The Senate is one of York University's bicameral governance, the other being the Board of Governors.

The Senate is responsible for the University's academic policy and has power to: make recommendations as to the appointment of the Chancellor and the President, regulate standards for admission, determine the contents and curricula of all courses of study, establishing requirements for graduation, the conduct of examinations, deal with awards for academic achievement, and conferring degrees, both academic and honorary.

There are up to 169 elected and ex-officio members of the Senate who reflect all aspects of the University Community, including faculty, students and management. Much of the business of the Senate is carried out through committees which report to the Senate at regular meetings.

The Rules of the Senate set out the detailed composition of Senate membership, as well as rules of assembly and Senate operations.