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 Judy Reynolds at reyno2jd@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.
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: Can I work and get service hours at the same time?
No. It is against University policy for a student to recieve federal work study dollars and volunteer service hours at the same time. Students must pick one or the other on their intent to participate form with the Financial Aid Office.
Q: Can I register for a Bearcat Buddy tutoring session while completing the HR onbaording 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 elligble 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 with WORD or PDF.
Q: When do I recieve 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, so submit your timesheet as soon as you complete your last session.
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 Judy Reynolds at reyno2jd@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. (LINK)
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.