RESIDENTIAL SERVICES

• GRA Summer Term Dates: Monday, June 15 – Monday, August 31, 2026 
  • Summer Term Training: Monday, June 15 – Wednesday, June 17, 2026 

• GRA Academic Year Dates: Monday, August 31, 2026 – Wednesday, June 16, 2027 
  • Academic Year Training: Monday, August 31 – Saturday, September 12, 2026 
  • GRAs will need to work part of one or more breaks in the academic calendar: 
    • Thanksgiving Break: Wednesday, November 25 – Sunday, November 29, 2026 
    • Winter Break: Saturday, December 12, 2026 – Sunday, January 3, 2027 
    • Spring Break: Saturday, March 20 – Monday, March 29, 2027 

• Training dates listed represent the widest possible training time frame. Actual training dates will fall within listed ranges and will be communicated in advance. 

• GRAs are required to be at all training dates during their appointment term. Exceptions will only be made for mandatory academic requirements. 

• 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 their residential community is critical for emergency response. GRAs should discuss plans to be away from their community for extended periods with the RD/ARD supervisor. GRAs should consult with their supervisors before making travel arrangements. This includes university dates around holiday closures and break periods. 

• Be a full-time, degree seeking Northwestern graduate 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 or similar experience (i.e., undergraduate resident assistant or boarding school leadership roles). 

• 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. 

Each GRA will receive a furnished, on-campus apartment within their assigned residential community. Your apartment comes with all utilities included, along with cable TV access, wireless internet, and free in-building laundry facilities, making it easy to settle in and focus on your graduate experience. In addition to housing, GRAs receive $150 per month in compensation. Opportunities may be available to earn additional money by serving on duty during university breaks (e.g., Thanksgiving Break, Winter Break, Spring Break, etc.). GRAs are expected to live in their apartment for the duration of their appointment. 

GRAs requiring a two-bedroom or larger apartment to accommodate dependents must request a larger unit at the time of accepting the role. Considerations for larger units are made based on the number of occupants and apartment availability and are not guaranteed. GRAs who are approved for larger units will be provided with rent credit comparable to a one-bedroom apartment and are responsible for the difference in rent for the upgraded unit. 

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.

• Submit a GRA Application by Tuesday, March 31 at 5:00pm CDT. 

• Candidates will be notified of their application status by Friday, April 10, 2026

• All candidates must: 
  • Fill out the online GRA application 
  • Have a minimum quarterly and cumulative GPA required to be in good standing with The Graduate School (typically 3.0 or above) 
  • Be in good conduct standing (not on probation) 
  • Be enrolled at Northwestern University as a full-time graduate student 

• 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   

• 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. 
• As an international student at Northwestern, compensation may be impacted by tax treaties between your home country and the United States. Because each student’s situation is different, you are encouraged to discuss this impact with your advisor in the the Office of International Student and Scholar Services for additional information.