Bobcat Buddies Ambassador Program

Thank you for your interest in the Bobcat Buddies new hire ambassador program. This program is designed to provide new Bobcat Employees the opportunity to connect with current employees to experience the culture of TXST and expand their social network. Considering the many organizational changes this past year, the HR team has paused the program and will relaunch soon. Keep an eye out for updates in the near future!

What is Bobcat Buddies?

Starting a new job can be an exciting, but sometimes overwhelming experience. With a new and unfamiliar workplace and dozens of names to remember, learning the ropes can feel harrowing.

Bobcat Buddies is an ambassador program that connects new Bobcat employees with current staff to help familiarize them with Texas State, experience TXST culture, and expand their social network.

The program's purpose is to support our New Hires as they transition into their new career at TXST, reduce the learning curve, and increase staff retention.

How does it work?

How do I join?

FAQs and Resources

How does Bobcat Buddies work?

Bobcat Buddies and New Hires will be matched based on your common interests and intersection of roles at TXST. Once matched, you will welcome your New Hire and keep in touch with them during the first 90 days of employment.

Throughout your time as their buddy, you'll help promote a positive new hire experience by introducing them to TXST culture, resources, events, and more!

This includes meeting up (either virtually or in person) and checking in via email, Teams chat, or whatever way works best for you and your New Hire. The time commitment may vary, but the estimated minimum is 20 hours over 90 days.

Bobcat Buddies Application Process, Complete the Bobcat Buddies Interest Survey, Human Resources will verify that you are eligible to participate, Your supervisor will complete the Supervisor Approval Form indicating they support your participation, Complete the Matching Survey and online training course in SF Learning, Attend a live Zoom session, Get Matched

How do I join Bobcat Buddies?

Interested in being a new hire ambassador and helping our new Bobcat employees become familiar with different aspects of campus? There are three ways to join the Bobcat Buddies program—volunteering, being nominated, or via referrals—all begin with completing the Bobcat Buddies Interest Survey.

Once submitted, the Bobcat Buddies committee will review and select applicants who meet the following criteria:

Regular part or full-time staff
No disciplinary actions or document performance concerns within the preceding 12 months
6 months continuously employed at TXST or a TXST Alum
Supervisor approval
Ability to commit 20 hours over 90 days on an ongoing basis

FAQs

Expand FAQ List

When will the Bobcat Buddy program officially launch?

The HR team is updating this program to ensure its continued success. Look for further details soon!
If I'm a newly hired Bobcat employee, am I able to be a Bobcat Buddy?

We appreciate your excitement and willingness to get involved. However, we ask that all Buddies have one year of employment at TXST before participating as a Bobcat Buddy.
How will a Bobcat Buddy know when they've been matched to a New Hire?

HR has created a questionnaire to gather personal interest information (e.g., hobbies) from Bobcat Buddies and New Hires. Buddies and New Hires will be matched based on their common interests or intersection of roles at TXST. Once matched, HR will email the Buddy with all of the information they need to welcome their New Hire!
How many New Hires could a Bobcat Buddy be matched with at one time?

The program's goal is a one-to-one ratio; however, Bobcat Buddies could be matched with a maximum of two New Hires at one time.

Each Bobcat Buddy could be matched with a maximum of 8 New Hires per year.
Can I be a Bobcat Buddy for a new hire within my department?

The intent of the Bobcat Buddies program is to connect New Hires with employees outside of their department (which helps them create a network of resources). You can always be an unofficial 'buddy' to anyone who is hired within your department!
Is Bobcat Buddies to be done during work hours or outside of work hours?

The intent is to have Bobcat Buddies connect with New Hires during work hours. Connecting outside of work hours is encouraged, but entirely voluntary!

More FAQs Coming Soon!

Bobcat Buddies Resources:

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Info Session Recording

Did you miss the Bobcat Buddies info session? We've got you covered! Check out the Info Session video recording to learn more about participation requirements and goals of this new program.

Have Questions?

For more information about this program, please contact hr@txstate.edu or call 5.2557.