Service Learning of An Inmate Re-entry Program In An Urban Commuter University

Authors

  • Judith A. Harris Department of Criminal Justice & Social Work, University of Houston-Downtown
  • Kingsley Ejiogu Department of Criminal Justice, University of Maryland Eastern Shore
  • Michael R. Cavanaugh Department of Criminal Justice & Social Work, University of Houston-Downtown
  • Clete Snell Department of Criminal Justice & Social Work, University of Houston-Downtown

Abstract

The pedagogy of a service-learning course is applied in a large urban commuter university to explore the impact of a service-learning course on upper-level students. The study population was engaged in an inmate re-entry program, and students were placed in non-profit re-entry agencies. Results show changes in students' perception of offenders during the re-entry process. Furthermore, students' empathy and understanding of the re-entry population indicate internal changes from fundamental offender-based thinking. Offering a Recovery Coach training opportunity seems to positively impact student self-awareness while providing an essential resource to non-profit community agencies.

Keywords: Service-Learning; Inmate Re-entry; Student Perception; Content Analysis; Recovery Coaches.

Author Biographies

Judith A. Harris, Department of Criminal Justice & Social Work, University of Houston-Downtown

Dr. Judith A. Harris is an Associate Professor of Criminal Justice in the Department of Criminal Justice and Social Work at the University of Houston Downtown. Dr. Harris specializes in reentry and recovery for those with and without criminal convictions. Her Senior Seminar classes are service-learning opportunities, specifically with students working with inmate populations at the Harris County Sheriff's Office jail.

Kingsley Ejiogu, Department of Criminal Justice, University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Dr. Kingsley Ejiogu is an Associate Professor and an interdisciplinary researcher with training in Geographic Information Systems and Administration Justice. Dr. Ejiogu's interests and research focus on developing spatial analytic processes and protocols, risk estimation tools, strategic program development, evaluation, and social justice governance.

Michael R. Cavanaugh, Department of Criminal Justice & Social Work, University of Houston-Downtown

Dr. Michael R. Cavanaugh is an associate professor the Department of Criminal Justice and Social Work at the University of Houston-Downtown.  Dr. Cavanaugh has numerous journal articles published with various journals including, American Journal of Public Health, Journal of Quantitative Criminology, Journal of Criminal Justice Education, and the Journal of Interpersonal Violence. His teaching and research interests are varied but encompass guns on campus, police shootings, correctional rehabilitation, CJ policy questions, and a wide range of legal issues

Clete Snell, Department of Criminal Justice & Social Work, University of Houston-Downtown

Dr. Clete Snell is a Professor of Criminal Justice. His research interests include criminal justice education, criminal justice policy, and specialty courts. He has previously published in the Journal of Criminal Justice Education, Crime & Delinquency, Journal of Criminal Justice, Youth Violence and Criminal Justice, and the American Journal of Criminal Justice.

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Published

2023-02-01

Issue

Vol. 16 (2023): The Journal of Service-Learning in Higher Education

Section

Articles

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