The Rector is the University's highest academic authority and acts as its legal representative. As a unipersonal governing body, the Rector is responsible for the governance and management of the University.

The Rector presides over the collegiate bodies of the University Senate, the Governing Council and the Advisory Board. The Rector sits on the Board of Trustees and is responsible for implementing its agreements, as well as being the ex officio president of the group of institutions that make up the UB Group.