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About Restorative Justice
The student conduct process utilizes restorative justice to resolve some complaints of student misconduct. The goal of restorative justice is to repair harm and prevent reoccurrence through a process that involves those most directly affected. Based on who has been identified as an affected party, individuals are invited to gather and share thoughts and experiences about the incident in a restorative conference.
Frequently Asked Questions
A restorative conference may include an inquiry into the facts but typically does not include a formal investigation. The goal of a restorative conference is to co-construct a reparative agreement in order to move forward past the incident in a healthy, productive way. All restorative conferences occur virtually and are facilitated by trained AU restorative conference facilitators. Before a restorative conference can be scheduled, an intake meeting is needed to prepare students for the process and gather any necessary details.
It's a written document co-constructed by those involved in a restorative conference that outlines a plan on how to move forward or a plan of action to repair the harm or impact. Â
During a disciplinary conference process, the option to participate in a restorative conference may be presented if the incident is appropriate according to the procedures outlined in the Student Conduct CodeÌý(²õ±ð±ð Section XIV. Procedures for Restorative Conferences).
No, the participation of all parties in a restorative process must be voluntary. If any party withdraws, this may impact the ability of a restorative process to continue.
The restorative process is dependent upon voluntary participation, therefore if someone withdraws from the process, the process may not be viable.  If a restorative process fails, the case will move forward in a disciplinary proceeding.  However, information shared in a restorative process will not be used in a formal proceeding if the restorative process is not successful.Â
No, if the restorative process is successful OSARP will not retain a disciplinary record for resolving the incident restoratively. However, if the restorative process is not successful and is resolved through a disciplinary proceeding, it may result in a disciplinary record.