Goodhart began volunteering in 2016, working as part of a team of
mediators to find resolution on cases ranging from broken windows to
more serious crimes.
“Such mediation relieves some of the workload on the attorneys,
judges and others in the court system,” Goodhart. “Surprisingly, people
aren’t usually too upset by the time they reach the mediation table.
They are ready to work things out. In the case of something like a
broken window, that might mean an apology and financial restitution.”
While Goodhart discontinued in-person volunteering during the
pandemic, he did a remote field experience at the center in the spring
of 2022, as part of his capstone criminal justice course.
Goodhart had a 3.16 GPA before final grades were posted. His most
difficult courses were two history classes, both of which he took during
summer sessions. “They covered creation to the present day, and taking
them in the summer meant that you had a week’s worth of learning to
cover each day,” he said.
As for Goodhart’s mature status, he said he always felt welcomed on
campus and in class. “It felt strange to be the oldest person but the
kids were great,” he said. “In a lot of classes, we would be split into
small groups for projects. We spent a lot of time working closely
together and I was never made to feel different.”
He said that his years of study have prepared him well for employment
in the criminal justice field, should the opportunity present itself.
“I feel really satisfied with what I have learned,” he said. “UD’s
criminal justice program is excellent.”
It’s clear the positive feelings are mutual.
“I found Steve to be a very dedicated student and determined to
obtain a bachelor’s degree. His experiences at UD opened his eyes to
part-time employment opportunities helping individuals involved in the
criminal legal system,” said Christy Visher, a professor in the
Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice and director of UD’s Center
for Drug and Health Studies.
Aaron Fichtelberg, an associate professor and associate chair in the
Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, was equally effusive in
his praise.
“Steven was a student in my Criminal Law course in the Fall of
2018,” said Fichtelberg. “He continually impressed me with how much he
understood, but equally how open he was to new ways of looking at law
and justice. As many students who take my class know, I call on students
to respond. Every time I called on Steven he was prepared and every
time he had something interesting to say.”
Added Fichtelberg, “I was pleased that Steven had an open-minded
approach and an eagerness to learn. I know he would be an asset to any
organization he joined.”