The Graduate Associate (GA) is a para-professional staff member of the Office of College Houses and Academic Services (CHAS) at the University of Pennsylvania who is expected to assume responsibility for an assigned area of a College House. The GA serves as a mentor, advisor, and friend to residents. Under the direction and supervision of a House Dean, the GA is expected to assist in the development of community, encourage student initiated programming, and report inappropriate behavior. The GA provides support in emergencies and times of personal stress.

In total there are 123 GA positions in the system.  The number of GA positions that will be open varies from year to year, depending on how many staff are selected to return from the previous year in each House.  All Houses hire GAs as part of their staff. GAs are required to spend approximately 15-20 hours per week. It is important to understand that due to the nature of this work there will be weeks when the time commitment will be greater than this average. For instance, during the month of August, staff should expect to be very busy participating in fall Staff Orientation, New Student Orientation and opening activities. GAs cannot pursue a full-time employment position, on or off campus.

The Graduate Associate receives a rent-free single occupancy accommodation in their assigned College House. Some rooms will accommodate a partner or spouse but facilities do not exist to accommodate a GA with a child, or any other individual. The associateship also comes with a partial meal plan as part of their duties.

For more information or to apply to be a GA, visit the GA website.