Washington University has a strong tradition of what has come to be called  "shared governance".  Graduate students are represented at virtually every level of the decision-making process affecting graduate students, from departmental committees to the two graduate student representatives to the University Board of Trustees. 

Graduate Arts and Sciences
Graduate Council
Graduate Student Senate

University-Wide
Professional and Graduate Student Coordinating Committee (ProGradS)
Graduate-Professional Council
Graduate Student Reps. to W.U. Board of Trustees