Postgraduate