Category Archives: Uncategorized

Session Entry Times

To ensure safe entrance into Finnegan Fieldhouse (FFH) as well as to promote fairness in prime seating during the conference, groups will be admitted into the Main Venue sessions at the following times per wristband color:

Friday Evening Session

Blue 5:45pm
Yellow 6:00pm
Green 6:15pm
Red 6:30pm

Saturday Morning Session

Green 7:30am
Red 7:45am
Blue 8:00am
Yellow 8:15am

Saturday Evening Session

Red 6:30pm
Green 6:45pm
Yellow 7:00pm
Blue 7:15pm

Sunday Morning Session

Yellow 8:00am
Blue 8:15am
Red 8:30am
Green 8:45am

Franciscan University

Our mission as a Catholic and Franciscan university is to educate, to evangelize, and to send forth joyful disciples for lives of worldwide mission.

At Franciscan University, you’ll find professors, spiritual mentors, and lifelong friends who will challenge and help you to grow mentally and spiritually. In the midst of our academically excellent and passionately Catholic community, you’ll discover who God made you to be and leave here prepared to flourish—professionally, spiritually, and personally.

Admissions 

Saturday Afternoon Small Group Discussion 1 Questions

From Mass this morning, what struck you about celebrating Mass with a large group of people?

Follow-up this question with an encouragement on how to participate more fully in Mass at their home parish. Also, help them to see the connection between the Mass and Eucharistic Adoration.


Men’s Session Questions:
Men’s Session Scripture: Genesis 2: 4-7, 18-23 (Second Creation Account)

  1. As men, what is our true identity?
  2. How can we live our identity in Christ?
  3. How does the world try to reduce our identity as men about who we are and who God made us to be?
  4. What are the lies the world tells you about it means to be a man? How do these lies make it challenging to live as men of God?
  5. What are some of the unique, complementary gifts from God given specifically to men?
  6. How can we use these gifts to reveal God to all those that we encounter?
  7. How can we look to the saints as our model of real masculinity? What virtues and gifts do you see in the saints that we should model?
  8. What particular virtue/gift do you feel called to grow in? How can you grow?

Women’s Session Questions:
Women’s Session Scripture: Genesis 2: 4-7, 18-23 (Second Creation Account)

  1. As women, what is our true identity?
  2. How can we live our identity in Christ?
  3. How does the world try to reduce our identity as women about who we are and who God made us to be?
  4. What are the lies the world tells you about it means to be a woman? How do these lies make it challenging to live as women of God?
  5. What are some of the unique, complementary gifts from God given specifically to women? How can we use these gifts to reveal God and His Fatherly love to all those that we encounter?
  6. How can we look to the Blessed Mother and other saints as our model of real femininity?
  7. What virtues and gifts do you see in Mary and other saints that we should model?
  8. What particular virtue/gift do you feel called to grow in? How can you grow?

Security

  • Lanyards MUST be worn at all times.  If you lose your lanyard, immediately report to Central Office (youth must be accompanied by an adult chaperone).
  • Bag Size Limits: Bags should be “flat bags” like a cinch bag/drawstring backpack (picture below). No multi-zipper backpacks, oversized backpacks or large totes will be allowed.
  • Youth are not allowed to leave the inside of the conference site without a chaperone
  • No one without proper Conference Credentials will be allowed onto the conference grounds:
    -Participants: Lanyards for Participants: Lanyards will be required to be worn by all participants when on the conference site. The lanyard will be your conference credentials (instead of bracelets) this year. Chaperones will have one color identifier on their lanyard and young adults will have another. No one without a lanyard will be allowed into the conference.
    -Safe Environment Trained Persons:Volunteers are identified by their “uniform” and MUST wear their conference vests, scrub top or apron at all time as this is your “entry” to the conference. / Priests will be wearing lanyards./Mercy Crew is identified by their shirts./Logistics persons are identified by their shirts.
    -Non Safe Environment Trained Persons: Civic Staff: will have their I.D.s on and many will have Civic Center shirts/Production Staff: will have Gulf Coast Production shirts on/Catering: will have 360 catering shirts on.

Assisi Heights

Welcome!

We hope you will make yourselves at home here at Franciscan University’s unique neighborhood housing facility!
The same housing and campus-wide rules apply to any and all guests housed here.

Just like with our other residence halls, Assisi Heights is on lockdown during the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Please be sure to take any belongings you may need during the day with you when you leave for the first session of the day. Please do not attempt to return to the Heights until after the last session of the day, as you will be stopped by our security and sent back toward the center of campus.

Kitchens are NOT to be used; this includes the stove top and the oven.

Map of the Heights

Showers and Restrooms

Because there is only one bathroom in each apartment, outdoor restroom facilities have been put 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.

General Information

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. 

 

Rules and Regulations

Campus Rules

General Campus Rules

  • Chaperones must know where their teens are at all times.
  • No drugs or alcohol. If any are found, the participant/group can be subject to immediate expulsion.
  • No smoking.  Ohio Law requires smokers to be at least 18 years old and 30 feet from any buildings. All smokers must be of age and the appropriate distance from all buildings.
  • Property Damage. Responsible party will pay for full repair/replacement costs.
  • Infants and Children are not permitted as the youth in attendance must be the first priority of Group Leaders and adult chaperones.
  • For security reasons, Franciscan University of Steubenville reserves the right to check all bags/luggage/containers.

Disclaimers

For security reasons, Franciscan University of Steubenville reserves the right to check all bags/luggage/containers and confiscate any of the above mentioned items that are brought to our High School Youth Conferences.

The Christian Outreach Office of Franciscan University reserves the right to deny entrance to, or request the ejection of, any group or individual who does not comply with the regulations and policies of Franciscan University of Steubenville’s High School Youth Conferences.

  • Should any individual/group be denied entrance or be ejected for violating any rule or policy, no refunds will be issued.

Dress Code

All participants, including adults, are expected to dress appropriately in modest attire.

Appropriate Dress and Speech

  • Clothing must cover all undergarments and midriffs.   
  • Bikini tops, low cut tops, mini skirts, yoga pants and short shorts are unacceptable.
  • Inappropriate or profane attire are not to be worn at any time during the conference.  
  • Shirts and shoes are to be worn at all times.   
  • Foul and abusive language will not be permitted.

Group leaders and adult chaperones are expected to communicate these expectations to their youth beforehand and to enforce the dress code at the conference.   

Tap HERE for the packing list

Housing Expectations

Any violation of these expectations will result in a Strike. See “Strike Policy” for more details.

  • Members of the opposite sex are not permitted in each other’s sleeping facilities.
  • Food in the dorms: allowed, BUT any sign of trash or leftovers will result in an infraction.
  • Do not move the furniture.
  • Leave a clear aisle from your door to your window.  If we cannot reach the window, an infraction will occur.
  • Dorms are to be vacated by 8:30 a.m., when they will be locked until after the evening session.
  • We do not make wake-up calls.
  • Everyone is to be in the dorms by midnight; Do not leave the dorm after this time.
  • Lights out is at 12:30 a.m.; housing hosts will announce this.
  • Please keep quiet after lights out; noise complaints will be grounds for infraction.
  • No yelling out of or climbing through dorm windows.
  • No horseplay or excessive noise in dormitory restrooms.
  • No removing, damaging, or vandalizing signs or dorm property.
  • Admittance to dorms during lockdown is not permitted.  
  • Only main doors are to be used for entrance/exit throughout the weekend.  
  • Close the curtains when changing.
  • Smoking and the use of candles are prohibited in all facilities.
  • Leave no trash behind; trash cans are available for your use during check out.

Note: In order to abide more effectively by the Diocese of Steubenville’s Child Protection policies, all occupied rooms will be labeled with the group leader’s last name and the respective occupants, i.e. adult chaperone or youth.  This will help us keep all participants safe and also help us find the respective Group Leaders and chaperones more quickly in case of emergency

Insubordination

All conference participants are expected to follow the direction of the conference staff and security, in addition to posted signage.  Any instances of insubordination will be subject to appropriate discipline.

Franciscan University of Steubenville and the Christian Outreach Office reserve the right to handle disciplinary situations in a way that best serves the overall conference, including removal of a participant from the conference without warning.

Misconduct

The following are misconduct issues that will not be tolerated at High School Youth Conferences as quoted from the Franciscan University of Steubenville Student Handbook, Article III: Proscribed Conduct:

  • “3:10 Use, possession, or distribution of narcotic or other controlled substances or drug paraphernalia except as expressly permitted by law.
  • 3:11 Use, possession, sale, consumption, or distribution of alcoholic beverages except as expressly permitted by the law and by University regulations, or public intoxication.
  • 3:12 Possession or use of firearms, explosives, other weapons, incendiary devices, firecrackers or dangerous chemicals on University premises.”

Reporting an Incident

If you witness a youth or adult chaperone violating any policy in regard to Child Protection or Franciscan University of Steubenville’s guidelines, you are required to report it immediately to a member of the Security or Conference Staff.

Campus Security: 740-283-6333.

Safe Environment

In order to ensure the safety of all our youth and remain in compliance with the policies established by the Diocese of Steubenville and Franciscan University of Steubenville, all adult chaperones are required to provide proof of their Safe Environment Training.

Every adult chaperone must also be background checked to the specifications of his/her home diocese. Proof of these specifications must be presented to the Christian Outreach Office via the Adult Chaperone Verification Form at the time of check-in for the conference.

Priests must submit a “Letter of Good Standing.”

Session Expectations

Before, during, and after sessions and workshops:

  • Refrain from running
  • Do not enter the stage unless invited by the host or a speaker.
  • Flash photography is not permitted during the liturgy per the Diocese of Steubenville.
  • Videotaping is not permitted during any sessions.
  • Refrain from standing on, folding, or moving chairs.
  • Once the sessions begin, keep the aisles clear.

Smoking 

All conference venues are strictly smoke free.
Anyone who smokes must be at least 30 feet from any building. During the sessions, we ask all participants, including chaperones, to refrain from smoking and participate in the session. 

Thank you. 

1:30 pm | How to Prospect and Keep Your Pipeline FULL!

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.


Katherine (Kat) Ramirez

 Katherine currently serves as Owner & Creative CEO of adBidtise, which she founded in 2014. adBidtise was originally created to address the ongoing need for businesses who can’t afford to advertise so they can understand all the free options that are available to them. In addition, adBidtise works with business leaders to help teach them about how advertising and marketing does work and how it can help their business Stand Out, Survive, Succeed & Grow.

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!”

1:30 pm | Photography & Copyright: Hey! Don’t just use that image you found on Google

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.