The use of a wilderness adventure based expeditionary program as an alternative to traditional means of discipline for at risk students within the judicial process at SUNY Cortland

Abstract

Purpose of this project was to develop a wilderness based expeditionary program that would be offered as an alternative to the traditional means of discipline for students that have violated the student code of conduct by participating in the high risk activities of drinking and drug use. An expedition was designed with the three programmatic goals of an increased sense of community, accountability and mutual accountability in mind. The expedition would consist of physical and mental challenges -- a solo experience, and a backpacking trip -- with additional personal and group activities designed to assist participants achieve their personal as well as the programmatic goals. Evaluation of the expedition would be conducted by every participant through the completion of a reflection paper and the use of journal entries. The evaluation tools would be collected by the facilitator and reviewed by himself and the Judicial Affairs Office of SUNY Cortland.