Chapter 1-3, Student Volunteer Service (August 25, 1998) |
A. References.
| Statute | 5 U.S.C. 3111 |
| Code of Federal Regulations | 5 CFR, Part 308 |
| Guidance | Sample agreement (WordPerfect® 6/7/8/9 format) |
| Key terms | Half-time |
B. Policy
Bureaus may accept the voluntary services of students with the permission of the institution at which the student is enrolled. Student volunteers may not displace Federal employees. They are not considered employees for any purposes other than injury compensation or laws related to the Federal Tort Claims Act.
Student Eligibility and Status. The minimum age is normally 18; however, when all of the regulatory conditions for volunteer service are met, the minimum age is 16. Nonetheless, any employment certificates or work permits required by the State or local authority must be obtained. Students must be in good standing academically, and eligible to continue as an enrolled student (i.e., enrolled at least half-time in an accredited high school, trade school, technical or vocational institute, junior college, college, university, or comparable recognized educational institution) in their respective institutions.
Security Clearances. At a minimum, a name and fingerprint check will be required for entry into this program.
C. Documentation and Reporting.
An OPF will be established for each student volunteer. The servicing personnel office will document student volunteer service by generating a Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form-50, when a student begins and ends the period of voluntary service.
A written agreement between the bureau and the educational institution must indicate the relative responsibilities of the school, the student, and the employing organization; the general nature and purpose of the work to be performed/assigned; whether the work is to be creditable for educational purposes; any reports or evaluations required by the school; a work schedule, if appropriate; the probable duration of the student's volunteer service; and some method of timekeeping.
OPM may request irregular reports on student volunteer service from Federal agencies. Based on information OPM has previously requested, Bureau Personnel Officers will maintain and have readily available the following data: academic level (i.e., high school, junior college, etc.); academic discipline; duty station; and sex, race, and ethnic background.
Last Updated June 7, 1999
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