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State Universities Civil Service System

Demonstration Projects


Section 250.140(e) of the Illinois Administrative Code (Code) (80 Ill. Adm. Code §250.140(e)) provides specific guidelines for the Merit Board to approve demonstration projects or pilot/study programs on a limited basis in order to investigate, research and gather information on new human resource processes.

These demonstration projects or pilot/study programs will serve as prototypes or trial versions of new human resource procedures appropriate for our civil service system in order to evaluate their applicability, efficiency, and usefulness in the public higher education arena. Data and evaluation information collected from these programs will assist the Merit Board in evaluating the overall effectiveness of those programs and provide direction for future formal rulemaking activities. Any interested party can submit a demonstration project or pilot/study program proposal in accordance with the guidelines found in section 7.2 of the Employment and Separation Procedures Manual.

Procedures Manual Link: Demonstration Projects or Pilot/Study Programs


Current Projects

There are currently no active Demonstration Projects.

Discontinued Projects

Student Employment Pathway Program

Available System Wide
Period of Project: January 1, 2017 – December 31, 2019; extended through December, 2021.

The purpose of this project is to develop partnerships within the higher education community, including community colleges and private institutions that lead to the granting of degrees or professional licenses and certifications to provide Civil Service employment opportunities for graduating or recently graduated students in professional occupations related to the student’s particular course of study. In doing so, this program provides an opportunity to hire recent graduates or continue relationships with current student workers with the intent of further honing their skills to meet the specific needs of employing departments. The overall success of this program will be measured by the long term and continuous employment of graduating Illinois students as permanent System employees. Specific occupational groups included in this program are limited to Professional, Semi-Professional, Managerial, and Medical Services.


Electronic Position Description System Demonstration Project

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Period of Project: September 1, 2016 – August 31, 2018

The purpose of this project is to implement an electronic platform and method of updating, authenticating, and submitting position descriptions to Human Resources from employees and supervisors at the College of ACES, specifically with the Extension Office Division. This electronic platform will also include the tracking of edits made to employee job descriptions and implement a chronological time stamp method for updating qualifications, duties, and job functions. The goal of the project is to assist in creating a more efficient method of updating and authenticating position descriptions that may be utilized system wide at the conclusion of the project.


Sponsored Programs Demonstration Project

University of Illinois at Chicago
Period of Project: July 1, 2014 – June 30, 2018

The purpose of this project is to implement a flexible employment process where applicants are recruited and selected in a similar fashion as a Civil Service status contract appointment, except that these positions are designated and assigned by funding source. This funding source may include, but is not limited to, federal or state grants, trusts, foundation, or corporate sources. The goal of the project is to allow the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) to employ qualified candidates in an expeditious manner without the possible consequence that an end in funding could cause a bumping implication and affect an entire campus.