Become a freshman proctor or house tutor and play a key role in the life of Harvard
GSAS students are encouraged to explore freshman Proctor and House Tutor positions, which provide not only an opportunity to take part in the life of Harvard College, but also a valuable educational and administrative experience.
Freshman Proctors
Freshman Proctors live in the historic freshman dorms and serve as the primary academic, residential, social, and personal advisor to a group of first-year students at Harvard College. Each Proctor works under the direction of a Resident Dean of Freshmen to create an academic and social community for roughly 20 to 25 first-year students within an entryway. In addition, the Proctor serves as the targeted academic advisor to approximately 6 to 10 first year students. Because the Proctor is a resource and advisor who lives in the dormitories, she or he also provides important personal and social counsel as first-year students adjust to life in the College.
Proctors are provided housing in the Yard and meals in the extraordinary Annenberg Dining Hall. The Proctor community is a vibrant amalgam of graduate students and exempt-level officers who bring diverse academic and life interests to a common commitment to the growth of bright, engaged first-year students. Proctor appointments are reviewed and, if appropriate renewed annually.
Application Process
Please check the Freshman Dean’s Office website for Proctor application information. The deadline for applications is rolling, but priority will be given to those who submit applications by January 6, 2012.
House Tutors
There are 12 residential Houses, each with approximately 450 students, along with Dudley House, which serves GSAS students and has approximately 70 undergraduate affiliates.
House Tutors, both resident and nonresident, are expected to be advisers to, and intellectual role models for, undergraduates. Although each House may have different specific expectations, the following may be considered as general guidelines for Tutors.
Resident Tutors are required to participate in any House-specific training, as well as the University-wide Tutor Orientation Program in August, and to be in residence from the time students arrive through Commencement, holding direct responsibility for a given entry, hallway, or building. All Tutors participate actively in House life and are accessible to students for both academic and personal counseling. Most Tutors are also required to be sophomore advisers.
Resident Tutors are provided housing and meals to enable them to meet the responsibilities outlined above. Some Tutors may receive additional compensation for special appointments in the House. An important reward for becoming a House Tutor is the fellowship of the Senior Common Room, which is made up of scholars from a wide range of disciplines and ages.
Application Process
To become a House Tutor, apply online.
The online submission should include a cover letter and resume. Among other things, the letter might describe specific academic interests and potential contributions to the scholarly life of students in the House, special nonacademic activities (hobbies or cultural, political, and community activities) and ways you might share these with members of the House, and any dorm-living experiences you may have had in college or elsewhere. Each member of a partnered or married couple should both submit information through the online portal.
For information about the Dudley Co-operative and working with non-residents, contact the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Additional information is available on the Office of Student Life website. Completed Tutor applications and all supporting materials must be submitted by Friday, January 27, 2012.