The legislative and administrative authority of the faculty regarding graduate programs of study is vested in the Graduate Council. In all matters concerning admission, scholarships, programs and examinations, the Dean and Associate Deans act, with the Registrar, as administrative officers for the Graduate Council.

The elected membership of the Graduate Council includes up to seventy-five faculty elected by and from members of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and two faculty members of Senate elected by the Faculty of Graduate Studies. There are also up to fourteen members elected by and from students registered in the Faculty of Graduate Studies and one student member of Senate elected by the students of the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

Ex-officio members include the Dean (Chair) and the Associate Deans of the Faculty, the Registrar (Secretary), and the Vice-President, Research.