Following are some typical questions that are asked by GA candidates. If you have additional or follow-up questions, please contact Krista Beron, the manager of the GA Program and coordinator of the selection process. You should also feel free to contact a current Graduate Advisor.
What is it like to live in a residence hall?
The living environment varies from hall to hall, and also from term to term as residents move out and new residents move in. Some GAs will find themselves living in undergraduate communities that are lively and loud, while other GAs may find themselves living in quiet and studious communities. Residents in some halls have a strong sense of community and participate actively in programs, leadership opportunities, and late-night discussions; residents in other halls may keep to themselves and not participate actively in the life of their community. We also have some communities comprised of all first-year students and some that are all upperclass students, which also has an impact on the job and living experience of the GA. If you are applying to be a GA, you should be prepared for these extremes, though most communities will fall somewhere in the middle. Dartmouth undergraduates notoriously keep late hours, so this will likely be a common characteristic of all residence halls.
I’m a student at DMS/Tuck/Thayer - am I eligible for a GA position?
The answer to this question varies among the professional schools. In the past, Tuck students have not been eligible for GA positions. DMS students were not previously eligible, though recently the medical school has been open to its students being GAs. DMS and Tuck students who would like to be GAs should seek permission from their advisors and/or department heads and the GA Program Manager before applying. Thayer students are eligible to apply. On a general level, the purpose of the GA Program is to influence undergraduates’ awareness of and interest in attending graduate school, so preference will be given to current graduate students and also to professional school students who have a graduate school background.
I will not have been an enrolled graduate student for a full year at Dartmouth when the position begins - can I still apply?
Special exceptions to the one-year enrollment policy may be made for students in the MALS program and other programs that have graduate students who are not typically enrolled for more than two years. Exceptions will be granted on the basis of your advisor’s recommendation, demonstrated potential for success in your graduate program, and previous experience that indicates strong potential to be an effective Graduate Advisor. If you do not meet the enrollment requirement, you should consult with the manager of the GA Program before applying.
Can I still be a GA if I will be away from campus for an extended period of time?
GAs are expected to be on campus and able to fulfill the responsibilities of their position each week during an academic term. It is typical and appropriate for GAs to be away from campus for up to a week at a time to attend professional conferences, do field research or other professional commitments, and for vacation and personal commitments. It is also typical for a GA to take one or two weeks away from the position during the time when they are defending their thesis or are engaged in another significant academic milestone. GA candidates who would like to be away from campus for more than one week at a time, or who need to be away from campus frequently, should consult with the manager of the GA Program and seek an exception to this requirement before applying.
I have a spouse/domestic partner - can s/he live with me?
Some of the GA living spaces are large enough to accommodate a domestic partner, while others are not. Furniture is provided for only one person. Placement in one of the larger living spaces cannot be guaranteed for selected candidates, and this may be a factor to consider in deciding whether or not to accept the position if an offer is made. If you have additional questions about this, please consult with the manager of the GA Program.
What are the GA living spaces like?
The GA living spaces vary widely. A few spaces are essentially dorm rooms that were designed for two undergraduates and are comprised of one moderately-sized room or two smaller rooms, and the GA uses the communal bathroom on the floor and the communal kitchen located elsewhere in the building. The other spaces are configured more like small apartments and may include a private bathroom and a kitchenette. GAs are not typically allowed to move from one hall to another between academic years unless there is a compelling programmatic benefit in doing so. GAs are compensated the same regardless of the quality of the living space, though GAs without a kitchenette are given an additional $200 per term for meals in the dining halls.
How are the GA living spaces furnished? Can I bring my own furniture? Is any storage provided?
Each GA living space is fully furnished, usually with standard residence hall furniture. Standard furniture includes a twin or double bed (depending on the space), dresser, desk and desk chair, small shelf, a small refrigerator, and a wastebasket. Some spaces may have additional furniture based on the layout of the space and what previous GAs have left behind. The bed can be removed and placed in storage, but all other College-provided furniture should remain in the living space, unless granted an exception. Storage is not available for the GA to store personal furniture; however, the GA does have access to the Trunk Room in their hall in which empty boxes and luggage can be stored, and also to the Controlled Storage areas where a few boxes of personal belongings can be stored for a small fee, if space allows.
Can I have a pet?
Pets are not allowed in residence halls. The only exception is fish in an aquarium that is 10 gallons or less in volume.
What are some of the other residence hall policies that I should know about?
GAs are expected to follow the same policies as undergraduates who live in the residence halls. Policies that are usually most relevant to GAs are those related to fire safety and food preparation - prohibited items include toasters, hot pots, and similar items; heaters; and candles and incense. Smoking is not allowed in the GA living spaces. GAs are allowed to have microwave ovens as an exception to the appliances policy, though other food preparation policies still apply to GAs who do not have a kitchenette in their living space.
The full listing of policies can be found in the College Residence Policies and Terms.
Is parking provided for GAs?
We are not able to provide special parking to GAs. GAs are responsible for making their own arrangements for parking, and parking assignments are at the sole discretion of the Parking Operations office.
When does GA training take place?
GA training typically takes place in late July and throughout August, and is scheduled around the GAs’ schedules as much as possible. The training is not intensive and involves less than 6 hours per week for a 3-4 week period. GAs will also be expected to participate in some sessions during the all-staff training that takes place in the first and second weeks of September. This training includes the undergraduate staff members who work in the halls as well as the professional staff in the Residential Education Program.
Where can I learn more about the residential program and the Office of Residential Life?
Please contact a current GA or Krista Beron and visit our website.
|
