UMatter at UGA (formerly known as WatchDawgs)

What is UMatter?

  • An active bystander intervention program that supports a culture where people care about and help each other.
  • Provides skills to safely identify and help individuals in need.
  • Raises awareness to access resources in the UGA community.

Choose to Matter at UGA

  • Choose to take action early – before a situation escalates. This can be effective and safer for everyone involved.
  • Choose to confront friends who make excuses for inappropriate behavior. Even small things such as comments, jokes, media, or music lyrics promote a culture of violence and disrespect. Sometimes all it takes is a look!
  • Choose to support a community where people care about each other. Your actions can reinforce the expectations of the UGA community to offer help when needed.
  • Choose to be part of a community that encourages one another to speak up or act.

How can you show others that they matter?

  • Attend the FREE UMatter Active Bystander Intervention Program and receive a Fontaine Center t-shirt.
  • Bring your friends.

You never know when the next person who needs help will be you!

Spring Semester 2020—no reservations needed!

• Mon, Jan 13, 2:30 - 3:30pm, Tate 141 - UMatter Bystander Intervention Signature Program
• Wed, Jan 15, 6:00 - 7:00pm, Tate 141 - UMatter Bystander Intervention Signature Program
• Tue, Jan 21, 2:30 - 3:30pm, Tate 141 - UMatter Bystander Intervention Signature Program
• Thu, Jan 23, 2:30 - 3:30pm, Tate 141 - UMatter Bystander Intervention Signature Program
• Tue, Feb 4, 3:30 - 4:30pm, Tate 141 - UMatter Content Specific Edition
• Tue, Feb 18, 6:30 - 7:30pm, Tate 142 – UMatter Campus Partner Edition
• Tue, Mar 3, 3:30 - 4:30pm, Tate 141 - UMatter Content Specific Edition
• Tue, Mar 17, 6:30 - 7:30pm, Tate 142 – UMatter Campus Partner Edition
• Tue, Apr 7, 3:30 - 4:30pm, Tate 141 - UMatter Content Specific Edition
• Tue, Apr 21, 6:30 - 7:30pm, Tate 142 – UMatter Campus Partner Edition

Large Group or Student Organization?
Click here to request a program!

UMatter logo

Request a UMatter Program
Campus Resources
The Bystander Effect
UMatter Home

Would you know what to do? Become a WatchDawg and learn the skills to help!


“I was walking home with friends from downtown and saw someone passed out. I considered helping but realized I had no idea what to do.” - K.T., 1st year


“We were at the house and heard two people yelling next door. We didn’t know if we should go knock on the door or call the cops.” - R.R., 3rd year