University governance requires well-defined structures that ensure academic quality, institutional accountability, and effective decision-making. Among the most important bodies responsible for academic governance are the Academic Council and the faculties or schools of the university. These bodies play significant roles in planning, regulating, and maintaining the academic standards of the institution, particularly in systems such as distance education where coordination, quality assurance, and curriculum development require systematic management. The Academic Council is generally considered the principal academic authority of a university. It is responsible for supervising and regulating all academic matters including teaching, research, examination, and academic policies. The council usually consists of the vice-chancellor, deans of faculties or schools, heads of departments, senior professors, and sometimes external academic experts. This composition ensures that decisions reflect collective academic wisdom and represent the interests of different academic units. One of the primary roles of the Academic Council is the formulation and regulation of academic policies. It establishes the general framework for teaching, learning, and research in the university. In the context of distance education, the Academic Council determines the academic standards for self-learning materials, online teaching strategies, student support services, and evaluation mechanisms. By defining these standards, the council ensures that the academic quality of distance education programs remains comparable to conventional programs. Another important function of the Academic Council is curriculum planning and approval. Faculties and departments design courses and programs, but these must be reviewed and approved by the Academic Council. The council examines whether the proposed curriculum aligns with the university’s academic objectives, national educational standards, and emerging societal needs. In distance education, this function becomes especially important because courses must be carefully structured to allow independent learning through printed or digital materials. The Academic Council also plays a significant role in maintaining academic standards and quality assurance. It reviews academic