How to Become a Bearcat Buddy
Students interested in parcipating in Bearcat Buddies must decide if they want to participate for volunteer hours or employment income. Students must be federal work study elligble for employment. Students interested in participating for employment should follow the Bearcat Buddies Employment guidelines before completing the registration steps. Students interested in participating for volunteer hours can proceed to registration.
Fall 2025 Registration is closed. If you're interested in participating in Bearcat Buddies for the Spring of 2026, please use the button below to pre-register for priority registration.
Orientation
The Spring 2026 Orientation Date is TBD. If you attended orientation (in-person or virtual) in the fall, you do not have to attend it again.
Background Checks
All tutors are required to complete a local background each year. Background check forms can be found here. If you have previously completed a background check, it is valid through the remainder of the semester during which you are tutoring and you may be excused from completing a background check.
Bearcat Buddies Program Agreement
Every tutor must complete a Bearcat Buddies Program Agreement prior to tutoring. Volunteer agreements are completed during the registration process. For reference, active and perspective tutors can view a copy of the volunteer agreement here: Bearcat Buddies Agreement
New Tutors: What to Expect
After you have completed all of your Bearcat Buddies orientation, you will get an email notification from the portal with reminders about the sessions you registered for. Please refer to your volunteer portal for specific information regarding transportation, time, and day, for your particular session.
At the conclusion of the semester, you will be required to complete a Bearcat Buddies evaluation form before final hours are awarded.