The Graduate Council is that body which, according to the recommendation of the Council of Graduate Schools in the United States, is responsible for the development and coordination of general policies and procedures for graduate programs and for the maintenance of uniform standards for the admission of students and the awarding of graduate degrees. It is, therefore, the responsible body which recommends, initiates, develops, and approves graduate programs.

Acting with the Graduate Dean, the Graduate Council may initiate plans for improvement of graduate instruction, set standards for the Graduate Faculty, and in general, oversee the proper functioning of the Division of Graduate Studies.

The Graduate Council consists of representatives, usually the Department Chair, from each department and program offering graduate degrees. At the annual fall faculty seminar, an additional representative from each School is elected by the assembled graduate faculty, for a one year term. In order to insure balanced respresentation, the Graduate Dean may appoint additional members from the faculty for one or two year appointments. In addition, two graduate students are appointed by the Dean, each for one year. These representatives act in an advisory capacity to the Dean of the Division of Graduate Studies. They are charged with the transmittance of Graduate Council deliberations and to bring recommendations to the Council from their respective departments and student governance bodies.

During each academic year the Graduate Council meets approximately once a month. Special meetings of the Council may be called by the Dean or by a majority of the Council members.