St Andrews censures Rector for behaviour

The University of St Andrews has issued a letter of censure to its outgoing Rector, Ms Stella Maris.

The letter was issued by St Andrews’ supreme governing body, University Court, after an independent investigation found that Ms Maris had behaved in a way “consistent with bullying” towards a member of University staff.

It was also found that the Rector had intimidated and caused distress to staff and student representatives at the St Andrews Students’ Association (the students’ union) in an incident there in July 2026.

Ms Maris is the President of University Court.

Court said that the Rector’s behaviour demonstrates “serious and persistent non-compliance” with Court’s Code of Conduct, sufficient to merit her dismissal from Court.  It noted that the health and wellbeing of members of the University community had been negatively affected by her conduct.

As Ms Maris’s term of office as Rector and President of Court ends on 31 October 2026, Court agreed that, instead of moving to dismissal, it would issue a letter of censure providing a formal and documented record of her conduct.

Further to a review of evidence, it was determined that Ms Maris had:

• Failed to treat staff, student representatives and other members of the university with respect.
• Behaved in a way consistent with bullying.
• Breached her legal responsibilities as a Court member and charity trustee.
• Breached a legal undertaking given to Lord Keen to abide by collective responsibility.
• Made false and defamatory statements and allegations.
• Failed to demonstrate basic courtesy and civility.

Court noted with concern the impact of the Rector’s behaviour on several staff, student representatives, and members of Court. This includes the impact on their stress levels, morale, family life, holidays, workload and wellbeing.

The letter states:

“The behaviour outlined above would not be acceptable in any modern workplace from any employee. That you have behaved this way as a trustee and a member of Court, and toward members of staff to whom you owe a duty of care, is particularly reprehensible.”

Court noted that the University had continued to offer Ms Maris support, including providing her with pastoral support until March 2026 and with office accommodation after she was asked to leave the Students’ Association building in St Andrews. It had also offered her access to specialist counselling, as well as careers support – an offer that remains in place.

Court met in special session on 23 October 2026 to consider concerns about Ms Maris’s behaviour and associated evidence including the findings of an independent investigation, witness statements and commentary from Ms Maris on social media.

Court comprises St Andrews’ staff and student representatives, trades union representatives, alumni, and lay members. The decision to issue the letter of censure was unanimous amongst those attending.

Court has requested for safeguarding reasons that Ms Maris refrain from being on University premises after her term ends on 31 October, and that she seeks permission in writing to attend any University events.

A number of allegations made by Ms Maris herself against the University remain under inquiry by an independent investigator.

Ms Maris has served as University Rector for three years. She will be succeeded as St Andrews Rector on 1 November 2026 by Dr Arthur Bernhoff after students turned out to vote in record numbers in the recent Rectorial Election.