Set up graduate function? It’s a complicated process (9)
I believe the answer is:
rigmarole
'a complicated process' is the definition.
(rigmarole means a complex or involved process)
'set up graduate function?' is the wordplay.
'set up' becomes 'rig' (synonyms).
'graduate' becomes 'MA' (abbreviation for Master of Arts).
'function?' becomes 'role' ('role' can be a synonym of 'function').
'rig'+'ma'+'role'='RIGMAROLE'
'it's' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for rigmarole that I've seen before include "Long, rambling story" , "fuss" , "Tedious procedure" , "Complicated business" , "Long, complex stuff" .)