The principal policy making body of the Graduate School is the Executive Committee.  The Committee is composed of representatives of graduate programs and disciplinary cohorts as defined in the Graduate School Constitution.  It also has representation from the Faculty Senate and the Graduate Student Organization. 

The Executive Committee oversees the academic quality of graduate programs. In particular, it is responsible for reviewing and approving proposals for new programs or substantial revisions within existing programs.  It reviews and approves school-wide policies for admissions and academic affairs.  It establishes guidelines for the external and internal review of existing programs and conducts all general graduate program reviews. The ExCo serves as the faculty advisory body for the Dean and exercises other responsibilities as specified in the Constitution.

Each member of the Executive Committee has the authority to represent the relevant program or cohort within all of the Committee's deliberations.  While Executive Committee agendas and minutes are circulated to all graduate programs, members are particularly responsible for communicating information and concerns between the Committee and the represented academic units.