The Principal of the University of St Andrews serves as the Chief Executive of the institution. They are responsible for the overall running of the university, presiding over the supreme acting body of the university known as the academic senate and conferring degrees in the absence of the Chancellor. The Principal is elected by the University Court. Beginning in 1859 after the Universities (Scotland) Act 1858, it has been convention for the person appointed Principal to be appointed Vice-Chancellor by the Chancellor, in order to fulfill the ceremonial aspects of his role in his absence.