Frequently Asked Questions

(Teaching with YPEI/UNH):

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Who can teach in prison through YPEI/UNH?
Faculty and graduate students eligible to teach on campus (at Yale or UNH) can teach for YPEI.

How does YPEI support faculty who teach in prison?
YPEI-UNH instructors receive training and orientation from the program as well as well as from campus resources.

How are incarcerated students selected to participate in YPEI/UNH?
Incarcerated students are selected through an admissions process that consists of both a written component and an interview overseen by program staff and a faculty advisory committee.

How are students graded?
Students are graded according to the same on-campus conventions for each course offered.
 

How do students conduct research in prison?

Because students don’t have access to internet, YPEI works to facilitate resources necessary for successfully completing research components of any course offered. We have established a partnership between the Yale University Libraries (YUL) and University of New Haven Library in order to facilitate this work.

Do students have internet access?
No, students do not currently have internet access.

What sorts of classes is the program looking for?
YPEI offers classes from a wide range of disciplines during summer, fall, and spring terms. We welcome proposals for courses in all subject areas.  However, please propose only classes that you have taught before. Do not propose courses that center criminal justice or prisons, if that is not your field of expertise. Do not propose classes that use students as research subjects.

Would it be possible to teach my area of specialty?
Yes, but please propose only classes that you have taught before.

May I design my own course, or are there set syllabi?
You may design your own course, as long as it is a course or subject matter that you have taught before; it must also be approved by the appropriate channels at the accrediting university (Yale or UNH) and adhere to all on-campus standards and guidelines. Please keep in mind that students do not have internet access and are limited in their ability to do research.  Do not propose courses that center criminal justice or prisons, if that is not your field of expertise.  Additionally, do not propose classes that use students as research subjects.
 

Should I indicate availability for any course I think I could teach?  Or should I limit it to my own discipline?
Please only apply to teach courses that you have taught before.

I submitted application materials, but I haven’t heard from you.  Does this mean I haven’t been selected?
YPEI selects courses for each term based on student needs.  We reach out to instructors on an as-needed basis. We apologize that we receive far more interest than we are able to accommodate.

What time of day are classes scheduled?
YPEI offers classes and office hours in a variety of windows scheduled between 8:30 AM - 9:00 PM.  Instructors will be required to be on-site during their courses and office hours/study halls. 

Do you provide transportation to the prison?
No; faculty are responsible for their own transportation to the prison. Dwight Hall cars are available for Yale affiliates’ use, but you need a driver’s license and must undergo an online training session in order to use them and they must be reserved on a weekly basis.

Can I have a TA?
Because our classes are all seminar-style (typically ~15 students), TAs are not necessary. However, if you have secured outside funding, you may be able to utilize a TA. We also provide undergraduate and graduate student volunteers who support incarcerated students via peer tutoring, writing and math tutoring, and Academic Strategies Mentoring.