One of the things that the RWC Criminal Justice Program provides students is the opportunity to earn credits for graduation through service learning.According to RWC Criminal Justice Professor Marilyn Simon, service learning combines a method where students will learn and develop professional skills and organizational awareness through active participation. It also helps foster critical thinking and civic responsibility, an integration of program goals to enhance the student’s academic curriculum, and as a method of providing structured time for students and/or community partners to reflect on the Service Learning experience.
To get service learning credits students must be matriculated in the RWC Pre-Criminal Justice program or must check with their adviser to make sure that these credits will apply towards their degree.
A maximum of three credit hours may be used as electives towards the Pre-Criminal Justice Program. Students should have a sophomore status or should be currently enrolled in one of the criminal justice core courses. Students must contact the Service Learning coordinator at least four weeks prior to the beginning of the quarter the Service Learning is to occur. Lastly, students must register for this course before their first contact with the community partner.
The commitment incorporates an in-car ride along with the City of Cincinnati Police Department. A student may register for one to three credit hours per quarter of electives to be used as service learning credits. This commitment is outlined as follows:
1 credit hour for 27 contact hours or three 8-hour shifts for Cincinnati P.D. (three hours to complete other service learning requirements).
2 credit hours for 57 contact hours or six 8-hour shifts for Cincinnati P.D. (three hours to complete other service learning requirements).
3 credit hours for 87 contact hours or nine 8-hour shifts for Cincinnati P.D. (three hours to complete other service learning requirements).
If you are interested in service learning with the City of Cincinnati Police Department, contact Professor Simon at marilyn.simon@uc.edu or (513) 936-7141. Under no circumstance should a student contact the Police Department or District directly. All contact will be through Professor Simon throughout the program.