Got Questions? We’ve got answers!
Here are some commonly asked questions about the Big Buddy Program

 

1) What is Big Buddy?
The goal of this program is, through the friendship of the Big and Little Buddies, to give children the positive experience that is necessary to place the children on the right path to life and also to feel good about themselves.

2) Where do I participate in Big Buddy?
Big Buddy takes place at Lincoln Elementary School, in New Brunswick.  It is conveniently located only two minutes from the Rutgers Student Center.  The address of Lincoln Elementary School is 66 Bartlett Street.  Bartlett Street can be found at the closest corner to Au Bon Pain, which is next to the Rutgers Student Center.

 

3) What will I do with my Little Buddy?
Basically, whatever your Little Buddy is doing at the time, you will be doing.  If your Little Buddy is in Gym, you’ll participate in activities in Gym, in Math, you’ll help them understand and pay attention in Math, etc.  Have no fear, the work is at a very simple level, and no Rutgers student will have any trouble with helping.

 

4) How much time and what time during the day do I visit my Little Buddy?
You must visit your Little Buddy for three hours a week, this is the only thing that we require of anybody in Big Buddy.  These three hours are chosen by you.  Whenever you are free, from 8:50 am till 3:15 pm Monday through Friday, you may visit your Little Buddy.  Of course, exceptions for snow-days and days off do arise in which it is impossible to visit your Little Buddy.

 

5) How Do I become a Big Buddy?
Becoming a Big Buddy is very simple. First, you must e-mail our Vice-President Alex, at egassner@eden.rutgers.edu. This will get you on our mailing list. After that, we will conduct a short interview with you before we assign a Little Buddy to you. Your interview will last about 15-20 minutes and it will be on one of various dates early on in the semester at the SAC between the river dorms on George Street. After you pass your interview you'll be a member of Big Buddy and be assigned a Little Buddy. All that is left is to arrive at Lincoln Elementary School, sign in with Mrs. Hurlburt, be introduced to your Little Buddy, and have a lasting positive relationship with your Little Buddy!

 

6) How will my Little Buddy be assigned to me?
Your Little Buddy will be delegated to you by the rule that fourth grade and older must have Big Buddies of the same gender. Also, if you have a special talent such as speaking a foreign language we may assign you to a Little Buddy that has trouble communicating in languages other than the one that you speak. Outside of the gender restrictions and language matching, all delegations will be random.

 

7) What is the dress code at Lincoln Elementary School?
All Big Buddies are expected to follow the Lincoln Elementary School dress code. All students and teachers are subject to this dress code, and both students and teachers are sent home for violating it. Big Buddies are no exception and will be asked to leave if they do not follow it. Big Buddies are expected to not wear the following: open toed shoes, hats, bandanas, headdresses (outside of religious reasons), extremely tight clothing, clothing that reveal too much skin, tank tops, and short shorts. In addition, use your common sense. Anything that is somewhat revealing or provocative is probably considered inappropriate for the school.

8) Are there any other responsibilities, besides the mandatory time spent with my Little Buddy?

There are no mandatory responsibilities, besides the required three hours a week that you must fulfill.  Big Buddy does go on trips and host a carnival that are a lot of fun! 

9) What is the purpose and what is available on the webpage?
The purpose of this webpage is to keep you, the Big Buddy, informed on what is happening in this program.  You will be able to ask questions, get information on executive leadership, and view the ever important upcoming events section.  In addition, the website provides information on the school schedule and snow closings.  Be sure to check the website often for the most up-to-date information!

 

10) When and where are the meetings?

All the meetings will be held in Frelinghuysen A5. The first meeting will take place some time in  September. Please check the news/updates and calendar pages to find out when our first meeting is!