The GPSI Office is currently unavailable to meet with walk-in visitors. To meet with a member of the GPSI team, please email gpsimail@uis.edu to schedule an appointment.
GPSI Policy Manual and Resignation Information
Policy Manual
The GPSI Policy Manual contains current information about the policies and procedures that govern the GPSI program. While a GPSI intern, it is your responsibility to understand what is required of you and to adhere to all program policies.
The manual is updated annually after the start of the fall term. If changes are implemented prior to the annual revisions, you will be contacted via e-mail by the GPSI office.
If you have questions or need program information, please consult the manual before calling the GPSI office.
Resignation Information
If you need to resign your GPSI internship, you MUST submit a letter of resignation at least two weeks prior to your resignation date, if possible. The letter needs to be dated, contain your date of resignation, and be signed by both you and your supervisor. The letter can be faxed, scanned and e-mailed, or hand delivered to the GPSI Director. Additionally, students who resign or are terminated from a GPSI position are no longer eligible for future GPSI placements.
Policy on Dual Program Applicants
Applicants can choose to apply for both the Graduate Assistantship and Graduate Public Service Internship programs simultaneously, however, once an applicant has accepted a position, they are no longer eligible to be considered for the other program’s applicant pool.
Sick Leave, Personal Leave & Extended Leave Information
Sick Leave and Personal Leave
GPSI interns do not receive sick or personal leave, but would not be encouraged to fulfill internship hours in person if ill. Interns should communicate with their supervisor if they are unable to fulfill hours due to illness or a personal matter.
Interns are required to complete a minimum number of hours each semester of their internship. The GPSI program has taken this requirement into consideration, and there is flexibility to take some time off and still complete your required internship hours. Interns are encouraged to seek advanced approval (whenever possible) if they wish to take time off, and create a plan with their supervisor to ensure the required internship hours will be completed.
Extended Leave
Military Leave: Interns who serve in the military may refer to the university's Leave Policies. If an intern goes on military leave, the placement agency may decide whether the intern can return to the internship at the end of their leave.
Unpaid Leave: Unpaid leaves of absence will be considered on a limited, case-by-case basis and only under extraordinary circumstances. Interns should immediately communicate with their supervisor and the GPSI Office if they need to take a leave of absence. Approval for such requests is not guaranteed.
Earnings Statements and Taxability of Stipends, Tuition, and Fee Waivers
- As a current intern, you can view your current Earnings Statements online.
- You can download your W-2s online as well.
- GPSI living stipends are subject to federal and state taxes. Current law exempts GPSI interns from having to pay taxes on tuition and fee waivers associated with the internship. To learn more about the tuition waiver taxability information, refer to the GPSI Policy Manual. You may also visit the OBFS Tuition Fee Waiver Website.
“The GPSI program provided me with a high quality, practical learning experience in preparation for a future career in public service.”
Grant Hammer, Executive Office – Illinois Department of Agriculture
As a GPSI intern, I played a key role in the development and delivery of the IEPA’s “Dive In” program that reached over 500 fourth grade students on the importance of protecting and restoring our natural resources and taking care of the world around us.
Kelly Mull, IL Environmental Protection Agency