At Â鶹ֱ²¥ College, Step UP! is an evidence-based, community-driven bystander intervention initiative that equips students, faculty, and staff with the skills and confidence to intervene safely when they see behaviors that could cause harm, whether subtle, escalating, or urgent.
At its core, Step UP! is about building a campus culture shared care and responsibility. When Lynx take action, big or small, we prevent harm, strengthen belonging, and create a safer, more compassionate Â鶹ֱ²¥ community.
Why It Matters
Â鶹ֱ²¥ is a close-knit community. You see your people every day: in class, in the Refectory, at practice, and in your residence hall. That means:
- You are often the first person to notice when someone needs help.
- Your actions can prevent harm before it escalates.
- You help shape what is acceptable and expected on our campus.
Stepping UP does not mean being a hero. It means being a good friend, classmate, and community member.
When You Might Need to Step UP
Step UP! focuses on situations students commonly encounter:
- Alcohol and other drug situations: Someone has had too much, appears impaired, or is being pressured.
- Hazing: Activities that put someone at risk physically, emotionally, or socially.
- Relationship or sexual harm: A situation feels coercive, uncomfortable, or unsafe.
- Bias or disrespect: Harmful jokes, comments, exclusion, or discrimination.
- Mental health concerns: A friend seems overwhelmed, withdrawn, or in crisis.
- Everyday moments: Someone is being talked over, dismissed, or treated unfairly.
You don't have to be perfect. You just have to notice and care.
How to Step UP
Step UP! is guided by the SEEK Model, which encourages responses that are:
- Safe
- Early
- Effective
- Kind
Step UP! emphasizes five safe and effective intervention strategies. Choose the approach that best fits the situation and your comfort level:
- Direct: Address the situation yourself.
- Distract: Interrupt or redirect the situation.
- Delegate: Seek help from friends, staff, Campus Safety, or the Office of Residence Life.
- Delay: Check in afterward and offer support.
- Document: Record factual information through reports, notes, photos, or video when appropriate.
Request a Training Session
To request a Step UP! training session, contact Dr. Alicia C. Golston at wellbeing@rhodes.edu.
If You're Concerned About Someone
Â鶹ֱ²¥ offers several ways to get help quickly:
- : Submit a concern about a student's well-being to the CARE Team.
- Urgent Support: Contact Campus Safety at 901-843-3880 or call 911 in an emergency.
- Lynx Red Folder: Resources for recognizing and responding to students in distress.
Important: Step UP! is not a replacement for emergency services. If someone is in immediate danger, contact Campus Safety or 911 immediately.