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 and other issues that affect risk.
About Tightrope
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. For that reason 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 with their flagship educational program “Tightrope”.
Tightrope is a data-driven program consisting of online courses that provides training on alcohol and substance abuse, hazing prevention, mental health, and sexual assault prevention.
Designed as online modules, students navigate through Tightrope’s interactive courses to gain better knowledge and perspective about managing their risk to gain better knowledge and perspective about the hazards they may encounter during college and how to make smarter, safer decisions. This series provides the education, skills, and tools necessary for students to successfully navigate the tightrope between a risky situation and an enlightening college experience.
All New Members of Psi Upsilon are expected to complete the Tightrope program the term they are joining the fraternity. In addition, we also have a separate course called “Highwire” which is similar to Tightrope. Highwire is an additional health and safety program for initiated members of the Fraternity. The Highwire program can be used as a refresher course for students who many need extra education and support.
Online Risk Management Courses within Tightrope
Tightrope offers a confidential, personalized experience for each student and has 5 separate parts:
The Facts About Alcohol and Drugs: This course is designed to increase awareness about Alcohol and Other Drugs. Learners will take an anonymous assessment prior to this course about perceptions of alcohol and other drug use. This course discusses what blood alcohol content is, factors that effect alcohol consumption, laws regarding alcohol and other drugs and what level I and II drugs are.
The Culture of Drinking: In this course, learners will gain an understanding of why people drink and review common misconceptions about drinking. Additionally, this course discusses the consequence of drinking as well as providing the learner with intervention techniques.
Hazing Awareness: This course increases the awareness around the factors and considerations that can turn a well-intentioned activity into a hazing incident. Throughout this course, learners will gain an understanding of what hazing is, how to intervene, and learn what is means to have a safe student experience. Prior to completing this course, learners will take an assessment on hazing and mental health.
Mental Health: This course provides information about common mental health issues, how to recognize mental health issues with yourself and others, and provides resources for dealing with these issues.
Sexual Assault and Misconduct: Determining the signs of a healthy friendship or romantic relationship is important. This course provides helpful information to determine what is considered a healthy relationship and what is not considered a healthy relationship. In addition, learners will review concepts related to sexual misconduct such as what is consent and what is not consent.
In addition we have added additional features that address, Cultural Competency, which 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 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 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, but it is meant to be split up and not taken all at one time. Ideas for companion programming, including guides, can be found here.
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 .