Has the StepUP Program been successful?
Yes, StepUP is a model that works. Students enrolled in the StepUP college recovery program have a current mean cumulative GPA of 3.26 and a cumulative abstinence rate of 93%.
What's StepUP's framework to student success?
The StepUP community recognizes that no recovery journey looks the same. StepUP students collaborate with their StepUP in-house Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors to discover their support needs to champion lives of academic success, personal development, and ongoing recovery.
StepUP partners with Augsburg's Center for Learning and Accessible Student Services (CLASS) office to accommodate our students' academic needs for success. All StepUP scholars qualify to utilize their robust variety of resources.
Is StepUP a treatment program?
The StepUP Program is not a treatment program. There is no curfew set in place, and students will not be monitored during their daily activities. Instead, this college recovery program is meant to give students a full, enriched collegiate experience with a community of fellow scholars in recovery.
Our community values academic success, personal development, and ongoing recovery.
How much time of sobrity do I need to be in the StepUP Program?
We work with students with any amount of sobriety time to build up to 6 months of sobriety. Our goal is to move students into the Oren Gateway Center so they can be closer to their community.
Do I have to go to Augsburg University to be in StepUP?
No, StepUP students are free to attend another university or any other higher education institution, such as a trade school, a cosmetology school, or an online program. Non-Augsburg students are required to room and board at our substance-free residential building, the Oren Gateway Center.
What does a typical week look like for StepUP students?
Typical StepUP student weekly activities:
- Attend StepUP’s weekly gathering “Circle”
- Meet with their Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor
- Attend 2 recovery meetings
- Have fun at a StepUP event
What do we do at Circle?
On Mondays at 4:30 PM, we gather for Big Circle, Small Circle, Outing Circle, or Service Circle.
Circle activities:
- Big Circle | Group meeting on program updates, community events, service opportunities, and general group discussion.
- Small Circle | Small group activities to get to know other StepUP students, such as playing games and painting pumpkins for Halloween.
- Outing Circle | Off-campus group activities such as billiards and bowling.
- Service Circle | Gathering to be of service in our community.
Does StepUP have an age limit?
No, the StepUP community does not.
How much does the StepUP Program cost?
There are no additional costs to participate in the StepUP Program. The only costs required are associated with the tuition, activity fees, and room and board costs required of all students of Augsburg University. For non-Augsburg students, StepUP services cost $ 1,500 per semester plus room and board costs.
What is the Oren Gateway Center?
The Oren Gateway Center is half substance-free residential flats and dorms, while the other half serves as a classroom and student resources building.
Six months of sobriety are required to live in the Oren Gateway Center. If students do not have six months, they may live in another Augsburg residential building or off campus. Most StepUP students live in the Oren Gateway Center.
The Oren Gateway Center has two styles of living. Typically for the first two semesters, StepUP students will live in the flats. These students will have their own bedroom and share a bathroom with another student. The kitchen and living room are shared spaces that offer dinnerware, cooking supplies, couches, and a television. Students may also live in the Oren Gateway Center apartments and share their common area space with 1-3 roommates with their own bedroom.
How many people have been through StepUP?
StepUP has served over 1000 students since 1997. Over 300 StepUP alumni have stayed in contact post-graduation.
I can't start college this fall, can I join in the spring semester?
Yes, StepUP offers a fall and spring orientation.
Can I consume medical Cannabis?
No, Certification or enrollment in the Minnesota Medical Cannabis Registry — or any other state medical cannabis program — does not permit cannabis use while being a StepUP student, and neither does the legality of adult-use cannabis or hemp-derived THC products under state law. Cannabis is not a federally recognized prescription medication and is not covered by the medication provisions of this agreement.
Does StepUP Offer Addiction Counseling?
Yes, we have two 2 in-house licensed alcohol and drug counselors; however, the StepUP Program is not a treatment center.
Can Graduate Students Live in the substance-free residence building?
Yes, we welcome any scholars in higher education and recovery.
How do Augsburg’s administration, faculty, and staff support the StepUP Program?
Experienced, caring, knowledgeable, and licensed counselors in addictions and mental health lead the StepUP collegiate recovery program. The President’s Leadership Team offers extensive support and counsel to the StepUP Program. Professors often comment on positive qualities that have manifested in students enrolled in StepUP, including honesty and an increase in the desire to learn. The Department of Residence Life and the StepUP Program collaborate to provide safe, comfortable recovery residence hall, as well as leadership opportunities for StepUP students.
What is StepUP's tiered approach?
1. Stepping In
Stepping In is our introductory model for students who do not yet have six months of recovery time. While you won’t be able to live in Oren Gateway Center until six months of recovery, Stepping In gives you access to weekly counseling.
We’ve also extended Stepping In to graduate students who don’t live on campus and would like support, but for various reasons may not be eligible to live in Oren Gateway Center.
Based on each student’s needs, it may or may not be appropriate or necessary to also attend our circle meetings.
2. StepUP
The StepUP Program is our traditional collegiate recovery program and residential model for students. They must have at least six months of recovery to live in Oren Gateway Center.
3. Stepping Forward
Stepping Forward is a support system for students who are graduating from higher education and want either short-term or one-time support as they make transitions. Support is offered by a member of the StepUP staff or one of our StepUP alumni volunteers.
Stepping Forward also welcomes recent graduates.