Bearcat Buddies Student Employment
Bearcat Buddies Program: Evolving for Students
Since its inception in 2010, the Bearcat Buddies program has provided students with opportunities to fulfill service hour requirements and engage in community service as a means of maintaining scholarship eligibility. In 2021, students expressed a growing interest in participating in Bearcat Buddies not only for service hours but also as a potential source of employment. In response, the Bearcat Buddies Leadership Team collaborated with the University of Cincinnati's Financial Aid Office in August 2022 to address this need. This collaboration has allowed more students to participate in the Bearcat Buddies program to earn income while simultaneously gaining valuable experience and supporting their local communities.
How to Apply for Bearcat Buddies Employment
If you are a student interested in participating in the Bearcat Buddies program for employment, you must complete both the standard University of Cincinnati employee onboarding process and the Bearcat Buddies Program onboarding.
To initiate the employment process, please email the Federal Work Study email at FedWorkStudy@ucmail.uc.edu, using the subject line "Bearcat Buddies Employment." In the body of your email, simply state: "Hello, I’d like to be considered for Bearcat Buddies Employment."
A representative from the Financial Aid Office will assess your eligibility and provide you with any necessary next steps. Once your eligibility is confirmed and your onboarding has commenced, you may proceed with registering for the Bearcat Buddies program.
Please note: You cannot begin earning compensation until you have completed all University of Cincinnati HR onboarding requirements. However, you are welcome to volunteer until those requirements are fully met. If you are determined to be ineligible for employment, we would still be delighted to have you participate through volunteering.
Bearcat Buddies Reading Coach / Advanced Tutoring
Bearcat Buddies has a limited number of advanced tutoring positions available for interested students. To learn more, email Bearcatbuddies@uc.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I enter my hours into UCFlex?
You have to enter your time into UCFlex by either downloading the VPN (this must be completed off campus) or by using UC MOBILE app (you can clock in/out on the home page under campus tools) AND you must keep a timesheet as well.
Q: What should I do if I cannot clock in with UCFlex?
If you haven’t completed onboarding you will not be able to clock in. If you have completed onboarding and still cannot clock in then please email the federal work study email at FedWorkStudy@ucmail.uc.edu if you are unable to clock in with UCFlex.
Q: Can I work and get service hours at the same time?
No. It is against University policy for a student to receive federal work study dollars and volunteer service hours at the same time. Students must pick one or the other with their intent to participate form with the Financial Aid Office.
Q: Can I register for a Bearcat Buddy tutoring session while completing the HR onboarding process?
Yes. You can register for Bearcat Buddies sessions. However, you cannot earn money until you have completed all of your onboarding with HR and Bearcat Buddies. If your onboarding is still in process when tutoring starts, you can elect to have those hours count towards volunteer hours until you become eligible for employment, which is after you complete your onboarding with HR.
Q: When is the timesheet due and how do I submit it?
The timesheet is due every 2 weeks. You can complete this electronically. You will need to enter your time on the timesheet that is exactly like the time you clocked in. You can view your timesheet on UCFlex. Once you have completed your timesheet and signed it, please send this to your supervisor. Send your timesheet as an attachment PDF.
Q: When do I receive my timesheet?
After your UC onboarding is complete, you will get your timesheet.
Q: What if I tutor at more than one school?
You must keep a separate timesheet for each school you tutor at and have each supervisor sign each one.
Q: What if my timesheet is late or I forget to do it?
If your timesheet is late there is a chance you will not get paid until next pay period, so submit your timesheet as soon as you complete your last session.
Q: Can I get volunteer hours with Bearcat Buddies outside of my scheduled work hours?
Yes. However, you cannot receive compensation and volunteer hours at the same time. It is your responsibility to keep track of this distinction carefully. Please make sure to only log paid sessions on your timesheet and follow the proper procedures for requesting and documenting service hours for your volunteer sessions.
Q: If I was a Work Study Bearcat Buddy last year do I need to do anything for the new year?
Yes, You need to contact Federal Work Study FedWorkStudy@ucmail.uc.edu and let them know so that you can be updated in the payroll system.