Residential College Assistant Chair
Recruitment for the 2025-26 academic year is now open!
Recruitment will continue on a rolling basis until positions are filled.
Position Description
Assistant Chairs are Northwestern doctoral students who are appointed by Residential and Academic Engagement (RAE) on the recommendation of a Faculty Chair to support one of Northwestern’s residential college living-learning communities.
Assistant Chairs support the development of academic and cultural programming within their college in collaboration with their Faculty Chair, build relationships with student residents and affiliated faculty Fellows, advise their college’s student executive board (including overseeing the college budget and spending), and handle administrative duties for RAE.
Read the full position description here.
Assistant Chair Profiles
Read profiles from some of our current Assistant Chairs to learn more about why these PhD students decided to apply, their favorite parts of the position, and how being an “AC” has prepared them for future academic careers:
- Hannah (Communication Sciences & Disorders), Communications Residential College
- Kyla (Plant Biology & Conservation), Women's Residential College at Hobart House
- Nathan (Performance Studies), International Studies Residential College
- Tochukwu (Computer Science), Humanities Residential College at Chapin Hall
Available Positions
RAE is seeking applications for the 2025-2026 academic year. To learn more about residential colleges with anticipated Assistant Chair openings, view their programmatic information pages and resident-maintained college websites below (*Asterick indicates provisional search pending incumbent availability):
- Communications Residential College (college website)
- Residential College of Cultural & Community Studies (college website)
- Residential College of Science & Engineering (Slivka) (college website)
- Willard Residential College (college website)*
Informational Sessions
Interested doctoral students are encouraged to attend an upcoming information session on one of the following dates:
Thursday, April 10, 12:30 - 1:30 PM, at Norris University Center, Scholars Room 2-188.
Wednesday, April 16, 5:30 - 6:30 PM, at Norris University Center, Scholars Room 2-188.
Tuesday, April 22, 5:30 - 6:30 PM, at Norris Unversity Center, Chicago Room 1-189.
Monday, April 28, 5:30 - 6:30 PM, at Norris University Center, Scholars Room 2-188.
Interested doctoral students are also encouraged to contact Nancy Anderson (n-anderson@northwestern.edu) for an individual consultation by Zoom or phone.
Application Process
Access the Assistant Chair application form to apply. All applications must be received by 1:00 PM, Monday, May 5th, 2025.
To complete your application:
- Submit the Assistant Chair application form.
- Upload your CV to the TGS Interdisciplinary GAship Application Portal, and
- Ensure your departmental advisor or Director of Graduate Studies approves your interest to apply in the online TGS Interdisciplinary GAship Application Portal. Prior to the application deadline, communicate with your advisor or DGS about your interest so they are aware and approve of this professional development opportunity you seek as it connects with your educational/career plans.
Assistant Chairs must be full-time Northwestern PhD students within the first to fifth years of their programs during the 2025-26 academic year. Assistant Chairs must be in residence at Northwestern from September 1st through the week of Commencement in June. Assistant Chairs work on average 10 hours per week, including evening hours and occasional weekend commitments.
Questions?
Contact Nancy Anderson, Associate Director, Residential Colleges, n-anderson@northwestern.edu