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Restorative Practices and Conflict Services

Students sitting in a circle

Restorative Practices and Conflict Services

The Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Transformation is dedicated to fostering a safe, respectful, and connected campus community. We approach our work with a commitment to Restorative Practices, emphasizing dialogue, understanding, and accountability.

Our services focus on repairing harm, rebuilding trust, and promoting a sense of belonging among all community members. We offer various avenues for conflict resolution, including restorative circles, conferences, and one-on-one consultations, ensuring every voice is heard and valued.

Whether you’re navigating a policy violation, a difficult conversation, or seeking proactive ways to strengthen relationships within our campus, our team is here to support you. Together, we can build a campus environment where everyone feels respected, supported, and empowered to learn from their experiences.

How to Access Our Services and Trainings 

We make it easy for you to engage with our services. Whether you’re seeking support, looking to resolve a conflict, or interested in learning more about restorative practices, complete our Conflict Service and Training Request Form to let us know how we can assist you. Whether you need to begin the process of a responsive circle or arrange a custom training, we will respond to coordinate with you. Here are the services we offer: 

  • Community Building Circle
    A guided group conversation designed to strengthen connections, foster mutual respect, and create a sense of belonging within your community or team.
  • Restorative (Responsive) Circle
    A structured dialogue to address and repair harm caused by conflicts or incidents, which allows all parties to share their perspectives and collaboratively find a path forward.
  • Restorative Practices Training
    Interactive workshops that equip participants with the skills and knowledge to implement restorative practices in their daily interactions, enhancing communication and conflict resolution.
  • 1 on 1 Consultation
    A  meeting with the Dean of Community Wellness or the Associate Director of Student Accountability and Conflict Transformation to discuss your specific needs, explore solutions, and receive personalized guidance on navigating conflicts or challenges.
  • Student Success Circle
    A supportive space where students can come together with a their selected support team to discuss challenges, set goals, and develop strategies for academic and personal success in a collaborative environment.
  • Listening Circle
    A safe and confidential space for participants to express their thoughts and feelings on a particular issue or topic, with a focus on deep listening and understanding without judgment.
  • Not Sure Yet
    Not certain which service you need? Select this option, and we’ll help you determine the best approach during a follow-up consultation.

 

Moravian University faculty and staff share how using circles has positively transformed their experience working at the university. They discuss how circles have deepened connections with colleagues and students, fostered open communication, and created a stronger sense of community. The participants highlight the effectiveness of circles in resolving conflicts, building trust, and encouraging collaboration. Overall, the video highlights the powerful impact of restorative circles in enhancing the campus environment.

 

Upcoming Trainings:

Sign-up information will be sent out via all-campus email.  If you have other questions or concerns, please feel free to email Laura Mack at MackL@moravian.edu.

WORKSHOP SERIES

Join us for a Restorative Practices workshop series designed to build your skills in fostering stronger, more inclusive communities. Whether you're new to restorative work or looking to deepen your practice, these sessions will provide tools for building relationships, navigating conflict, and engaging in meaningful dialogue. Each session builds on the last, offering a comprehensive foundation in restorative approaches for both professional and peer settings.

Both sessions will be held online via Zoom from 10:30 AM-12:30 PM.  

Friday, January 30, 2026- Intro to Restorative Practices, The Engagement Window, The Continuum

Friday, February 6, 2026- Sharing, Expressing, and Reflecting Emotions and Inclusive Decision Making  

 

CIRCLE WORKSHOPS

This interactive workshop introduces the use of circles as a core restorative practice for building connection, fostering dialogue, and navigating challenging conversations. Participants will explore the purpose and structure of circles, experience a circle firsthand, and reflect on how circles can be used in classrooms, meetings, residence life, and other campus spaces. This session is ideal for anyone interested in creating more inclusive, relational, and responsive environments.

This session will be in-person (location TBD) from 10:30 AM-12:30 PM. 

February 20, 2025- Circles in Practice