Frequently Asked Questions

Got Questions?We've Got Answers

Find answers to common questions about UpSide AI and how it can help you develop life skills and plan for your future.

Getting Started
4 questions

What is UpSide AI and who is it for?

UpSide AI is personalized, on-demand support for college athletes across Texas. We provide an AI teammate that helps you navigate academics, relationships, opportunities, careers, and life on campus, centered on self-efficacy, emotional intelligence, and career readiness.

How do I get started with UpSide AI?

Just sign up for a free account and start a conversation. There's no long onboarding form. UpSide learns about you naturally as you talk, so it can personalize its guidance to your goals, your sport, and what's actually going on in your life.

Is UpSide AI really free?

Yes! UpSide AI is completely free for college athletes. Our mission is to make personalized support available to every athlete, so we don't charge for any of our core features including the AI teammate, assessments, or resources.

Do I need to be a college athlete to use UpSide AI?

UpSide is built for college athletes across Texas, but any college student can benefit from the guidance. The strategies we teach are valuable for anyone navigating college, relationships, and career planning.

AI Teammate
4 questions

How does the AI teammate work?

Our AI teammate is trained to understand the challenges college athletes face. It provides personalized guidance on academics, athletic development, emotional regulation, relationships, networking, and career exploration. The more you interact with it, the better it understands your specific needs.

What kind of questions can I ask the AI teammate?

You can ask about anything related to your growth: managing pressure in competition, balancing academics and athletics, navigating relationships, building your network, planning your career, setting goals, or working through emotional challenges. The AI is trained to provide supportive, practical advice.

Is my conversation with the AI private?

Yes, your conversations are private and secure. We use your interactions to improve the AI's responses for you personally, but we never share individual conversations. All data is encrypted and stored securely.

Can the AI teammate replace talking to a counselor or coach?

No, the AI teammate is a supplement to, not a replacement for, human support. While it can provide valuable guidance and strategies, we always encourage you to also talk with the people in your corner, like campus counselors, coaches, professors, academic advisors, career services, or family, about important decisions.

Assessments & Growth
4 questions

What assessments are available?

We offer assessments for self-efficacy, emotional intelligence, social awareness, stress management, goal-setting, and future planning. Each assessment takes 5-15 minutes and provides personalized insights and recommendations.

How often should I take assessments?

We recommend taking the initial assessments when you first join, then retaking them every 3-6 months to track your growth. You can also take specific assessments anytime you're working on a particular area of development.

What happens after I complete an assessment?

You'll receive a detailed report with your results, personalized insights, and specific action steps. The AI teammate will also use these results to provide more targeted guidance, and you'll get recommendations for relevant resources and scenarios to practice.

Are the assessments scientifically validated?

Yes, our assessments are based on established psychological research and validated instruments. They're adapted specifically for the experiences and challenges of college athletes while maintaining scientific rigor.

Privacy & Safety
4 questions

How is my personal information protected?

We use industry-standard encryption and security measures to protect your data. We collect only the information necessary to provide our services, and we never sell or share your personal information with third parties.

Who can access my account and data?

Only you. UpSide is built for college athletes 18 and older, and your account is yours alone. We never share your information with your school, coaches, or anyone else without your explicit permission.

What if I'm having a mental health crisis?

If you're experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please contact emergency services (911) or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988) immediately. Our AI teammate can provide support for everyday challenges but is not equipped to handle crisis situations.

Can my school or coaches see my UpSide AI activity?

No, your activity on UpSide AI is private. We don't share information with your school, athletic department, coaches, or other third parties unless you explicitly choose to share something or in rare cases where we're legally required to do so for safety reasons.

Technical Support
4 questions

What devices can I use UpSide AI on?

UpSide AI works on any device with a web browser - smartphones, tablets, laptops, or desktop computers. We've optimized the experience for mobile so you can get support anywhere on campus.

Do I need a fast internet connection?

No, UpSide AI is designed to work well even on slower connections. The platform loads efficiently and most features work with basic connectivity.

What if I'm having technical problems?

If you're experiencing technical issues, try refreshing your browser first. If problems persist, you can contact our support team through the contact form or email us directly. We typically respond within 24 hours.

Is there a mobile app?

Currently, UpSide AI is a web-based platform that works great on mobile browsers. We're considering developing a dedicated mobile app based on user feedback and demand.

For Coaches & Athletic Departments
4 questions

How can coaches support their athletes' use of UpSide AI?

Coaches can encourage regular use and reinforce the strategies athletes are building. Because individual accounts are private, UpSide works alongside your existing support without adding to your staff's workload.

Can athletic departments integrate UpSide AI into their programs?

Yes. UpSide extends your student-athlete support infrastructure between human interactions and helps athletes take greater advantage of the resources and relationships your institution already provides. Reach out and we'll help you get set up.

Are there resources for athletic departments who want to learn more?

Absolutely. We can walk you through how UpSide supports self-efficacy, emotional intelligence, and career readiness, and how it complements the work of your advisors, counselors, and career services. Contact us to learn more.

How do we know if UpSide AI is helping our athletes?

Look for signs like improved confidence, better stress management, clearer goal-setting, and more thoughtful decision-making. Athletes can also choose to share their assessment results and progress.

Still Need Help?

Can't find what you're looking for? We're here to help! Reach out to our support team or explore our other resources.

Crisis Resources

If you're experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of self-harm, please reach out for immediate help:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Emergency Services: 911