If you ever witnessed a situation where you wanted to help but didn’t have the ability or confidence to intervene, Step Up! is an on-campus way to learn.
Step Up! is a program that gives students the ability to intervene in problematic situations in both direct and indirect ways.
Step Up! Day at the UA is March 1. There will be a special overview presentation to prepare this Tuesday.
The Step up! Web site describes the benefits of this unique program: “”Teaching people about the determinants of pro-social behavior makes them more aware of why they sometimes don’t help. As a result, they are more likely to help in the future.””
The presentation for campus personnel, held by Becky Bell and Scott Goldman, will allow attendees to promote Step Up! to other faculty members and students.
Bell, an associate athletic director at the UA, is also the creator and founder of the program, which was launched by the NCAA in the fall of 2008.
“”Step Up! is a program that applies to everyone. What we are trying to do, in a nutshell, is create a culture of helping and being there for each other and intervening if we see a problem or have a concern,”” said Bell.
Scott Goldman, a campus health and wellness psychologist, has seen a positive impact. There have been several UA athletic teams that have participated and are interested in participating in the near future.
“”We generally get about 100 student athletes to volunteer. Some coaches have mandated it for their players, and some coaches have said they want their team as a whole to do it,”” said Goldman.
Step Up! addresses issues like alcohol abuse, hazing, depression, sexual assault, relationship violence, eating disorders, discrimination and gambling.
The program has shown extremely positive results and has been well received by students.
“”The idea is that we are hopefully teaching our students a foundation by which if they are going to intervene in any of those situations, they have a template to follow. On the Web site and in the training, there are very specific steps that they can take for each situation. There is also a general framework to approach each situation,”” said Bell.
This program has been used frequently by Greek life, student affairs, athletics, campus health and violence prevention centers. It uses a unique, interactive style.
“”It is not a lecture format,”” said Bell. “”It is a proactive approach and it is really focusing on the majority of people who really do want to do the right thing.””
Step Up! Day will include a table on the UA Mall with videos and giveaways to help promote the program. While there, students who are interested can sign up for future training sessions.
Athletes could not be reached for comment due to the program’s confidentiality agreement.
