The Restorative Practices unit within the Office of Student Accountability & Restorative Practices guides individuals through intentional processes centered on conflict prevention and conflict management by promoting empathy, accountability, and community well-being. 

Restorative Practices is derived from the larger theoretical framework of Restorative Justice. The philosophy behind Restorative Justice considers the importance of harms created during a conflict or violation, the needs of those impacted by the conflict, the obligations of the person who created the harm, and the engagement from community members who might be directly or indirectly affected by the harm. OSARP uses Restorative Practices to address instances of conflict that arise in the community, but these practices may not always align with traditional Restorative Justice approaches. 

Restorative Practices offer participants the opportunity to take active accountability for their actions and work within the JMU and Harrisonburg communities to collaboratively address any harm created. This approach emphasizes community well-being and empowers participants to repair the harm that has occurred. 

For more details on Restorative Practices at JMU, visit the Restorative Practices section of the JMU Student Handbook. 

Participating in a Restorative Process has several benefits: 

• Provides an opportunity for all experiences, feelings, and perspectives to be shared 
• Encourages participants to seek understanding and consider one another's perspectives  
• Impacted parties can share how they have been harmed and what they need to move forward  
• Provides space for individuals to take accountability for their actions 
• Allows individuals to take an active role in repairing harms they have contributed to and/or created  
• Allows for learning/reflection about how one's actions impact their community 

Examples of uses: 

• Interpersonal harm 
• Roommate disagreements and disputes 
• Classroom conflict 
• Faculty/Staff conflict 
• Community-building circles 
• Setting expectations and shared values 
• Affirmation and support circles 

Email us at osarp-restorativepractices@jmu.edu or visit the "Contact Our Office" page to refer a situation, request a training, or to volunteer.