Graduate education is delivered by graduate faculty scholars, researchers, and artists. All tenure-track faculty members at the University of Iowa in the ranks of assistant, associate, or full professor hold Graduate Faculty status. Administrative officers who hold professorial rank are also members of the Graduate Faculty. Graduate Faculty members may vote and hold office; serve on examining committees; and supervise graduate degree programs, theses, and dissertations. Other faculty and scholars may be nominated for a term appointment to the Graduate Faculty.

A faculty member from every graduate department/program is nominated by their respective departmental executive officer to serve as a Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) for a specified period of time. DGS nominations are approved by the Graduate College.