| Administrative History | Mason University College Court of Governors was appointed to deal with constitutional matters of the newly incorporated institution. The first meeting was held on 13 January 1898 and was attended by Joseph Chamberlain who set out his case for the establishment of a University of Birmingham. From this point onwards, the governors became involved with the campaign to apply for university powers for the college. Governors were elected from members of the city council, the local county councils, the school boards of county boroughs, and from the colleges of physicians and surgeons in London. Life Governors were elected by ballot. The Court of Governors referred draft statutes to Mason University College Council for consideration and authorised Council to approve the design for a Common Seal. They gave their support to measures requisite to obtain a royal charter for the establishment of the University of Birmingham. The annual report of Mason University College Council was presented to the Court of Governors for approval. Information about the election of individual governors can be found in minutes of each of the meetings held by the body |