The Office of the Registrar is responsible for institutional governance and compliance with the applicable legislative and regulatory framework, most especially, the Higher Education Act 101 of 1997, as amended.

As a member of the University Executive, the Registrar, Professor Engela Schlemmer, is the line manager for the Legal Department, the Department of Enrolment and Student Administration, the Department of Institutional Advancement, and the Department of Internal Audit and Compliance Services. Professor Schlemmer is also the line manager for Risk Management, Information Governance, Occupational Health and Safety, UP Museums, the Javett-UP Art Centre, and the UP Archives. The Office of the Registrar is responsible for corporate governance and provides secretariat services related to the meetings of the University Executive, Senate and Council and various statutory bodies and committees.