Restorative Practices

Request a Restorative Intervention

Restorative Practices facilitators are trained to offer the following list of programs and interventions:

Restorative Community-Building Circles: In a restorative community-building circle, individuals come together in a structured and inclusive dialogue format to build community, promote healing, or address conflicts. This facilitation technique emphasizes open communication, active listening, and shared responsibility. Circles provide a safe space for participants to express their feelings, perspectives, hurts, and needs, fostering a deeper understanding among those involved.

Possible Applications: professional development, classroom discussion, or team building

Restorative Harm Circles: Restorative harm circles are effective when addressing interpersonal conflicts, disciplinary matters, or situations in which harm has occurred. When participating in a restorative harm circle, participants collaborate on the impact of their actions, work to repair relationships, and collectively decide on meaningful resolutions. This approach addresses the immediate issues and cultivates a supportive, empathetic community that values accountability, healing, and mutual growth.

Possible Applications: addressing current events, interpersonal conflict, or code of conduct and academic integrity violations

Restorative Conferences: A restorative conference is a structured meeting facilitated by a trained RP facilitator. The conference brings together parties directly involved in a harmful incident, along with affected stakeholders. It is effective for situations in which a more comprehensive and in-depth dialogue is needed to address harm. Restorative conferences are effective when addressing serious offenses, conflicts, or complex situations within a community. Restorative conferences enable participants to share their perspectives, express their feelings, and work collectively toward understanding and repairing harm. This approach fosters a sense of responsibility and accountability. Participants actively create a space for healing and reconciliation, contributing to the restoration of relationships and the overall well-being of the community.

Possible Application: individual or small group process to address interpersonal or organizational harm

Faculty and Staff Development: Restorative faculty and staff development sessions are designed to equip educators and administrative personnel with the skills and knowledge necessary to integrate RP principles into their work environments. They are beneficial during times of significant organizational change. They aim to create a culture of empathy, understanding, and accountability. Restorative practices support faculty and staff in responding to disciplinary challenges, improving communication around conflict resolution, and fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment. RP development sessions contribute to the overall well-being of the academic community and enhance the effectiveness of restorative practices within the educational setting.

Possible Applications: training that addresses the unique needs of your department, team, or workgroup in collaboration with RP facilitators.

The RP program offers a Level 1 and Level 2 training for faculty and staff who wish to become facilitators. This training provides an opportunity to serve the UMSON community and facilitate community-building and conflict resolution across the organization.

As an FRP, faculty and staff:

• participate in monthly FRP planning/training meetings
• facilitate a minimum of four RP interventions throughout the year based on program needs
  • RP interventions include community building circles, harm circles, restorative conferences, facilitation of professional development and training, student orientations and trainings, etc.
• participate in the ongoing professional development and scholarship of RP to inform best practices within UMSON, including but not limited to development of curriculum and dissemination of program materials, scholarly articles, and presentations at professional conferences
• engage in ongoing personal and professional development

Level 1 FRP Training for Faculty and Staff:
Interested in becoming a restorative facilitator? Please complete this form to let us know of your interest in participating in a Level 1 Facilitator Training. We will contact you when the next training is scheduled.

The Restorative Practices Student Leadership Program (RPSLP) fosters a sense of belonging among nursing students and equips them with the skills and attributes needed to address harm, promote resilience, and build community within educational and health care settings.

Enhance Belongingness: We are committed to fostering a sense of belonging among nursing students. Through the RPSLP, participants will engage in community-building events, facilitated dialogues, and supportive mentorship to create a welcoming learning environment at UMSON.

Boost Competence and Self-Efficacy: Our program provides comprehensive training in restorative practices, empowering students to address historical, interpersonal, and organizational harm with confidence. Workshops and assessments will measure the growth in competence and self-efficacy throughout the program.

Address Educational Challenges: We recognize the diverse challenges students face in their educational journey. Student RP leaders will augment UMSON’s established support systems and assist by ensuring that students feel connected to their School community.

Promote Cross-Campus Collaboration: The RPSLP is committed to building a cohesive community between UMSON's Baltimore and Universities at Shady Grove locations. Through joint events, virtual platforms, and targeted initiatives, the program seeks to enhance engagement and collaboration among nursing students at both campus locations.

If you are interested in joining the Restorative Practices Student Leadership Program, please complete the application. 

Apply to the RPSLP