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About the Course

PACS 4900 is a 3-credit independent study option that may be available to select students. Students must seek approval from PACS Director Dr. English. The independent study option exists to fill two main purposes which are described below.

1. Independent Study (Research or PACS-related internship)

Students registered for the PACS Certificate may ask about this option in order to earn credits to complete the certificate through a research project or for credit as part of a PACS-related internship. Decisions are made on a case by case basis. 

2. Internship with CU’s Restorative Justice Program

Students registered for the PACS certificate may seek an internship offered in partnership with the University’s program on Restorative Justice (CURJ). This experience will give students first-hand exposure to restorative processes, as well as allow them to further develop their skills as facilitators.

CU’s restorative justice program is one of the largest in the United States. The program plays an active role in serving the University and greater Boulder community to address the relationship between victims, offenders, and the community in a way that repairs the impacts of an incident, holds the offender accountable for their actions, and builds community.

Some things to know about the internship:

  • 120 contact hours are required.
    • This means students will spend roughly 8 to 10 hours per week working hands-on at CURJ.
    • Internship hours tend to be in the late afternoon and early evening.
  • The internship requires students to complete an academic curriculum and an internship curriculum.
    • The academic curriculum is completed under the direction of the PACS supervisor.
    • The internship curriculum is completed under the direction of CURJ Internship Coordinator, Rachel Kay Larsen, and is considered part of the contact hours.
  • The academic curriculum requires students to complete weekly course work in the development of an independent research project.
    • This project must focus on exploring an aspect of restorative justice.
  • This opportunity is limited to 2 students per semester and only offered during Fall and Spring terms.

Eligibility

Students interested in applying for the internship program must:

  • Be registered for the PACS Certificate Program;
  • Starting Fall 2022, students must complete PACS 4000: Special Topics Restorative Justice to be considered for the internship.
  • Have a 2.5 GPA;
  • Be approved by both the PACS Director and the CU Restorative Justice program coordinator.

Interested students should contact the PACS Associate Director Michael English for further information.