Graduate Resident Assistant (GRA) Selection Process
GRA Role Summary
The Graduate Resident Assistant (GRA) is an essential member of the Northwestern
Residential Services team whose primary role is to support the social, academic, and
personal transition of graduate residential students and their families to the Northwestern
community. The GRA is a graduate student leader in Residential Services who is an integral
member of the Engelhart Hall, McManus Center, and Garrett Place residential
communities. The principal GRA duties involve three main areas: administrative duties,
event planning/community development, and on-call responsibilities.
GRAs provide facilitated programs and services designed to both respond to student needs
and provide opportunities for education, support, and personal growth. GRAs must be
comfortable interacting with university officials, faculty, staff, families, and above all else,
students.
GRAs report directly to a Resident Director and Assistant Resident Director, and indirectly
to the Residential Experience team. GRAs work collaboratively with all Residential Services
staff. This is a 20-hour-a-week position. The position requires staff to live in a provided
furnished apartment.
2025-2026 GRA Role Description.pdf
General Information
Important Dates
- GRA Summer Term Dates: Monday, June 16 – Sunday, August 25, 2025
- Summer Term Training: Monday, June 16 – Wednesday, June 18, 2025*
- GRA Academic Year Dates: Monday, August 25, 2025 – Wednesday, June 17, 2026
- Academic Year Training: Monday, August 25 – Thursday, August 28, 2025*
- GRAs will need to work part of one or more breaks in the academic calendar.
- Thanksgiving Break: Wednesday, November 26 – Sunday, November 30, 2025
- Winter Break: Friday, December 12, 2025 – Monday, January 5, 2026
- Spring Break: Friday, March 20 – Sunday, March 29, 2026
- *GRAs are required to be at all training dates for term of appointment.
- Dates are subject to change with advanced communication
*GRAs are required to assist with all major check-in and check-out processes, including on
evenings and weekends. GRA presence within the residential communities is critical for
emergency response. GRAs should discuss plans to be away from their community for
extended periods with the RD supervisor. GRAs must not make travel arrangements
without consulting with the RD first. This includes university dates around holiday closures
and break periods.
Timeline of Process
Graduate housing assistant selection process timeline
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Item
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Date
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Information Sessions
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Wednesday, March 5 at 7:00pm CST
Email Selection@northwestern.edu to request a Zoom link for the virtual info session
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Applications Open for New GRA Candidates via eRezLife
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Monday, February 24, 2025
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Candidate & Returning GRAs Submit for Accommodations to OCR (separate from Housing Portal accommodation application)
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Monday, March 24, 2025
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Application Closes for New GRA Candidates
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Monday, March 31, 2025, at 5:00 pm CDT
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Candidate Interviews
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Monday, April 14 – Friday, April 18, 2025
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Candidates Notified of Status
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Thursday, May 1, 2025
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Candidate Responses Due
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Friday, May 16, 2025, by 5:00 pm CDT
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Minimum Qualifications
- Be a full-time, degree seeking graduate Northwestern student, enrolled in courses each quarter.
- Have a minimum quarterly and cumulative GPA required to be in good standing as a Northwestern graduate student (typically 3.0 or above).
- Be in good conduct standing. Good standing means you are not on probation.
- Preference will be given to individuals who have prior residential life (i.e., undergraduate RA) or similar experience.
- Kellogg students planning to participate in exchange during the fall, winter, or spring quarters are not eligible for the academic year GRA position. Students who are planning to be away from the Evanston campus for the fall, winter, or spring quarter for other reasons are also not eligible for the academic year GRA position.
Compensation
Each GRA will receive an apartment in their assigned community. A one-bedroom
apartment will be provided, but another unit type may be assigned (without additional
compensation) if a one-bedroom unit is not available. The apartment includes utilities,
cable TV access, and wireless internet. A free laundry facility is provided in the building.
$150 per month in compensation is also provided. GRAs are expected to live in their
apartment throughout their term.
GRAs requiring a two-bedroom or larger apartment to accommodate dependents will be
provided with rent credit comparable to a one-bedroom apartment and are responsible for
the difference in rent. Considerations for larger units are made based on the number of
occupants and apartment availability.
GRAs who leave the position may be required to vacate the assigned apartment and
relocate to a different apartment community within 48 hours of when their termination
letter or verbal resignation is received.
Application Instructions
Applications for the 2025-2026 GRA position will be accepted from Monday, February 24 until Monday, March 31, 2025, for both the Summer Term 2025 and Academic Year 2025-2026. How do I apply?
- Candidates will be notified of their application status by Friday, April 11, 2025.
FAQs
Who do I contact for more information?
You can contact email selection@northwestern.edu to reach a member of our Resident Assistant Recruitment, Selection and Training Committee. Do I get to choose where I live as a GRA?
We may ask questions related to placement preferences which will be taken into account during our selection processes. When you apply to be a GRA, you are applying for the role, not the building placement. We will take your preferences into account for strengths, space limitations, and staffing needs.
What is the compensation for GRAs?
- All GRA candidates are highly encouraged to meet with Financial Aid early in the selection process to review how the compensation package may impact your individual aid package.
- Compensation Summary
- A one-bedroom furnished apartment in the assigned community (another unit type may be assigned without additional compensation if a one-bedroom unit is not available)
- GRAs requiring a two-bedroom or larger apartment to accommodate dependents will be provided with rent credit comparable to a one-bedroom apartment and are responsible for the difference in rent. Considerations for larger units are made based on the number of occupants and apartment availability.
- $150 stipend paid monthly during the term of service as a GRA
Can incoming graduate students apply?
Yes, an incoming graduate student can apply but they must be accepted to Northwestern and enrolled as a full-time graduate student for the quarter they will start at Northwestern University.
Can international graduate students apply?
Yes, international students can apply to be a GRA. Additional paperwork may be required for international students, and dates for when the role starts and ends may be different.
Can undergraduate students apply?