Alternative Resolution and Restorative Practices
The Alternative Resolution and Restorative Practices (AR-RP) track is designed for practitioners who are new to alternative resolution and wish to develop basic knowledge and skills to facilitate alternative resolution and restorative practices within and beyond the student conduct setting. “Alternative resolution” refers to approaches of addressing conflict through dialogue, repair, and involved parties’ input, as distinct from more formal or procedural means. “Restorative practices” are one approach that centers community relationships and accountability as methods of setting expectations, addressing harm, and navigating change. This track is appropriate for professionals at all levels of student conduct and adjacent work seeking to develop AR-RP knowledge, skills, and strategies.
As a result of participating in the Alternative Resolution and Restorative Practices track, participants will (including but not be limited to):
- Understand the philosophical distinctions between alternative/restorative resolution and transactional/retributive justice
- Evaluate the conditions of suitability for alternative resolution
- Recognize multiple forms of alternative and restorative resolution
- Consider principles of harm, repair, and labor
- Develop alternative and restorative approaches embedded in and/or parallel to the formal student conduct process
- Practice facilitating circles and dialogue conferences
- Discuss how to codify alternative resolution practices as part of student conduct