“Our Walks Aren’t That Different”: The Valparaiso University Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program

Presenter 4: Amanda Zelechoski, assistant professor of psychology, and Dawn Jeglum Bartusch ’87, associate professor of sociology and criminology

Abstract: This presentation is intended to introduce students, faculty, staff, and community members to the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program at Valpo. Part of a national program, the Inside-Out course is a dynamic community partnership that brings together sociology and psychology students and incarcerated individuals at Westville Correctional Facility. Through this innovative and transformative instructional model, college students and incarcerated individuals study as peers in a seminar that takes place inside the correctional facility. This presentation will present an overview of the model, considerations for creating additional Inside-Out courses at Valpo, and reflections from former Inside-Out students.