Resident Advisors at Penn are on the frontlines of student health and well-being at Penn.

In September 2023, 87% of RAs voted in favor of unionizing with OPEIU 153. This decision reflected RAs collective resolve to have more input and fair compensation for their substantial contributions to campus life.

While (G)RAs have had some success in negotiations with Penn regarding details of the contract, four of our proposals remain open, including our demands for compensation and room and board, which we originally proposed over four months ago, in January.

The job of (G)RAs includes so many responsibilities which currently go unpaid, including training periods which amount to over 40 hours of full time work, twice per academic year, their 24/7 roles as campus safety authorities, and the many programs they host and administrative duties they carry out throughout the academic year.

(G)RAs demand that Penn agree to a complete contract by May 14, 2024 which in addition to the already agreed upon articles, includes:

1. Monetary compensation for the important work that (G)RAs do, in the form of a stipend distributed in four installments, twice each semester.

2. Room and Board, which provides free housing for all (G)RAs and a free meal plan which includes enough meal swipes and dining dollars to meet our dietary needs.

The administration’s recognition and fair response to these demands are not merely about enhancing working conditions; it's about respecting and valuing the indispensable human element that RAs bring to the student experience at Penn, as well as the immeasurable number of hours they put into ensuring Penn students’ safety and well-being. This is about ensuring the sustainability of a living and learning environment that lives up to the reputation and standards of Penn.