Principal (academia)

The principal is the chief executive and the chief academic officer of a university or college in certain parts of the Commonwealth.

Queen's University and McGill University in Canada have principals instead of presidents or rectors, as a result of their Scottish origins. In addition Bishop's University, and the Royal Military College of Canada also have principals.

Many colleges of further education in England have a principal in charge (e.g., Cirencester College and West Nottinghamshire College).

At Oxford University, many of the heads of colleges are known as the principal, including Brasenose, Green Templeton, Harris Manchester, Hertford, Jesus, Lady Margaret Hall, Linacre, Mansfield, St Anne's, St Edmund Hall, St Hilda's, St Hugh's, and Somerville. At Cambridge University, heads of Homerton College and Newnham College are known as the principal.

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