Course Assistants
Course Assistants
A Course Assistant (CA) is an undergraduate student who provides instructional support through duties such as assisting with grading, hosting office hours, helping with lab courses, or leading sections. Course Assistants are an essential part of the Physics educational experience, and what better way to learn than from your peers? As a CA, you also have the opportunity to deepen your understanding of critical, foundational material. CAs typically work an average of 10–12 hours per week over the term.
Types of CAs
- CA 1s (Junior Rate CAs) perform duties such as grading, holding office hours, and attending Physics Nights. These CAs provide instructional support outside the typical class period.
- CA 2s (Senior Rate CAs) perform duties such as leading sections or supporting lab courses. These CAs provide instructional support during the typical class period.
Requirements
- Sophomore standing: Students must have attained sophomore standing before the course begins. First-year students are not eligible to apply. We encourage first-year students to focus on adjusting to academic life and gaining experience in their Physics courses.
- Minimum GPA of 3.33: This threshold is intended to help students balance a CA role with their other commitments.
CA for Introductory Courses
Join us for the opportunity to provide instructional support for some of the foundational and exciting courses that kick off the Physics concentration. Apply to be a Course Assistant for Physics 15A, 15B, 15C, 143A or Intro Lab!
As part of the application, you will be asked to provide:
- An informal transcript
- A CV or résumé
- A brief statement of interest
Spring '27 Application Dates
Application opens: November 4, 2026
Application closes: November 30, 2026
CA for Advanced Courses
If you want to CA for other courses, reach out to the lead instructor directly, usually around eight weeks after the term begins. Students selected to CA for an advanced course will receive a separate appointment form.
FAQs
Pay rates for Course Assistants are negotiated and determined by the Harvard Graduate Student Union (HGSU-UAW) contract. Current rates are available on the OUE Instructional Support website.
As of November 3, 2026, the current CA pay rates are:
- Course Assistant 1 (GSU011), Junior rate: $21 per hour
- Course Assistant 2 (GSU012), Senior rate: $23 per hour
Yes, undergraduates may serve as CAs for multiple courses or hold a CA position alongside a non-instructional job. However, their total employment hours across all positions cannot exceed 20 hours per week.
Course Assistants are eligible for training through the Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning at the start of the term. More information will be provided once the dates become available.
Each course and instructor may have different expectations or requirements for their CAs. Once hired, faculty and CAs should meet to discuss expectations around duties, due dates, communication plans, and contingency plans in case a CA is unable to fulfill all or part of their duties.
- Lecture CAs who do not teach sections are generally designated as CA 1s.
CAs designated as Head CAs, or students who work at the level of a TF, may be eligible for a CA 2 designation and pay rate. The Lead Instructor must request the promotion.