The Graduate College has jurisdiction over all programs leading to graduate degrees.
As defined in the university Statutes (Article V, Section 1c), “The faculty of the Graduate College consists of the President, the Chancellor/Vice President, the Provost or equivalent officer, the Dean, and all those who on the recommendation of the department or of other teaching or research divisions have been approved by the Executive Committee and the Dean of the Graduate College to assume appropriate academic responsibilities in programs leading to graduate degrees. Other administrative staff members are members of the faculty of the Graduate College only if they also hold faculty appointments and have been recommended and approved as provided above.”
These academic responsibilities include:
- establishing and maintaining high quality graduate education and research programs within the academic units of the university;
- developing and teaching of graduate level courses and curricula;
- advising graduate students;
- serving on doctoral examination committees as a member, director of research, or chair;
- electing members of the Graduate College Executive Committee;
- serving on Graduate College committees; and
- providing advice to the Graduate College Dean and the Executive Committee.
The Graduate College recognizes that the standards of academic excellence must remain at the highest level consistent with individual unit standards. Standards shall be maintained without discriminating against a faculty member on unlawful grounds and without limiting the University of Illinois’ guarantee of academic freedom and equal opportunity.