Alcohol & Other Drugs

Western Illinois University Step Up Program

Western Illinois University Alcohol and Other Drug Resource Center is introducing the Step Up Program, a prosocial behavior and bystander intervention training program. This program was developed by the University of Arizona C.A.T.S. Life Skills Program to promote helping behaviors amongst students.

"Most problem behaviors on campus involve bystanders. Teaching people about the determinants of prosocial 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 goals of Step UP! are to:

  • Raise awareness of helping behaviors
  • Increase motivation to help
  • Develop skills and confidence when responding to problems or concerns
  • Ensure the safety and well-being of self and others

Source: Step Up! Be a Leader, Make a Difference. The University of Arizona C.A.T.S Life Skills Program 2010.

In addition to educating students on the bystander effect and how to increase helping behaviors, the Western Illinois University Step Up Program includes basic alcohol education. The inclusion of alcohol education is to increase knowledge and awareness of unsafe drinking practices and how to intervene should a fellow student or friend find themselves in an uncomfortable or dangerous situation.

The Step Up program can be tailored to meet an individuals' expectations or a groups needs on special request. Other topics that can be discussed include:

Step Up Registration Form
  • Academics
  • Alcohol and Alcohol Poisoning
  • Anger
  • Depression
  • Discrimination
  • Disordered Eating
  • Gambling
  • Hazing
  • Relationship Abuse
  • Sexual Assault

The Western Illinois University Step Up program takes approximately 2 hours to complete. Upon completion, participants will receive a certificate of completion.

Upcoming training dates:
TBA

To register, please complete the Step Up Registration Form. Class size is limited to fifteen individuals.

Want to train your entire organization? The Step Up program is available upon request to train your unique group. Just select "Individual Group Request" for the training date and a Step Up representative will contact you to set up a training date. You must have a minimum of five individuals in order to request a unique program. No more than fifteen individuals can be trained at one time.

For additional information, please contact:

Samantha Klingler
Phone: (309) 298-2457
Email: sj-klingler@wiu.edu