The Dean is responsible for determining and certifying to the Registrar candidates who have fulfilled requirements for advanced degrees. The President, Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies, and the Dean of the Graduate School shall be ex officio members of all committees of the Graduate School. The Chancellor for the Lexington Campus and the Chancellor for the Medical Center are ex officio members of all committees of the Graduate School which affect their respective sectors. The Graduate Council is composed of 18 members and the Dean of the Graduate School, who serves as chair. There are 16 faculty representatives and two student representatives.
Associate deans serve in a nonvoting, ex officio capacity.
Members representing a college or a combination of colleges are elected by the Graduate Faculty in the respective colleges. The term of office of the elected members is three years and that of the graduate students is one year. Members may not succeed themselves until three years have elapsed following the completion of their last term. The Graduate Council approves or disapproves proposals concerning courses offered for graduate credit, and advises and lends assistance to the Dean in executing the policies and regulations determined by the Graduate Faculty. Reviews existing programs and curricula.