FAQ

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Inside-Out Class FAQ

  • Who are “inside students?” Who are “outside students?”
    • Inside students are those housed in the prisons, either Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP) or Oregon State Correctional Institution (OSCI). Outside students are campus-based students.
  • What is the goal of an Inside-Out class, am I entering to help people on the inside?
    • The goal of Inside-Out is to create a space for collaborative education by having discussion between inside and outside students with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. This is not about helping anyone but shared learning and growth.
  • What are the prisons like? Is it safe?
    • While inside, we spend the majority of our time in the education area. The classrooms inside the prison are just like small seminar-type classrooms you would see on campus, except for the bars on the windows. While there are safety risks in entering a prison, the Department of Corrections staff, PEP instructor, and inside student leaders always put safety first and foremost. Many outside students report feeling safer and more respected in their classroom at the prison than many other places “out in the world.”
  • Who is eligible?
    • Most PEP classes are open to all current UO students. Some classes have restrictions: for example, honors college classes are limited to CHC students. All classes should list any eligibility requirements on the description. The prisons have restrictions on who can enter – if you have close connections with someone who lives or works in Oregon prisons or if you have a criminal conviction this doesn’t automatically exclude you – there will be a conversation with the Department of Corrections.
  • Are the classes credit bearing?
    • Yes, the classes are credit bearing like an on-campus class would be.
  • Are all the classes in a specific department?
    • The classes are in a variety of different departments. For a list of previous and upcoming classes see COURSES.
  • Is tuition the same as a “normal” class?
    • Yes. There is no additional cost to participate in an Inside-Out class, and transportation is provided.
  • What does the application process look like?
    • Students will fill out applications asking about their interest in the course and what they hope to gain from the experience. After they submit their application, the professor will reach out to schedule an interview. Soon after, they will hear if they have been offered a spot.
  • How competitive is the application process?
    •  It completely depends on the class and the year! But we encourage everyone to apply and also encourage you to apply to multiple classes and note that on your application.
  • Can I take more than one Inside-Out class?
    • We try to let as many people as possible have the opportunity to take an Inside-Out class, so students can only take one Inside-Out class. After your Inside-Out class, we encourage you to stay involved with PEP by participating in our book discussions and other alumni activities.
  • At which prison will my class take place?
    • We currently host Inside-Out classes in the Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP) and the Oregon State Correctional Institution (OSCI). The class announcement will say which institution it will be held at.
  • I applied for an Inside-Out class, but I haven’t heard back and registration is coming up. What should I do?
    • We try to let students know about acceptance into the classes before registration, but sometimes there are delays in the process. Some students register for an alternate “back up” class, and then drop that class if they are accepted to the Inside-Out class. If you do get a spot in the class, you will be given a CRN and permission to register.
  • Who will be in my class and what do I call my inside classmates?
    • Inside students go through the same application process as outside students do to participate in an Inside-Out class. The PEP does not base eligibility for participation on the nature of the conviction or length of incarceration. All inside students will have had clear conduct for several years and are approved by the Oregon Department of Corrections for participation in the class. The DOC refers to incarcerated people as adults in custody (AICs). For our purposes everyone in our classes are just students and we are all on a first name basis.
  • What are the rules?
    • Students must adhere to specific dress and conduct codes. These will be explained in detail during Week 1 and reviewed during the term. Questions can be brought up with your instructor and with the PEP intern assigned to your class. These are extremely important for the success of the individual class as well as for the program as a whole.
  • What does a typical day of class look like?
    • Students meet up on campus and drive in state vehicles to Salem. Once they are at the prison, they check in, go through security, and are escorted to the classroom to meet with their inside classmates. Classes are discussion-based and generally either are a circle with the full class or small groups and paired discussions. After class, outside students will drive back to Eugene together.
  • What is the time commitment?
    • Class is 3 hours long, but including travel time students should typically expect to dedicate 6 hours each class, which is held once per week. The typical class leaves campus at 4 and returns to campus at around 10pm. This does not include time dedicated to homework, which varies between courses.
 

Prison Education Program FAQ

  • What’s the difference between the PEP and Inside-Out? Are they the same thing?
    • PEP is an umbrella organization and Inside-Out is a big part of what we do. Inside-Out is a national organization and a particular model of classes bringing outside students and inside students together. The PEP has a broad list of other projects including other for-credit and not-for-credit projects.
  • How long has the PEP existed?
    • The first UO Inside-Out class was in 2007, and there has been an increasing number of projects and need for organization since then. We became an official UO Program in 2018. You can read more on our “About Us” page.
  • How many people participate in PEP programs?
    • It varies year to year (especially due to the pandemic). There are usually 5-8 Inside-Out classes, 5-8 other for-credit classes for inside students, and not-for-credit workshops, book discussions, club events, and lectures that are attended by more than 800 inside participants.
  • Can I donate?
    • We greatly appreciate your generosity! You can donate directly to the program, and we use contributions to directly support outside students, inside students, and our internship program.  
  • How can I get involved?
    • There are numerous ways to get involved in addition to participating as a student in our Inside-Classes. We host workshops and events that are primarily geared toward alumni participation and also welcome monetary donations and book donations. If you would like more information about getting involved you can contact us.
  • I am a professor interested in giving a guest lecture or teaching an Inside-Out class. How do I get involved?
    • Thank you for your interest! We are always looking for professors that would be a good fit in prison education. Please send us an email at uoprisoned@gmail.com or fill out a form in the “Contact Us” page.
 

Other FAQ

FAQ Sections

Inside-Out Class FAQ

Prison Education Program FAQ

Other FAQ