Chaperone Responsibilities 

Chaperones must…

• Know where their youth are at all times.
• Have read, and thus be responsible for, all rules, regulations, policies, and practices put forth by the Christian Outreach Office and Franciscan University as stated in the Group Leader Information Packet.
• Assist the group leader in ensuring that all youth follow the rules, regulations, policies, and practices stated in the Group Leader Information Packet.
• Adhered to all posted signage pertaining to the conference on the campus of Franciscan University, and ensure that the youth of your group do the same
• Attend to the needs of the youth throughout the duration of the conference weekend.
• Lead small groups.
• Be present and helpful to the youth, especially in dealing with points of confusion or misunderstanding.
• Pray with and for the youth of your group throughout the duration of the conference.

Concerning Priests

We sincerely thank you for your service and for your beautiful testimony. We honestly could not have successful conferences without your diligent work.

The Sacraments
Priests are asked to assist with the sacraments throughout the weekend wherever there are able. Please sign up on Friday night.

• Reconciliation: You will be asked to volunteer your time to hear confessions throughout the weekend.
  • Please help us by signing up for as many time slots as you can in order to serve as many youth as possible.
  • Please bring your own alb and stole, as we may not have enough to accommodate everyone.
• Concelebrating Mass: All vesting for Mass will take place in the Racquetball Court, located in the Finnegan Fieldhouse.
  • You will be able to store your vestments there if you would like.
  • If you need access to the room, please ask at Switchboard (in the J.C. Williams Center) and they will be able to assist you.

Housing
Priests will be housed separate from all other conference guests, in St. Louis Hall.

Emergency Contact

In case of an emergency, please contact campus security at (740) 283-8727.  

If you require attention but it is NOT AN EMERGENCY, please call (740) 283-6794.

For nighttime on-campus needs, please see your Housing Host, located on the main floor of each Residence Hall and in the Community Center at Assisi Heights.

Evacuation Plan 

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY:
Throughout the conference weekend, conference staff will be monitoring the weather.  

In the case of a declared weather WARNING in Jefferson County, an emergency will automatically be declared.  The evacuation procedures (whether during a session or otherwise) will be immediately implemented.

If you discover an emergency situation, please contact the nearest staff member.

In the case of an emergency, please listen to our staff and security personnel. They will be giving directions as to where you should go and what you should do.

First Aid

It is very important that youth and the chaperones look after their physical well-being throughout the conference weekend.

Water stations are available across campus, be sure to stay hydrated!

For all medical needs, please go the First Aid Station, located in the J.C. Williams Center.  

• Medical personnel are available 24 hours a day during the conference.
• Medication requiring refrigeration should be checked in with the medical staff.
• Youth requiring first aid must be accompanied by an adult chaperone.
• Everyone should know the name of their group leader when going to First Aid.  This will ensure a quick recovery of Liability Release Form for the medical team’s reference. 
• During the session times, youth will not be allowed into the housing facilities.  If they are not feeling well, they must go to First Aid.
• We are not authorized to dispense medicines, including Tylenol and Advil.  Anyone needing these medicines can purchase them in the Bookstore located in the lower level of the J.C. Williams Center.  Any medicines that need to be refrigerated can be kept in the first-aid area.
• Only the most basic service can be provided in the First-Aid Center.  Anyone requiring more than one hour of medical attention will be sent to a local hospital.
• If transportation to the hospital is necessary, a chaperone must accompany the youth, provide support to the youth, and assist in notifying the parents/legal guardian. 
• Visitors will not be permitted in the First-Aid station except for the accompanying chaperone.

Housing Lockdown

Make sure to take everything that you will need for the day with you when you leave for breakfast or the Morning Session, as all dorms (including Assisi Heights) will be closed at 8:30 a.m. and will not open again until after the evening session.

You will not be permitted to enter the dorms/heights during the day.

Meals

All meals will be served buffet style at Antonian Hall, the campus cafeteria.

• Meal times are worked into the schedule throughout the conferences
• Admittance to the cafeteria will be scheduled at designated times by wristband color.
• Extra food and coffee is available for purchase outside of meal times around campus. Visit Cupertino’s in the J.C. Williams Center.

Allergies and Dietary Needs

Allergies must be reported to the Conference Staff prior to the start of the conference.

• Our Food Service Provider is able to accommodate allergies to milk, eggs, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, gluten, and dairy, as well as diabetic needs and low sodium diets.
• You will receive a special mark on your wristband at check-in and will utilize a separate line in the cafeteria to acquire your food.

Need Help?

Our Conference Staff are always willing to help you, not matter what! They are all around the campus and are wearing our black conferences shirts (you will notice the Steubenville Conferences logo on the back).

In the Evenings:
Your Housing Hosts are housed on the first floor of your Residence Hall. Be sure to make note of their room and phone number when you arrive should you need anything during the weekend.

In the Heights:
Your Housing Hosts are located in the Assisi Heights Community Center, at the entrance of the neighborhood. 

If you need them, feel free to visit them there. Additionally, the phone number of the Housing Host currently on duty will be posted by the Community Center.

Lost & Found
If you lost any belongings during the conference, please visit the Information Desk located in the J.C. William’s Center or call (740) 283-3771. Items that are not claimed within two weeks of the conference will be forfeited.

The Portiuncula Chapel

The Portiuncula
Located behind Christ the King Chapel.

“Rebuild My Church”
When St. Francis heard those words from the mouth of the Lord, speaking through the San Damiano crucifix in a small, dilapidated church, he took them to mean simply rebuilding that and other church structures like it. That first tiny Portiuncula, a holy place and the center of St. Francis’ activity, is recreated here on Franciscan’s campus as a grace-filled haven for quiet meditation and Eucharistic adoration.

Additional Use of the Portiuncula
The Portiuncula is mainly reserved for quiet prayer and adoration. Any vocal prayer is not encouraged in the Portiuncula itself. However, sites outside of the main chapel such as the Marian grotto, Tomb of the Unborn Child, créche, and hillside stations of the Cross are available for vocal prayer.

Flash Photography
To preserve the peace and calm that the Portiuncula provides those who wish to pray without distraction, flash photography and video recording are not permitted. If you are required to record for news purposes, public relations, or class projects, the Office of Chapel Ministry must approve in advance.

Quick Pass – Session Entry

What is Quick Pass?
The “Quick Pass” is our system designed to organize groups and allow safe entry into the Fieldhouse for the Main Sessions. This year’s youth wristband colors are Blue, Yellow, Red, and Green.  Each color will have the opportunity to enter first; this will allow each color a chance to get their favorite seats.

When are Quick Pass tickets available?
Approximately one hour prior to doors opening as posted in your schedule (specific times also in your schedule), student workers in black shirts will be standing at the Bell Tower, to the left of the main entrance to Finnegan Fieldhouse, handing out tickets. Only a chaperone can acquire a ticket. 

How does it work?
Once the chaperone acquires a “Quick Pass Ticket,” you and your group are expected to arrive at the side doors of the Finnegan Fieldhouse to line up no later than 15 minutes prior to the entry time of your color.  See the schedule dedicated to your wristband color for specific entry times. 

Your entire group must be present at the time of entry. Anyone who is not present when your group enters the Fieldhouse will be asked to wait until a designated time.  

Some Rules to Remember:
PLEASE READ for our convenience and yours!

• Quick Pass does not allow entry before the doors officially open.
• Tickets are handed out on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Only a chaperone can acquire a Quick Pass Ticket.
• Lines and entry will ALL take place at the side doors of the Fieldhouse.
• A chaperone must present the ticket to a student worker at the time of line up.
• Teens will not be permitted to enter the Fieldhouse without a chaperone, whether they have a ticket or not. Please stay in line with your teens.
• Teens cannot enter or exit the Fieldhouse without a chaperone.
• If some of your teens are not present at the time of entry to the Fieldhouse, they will not be allowed to enter until all other groups with Quick Pass Tickets of the same color have entered (please have everyone in line at the designated time).
• Please remember to be safe and polite while waiting in line and entering the Fieldhouse.

Showers

Residence Halls
All Guests may shower in the provided bathrooms in the assigned Residence Halls.
*Assisi Heights Residents follow a different schedule.  Please see “Assisi Heights Showers” for more information.

Please notice the posted signage in each dorm for shower schedules and assignments throughout the Residence Halls. Note: Residence Halls are closed throughout the day. 

Assisi Heights

Because there is only one bathroom in each apartment, outdoor restroom facilities have been placed throughout the neighborhood for your convenience.

The Locker Rooms in the Finnegan Fieldhouse have been reserved exclusively for the use of male Assisi Heights guests during specific times throughout the conference weekend.

• Conference staff will be available to direct guests to and from Assisi Heights and the Finnegan Fieldhouse during these times. 
• Feel free to take your towels, toothbrushes, and other toiletries to and from the Fieldhouse at these times. 
• Do not leave your things at the Fieldhouse as you will not have access to them until the next appointed time; and the University cannot be responsible for lost or stolen items. 
• Return your belongings to Assisi Heights before going to breakfast as the neighborhood will likely be closed by the time breakfast is over.

Reserved Locker Rooms located in Finnegan Fieldhouse – notice posted signage

• Men’s Locker Room will be reserved for male youth.
• Women’s Locker Room will be reserved for male chaperones. 

See the schedule for times.

Wi-Fi Access 

Access to the University’s wireless network is available to all conference guests.  

For access, follow these steps:

1. Connect to the “FUSGuest” wireless network.
2. Open your web browser.  In the address bar, type http://www.franciscan.edu and press <Enter>.
3. Read the “Terms of Use,” enter your e-mail address, and check the “I agree to the Terms of Use” check box.  Then, click “Accept”.

Wristbands 

Participants must wear their wristbands at all times!
Admittance to the conference and sessions will not be permitted without BOTH wristbands. 

• Always wear your conference wristbands on your wrist. 
• It is your access to general sessions, breakout sessions, and meals. 
• If you lose or break your wristband, please visit the Conference Information Office with a chaperone to acquire another one. 

Why are there two?
Each participant must have two wristbands.

• Colored Wristband: allows you entry to all sessions and meals; without it you will not be permitted entrance.
  • Silver = Adult Chaperone
  • Red/Yellow/Green/Blue = Youth
• White Wristband: for emergency information. Write your name and allergies, as well as your group leader’s name and phone number on this wristband so that First Aid and Conference Staff will know who to call in the case of an emergency. 

ROOM: GRAND G

Session-Business

How to Prospect and Keep Your Pipeline FULL!

Learn how to strategically position your media property to get more revenue and leads by targeting the right prospect to grow your billings. You will learn how to package and position your platform to maximize the opportunities you have to sell.

Previously, Katherine’s advertising sales experience has covered five markets with high-profile broadcast television companies. Her previous Sales Management stops include most recently WDJT CBS Milwaukee, WYTU Telemundo WI, KETV ABC Omaha, WBUW Madison’s CW, KWBQ/KASY Albuquerque and WBXX-TV Knoxville. She launched her career as an Advertising Account Manager for five years at Roberts and Russell, Inc. Advertising Agency, in Knoxville, TN working along side the legacy advertising shops Leo Burnett and McCann Erickson.

Katherine considers herself the “Robin Hood of Advertising” and her mission and dream is: “That no Business will be left behind because they could not afford Advertising!”

ROOM: GRAND C

Session-Design

Photography & Copyright: Hey! Don’t just use that image you found on Google

The internet is full of images, and it’s tempting to do a quick search and just plop a picture onto your website, newsletter, or publication. But that has legal risks, with potentially damaging consequences. Plus, it’s not good resource stewardship. This session will cover the importance of imagery to the mission in a visual age, how to legally and ethically acquire great images, and copyright issues.

Teak Phillips is a long-time photojournalist now working as editor of the St. Louis Review and Catholic St. Louis. He previously was a photo editor and staff photographer at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and a staff photographer at the (Champaign, Ill.) News-Gazette. He has a degree in Photojournalism from Western Kentucky University. Although his job tends to interfere with his time behind a lens, he continues his passion for  visual storytelling through editing, personal photography and probably too much time looking for great Instagram accounts. He previously was a photo editor and staff photographer at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and a staff photographer at the (Champaign, Ill.) News-Gazette and has taught photojournalism at Saint Louis University.

ROOM: GRAND H

Session-Communication

Strategic Planning for Communications

The communications department has a major role in setting the strategic plan and holding the entire organization accountable for that plan.  Do you know what the difference between strategic objectives versus operational objectives? What is the forgotten part of executing a strategic plan? How does your department’s strategic plan align with the master plan?  Is it the right plan? Is our only concern digital communication?  Communication is always listed as one of the top issues in any organization which means that you have the opportunity to be one of the top reasons for the success of the organization.

ROOM: GRAND A

Session-Parish/School

Are Your Communications Integrated? – Creating a Mix of Owned, Earned and Paid Strategies for Maximum Reach

Websites, bulletins, Facebook, Twitter, direct mail, radio spots, digital advertising, media relations, direct mail…oh, my! Communicating throughout your diocese, parish or school is more challenging than ever, especially given how diverse and varied preferences are among target audiences. With limited resources, professional communicators need to use an integrated approach of owned, earned and paid strategies to get the most out of every opportunity. In this session, we will provide the information you need to understand your balance of owned, earned and paid media and the tools to create a roadmap that integrates your efforts and maximizes your reach.

Emily Hartzog is Vice President with Chartwell Agency, an integrated marketing communications firm in Rockford, IL. She has more than 18 years of experience in sales, marketing and public relations as well as a strong background in strategic planning, training, and crisis communications. In her position at Chartwell Agency, Emily leads the training and strategic planning service line while enjoying her roots in marketing with a variety of branding, websites and marketing campaign projects for clients.  Emily was named to Rockford’s inaugural class of Rockford’s 40 Leaders Under 40 and serves on multiple community boards. She also is an owner, instructor and a performer with the Aloha Hula Girls Polynesian Dance Group.

Chartwell Agency (www.chartwell-agency.com) is an integrated communications agency with a breadth and depth of experience across five lines of business including strategic facilitation and training, marketing, public relations, social media and events. Its customized services ensure that its clients’ programs are implemented in a professional and timely manner and that their messages are proactively and effectively communicated. Chartwell Agency has earned the Rockford Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award and its owner has been named Woman Business Owner of the Year and among the People You Should Know. Chartwell Agency has offices in Rockford, IL, Quad Cities and Madison, WI.

Karli Smith is Vice President with Chartwell Agency, an integrated marketing communications firm in Rockford, IL. She has nearly 15 years of experience in marketing and communications with an expertise in public relations, management, training and donor development. As a Vice President at Chartwell Agency, she is responsible for assisting clients with strategic planning; media relations at a local, regional and national level; social media strategy and execution; as well as team management. She works with a variety of clients ranging in industries from healthcare to not-for-profits. Karli is active in the community and serves as a mentor to young women through KFACT – a non-profit youth development organization.

Chartwell Agency (www.chartwell-agency.com) is an integrated communications agency with a breadth and depth of experience across five lines of business including strategic facilitation and training, marketing, public relations, social media and events. Its customized services ensure that its clients’ programs are implemented in a professional and timely manner and that their messages are proactively and effectively communicated. Chartwell Agency has earned the Rockford Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award and its owner has been named Woman Business Owner of the Year and among the People You Should Know. Chartwell Agency has offices in Rockford, IL, Quad Cities and Madison, WI.

ROOM: GRAND H

Session-Communications

Roundtable | Communication Directors Only

David Hains will moderate a discussion on whatever is on the minds of communication directors. Bring your questions and comments and receive valuable feedback from your peers in Catholic Media.

David Hains has been involved in communication since 1975 when he moved to Charlotte to begin a 15-year stint in broadcast journalism as a television and radio journalist. After leaving journalism David served as spokesman for Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools for three years. He has also been involved in crisis communications consulting, video production and acting where he has played a TV newsman in a half dozen made for TV and feature film roles.  David currently serves as the director of communication for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte. In his role as spokesman for the diocese David works with Church leaders to faithfully communicate the teaching of the Catholic Church through the news media to an audience of Catholics and non-Catholics in Western North Carolina. David was the last president of the Catholic Academy of Communications Professionals. In 2017 he helped to merge that group with the Catholic Press Association.

ROOM: GRAND D

Session-Panel Presentation

Engaging Hispanic Population

This session will discuss how the Hispanic population in the United States live out their faith and assimilate the new faith culture. You will learn to understand the richness of the Hispanic faith, beyond the church. In addition, we will answer the question, “Are all Hispanics Mexican or are all Mexican Hispanics?”

Jorge I. Domínguez-López has been the editor of Nuestra Voz, the Spanish-language newspaper of the Diocese of Brooklyn, since 2015. He co-hosts the TV show “Al pan, pan” on NET TV, the TV channel of the Diocese of Brooklyn. He studied Cybernetics and Mathematics at the University of Havana and received a BA degree in History from St. John’s University, Queens, NY. He was the founding editor of Béisbol Mundial magazine of New York. He was founder and editorial board member of the Catholic magazine Vivarium in Havana, Cuba.

Margarita Mendoza serves the Diocese of Rockford as translator and editor for El Observador Newspaper.

Margarita is also the director of the Latino Film Festival Elgin and an author of volume four of Today’s Inspired Latina.

She has studied Social Communication, Journalism and  Organizational Communication.

Born in Colombia and married to Enrique, they are proud parents of three daughters.