Student Life Buddy

What is a Student Life Buddy?

A new employee’s onboarding can be greatly enhanced with a Student Life Buddy, an employee from another part of Division of Student Life who provides advice and guidance on the different aspects of working within the division and at the university. A Student Life Buddy can also act as a “sounding board” who offers encouragement as the new employee acclimates to the university culture and workplace.

Selection Criteria and Process

A successful Student Life Buddy is an employee who fully understands the university’s culture and environment, can be positive and constructive in the face of challenges, and wants to be a Student Life Buddy.

Additional criteria include:

• Worked at Kent State and within the Division of Student Life for at least 1 year.
• Time to be available to the employee.
• Work in a divisional department the employee may not otherwise interact with
• A solid performer.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Exemplifies the division’s values.
• Well regarded and trusted by others.

To kick off the program, the Employee Engagement Committee will invite people to be buddies and match them with new employees. As program matures, individuals can volunteer to be considered as a Student Life Buddy or can be recommended by others. The Student Life Employee Engagement Committee will make Student Life Buddy employee matching decisions.

Buddy Responsibilities

In assisting a new employee acclimating to the division and the university, a Student Life Buddy serves as a valuable resource by creating a trusting relationship and maintaining confidentiality.

Responsibilities include:

• Providing information on policies and procedures.
• Identifying resources in the workplace.
• Familiarizing the employee to Student Life culture, norms, and unwritten guidelines.
• Introducing the employee to others in the division and throughout the university.
• Taking the employee on an expanded tour of the workplace and campus.
• Answering questions and referring the employee to the appropriate resources.

Suggested Structure

Ideally, there is a formal, six-month relationship between the Student Life Buddy and the new employee. Toward the end of the six months, they can discuss if and how to continue their relationship outside of the structured Student Life Buddy role. Within the employee’s first 2-weeks, introduce the Student Life Buddy and employee. This introduction can be facilitated between the Student Life Buddy and hiring department.  Topics shall include discussing the Student Life Buddy’s role and responsibilities as well as the employee’s needs and answer any questions. The Buddy and employee shall decide on the frequency, length, topics, and method of interaction between the two of them. The structure will vary. What’s important is that the arrangement is clearly defined and works for both the employee and the Student Life Buddy.