In response to calls to revisit the engagement of students in academic development, the authors -- an educational development consultant and a graduate student -- share the findings of a nation-wide study which explored how Canadian teaching and learning centres (TLCs) partner with graduate students in academic development (AD). This paper highlights the benefits and challenges identified by the participants and draws on students-as-partners (SaP) literature to frame the recommendations and lessons learned about how to engage graduate students meaningfully and ethically in AD activities. We share pragmatic strategies while emphasizing the importance of aligning partnerships with the SaP principles of respect, reciprocity, and responsibility.