Dec. 13, 2011

Step UP! Program Website

LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - The UNLV Department of Intercollegiate Athletics concluded its first semester of Step UP!, a pro-social bystander intervention program that educates student-athletes on health and safety. Classes were designed to help student-athletes learn intervention skills to make the right choices in their everyday lives.

The Step UP! program was founded at the University of Arizona by its C.A.T.S Life Skills Program, and is used by many NCAA institutions. The goals of the program are to: raise awareness of helping behaviors; increase motivation to help; develop skills and confidence when responding to problems or concerns; and ensure the safety and well-being of self and others.

The sessions presented by UNLV Senior Associate Athletics Director Lisa A. Kelleher, Ph.D, were focused on challenging issues faced by students, such as: alcohol use, depression, hazing and academic integrity. The student-athletes participated in group discussion; role played real-life situations; used strategies for intervention; and brainstormed solutions.

This fall over 200 student-athletes in 11 sports participated in the program. Classes will resume in January with 150 student-athletes from eight sports in attendance.