Humans crave closure. We want answers, solutions and justice when questions arise. Yet every year, while some crimes are solved, countless others go cold. At Northern Michigan University, the Cold Case Program is taking on these once-unsolvable cases, giving students the chance to reopen files and uncover leads that could bring long-awaited resolution.

NMU launched its Cold Case Program in 2022, and by 2023 it had earned a permanent spot on the class roster as CJ 485: Cold Case Seminar. Northern is the only Michigan university with a permanent course of this kind (others run internships) and one of only a handful across the country. Students work directly with Michigan law enforcement to examine real cases. Since its start, members of the program have analyzed more than 10 cases, generated over 130 investigative leads and even helped one cohort of students solve their assigned case.

During the course, students sift through hundreds of thousands of pages of police reports and digitize them into modern databases, making older files searchable for both themselves and investigators. Because of the sensitivity of the work, students cannot discuss specific cases or leads outside the classroom.

“The opportunity to work on actual casework as a civilian and as an undergraduate student is a huge opportunity that is incredibly rare,” said Kaitlyn Straschinske, a criminal justice student currently in the program.

The course begins with two weeks of building a strong base of understanding the assigned case before transitioning into a self-directed, lab-style format. For many, the hands-on nature of the work is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—not just for criminal justice majors, but for any NMU student.

“This course teaches not just investigation, but professionalism—students learn how to manage sensitive information the same way law enforcement does,” said Chris MacMaster, Cold Case Program coordinator and criminal justice instructor.

No stone goes unturned, both when looking at case-sensitive information and when teaching students the real-world skills needed to set them up for success in their fields, all while offering students the space to grow individually.

“What I love most about the class is that it’s very self-led. You act on the standard you hold yourself to,” Straschinske said.

A common misconception is that the program is only for criminal justice students, but anyone can apply. In fact, diverse perspectives are encouraged.

“Working in that team environment and seeing the different leads everyone brings to the table was a really neat experience,” said Emma Sweeney, criminal justice student and the program’s current teaching assistant.

The application process is straightforward. Students submit an application, then interview with a faculty panel. Each cohort accepts about 10 students, with two groups per semester. Those not admitted on their first attempt are encouraged to reapply in future semesters.

Many participants say the program is a game changer for their professional development. Graduates have already moved on to roles with the Michigan State Police and interviewed with federal agencies like the FBI and Secret Service, demonstrating how the program sets students apart in competitive fields.

“You’re really doing real-world work, and you learn how to handle sensitive information responsibly,” Sweeney said.

In 2023, the program reached a milestone when one cohort’s work directly contributed to solving a nearly 40-year-old case. The breakthrough made headlines across Michigan and gave the program national recognition.

“It’s a beacon of hope … this program has done something that has gone beyond just shedding new light on a case—it actually brought forth a solve,” Straschinske said.

That success not only validated the program’s methods but also secured its future at NMU. Demand for the class continues to grow, and law enforcement partnerships have deepened. At its core, the Cold Case Program is about more than academics. It is about giving students purpose and proving that persistence can bring answers even decades later.

As Straschinske put it, “Being part of something bigger than yourself, something that could change lives, that’s what makes this program so powerful.”