What is a Heartland Center traineeship?
The Heartland Center is funded by a government agency (NIOSH) for training future occupational health and safety professionals. A Heartland Center trainee is a graduate student who follows the curriculum requirements for one of the following programs: Agricultural Safety and Health, Ergonomics, Industrial Hygiene, Occupational Injury Prevention, and Occupational Safety.
Who is eligible for a Heartland Center traineeship?
Only U.S. students enrolled in a graduate-level academic program associated with the Heartland Center are eligible for a traineeship. International students are not eligible for a Heartland Center traineeship unless they have been admitted for permanent residency (I-551 or I-151 card).
How much financial support does a student receive from a Heartland Center traineeship?
Traineeship amounts may vary each year according to the availability of funding and the number of trainees enrolled in each academic program. Support can range from full tuition reimbursement to tuition reimbursement along with the maximum stipend amount (currently $26,352).
For what length and period of time can traineeship appointments be made?
Appointments are generally made for a 12 month period of time starting at the beginning of the trainee’s first semester. For a new trainee starting in the fall semester, the first stipend payment will be October 1. Stipends are then paid in monthly installments. A final payment is made on June 1 if graduating in the spring semester. A student can receive up to a maximum of 5 years of funding as a Heartland Center trainee.
Are there limitations on receiving tuition or stipend support?
There are no restrictions on receiving tuition support. Only full-time degree-seeking students (at least 9 semester hours of course work during the fall or spring semester, or in post-comp status as a PhD student) can receive a stipend. Trainees cannot receive a stipend allotment while working in an employment position >50%. The appointment period includes the summer, therefore no stipend allotment will be given during summer months in which a paid internship is performed. Otherwise, monthly stipend payments continue uninterrupted during each year appointed as a trainee.
Can I receive both a Heartland Center stipend and a GRA appointment?
Stipend recipients desiring to also obtain a Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) can do so with the expectation that the GRA position is not so burdensome as to hinder academic progress, and requires completion of a form detailing the GRA position to all involved (advisor, trainee, GRA supervisor, program director). However, trainees already receiving the maximum stipend amount will have his/her stipend reduced if also receiving funding through a GRA. A written policy on stipends and GRA appointments is available upon request and should be consulted before accepting a GRA appointment. Given the “50% rule” mentioned above, a stipend holder cannot also have a GRA appointment greater than 50%.
Can I receive both a Heartland Center stipend and a TA appointment?
Stipend recipients desiring to also obtain a Teaching Assistantship (TA) can do so with the expectation that the TA position is not so burdensome as to hinder academic progress.
What is the process for initiating financial support?
The following two steps are needed in order to initiate your financial support:
- You will be given an offer letter from the University HR department via email, which you must sign in order and return to put you in the payment system of the university.
- You will also be contacted by Ms. Mindy Sickels via email with instructions on how to set up an account on the US Government’s “XTrain” system which is needed to obtain the funds for your tuition and/or stipend allotments. The instructions are also provided in this link: Xtrain Student Form Instructions
Can a part-time student receive Heartland Center support?
Part-time students, as defined by the University of Iowa, can receive tuition support from a Heartland Center traineeship, but not a stipend.
If an out-of-state resident, is there any advantage to becoming an Iowa resident?
No. All Heartland trainees receive full tuition support regardless of their state of origin.
Will I receive health benefits?
All full-time University of Iowa students are eligible for health insurance through the Student Health Insurance Plan. Heartland Center trainees who receive a stipend with an annual amount of $10,000 or more are eligible for student health insurance at a reduced monthly rate. For more information see: http://hr.uiowa.edu/benefits/health-insurance-graduate-students
Is income from a NIOSH traineeship taxable?
Please see the University Human Resources website for more information on this issue: http://www.grad.uiowa.edu/graduate-student-stipends-and-benefits/taxes