Frequently Asked Questions for Facilitators
Follow a link below for a specific question and answer, or scroll down for all FAQs:
- How long does the initial training take?
- Should I make training mandatory?
- What is the optimal number of training participants?
- How many scenarios should I do?
- Who is the best group to target?
- Who can I get to present with me?
- What is the biggest challenge?
- What is the biggest tip?
- Is this like the "Just Say No" campaign?
- Is there a pre-test and post-test with this program? Is the program evaluated?
- What about an emotionally based response as a barrier to stepping up/intervening in a situation? For instance, fear, anger, anxiety...
- How did you get buy-in from the program/athletic director?
- Do all of your student-athletes go through the training? If not, how are students selected to participate?
- How is STEP UP! different?
How long does the initial training take?
It all depends on the format you want to use and your time frame. You can do a one-time training (approximately 2 1/2 - 3 hours) or split it up over two sessions. It has also been taught in classes and 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 recommend doing these in leadership group settings or in class. ( Contact us for topic specific PowerPoint presentations).
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!
What is the optimal number of participants?
The training is probably best with a maximum of 50 participants — though we have done up to 100 for Part One and then done separate presentations and groups for Part 2 (by class — seniors, juniors, etc.). Smaller groups allow for more discussion and sharing.
How many scenarios should I do?
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.
Who is the best group to target?
This program applies to anyone. 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 — freshman or senior, walk-on or standout — EVEYRONE CAN STEP UP!
Who can I get to present with me?
Co-presenting is always more fun. Find others on campus who might be interested in partnering with you — Campus Health, Violence Prevention Centers, Student Affairs, Residence Life, etc. Plus, the more folks on campus using the training the more powerful the message!
What is the biggest challenge?
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.
By far, 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. View or download the latest PowerPoints as well as request topic-specific presentations.
Is this like the “Just Say No” campaign?
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.
Is there a pre-test and post-test with this program? Is the program evaluated?
The pre- and post-test are in the Facilitator Guide, as well as in Worksheets and Handouts. There is a post-training evaluation questionnaire as a handout on this website to measure efficacy and overall program presentation and delivery methods.
What about an emotionally based response as a barrier to stepping up / intervening in a situation? For instance, fear, anger, anxiety...
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!
How did you get buy-in from the program / athletic director?
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 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 was eager to endorse it.
Do all of your student-athletes go through the training? If not, how are students selected to participate?
Some coaches make it mandatory but most of the students sign up voluntarily. We do multiple sessions a semester although this year we may be doing it by team (combining some teams). Our goal is to have all student-athletes, coaches, trainers and academic advisors go through the training. We also hope to offer a campus-wide training. We have already done training with some faculty members and presented in a General Education class and a College of Management ethics class. Our Campus Health, OASIS Program for Sexual Assault/Relationship Violence, Greek chapters and others on campus are using it as well.
Here are just a few ways that STEP UP! is unique:
- Instead of focusing on one problem STEP UP! offers a way to address any problematic situation, including academics.
- STEP UP! provides a complete and comprehensive program – 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.
- 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!
- 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.
- The interactive program engages your audience with clickers and DATELINE videos to which only STEP UP! has the exclusive rights .
- The STEP UP! website has a Resource Library including worksheets and handouts on bystander intervention as well as specific topic information!
- 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!
- 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!)
- STEP UP! materials are produced virtually at cost. You can’t beat the price!
