The University of Pennsylvania is an extraordinary collegiate community with thirteen College Houses at the center of the undergraduate experience. The Houses bring together students, faculty, and staff to form vibrant residential communities within the larger context of a vast, urban campus.
We invite students, staff and faculty to engage in our dynamic communities, whether on a voluntary or compensated basis.
Professional Staff in Each House
Each House has one House Director who leads day-to-day community and student support initiatives, including the supervision of RA staff members. All have advanced degrees and serve as academic advisors and mentors to their residents; many teach at the University as well. Each House also has a talented House Coordinator who work directly with residents and provides administrative and logistical support to the house community.
Faculty in Each House
Each House has one Faculty Director, a tenured professor drawn from the diverse Schools of the University, and two to four College House Fellows (faculty as well as some senior University administrators) who assist in bringing academic life out of the classroom and into the homes of students. Faculty in residence also serve as mentors while inviting colleagues from various disciplines into the House for informative dinners and discussions. You can read about one House Fellow's experience here.
Paraprofessional Student Team in Each House
There are over 200 Resident Advisors in residence to plan activities and assist students with a wide range of issues. They also help students make connections to others as well as campus resources. Many Houses hire a team of Student House Managers who assist with everything from running the House social media to managing events and facilities to facilitating House Council and other opportunities. Student employees also provide in-house computing help under the direction of College House Technology.
College Houses Administrative Staff
College Houses and Academic Services is guided by a central staff composed of administrative staff, College House Technology staff, marketing staff, and the senior leadership team, whose job it is to ensure that the faculty, staff, and RA team in each College House have the resources and support they need to provide our student residents with an academically enriched, personally supportive College House experience.