In alignment with Psi Upsilon’s value of responsible social conduct and in an effort to assist with out members and guests having a safe and healthy environment the Fraternity offers Tightrope as a tool to assist its membership in becoming better educated about the dangers of alcohol, hazing and sexual assault.
About Tightrope
Psi Upsilon partnered has partnered with Plaid to help educate our members on issues surrounding hazing, sexual assault, and the abuse of alcohol and other drugs.
We realize the challenges of entering the collegiate environment and want to prepare our members to face these challenges and make good decisions for themselves, their brothers, and their guests.
Designed for students between the ages of 16 and 22, Tightrope incorporates intuitive and engaging online learning features including gamification, video, competitions and comprehension checks. Tightrope provides students with the education they need to make better decisions to keep themselves and others safe.
Online Risk Management Courses
Tightrope offers a confidential, personalized experience for each student and has 5 seperate parts:
The Facts About Alcohol and Drugs: Increases awareness about Alcohol and Other Drugs.
Hazing Awareness: Increases the awareness around factors that can turn a well-intentioned activity into a hazing incident.
Mental Health: Helps members recognize symptoms of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD and many others.
Sexual Assault and Misconduct: Increases awareness of healthy relationships & consent, consequences of sexual misconduct, intervention and support resources.
Cultural Competency: Offers students tools and knowledge on how to enhance their skills necessary to engage in inclusive practices.
FAQ – Tightrope
Q: Who is required to take Tightrope?
A: Anyone joining Psi Upsilon is required to complete Tightrope the term that they initiate into the Fraternity. If the chapter has an orientation period prior to initiation, we ask that Tightrope be incorporated into that orientation. If the chapter has a single-tier program and initiated New Members without an orientation program we ask that Tightrope be completed within 2 weeks of Initiation.
Q: How do our members access Tightrope?
A: After a New Member Report is submitted to the International Office invitations will be sent by email to everyone listed on the report so they can begin the program. There are also manual instructions for how individuals can enroll in the program that are in every chapter’s Dropbox as well as following this FAQ. In addition, instructions to become an administrator of your chapter account are following and you can see how each member is progressing in the program.
Q: What if our campus requires us to take TIPS training, Alcohol 101, AlcoholEDU or some other type of alcohol, sexual assault, or hazing related workshops? Do our members still have to take Tightrope?
A: Yes. Tightrope is Psi Upsilon’s online training program for addressing the important topics of alcohol abuse and misuse, hazing, and sexual assault. Tightrope has proven effective in empowering our members to make well-informed decisions and help them better cope with the behavior of their peers. We think it’s important that all members of Psi Upsilon have a baseline amount of programming that compliments any addition campus programming.
Q: Will chapter officers or advisors be able to track member participation in Tightrope?
A: Yes. Following this FAQ are directions for setting up an admin account to track progress. If you have any questions or need assistance please contact our Member Services Coordinator, Keith Willard.
Q: What if a member fails the Exam (scores less than 80%)?
A: If a member fails the exam they will be given instructions in the course to retake the exam. Be sure to advise members that they must retake and pass the exam to receive credit.
Q: How long is the course?
A: The course and exam take about 3 hours in total to complete – but they are designed to be taken in pieces, and not all at once.
Q: Is our chapter required to have all new members complete the Tightrope program? If so, what happens if members choose not to participate?
A: Yes. All New Members must complete the program in the prescribed time. Chapters that have 100% of their New Members complete the course will receive a 10% discount to their 2022-23 Risk Management Assessment, if the chapter has at least 90% of the New Members complete the course it will receive a 5% discount. Chapters that have less than 50% of their New Members complete will receive a 25% surcharge to their 2022-23 Risk Management Assessment.
Q: What is the deadline for completing the course?
A: All New Members should complete the course in the term they initiate into the Fraternity. If the chapter has an orientation period prior to initiation, we ask that Tightrope be incorporated into that orientation. If the chapter has a single-tier program and initiated New Members without an orientation program we ask that Tightrope be completed within 2 weeks of Initiation.
Q: Can our members take the course together?
A: Each user will create their own account when accessing the program and we encourage individuals to take the course alone. The chapter could organize a trip to the library, or a session at a chapter house, and have individuals take the course at the same time.
Q: I’m having technical problems with the course, where can I get help?
A: Mail support@beingplaid.com if you have trouble creating an account, enrolling in the courses or completing the required courses. There is also a live chat feature on the website to assist in real time. It is highly recommended to use the Google Chrome Browser when taking the course and you must turn off any pop-up blocker or allow popups from beingplaid.com and cloud.scorm.com .