The highest academic organ of the University of St.Gallen is the Senate, which consists of the following members:

• the full professors,
  
• the President of the non-tenured faculty,
• at present, eight further members of the non-tenured faculty,
• the President of the Student Union,
• at present, eight further members of the Student Union.

The following members participate in an advisory capacity:

• the General Counsel,
• the Director of Administration,
• the Dean of Studies & Academic Affairs.

The Senate of the University of St.Gallen is the HSG's highest academic organ. It reports to the University's Board of Directors. It is chaired by the President. The Senate sits approximately nine times a year.

The Senate discharges the functions entrusted to it by the University's Board of Governors and certain ordinances. It makes decisions and submits applications to the Board of Governors in the cases provided by the University Act and the University Statutes. In the field of teaching and research, the Senate comments on its business if called upon to do so. It issues course regulations and curricula and decides who can be habilitated. It forwards appointment proposals by the Appointment Committee which more than a third of its members have approved, to the University's Board of Directors.

Subject to the competence of the University's Board of Governors, the Senate awards titles to the faculty members, as well as academic degrees (Master, Bachelor and Ph.D.) ato participants in degree courses. At a reasoned request by a member of the Senate or a School Conference, the Senate further awards the degree of an Honoary Doctor and the title of an Honorary Senator. In addition, the Senate can set up committees that are relevant to the University as a whole and issue regulations pursuant to the cases provided by the University Statutes.

The Senate's decisions are made in an open vote unless it opts for a secret ballot for certain business items or unless at least six members demand a secret ballot.
A secret ballot is always conducted when a faculty member is appointed, when titles are awarded to faculty members, when a faculty member is habilitated and when honorary degrees/titles are awarded.