Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the definition of a student?

A. A student is an individual who has been accepted for enrollment, or who is enrolled, as a degree (diploma, certificate, etc.) seeking resident student in an accredited high school, technical or vocational school, 2-year or 4-year college or university, or graduate or professional school.

Q. How many credits or hours must a student be enrolled?

A. The student must be taking at least a half-time course load. The definition of half-time is the definition provided by the school in which the student is enrolled.

Q. How many times can a student be appointed to the Student Temporary Employment Program? Student Career Experience Program?

A. There is no limit on the number of times a student may be appointed as long as he/she meets the eligibility requirements for the appointment.

Q. Is a student pursuing a GED eligible for the Student Educational Employment Program?

A. Yes, a student enrolled in GED courses and pursuing a GED diploma meets the definition of student. Due to the general nature of the coursework, the student might not be eligible for the Student Career Experience Program, but would be eligible for the Student Temporary Employment Program.

Q. What are the age requirements for students to participate in the Student Educational Employment Program?

A. You must be 16 years of age.

Q. Does Veteran's Preference apply in the selection process for students?

A. Yes. Please see Veterans Preference for further information.

Q. Can students receive pay increases?

A. Yes. If Federal employees receive an annual cost of living increase, all students would receive this increase. Additionally, students in the Student Career Experience Program are eligible for what is referred to as within grade increases. For students in the Student Temporary Employment Program, eligibility for within grade increases depends on the pay system of the occupation. Temporary WG employees are eligible for within grade increases; temporary GS employees are not eligible for within grade increases.

Q. Can students be promoted?

A. Yes. Students in both programs are eligible for promotion. A GS employee is entitled to an increase in pay of at least two steps (about 6 percent) upon placement in a higher graded position without a break in service. A WG employee is entitled to an increase in pay of at least one step (about 4 percent). Please see the U. S. Office of Personnel Management Information on Federal Pay for further information.

Q. Are students eligible for annual and sick leave?

A. Yes. Students in both programs earn annual and sick leave.

Q. Are students eligible for health and life insurance benefits?

A. For newly employed students, health and life insurance coverage for Federal employees depends on the type of appointment an employee has and the expectation of substantial employment during the year. Please see the Benefits section for further information.

Q. What are the limits on the length of a "break in program" which a USGS manager can approve for a student?

A. There are no limits, however, it is at the discretion of the USGS. The USGS should assure themselves that the student is making reasonable progress towards the attainment of the degree/diploma etc. and that the needs of the manager and USGS are also being considered.

Q. May students still alternate school and work (i.e. work full-time this semester, and next semester go to school full-time, and not work at all)?

A. Yes. The student, school and USGS need to work together to accommodate the academic needs of the student and the work related needs of the agency. For students participating in the Student Career Experience Program, there must be a written agreement and a formally arranged schedule of school and work. Please see Form 9-3076 under the Apply section.