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Participants' Roles and Restrictions

Person(s) who are part of the university and/or local community. Community Representatives may participate in a Restorative Process to share their perspectives and experiences, discuss community impact, and participate in the creation of the Restorative Agreement (if one is created).

Person(s), often a university staff member(s), who has been trained in Restorative Justice practices. The facilitator(s) conducts Restorative Processes. Facilitators, with the approval of the parties and at OSARP’s discretion, may include trained individuals who do not work at the university.  

The person(s) who experienced harm. A Harm Reporter(s) may initiate a Restorative Process by contacting OSARP or an incident(s) may be referred to OSARP by faculty/staff, community members, or other students.

The person(s) who responds to the harm experienced by the Harm Reporter(s) or the community. In Restorative Practices, the Harm Responder(s) typically acknowledges the harm, addresses needs, and fulfills agreed upon obligations.

One elected or appointed leader (e.g., president or team captain) of a recognized student organization or student group that will receive direct communication from OSARP regarding Restorative Practices and respond on behalf of the recognized student organization or student group. At the discretion of OSARP, the organization can request that another member of the organization represent the organization during Restorative Practices. Should the eligibility of the Organizational Representative change during Restorative Practices (e.g., the representative withdraws from JMU or is no longer a member of the recognized student organization or student group), or if the organization dissolves or surrenders recognition prior to or during Restorative Practices, OSARP may designate an Organizational Representative.

When used throughout, "participants” refers to all persons, except the facilitator(s), who are actively involved in a Restorative Process.

When used throughout, “party/ies” refer to the Harm Reporter(s) and the Harm Responder(s). 

A process in which the Harm Reporter(s), Harm Responder(s), and any other participants affected by a conflict or harm, participate together in the resolution of the conflict or harm. Restorative Processes are conducted by one or more facilitators. In OSARP, Restorative Process options include voluntary Restorative Conferences, Restorative Circles, and Shuttle Processes. See the "Voluntary Restorative Practices" section for more information about Restorative Processes. 

A person who accompanies a participant in voluntary Restorative Practices to provide guidance and support. Support Persons should accompany their participant at meetings through the process; therefore, the facilitator(s) will not meet separately with Support Persons unless deemed necessary. 

Overview

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 individual(s) who created the harm, and the engagement from community members who might be directly or indirectly affected by the harm. At JMU, 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, City of Harrisonburg, Rockingham County, or other communities to collaboratively address any harm created. This approach emphasizes community well-being and empowers participants to repair the harm that has occurred. 

Beneath the umbrella of Restorative Practices are a variety of Restorative Processes offered by OSARP. Restorative Practices can either be voluntary, (e.g., requested by students, faculty/staff, recognized student organizations, student groups, community members, JMU Police, Harrisonburg Police Department, external entities) or be required as a result of an OSARP process or other university or external conduct process.

The facilitator(s) may be required to report specific information provided during Restorative Practices to other accountability processes, JMU department(s), or law enforcement, including but not limited to sexual harm, harassment or discrimination based on a protected class, hazing, harm or threat of harm to self or others, or other behavior that is against the mission of the institution. If there is information shared regarding the personal consumption of drugs or alcohol by student participants, OSARP will not initiate the Individual Accountability Process and pursue alleged violations of these policies. 

Participants in required or voluntary Restorative Practices are not permitted to make audio and/or video recordings during meetings. However, Restorative Practices staff and facilitators may make audio and/or video recordings during meetings for training purposes only, with the permission of the participants. Once the recordings have been used for their training purposes, they will be destroyed. 

OSARP uses Restorative Practices to address incidents of sexual harm for individual students through the Adaptable Resolution process. For more information on this process, see the "Adaptable Resolution" section of the Handbook. Restorative Practices may be used for cases that involve sexual harm if the Formal Complaint was dismissed by the Title IX Office. These cases are considered Restorative Practices cases, not Adaptable Resolution cases.   

Participants may also be made aware of information on the academic, mental health, personal well-being, and campus resources available to students at James Madison University, please visit: https://www.jmu.edu/osarp/resources/index.shtml.

Procedures

A Restorative Intake & Outcomes may be a required outcome of an OSARP process or other university or external conduct process when a student’s, recognized student organization’s, and/or student group’s actions had a harmful impact on the community. 

Process Steps:  

  1. Requirement: The student, recognized student organization, or student group is required to attend a Restorative Intake and Outcomes.  

  2. Notification: The student or Organizational Representative receives an email from OSARP with the date, time, and location of their Restorative Intake. Attending the Restorative Intake is mandatory to fulfill the requirement assigned from an OSARP process or other university or external conduct process. 

  3. Restorative Intake: The student or Organizational Representative meets individually with a facilitator in OSARP. Prior to the Restorative Intake, the student or Organizational Representative may be asked to complete a pre-Intake survey. During the Restorative Intake, they are encouraged to reflect on questions such as: 

    • “What happened from your perspective?”
    • “How have you been impacted?” 
    • “Who else has been impacted?” “How?” 
    • “What are the needs of the impacted parties?” 
    • “What can be done to make things as right as possible?” 

  4. Outcome(s): Towards the end of the Restorative Intake, the student or Organizational Representative may decide, in collaboration with the facilitator, to complete one or more outcomes to address the impacts and needs discussed. The student, recognized student organization, or student group is expected to complete all outcomes by the agreed upon deadlines. Once the Restorative Intake ends, the student or Organizational Representative may be asked to complete a post-Intake survey. Some potential outcome options include, but are not limited to, the following: 

    • Alcohol and/or drug education program(s)  
    • Apology letter  
    • Community service  
    • "Conversations About Conflict" educational program   
    • Meeting(s) with a specific individual  
    • OSARP No Contact agreement  
    • University program(s)  
    • Reflection paper  
    • Restitution  
    • Restriction from participation in specific events  
    • Restriction from participation in specific organizations  
    • "Mentor Experience" program  
    • "Values in Action" educational program  
    • "Moving Forward" educational program  

  5. Outcome(s) Completion: The facilitator monitors the completion of the agreed upon outcomes and may report completion of Restorative Intake and Outcomes, as necessary, to a case manager for an OSARP process or other university or external conduct process. Prior to submitting their outcomes, the student or Organizational Representative may be asked to complete a post-outcomes survey. The Restorative Intake and Outcomes requirement is considered complete when all outcomes are verified as completed by OSARP. 

For an individual student, failure to complete, schedule, attend, or be on time for programs/meetings, failing to complete related assignments, or failing to follow program expectations may result in a $50 fine per program/meeting not completed by the deadline and a student account hold, which prevents class registration and is typically only removed once outstanding outcome(s) are verified as completed by OSARP. Repeated failure may result in an alleged policy violation of Failure to Comply with an Outcome. See the “Fines” or “Student Account Hold” sections for more detail.   

For a recognized student organization or student group, failure to complete, schedule, attend, or be on time for programs/meetings, failing to complete related assignments, or failing to follow outcome(s) expectations may result in the loss of specific access or resources, such as the BeInvolved website, until outstanding outcome(s) are verified as completed by OSARP. Repeated failure may result in an alleged policy violation(s) of Failure to Comply with an Outcome.

A Restorative Circle may be a required outcome of an OSARP process or other university or external conduct process when a student’s, recognized student organization’s, and/or student group’s actions harmed, or had the potential to harm, the community. Required Restorative Circles typically focus on a specific topic.  

Required Restorative Circles involve students, Community Representatives, and facilitators sitting in a circle and discussing individual and community impacts, harms, needs, and obligations. Participants are encouraged to share solutions for addressing the impacts and harm. A Restorative Circle usually involves a larger number of participants (more than four individuals), and participants should plan for the Restorative Circle to last about two hours, however, there are times when the Restorative Circle will be longer.  

Prior to the Restorative Circle, the facilitator(s) will determine if a Restorative Intake is necessary with a participant(s). For example, facilitator(s) may schedule a Restorative Intake with an Organizational Representative to identify additional participant(s) from the recognized student organization or group who should participate in the Restorative Circle. 

Process Steps:  

  1. Requirement: A student, agreed upon members of a recognized student organization, and/or agreed upon members of student group are required to attend a Restorative Circle.  

  2. Notification: The student or Organizational Representative receives an email from OSARP with the date, time, and location of the Restorative Circle. Attending the Restorative Circle is mandatory to fulfill the requirement assigned from an OSARP process or other university or external conduct process.

  3. Restorative Circle: The student or Organizational Representative attends the Restorative Circle. Facilitators, other students required to attend the Restorative Circle, and Community Representatives participate too. Prior to the Restorative Circle, student participants who are required to attend may be asked to complete a pre-Circle survey. Everyone in the Restorative Circle takes turns, using a talking piece, to reflect on questions related to the purpose of the Restorative Circle. Student participants who were required to attend may be asked to complete a post-Circle survey.  Once the Restorative Circle ends, the Restorative Circle requirement is considered complete. The facilitator(s) may report completion of the Restorative Circle, as necessary, to a case manager for an OSARP or other university or external conduct process. 

For an individual student, failure to complete, schedule, attend, or be on time for programs/meetings, failing to complete related assignments, or failing to follow program expectations may result in a $50 fine per program/meeting not completed by the deadline and a student account hold, which prevents class registration and is typically only removed once outstanding outcome(s) are verified as completed by OSARP. Repeated failure may result in an alleged policy violation of Failure to Comply with an Outcome. See the “Fines” or “Student Account Hold” sections for more detail.  

For a recognized student organization or student group, failure to complete, schedule, attend, or be on time for programs/meetings, failing to complete related assignments, or failing to follow outcome(s) expectations may result in the loss of specific access or resources, such as the BeInvolved website, until outstanding outcome(s) are verified as completed by OSARP. Repeated failure may result in an alleged policy violation(s) of Failure to Comply with an Outcome.

A Responding Organization may be provided the opportunity to resolve alleged policy violation(s) in the Organizational Accountability Process through completion of Restorative Practices, facilitated by or in partnership with OSARP, including any agreed-upon or facilitator-assigned outcome(s). 

If Restorative Practices is available as a Resolution Option, as determined by OSARP, the Organizational Representative will be provided this option during the Organizational Accountability Process. Should the Organizational Representative choose Restorative Practices as the Resolution Option for the case, the case will be referred to an OSARP-approved staff member who facilitates Restorative Practices.  

Process Steps:

  1. Notification: The Organizational Representative receives an email from OSARP with the date, time, and location of their Restorative Intake. Attending the Restorative Intake is mandatory.   

  2. Restorative Intake: The Organizational Representative meets individually with a facilitator(s). Prior to the Restorative Intake, the Organizational Representative may be asked to complete a pre-Intake survey. During the Restorative Intake, they are encouraged to reflect on questions such as: 

    • “What happened from your perspective?”, 
    • “How have you been impacted?” 
    • “Who else has been impacted?” “How?” 
    • “What are the needs of the impacted parties?” 
    • “What can be done to make things as right as possible?” 

  3. Outcome(s): Towards the end of the Restorative Intake, the Organizational Representative may decide, in collaboration with the facilitator(s), to complete one or more outcomes to address the impacts and needs discussed. In some cases, facilitator(s) may assign outcome(s) for the Responding Organization to complete. Outcomes may include, but are not limited to, an apology letter, reflection paper, a class or workshop, or a Restorative Process. The Responding Organization is expected to complete all outcomes by the agreed upon deadlines. Once the Restorative Intake ends, the Organizational Representative may be asked to complete a post-Intake survey.  

  4. Outcome(s) Completion: The facilitator monitors the completion of the agreed upon, or facilitator-assigned, outcomes, and may report completion of Restorative Intake and Outcomes, as necessary, to a case manager for an OSARP process or other university or external conduct process. Prior to completing outcomes, the Organizational Representative may be asked to complete a post-outcomes survey.  

Should facilitator(s) report unsuccessful completion of Restorative Practices for a Responding Organization, including any agreed-upon or facilitator-assigned outcome(s), OSARP will determine the Resolution Option(s) available to the Responding Organization and meet with the Organizational Representative to discuss other available Resolution Option(s) and next steps based on the selected Resolution Option.  

See the "Organizational Accountability Process" for more information, including information regarding termination of Restorative Practices for a Responding Organization. 

For a recognized student organization or student group, failure to complete, schedule, attend, or be on time for programs/meetings, failing to complete related assignments, or failing to follow outcome(s) expectations may result in the loss of specific access or resources, such as the BeInvolved website, until outstanding outcome(s) are verified as completed by OSARP. Repeated failure may result in an alleged policy violation(s) of Failure to Comply with an Outcome.

Voluntary Restorative Practices can be requested by students, faculty/staff, recognized student organizations, student groups, community members, JMU Police, Harrisonburg Police Department, and external entities. In voluntary Restorative Practices, there are multiple steps, beginning with the referral and ending with the completion of Restorative Outcome(s). Attending meetings is voluntary and the process does not require a participant to continue.  While attending meetings is voluntary, a participant(s)’ absence from meetings may limit OSARP staff from being able to complete a process. 

1. Referral: Individuals noted above may refer a case to OSARP.  

2. Restorative Intake: After a referral, the facilitator(s) contacts relevant participants and requests to meet individually with each participant. The Harm Reporter(s) and Harm Responder(s) will participate in one or more Restorative Intake(s) prior to participation in a Restorative Process. Community Representative(s) may also be asked to participate in Restorative Intake(s) prior to a Restorative Process. Prior to the Restorative Intake(s), the Harm Reporter(s) and Harm Responder(s) may be asked to complete a pre-Intake survey. During the Restorative Intake(s), the facilitator(s) explains Restorative Process options and asks questions to understand each participants’ perspective regarding the conflict or situation. Questions may include but not be limited to, the following:  

  • “What happened from your perspective?” 
  • “How have you been impacted?”  
  • “Who else has been impacted?” “How?”  
  • “What are the needs of the impacted parties?”
  • “What can be done to make things as right as possible?”

Together, the facilitator(s) and participants decide whether to move forward with a Restorative Process. The decision to move forward with a Restorative Process is voluntary for all parties. The facilitator(s) and parties also decide if additional Restorative Intake(s) are needed and determine which Restorative Process is most appropriate to address the needs of the participants. To move forward with a Restorative Process, participants must acknowledge that harm occurred and agree to the terms of the process. Prior to participating in a Restorative Process, the Harm Reporter(s) and Harm Responder(s) may be asked to complete a post-Intake survey. 

The facilitator(s) reserves the right to alter and/or end a Restorative Process to uphold the intent of Restorative Practices.  

In certain cases, a student may be referred to Restorative Practices to discuss harm and needs created for the community. In these circumstances, OSARP cannot compel, mandate, or require these referred participants to participate in a Restorative Intake(s) but may require their attendance. In these circumstances, if the student does not attend the Restorative Intake(s), then the student may be referred to the Individual Accountability Process if an alleged policy violation(s) exist.

Please refer to the Restorative Practices Rules of Decorum for information on participating in restorative practices.

3. Restorative Process Options: If the facilitator(s) and participants decide to move forward with a Restorative Process, it will be guided by one or more facilitators. Restorative Processes include but are not limited to: Restorative Circles, Restorative Conferences, and Shuttle Processes.

Restorative Circle

A Restorative Circle brings together all participants involved to share their perspectives regarding the conflict or harm that occurred. Participants sit in a circle and take turns, using a talking piece, to discuss individual and community impacts, harms, needs, and obligations. Participants are encouraged to share solutions for addressing the impacts and harm. Participants should plan for the Restorative Circle to last about two hours. However, there are times when the Restorative Circle will be longer, or more than one Restorative Circle will be needed. Restorative Circles usually involve a larger participant size (more than four individuals). Often, Community Representatives are present to share their perspectives and provide input. 

Restorative Conference 

A Restorative Conference is a meeting, or a series of meetings, with two primarily involved parties that have caused and/or experienced harm, along with one or more facilitators. Some Restorative Conferences include a small number of Community Representatives when there has been community impact. During the Restorative Conference, the facilitator(s) guides the parties by asking questions such as: "What happened from your perspective?", "How have you been impacted?", "What are your needs?" and "What can be done to make things as right as possible?" Harm Reporters share how they were impacted, and Harm Responders have the opportunity to accept accountability and work towards making things as right as possible. Restorative Conferences can take place in person or virtually, depending on the needs of the participants.

Shuttle Process 

A Shuttle Process consists of separate, alternating, facilitated meetings between the facilitator(s) and each party (and potentially other participants). Participants discuss perspectives with the facilitator(s) to identify impacts, harms, needs, and obligations. In a Shuttle Process, participants interact with one another indirectly through the facilitator(s) and do not meet in-person or virtually for a facilitated conversation unless desired or agreed upon by the parties. A Shuttle Process can include letter and/or video exchanges. If this option is chosen, the facilitator(s) meet with each party separately and pass the letters and/or videos in between the parties. 

4. Restorative Agreement/Determine Restorative Outcomes: After perspectives, impacts, harms, and needs are shared during the Restorative Process, the participants collaboratively decide whose obligation it is to address the identified impacts, harms, and needs. This results in the creation of mutually agreed upon and actionable outcomes and obligations, which are developed into the Restorative Agreement:

  • The process of creating outcomes is collaborative. All participants are encouraged to share and contribute to the outcomes in the Restorative Agreement.

  • To repair the stated harms and needs, as agreed upon by all participants, the Restorative Agreement will include outcomes for the Harm Responder(s) to complete and may also include outcomes for the Harm Reporter(s) and/or Community Representatives.

  • Outcomes created and agreed upon will be developed into a Restorative Agreement. All participants and the facilitator(s) will be given the opportunity to sign the Restorative Agreement. For the Restorative Agreement to be finalized, all participants and the facilitator(s) must agree to sign it. If a participant or facilitator(s) refuses to sign the Restorative Agreement, the facilitator(s) will work collaboratively with all participants to determine appropriate next steps. After the Restorative Agreement is signed, the agreed upon outcomes become obligations that the participant(s) are expected to complete.

    • After signing the Restorative Agreement, a Harm Reporter(s) may not pursue an alleged policy violation(s) through the Individual Accountability Process for the harm(s) addressed in the Restorative Process.  

    • If a student participant(s) does not fulfill the outcome(s) and obligation(s) agreed upon in the Restorative Agreement, the facilitator(s) will communicate with the participants about potential next steps, which may include an alleged policy violation of Failure to Comply with an Outcome through the "Individual Accountability Process". 

  • If no Restorative Agreement is reached, the Harm Reporter(s) may pursue an alleged policy violation(s) through the Individual Accountability Process, as applicable.

  • After a Restorative Agreement is created and signed, the Harm Reporter(s) and Harm Responder(s) may be asked to complete a post-process survey. 

Obligation & Outcome Options 

Obligations and outcomes are voluntary and are intended to facilitate restoration to the greatest extent possible. Potential obligation and outcome options may include but are not limited to:

    • Alcohol and/or drug education program(s) 

    • Apology letter 

    • Community service 

    • "Conversations About Conflict" educational program  

    • Meeting(s) with a specific individual 

    • "Mentor Experience" educational program 

    • "Moving Forward" educational program 

    • OSARP No Contact agreement 

    • Reflection paper 

    • Restitution 

    • Restriction from participation in specific events 

    • Restriction from participation in specific organizations 

    • University program(s) 

    • "Values in Action" educational program 

5. Completion of Outcome(s): After the Restorative Agreement is signed, the facilitator(s) follows up with the participants to confirm the completion of outcome(s). Prior to completing outcome(s), the Harm Reporter(s) and Harm Responder(s) may be asked to complete a post-outcomes survey. The facilitator(s) may report process completion, as necessary, to a case manager for an OSARP or other university or external conduct process, if the referring entity was not a participant. 

Features of Voluntary Restorative Practices 

These features do not apply to required Restorative Practices:  

  • Restorative Practices is not available if the university deems there is a risk to safety, the requirements of the process cannot be met, and/or the needs of the participants, as identified, are outside the scope of Restorative Practices.

  • While Restorative Processes are generally not available when a court protective order is in place, a Restorative Process may be permissible in situations when parties have university no contact orders or court protective orders, when appropriate circumstances apply.      

  • Either the Harm Reporter or Harm Responder must be a JMU student. It is not required that all participants are JMU students. 

  • Participation generally will not result in a student disciplinary record and at no point will it result in an academic transcript notation. Participation may only result in a student disciplinary record if a Restorative Agreement is reached and not fulfilled, and OSARP pursues the Individual Accountability Process for an alleged policy violation(s) of Failure to Comply with an Outcome, and the student is found responsible. 

  • Records kept in a case file will include any forms signed by participants in the process; signing forms does not indicate an admission of responsibility for a policy violation(s). Additionally, records created will be destroyed after eight academic years from when the voluntary Restorative Practices case is finalized in OSARP.  

  • Parties may bring one Support Person with them to any meeting provided the Support Person is able to attend. 

    • Generally, Support Persons do not speak on behalf of a party. Generally, parties will share their perspective themselves. 

    • Support Persons should not negatively influence voluntary Restorative Practices cases. A negative influence may include, but is not limited to, engaging combatively in the process. 

      • The facilitator(s) may prevent the participation of a Support Person if they determine that the Support Person may negatively influence the process based on actions demonstrated in meetings and/or other interactions with a facilitator(s). The facilitator(s) may also remove a Support Person who violates the expectations set forth in the Rules of Decorum.    

    • Participants are expected to show a good faith effort throughout the process. 

      • Participants should attend scheduled meetings, including but not limited to, Restorative Intake(s) and Restorative Processes.  

    • Information regarding an alleged policy violation(s) shared during the process will generally not be pursued by OSARP unless determined necessary by the Director of OSARP or designee.

Rules of Decorum

This information outlines the expectations for all participants in a Restorative Process. This includes the Harm Reporter(s), Harm Responder(s), Support Person(s), Community Representative(s), and other participants, as appropriate. Additional expectations are provided for Support Persons given their role in supporting a party. 

The Restorative Process may be stressful and emotional at times for the students and participants involved. As such, all participants must agree to the terms of the process and adhere to the following expectations, outlined within the JMU Student Handbook at www.jmu.edu/handbook. If a participant refuses to agree to the following expectations, they may not be permitted to participate in the process.  

Terms of Restorative Processes 

  • Participation in a Restorative Process is voluntary. Participants have the right to withdraw their participation in a Restorative Process at any time prior to a Restorative Agreement being signed by all parties.   

  • The Harm Reporter(s) has the right to withdraw their participation in a Restorative Process and pursue an alleged policy violation(s) through the Individual Accountability Process at any time prior to a Restorative Agreement being signed, if potential policy violation(s) existed prior to the start of the Restorative Process.  

  • The facilitator(s) may be required to report specific information provided during the Restorative Process to other accountability processes, JMU department(s), or law enforcement, including but not limited to sexual harm, harassment or discrimination based on a protected class, hazing, harm or threat of harm to self or others, or other behavior that is against the mission of the institution. If there is information shared regarding the personal consumption of drugs or alcohol by student participants, OSARP will not initiate the Individual Accountability Process and pursue an alleged policy violation(s). 

  • Community Representatives may participate in a Restorative Process to represent the university and/or local community. In a Restorative Process, Community Representatives will voice their opinions and experiences, discuss community impact, and participate in the creation of the Restorative Agreement. 

  • All parties taking part in a process may request to have other individuals participate in the process. The request will be reviewed by the facilitator(s) and will be denied or approved based on the needs of the process and potential for harm to be created. 

  • Resolutions that are created and agreed upon will be developed into a Restorative Agreement. All parties and the facilitator(s) will be given the opportunity to sign the Restorative Agreement. For the Restorative Agreement to be finalized, all parties and the facilitator(s) must agree to sign it. If a party or facilitator(s) refuses to sign the Restorative Agreement, the facilitator(s) will work collaboratively with all parties to determine appropriate next steps. 

  • Upon signing the Restorative Agreement regarding the outcomes and obligations required by a student participant(s), a Harm Reporter(s) may not pursue an alleged policy violation(s) through the Individual Accountability Process for the harm(s) addressed in the Restorative Process.  

  • If a student participant(s) does not fulfill the outcome(s) and obligation(s) agreed upon in the Restorative Agreement, the facilitator(s) will communicate with the parties about potential next steps, which may include an alleged policy violation(s) of Failure to Comply with an Outcome through the Individual Accountability Process. 

Restorative Process Expectations 

Participants in a Restorative Process must: 

  • Listen respectfully to the individual speaking without interruption. 
  • Avoid speaking over other participants.  
  • If a talking piece is used, respect the purpose and intent of the talking piece. 
  • Use respectful language that is not demeaning, derogatory, or disrespectful. 
  • Respect facilitators in establishing and maintaining the boundaries of the process.  
  • Avoid raising their voices. 
  • Remain seated in their predetermined locations. 
  • Refrain from making distracting or offensive gestures (e.g., rolling eyes, throwing arms in the air, etc.) or audible reactions (e.g., scoffing, speaking under their breath, etc.). 
  • For questions about the Rules of Decorum, a participant should request a break to speak with the facilitator(s).

Expectations for Support Persons (if applicable) 

Participants may bring one Support Person of their choosing to any meeting, including any Restorative Process. The facilitator(s) may prevent the participation of a Support Person if they determine the Support Person may negatively influence the Restorative Process based on demonstrated actions in previous meetings or interactions with OSARP. The university does not provide a Support Person for those participating in a Restorative Process. It is the participant’s responsibility to determine a Support Person and coordinate their participation.  

Additionally, a Support Person may:

  • Not engage combatively in the process. 
  • Not communicate for or speak on behalf of the participant. The Harm Reporter(s) and Harm Responder(s) must present information themselves. 
  • Consult with the party on how to present their statements or information by whispering, providing notes, or taking notes as long as it does not disrupt the flow of the Restorative Process. 
  • Provide support by taking breaks with or requesting breaks on behalf of the party they are accompanying. 

Expectations for Community Representatives (if applicable)  

Community Representatives will only participate in the Restorative Process if the Harm Reporter(s) and Harm Responder(s) request and/or agree to their participation. 

Additionally, a Community Representative may:

  • Not engage combatively in the process  
  • Share their personal experiences, perspectives, and reflections  
  • Contribute to the creation of the Restorative Agreement   

Violation of Expectations  

Determination regarding a participant’s violation of any of these expectations lies with the facilitator(s). If a participant violates an expectation of the Rules of Decorum, the facilitator(s) will issue a verbal warning, identifying the expectation violated and how it was violated.  

Should a participant continue to violate these expectations, the facilitator(s) will immediately call for a break. During the break, the facilitator(s) will address the behavior directly. If the participant refuses to comply with the facilitator(s) warning or causes additional problems, the facilitator(s) may decide to take one or more of the following actions: 

  • Remove the participant from the Restorative Process.  
  • End the Restorative Process and potentially reconvene at a later date, at the discretion of the Director of OSARP or designee, if the removed participant is the Harm Reporter(s) or Harm Responder(s).   

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Office of Student Accountability and Restorative Practices
Student Success Center
MSC 2901
738 South Mason Street
Room 2122
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807
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