The Faculty of Arts was one of the three founding faculties of the University established in September 1965, as required by the Universities Act, 1963. c.52 (RS 1979, c. 419). According to the Act, a faculty has a number of powers and duties, including the responsibility to make rules for its self-governance; provide for student representation in faculty bodies and meetings; determine the courses of instruction offered and who is eligible to provide such instruction; appoint examiners to conduct examinations and determine results; and decide on all applications and memorials by students and others in connection with the Faculty. In addition to these powers, a faculty is the central intermediary body through which funding is disbursed to departments and non-departmental programs, including the provision of facilities, equipment and support. In keeping with the overall approach of the University, the Faculty of Arts has sought from its inception to foster interdisciplinary research and teaching.

The Faculty is organized administratively into a Dean of Arts, Associate Dean, and a number of faculty committees, including the committee of the whole. The Dean, as the chief officer and chair of the faculty committee, is responsible for ensuring that the varied duties and responsibilities of the Faculty are carried out. The position of Associate Dean, established in 1966, has been responsible for space allotment, the appointment of sessional staff, the coordination of curriculum development in graduate and undergraduate programs, advice to the Dean on specific matters, and to take the role of Acting Dean when required.

The number and composition of faculty standing committees has changed little over time. Those committees which have existed since the inception of the University include Academic Planning, Curriculum, Dean's Advisory, Graduate Studies, and Tenure. The Faculty has also had a number of ad hoc committees, which were numerous during the first developmental years of the Faculty. These included the Departmental Review and Grading committees.