CU-Mansfield criminal justice students visit state Capitol

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Dr. Justin Crowl, associate professor of criminal justice at Commonwealth University-Mansfield, took members of the Criminal Justice Club on an educational field trip to the Pennsylvania State Capitol on Friday, April 24. He was joined by students Cana Riley, of Cogan Station; Brock Mayer, of Williamsport; Erika Haag, of Williamsport; Mikaela Dioguardi, of Limestone, New York; Brianna Bingaman, of Dornsife; Eion Hicks-Lee, of Blossburg; Alexia Hooper, of Athens; and Brianna Winter, of Jersey Shore.

The visit provided students with a firsthand look at the structure and function of state government while exploring one of Pennsylvania's most historically significant landmarks. The Capitol, designed by architect Joseph Miller Huston, is widely regarded as a Beaux-Arts masterpiece. Referred to as the "Palace of Art," the building features a grand rotunda, ornate murals, stained glass and detailed craftsmanship that reflects a blend of American Renaissance and European design influences.

During the tour, students explored key chambers within the Capitol, including the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, the State Senate and the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. These experiences highlighted all three branches of government - legislative, executive and judicial - within a single setting. By standing in the rooms where laws are debated, policy is shaped and judicial decisions are made, students were able to directly connect course concepts to real-world governmental processes.

"Experiential learning adds value to the educational experience of our students," said Crowl. "Opportunities like this allow students to better understand how the justice system operates within the broader framework of government."

In addition to the Capitol tour, students visited the Susquehanna Art Museum, explored local shops and bookstores and spent time at the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts. The Whitaker Center provided a hands-on, interactive environment that blends science, art and entertainment, offering an engaging complement to the day's focus on government and public institutions.

Overall, the trip offered a unique educational experience that combined government, culture and interactive learning. For students, it was an opportunity to step outside the classroom, engage directly with key institutions and gain a deeper appreciation for the things they study.

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• Criminal Justice

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