GSA Student Volunteer Service Program (SERVICE)

Purpose:

This Order issues and transmits General Services Administration (GSA) policy governing the use of Student Volunteers.

Background:

The Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-454) authorized the Federal Government Volunteer Student Service. The Student Volunteer Service Program gives qualified students a means to volunteer their services to GSA, allowing volunteers to gain work experience, knowledge, and engage in early career exploration. Selected students are allowed to work on a non-pay voluntary basis during a specific time and under the direction of a designated GSA employee.

Applicability:

1. This order applies to all GSA offices and departments that engage in the Student Volunteer Service Program. The policy outlines the framework for the management and oversight of student volunteers, ensuring compliance with the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-454), 5 USC Section 3111, and 5 CFR 308. It is applicable to all qualified students who volunteer their services to GSA on a non-compensated basis and GSA employees designated as supervisors who are responsible for overseeing the activities and integration of student volunteers within their respective areas.
2. The Office of Inspector General (OIG) has independent personnel authority. See Section 6 of the Inspector General Act of 1978, (5 U.S.C. App.3), as amended (Inspector General is authorized “to select, appoint, and employ such officers and employees as may be necessary for carrying out the functions, powers, and duties of the Office of Inspector General”) and GSA Order ADM 5450.39D CHGE 1 GSA Delegations of Authority Manual (Delegations Manual), Chapter 2, Part 1 (“the Inspector General has independent authority to formulate policies and make determinations concerning human capital issues within the [OIG]” and GSA determinations/delegations do not limit that authority). Similarly, GSA specifically recognizes that the Inspector General has independent authority to formulate policies and make determinations concerning training, employee development, and career management.
3. This Order applies to the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals (CBCA) only to the extent that the CBCA determines it is consistent with the CBCA’s independent authority under the Contract Disputes Act and it does not conflict with other CBCA policies or the CBCA’s mission.

Cancellation:

This Order cancels and supersedes  HRM 9308.1 GSA Student Volunteer Services Program (SERVICE), dated November 16, 2017. 

Summary of Changes:

1. Duty titles were updated to align with the Office of Human Resources Management (OHRM) 2024 reorganization.
2. Minor language, formatting, and informational structure changes to improve logical flow and readability.
3. Updated all references with valid links for all citations.
4. Shifted the program oversight from HR Service Center Directors to the Staffing Services Center Section Chiefs in their assigned areas.
5. Program responsibilities and roles of various stakeholders (e.g., HR Specialist, Staffing Branch Chief, Services and Staff Offices) are more explicitly defined.
6. Volunteer agreement requirements expanded to specify minimum components, participating parties and emphasize the termination requirement when transferring educational institutions.