The University Senate is the governing body of the University and its members are:

• the Chancellor, Pro-Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor (ex-officio members)
• eight senators elected to represent the interests of the broader community
• three senators elected to represent the academic staff of the university
• a senator elected to represent the general staff of the university
• a student senator elected by the Australian Catholic University National Students' Association (ACUNSA).

Members of the University Senate 2005

• Br Julian McDonald cfc AO
  Chancellor
• Mr Edward Exell AM
  Pro-Chancellor
• Professor Peter W. Sheehan AO
  Vice-Chancellor
• Mr Alan Druery OAM
  Queensland Chapter Representative, elected by Members
• Bishop James Foley DD
  Elected by Members from Panel
• Dr Peta Goldburg rsm
  Elected by Academic Staff
• Associate Professor Margot Hillel OAM
  Elected by Academic Staff
• Mr John Carroll
  Elected by Members from Panel
• Mr Paul Hoy
  Victoria Chapter Representative, elected by Members
• Ms Moira Najdecki
  ACT Chapter Representative, elected by Members
• Dr Marea Nicholson
  Elected by Academic Staff
• Mr David O'Connor AM
  Elected by Members from Panel
• Mr Aron Oulton
  Elected by Students
• Ms Joan Pares
  Elected by General Staff
• Ms Susan Pascoe
  Elected by Members from Panel
• Br Anthony Robinson fms
  NSW Chapter Representative, elected by Members