A new partnership between the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the University of Charleston aims to create educational opportunities for those serving the state as DCR employees.
The main entrance to the University of Charleston is shown on Feb. 26, 2024.
Gazette-Mail file photo
Gov. Jim Justice announced the partnership at his Aug. 29 administrative briefing, explaining that DCR employees will be able to receive college credit for training they have completed and can also complete classes toward a degree.
DCR Commissioner William Marshall said the DCR oversees nearly 70 facilities including West Virginia鈥檚 11 prisons, 10 regional jails and 10 juvenile centers. Those facilities are staffed by over 3,000 employees who are all qualified to receive free college credits through a federal grant.
鈥淸Offering DCR employees educational opportunities for free] is a huge step,鈥 he said. 鈥淎nd it鈥檚 never been done before.鈥
Marshall
Williams said he thinks the program will improve safety at the DCR鈥檚 facilities, as well as employees鈥 career outcomes and outlook on life.
鈥淚 think that it can be used to further enhance the safety of our facilities. If we have highly trained, educated individuals running our facilities ... I think you gain confidence with knowledge. You feel more prepared for life, more prepared for your career. It鈥檚 about more than just retention, and recruitment, it鈥檚 about making you a better teammate for DCR,鈥 he said.
The agreement between UC and the DCR creates a pathway for employees to earn credits based on previous experience and training applicable to a variety of degree and certificate programs offered by the university including:
A.S. Cybersecurity
A.S. Frontline Leadership
A.S. Workforce Leadership
B.A. Psychology
B.S. Business Management
B.S. Cyber Security
B.S. Healthcare Administration and Management
B.S. Organizational Leadership
M.S. Business Administration
M.S. Business and Data Analytics
M.S. Cybersecurity
M.S. Strategic Leadership
Doctorate Executive Leadership
RN/BSN
Certifications in Cybersecurity, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and Green Belt
The commissioner explained that the number of credits an employee can complete at a time is based on a variety of factors, including years of service, rank and leadership experience.
The coursework can also be completed online, the commissioner noted.
While Williams said the program is free to participate, he stressed that it鈥檚 not a free pass to a degree. Students must follow UC鈥檚 admission procedures and meet degree completion requirements to receive credit, just like any other student.
DCR employees enrolling in these programs will also be eligible for a 10% discount for specific undergraduate and graduate programs, or receive the undergraduate tuition rate of $250 per credit hour for military, law enforcement or first responders on specific programs.
The University of Charleston partnership is the fourth of its kind that the DCR has formed in the past year. The state has also partnered with 成品人视频 Tech, Glenville State University and Wheeling University.
