Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many sessions can I miss in a semester?
You may only have two unexcused absences per semester. Any more after two could result in removal from the program. You may not miss any sessions within the last month of the semester.
Q: What do I do when I enter the school?
All students must check-in using the "Tap-In" device, located at the front desk using their phone. This does not apply for any virtual sessions. Please do not share your login information with any student. This violates UC's technology policy.
Q: What do I do when I leave the school?
Alll students must check-out by scanning the QR code located the front desk which will prompt you to complete a survey about your experience and capture your attendance.
Q: What happens if I forget to "Tap-In" or check-out?
Failure to tap in and out could result in service hours not being properly logged and verified.
Q: What do I do if I cannot make a session?
Please email Bearcatbuddies@uc.edu if you are going to miss a session. Make sure the subject line is a brief description of what your email entails.
Q: How many sessions can I miss in a semester?
Please email Bearcatbuddies@uc.edu if you are going to miss a session. Make sure the subject line is a brief description of what your email entails. You are allowed to miss two unexcused sessions per semester but no sessions in the last month of either the Fall or Spring Semester. Any missed sessions after two could result in you being suspended from the program and having any hours you already tutored revoked regardless of the number of sessions you attended.
Q: What is considered an excused and an unexcused absence?
Excused absences are tests, labs, emergencies, etc. Unexcused absences are things like missing the van, needing to study, etc. Any excused missing sessions should be accompanied with a proper note from your doctors, coaches, or professor.
Q: How long does it take for the background check to be processed? How do I know I passed?
Background checks can take up to thirty days to process. You will only be notified if you don't pass your background check.
Q: What address can I put on the background check?
You may use either your home address or the address where you are staying for school. The key requirement is that the address you provide is complete and accurate.
Q: Where do I turn in the background check at?
If you want to turn in a physical background check, you must complete it in pen, include a full address (address, city, and zip code), and include your social security number. If you do not have a social security number, you must include a copy of your passport photo and passport number along with the form. Please drop it off at Center for Community Engagement (2639
Clifton Avenue- Stratford Heights Building 19) in a secure lockbox outside the
office.
Alternatively, you can scan it and send it to the Bearcat Buddies email address (Bearcatbuddies@uc.edu). Or you can upload it in the designated section of the orientation form. Please choose whichever method works best for you.
Q: When do I need to turn in my background check by?
Background checks must be turned in before your first tutoring session.
Q: Do I need to send a picture of my ID or passport?
Yes. You must provide a secondary form of verification (example: driver's license or passport, State ID).
Q: How often do I have to complete a background check?
All tutors must complete a background check once every year.
Q: How will I know that a session has been cancelled?
You will receive an email from Bearcat Buddies stating that your session has been cancelled.
Q: Will I receive service hours for a cancelled session?
Yes. You will receive service hours for the cancelled session.
Q: Will I get paid for a cancelled session?
No. Federal Work Study students cannot get paid for cancelled sessions.
Q: I have a question about Bearcat Buddies Employment (Federal Work Study)
Please refer to the Bearcat Buddies Employment FAQ page for all related questions.
Q: How do I know who my lead tutor is?
Your lead tutor will contact you to invite you to a GroupMe chat.
Q: What if I cannot make orientation?
Fall 2025 In-Person orientation has passed. Please email Bearcatbuddies@uc.edu for a virtual makeup session.
Q: What does virtual orientation consist of?
The virtual orientation consists of participating in a Microsoft Teams meeting.
Q: How often do I need to attend orientation?
All tutors must attend orientation once every year.
Q: When and where do I pick up my t-shirt at?
You can obtain a t-shirt in various ways. The best way is to stop by the Bearcat Buddies headquarters located at 2639 Clifton Avenue, Stratford Heights Building 19, Cincinnati Ohio, 45211 during operating hours from Monday through Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Q: What do I wear to tutoring sessions?
All Bearcat Buddies must be in compliance with the Bearcat Buddies dress code. You must have your Bearcat Buddies T-Shirt and student ID to enter all school buildings to tutor for your session. This ensures you are easily identifiable to school leadership and students. It provides our program compliance with school security procedures. If you do not have your Bearcat Buddy T-Shirt, you may wear a solid red shirt or any UC branded clothing along with your ID. Failure to abide by these requirements could result in being denied access into the school for your tutoring session.
Q: Can I see my little buddy outside of the tutoring sessions?
No. Our partnership with our schools does not allow for engagement outside of school. Students interested in engaging with students outside of Bearcat Buddies should look on our volunteer portal for mentoring programs. Additional opportunities may be available by emailing Grad Cincinati psa@gradcincinnati.org. The subject line “Mentor Interest.”
Q: How do I register for tutoring sessions?
To sign up for sessions, please visit the Register for Bearcat Buddies tab.
Q: Are there any virtual tutoring sessions?
Yes. Click on the Register for Bearcat Buddies tab, and then select the dropdown for virtual sessions.
Q: I can't commit anymore. How do I unregister from sessions?
Please send an email to Bearcatbuddies@uc.edu stating you're unable to commit to your sessions, your reason why, and include your name, session name, day, and time in the email as it appears on the volunteer portal.
Q: How many tutoring sessions are there in a semester?
Most semesters will include at least 10 sessions, but holidays and other calendar irregularities may decrease the number of possible sessions. It is your responsibility to register for as many sessions as you need to satisfy your service requirements.
Q: How many hours do I get for each tutoring session?
Tutors may receive 0.5-2 hours of off-campus community service credit for most tutoring sessions unless otherwise indicated
Q: How do I log my volunteer hours?
Make sure you "Tap-In" once you enter the school and “Tap Out” by scanning a QR code when you leave the school. The QR will prompt you to fill out a survey about your experience. At "Tap Out", you will be prompted to request service hours for your session if you are volunteering.
If you are Federal Work Study, you cannot volunteer and receive compensation at the same time.
Q: How do I submit my volunteer hours for my scholarship?
Students with the Cincinnatus, Darwin T. Turner, UC Global, and Outreach scholarships will have their hours reported on their behalf. Students with other scholarships and course requirements should contact BearcatBuddies@uc.edu to make arrangements for any other reporting verification they may need.
Q: What happens if I violate the Bearcat Buddies Volunteer Agreement?
Please note that should any of the items in the Bearcat Buddies Volunteer Agreement and Expectations policy document be violated, the CCE will not award community service hours. Appeals to the implementation of this policy will be considered on a case by case basis by the program support staff.
Q: Do I tutor on school holidays or when the school is closed?
No. We follow Cincinnati Public Schools calendar. If schools are closed for holidays, breaks, or other closures, tutoring is not held. View the full district calendar here.
Tutoring sessions may be canceled due to road conditions. While we hope unforeseen cancellations are minimized, sessions may be canceled in the interest of safety for students who may still be expected to travel to and from school buildings. Please check local news sources for information regarding school closings and delays.
- If Cincinnati Public Schools are closed, tutoring will be canceled.
- If the University of Cincinnati is closed, tutoring will be canceled.
- If Cincinnati Public Schools are on a delay, tutoring will be canceled.
Q: Where is the pickup location?
The pickup location is on the backside of the Lindner College of Business, facing the campus greens on Campus Green Drive.
Q: What time does the van arrive at the pickup location?
The van will arrive at the pickup location approximately five minutes before the scheduled start time and will depart shortly thereafter. Additionally, please ensure that your session includes transportation; if it does not, the listed time is when you should sign in at the school.
Q: What time does the van leave the pickup location?
If transportation is provided to the school, the time listed is the time the van will leave for the school.
Q: When should I be at the pickup location?
Please plan on arriving five to ten minutes before the listed time to ensure you do not miss the van.
Q: What should I do if the van is late?
Please allow a five minute grace period for van drivers if they are running late. Leadership (Lead Tutors and Ambassadors) have access to Life360 and can track the van.
Q: What should I do if I witness erratic driving or unsafe conditions?
Please email Bearcatbuddies@uc.edu.