Self-Transformation and Empowerment Program (STEP)

 

What is something you always say you are going to do but always put off?  Over the next 12 weeks, we will discover what gets in the way, if anything, of you honoring your word to yourself.  Prepare to have a breakthrough in this area that leaves you feeling empowered, in action, and proud!


Program Description

This 12-week program is designed to equip you with a set of lenses to reframe and empower your worldview, enabling you to create greater success in your relationships with others and yourself. Guided by the Foundation for Ontological Leadership Education, certified facilitator and USF alumnus, Jai Mac Neil, leads participants through four (4) essential mindsets proven to cultivate personal growth and transformation through participant-directed individual projects focused on values-based change. 


Each week, participants foster a sense of community, grapple with the interconnectedness of the four mindsets, and endeavor to effect change through their projects. 


Due to limitations in room size and facilitator bandwidth, the cohort is limited to 20 participants each semester.

What you can expect to gain by participating: 

  • Develop a renewed sense of self and feel empowered and equipped for personal transformation
  • Identify tangible progress in reducing challenges they experience in their day-to-day lives through a personal change project
  • Identify what gets in the way of connecting with people and honoring your word to yourself
  • Recognize internal systems of belief that impact attitude, actions, and well-being
  • A network of friends who share a mission toward making progress on challenges in their lives

Eligibility

  • All undergraduate and graduate students at the University of San Francisco 

  • Attend all meetings in person at the Hilltop campus

Recruitment Timeline

  • Application opens: Wednesday, August 6 
  • Information Session: Wednesday, August 27 from 7–8 p.m. in UC 402/3 |
  • Applications due: Thursday, August 28, by 11:59 p.m.
  • Cohort offers: Thursday, September 4 by 5 p.m. 

Program Overview

Workshop Date Description Time Location Facilitators
1 September 10 Cohort Meet & Greet 6:45–8 p.m. UC 402/3 Jai Mac Neil and Bob Just
2 September 17 Cohort Development & Personal Project Goals 6:45–8 p.m. UC 402/3 Jai Mac Neil
3 September 24

Integrity Part 1 (honoring your word and the impact of not honoring your word)

 6:45–8 p.m. UC 402/3
Jai Mac Neil
4 October 1

Integrity Part 2 & Reflection

 6:45–8 p.m. UC 402/3
Jai Mac Neil
5 October 8

Already Always Listening Part 1 (how people show up in life and the way we listen to them)

 6:45–8 p.m. UC 402/3
Jai Mac Neil
6 October 15 Already Always Listening Part 2 & Reflection 6:45–8 p.m. UC 402/3 Bob Just
7 October 22 Personal Project Progress Check-In 6:45–8 p.m. UC 402/3
Jai Mac Neil
8 October 29 Internal Dialogue Part 1 (dismantling our feelings, memories, body sensations, and thoughts from what is happening in the present) 6:45–8 p.m. UC 402/3 Jai Mac Neil
9 November 5 Internal Dialogue Part 2 & Reflection 6:45–8 p.m. UC 402/3 Jai Mac Neil
10 November 12 Life Sentence Part 1 (uncovering ways in which we listen to our internal dialogue and the impact that has on our leadership) 6:45–8 p.m. UC 402/3 Jai Mac Neil
11 November 19 Life Sentence Part 2 & Reflection 6:45–8 p.m. UC 402/3 Jai Mac Neil
12 December 3 Personal Project Presentations (showcasing your progress through this program) 6:45–8 p.m. UC 402/3 Jai Mac Neil and Bob Just
13 May 4, 2026 Change Institute Celebration 7–8:30 p.m. Xavier Auditorium, Fromm Bob Just

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is facilitating the workshops? 
The Change Institute is proud to partner with USF alumnus and adjunct faculty, Jai Mac Neil. Jai is a well-rounded and positive-minded Fitness Professional with 15+ years of demonstrated experience in curating and managing both in-person and virtual fitness and wellness programs for diverse audiences. Jai is a dynamic instructor with a proven track record in enabling individuals to thrive, organizations to prosper, and cultures to flourish. Jai is passionate about enriching lives through powerful well-being programs and services.

Do I have to attend all the workshops?
Yes. This is a sequential learning program that builds a foundation for personal change. Each session links content and cohort to create a powerful community that supports one another through change. 

How many people can participate in the program?
Due to limitations with room size and facilitator bandwidth, the program can support up to 20 to 25 people each semester. 

Is dinner provided? 
No. Each participant is expected to bring food if they wish to eat during workshops.