History of RCF
In Fall 2021, SUNY Potsdam partnered with NY-DOCCS Riverview Correctional Facility to offer a bachelor’s degree program within the prison. We began with three instructors, teaching four courses to 19 students. As of Fall 2024, the program has 75 full-time students, and we are offering 18 unique courses. In October 2024, Potsdam@RCF celebrated the commencement of 16 students who will soon complete their bachelor’s degree.
Key Aspects of our Program
Potsdam@RCF offers students a strong academic experience leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Sociology. Students acquire the communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that employers value. Students can pursue a minor in Human Services, further improving employment possibilities.
Drawing from Potsdam’s excellent liberal arts programs, we provide a diverse set of courses from a variety of departments and instructors to students at RCF. SUNY Potsdam’s strength in applied learning creates opportunities that prepare students for careers following release. Students with substance abuse experience can complete course work leading to Certification as a Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA). Our partnership with local addiction service programs facilitates the CRPA curriculum and public health courses.
What is Sociology?
Sociology is a social science that seeks to understand how our social world is organized and how it influences the actions and beliefs of individuals, families, and communities. This knowledge creates opportunities for social change in social interaction and organization.
The sociology program has been really good because you can be reflective on your social background, where you come from, and how it relates to the system. Once I was mentally stimulated in there, it was like somebody giving you a key to freedom.”
Will Our Program Be A Good Fit for You?
We welcome students who have completed an associate’s degree and students who have earned college credits while incarcerated. Those degrees and other completed course credits count toward the bachelor’s program at SUNY Potsdam. Students in the college program live in one of two academic dorms within RCF. The strong partnership of RCF leadership has contributed to a strong academic culture within the prison as the College represents almost 15% of the incarcerated prison population and is growing each semester.
Contact Information
For more information or to indicate interest in the program, contact your Education Supervisor or send a letter to:
Education Supervisor
Riverview Correctional Facility
1110 Tibbits Drive
Ogdensburg, NY 13669
rcfcip@potsdam.edu