Graduate Advisor Program

In the fall of 1993, graduate students first had the opportunity to contribute to the educational experience of undergraduates in their residential lives at Dartmouth College. Under the direction of the Office of Residential Life and the Office of Graduate Studies, Graduate Advisor (GA) positions were created to help integrate the graduate experience into undergraduate life.

What is a GA and what does a GA do?

A GA is a graduate student who lives in the residence halls and serves as a career and academic resource for all undergraduate students. GAs serve as academic mentors, role models, and informal advisors for the students who interact with them, and especially for students who are interested in continuing their education at the graduate level. GAs primarily operate in three domains: individual (one-on-one with students), within our assigned clusters, and as a resource to any person/organization of the college.

On an individual level

GAs meet with students in one-on-one conversations to discuss academic, career, or personal questions.
SENIORS, thinking about what you're going to do next year? We can help with the grad/professional school application process, help you figure out where to start looking for a job, etc.
JUNIORS, have you started preparing for the "future"? Do you know what you're going to need to impress potential employers/admissions officers?
SOPHOMORES, thinking about an off-term internship? Do you know where to start or how to get some extra funding?
FIRST YEARS, how 'bout that major choice? Want to get involved in research?

Within our assigned residential clusters

GAs plan cluster programs including discussions about graduate school, workshops on study skills, job/internship searching tips, or just study breaks to hang out.
GAs serve as a resource to the undergraduate residential staff.

On the campus as a whole

GAs do several campus-wide programs each term, including student-faculty dinners and programs on graduate school. GAs are also available to do programs in any residence hall, affinity house, or social organization. Examples of programs they have done in the past include “Your Brain on Drugs," resume writing, moving tips, interacting with faculty, finding research funding, and programs on different research interests and academic topics.

Who are the current GAs?

Following are the current GAs and their cluster assignments:

Christine Looser—Mass Row/Gold Coast/Hitchcock Cluster
Katie Kinnaird—East Wheelock Cluster
Kelly Michaelsen—McLaughlin Cluster
Peter Kohler—Russell Sage Cluster
Valerie Jacobs—Russell Sage Cluster

If you have questions about the GA program, feel free to contact any of the above GAs.