FAQs

It all depends on the format you want to use and your time frame. With the revised presentation you can now do the training in approximately 90 minutes or do an extended version. The first part is the “educational” piece and part 2 is the scenario discussions. It has also been taught in gen ed classes and/or facilitated in day long retreats. It’s really up to you! Once you have done the initial training you can pick specific topics to go more in depth using the training as the foundation. I also recommend doing these in leadership group settings or in class. Look for topic specific PowerPoint presentations on this website).

We have had coaches make it mandatory although most participants have come on their own. It can change the dynamic of the group if people don’t want to be there but by the end of the training even those who were forced to be there most likely will be engaged and participating!

Part One can be done with a large group and then the scenarios can be facilitated with separate presentations and by groups for (by class, teams, chapters, etc). Smaller groups allow for more discussion and sharing.

Again, it depends on the time but three or four should probably be enough to get the participants familiar with the principles and then they can apply to any situation. See where the students take you with the discussion. (Remember to review the BEFORE YOU BEGIN section). You can always do more scenarios in leadership group meetings.

This program applies to anyone – athletes, Greeks and general students and all class levels. Although the seniors are probably more confident and in a leadership position, it is important for freshmen to begin to understand they also have a voice and can make a difference. We try to cast the net as far as we can. Our point is that no matter who you are — EVERYONE CAN Step UP!

Co-presenting is always more fun. Find others on campus who might be interested in partnering with you — Campus Health, Violence Prevention Centers, Greek Life, Student Affairs, Residence Life, etc. Plus, the more folks on campus using the training the more powerful the message!

The biggest challenge is time. The good news is Step UP! is a very comprehensive program. You can spend a lot of time on any particular component and you never know what kinds of discussion might be generated. As the facilitator you need to be aware of the time and guide the training accordingly. Also please review the Suggestions on page 6 of the Facilitator Guide.

The biggest tip is to become familiar with the material. Change or tweak the slides as you become more comfortable presenting. The less text that is on a slide the better.

No. This program focuses on awareness, education and skill building. The majority of students want to do the right thing but don’t always know how. The mission of Step UP! is Individual Leadership and Shared Responsibility and we focus on those who want to make a difference. Because of the collaborative nature of the training, students feel empowered and heard.

The pre- and post-test are in the Resource Library under the Facilitator link. There is a post-training evaluation as well that measures efficacy and overall program presentation and delivery methods.

The section on Strategies for Effective Helping has many different tips and ideas for overall effective intervention; certainly this is a valid question. If direct intervention is not an option or not preferred, remember that indirect intervention can also be very effective. Intervention can also come after the fact and be effective. It really depends on the situation. Also remember our S.E.E. model (Safe; Early; Effective). Safety must come first!

Quite honestly this was very easy. Who wouldn’t want to avoid problems if possible? Because the approach is so different — because it is interdisciplinary, comprehensive and focuses on the majority of students who want to do the right thing AND because the students have responded so positively, our athletic director and other decision makers on campus were eager to endorse it. 

For some it is mandatory but most of the students sign up voluntarily. We do multiple sessions a semester. Our goal is to have all student-athletes, coaches, trainers and academic advisors go through the training. Becasue it has been adopted on campus, various groups hold their own trainings (Campus Health, OASIS Program for Sexual Assault/Relationship Violence, Greek chapters and others). We have done training with faculty members and Step UP! is now taught in a General Education class and a at least 2 Business college classes.

Here are just a few ways that Step UP! is unique:

1. Our research in early 2006 found that most of the bystander programming was focused mainly on sexual assault. Instead of focusing on one problem we developed Step UP! as a way to address any problematic situation. Step UP! is the first program to address this many topics in such a comprehensive way.
2. Step UP! provides everything you need to get started – including the initial training materials as well as more in depth presentations on each of the topics. The downloadable Power Points can be modified for your own campus or organization.
3. The training materials walk facilitators through the program with step by step instructions and talking points for every slide. You can do the program yourself!
4. Step UP! introduces the S.E.E. (Safe; Early; Effective) Model to Bystander Intervention. It is critical to have the right approach to intervention and know HOW to intervene. There is much more information in Strategies for Effective Helping.
5. The interactive program engages your audience with clickers and DATELINE videos to which only Step UP! has the exclusive rights .
6. The Step UP! website has a Resource Library including worksheets and handouts on bystander intervention as well as specific topic information.
7. Step UP! can be used by any group on campus – Athletics, Greeks, Campus Health, Dean of Students, Residence Life, etc. Create the power on your campus!
8. Step UP! allows you to use the original pilot survey for your own group. With minimal effort you can modify the survey for your own population. It also offers you the post training evaluation survey (See the Facilitator’s Resource Library for more info.)
9. Step UP! materials are free on this website or produced virtually at cost if you prefer hard copies of the guides.
10. Step UP! is the proud recipient of the national NASPA Gold Award for Exellence.