This course is an intensive skill-building workshop in restorative practices. The focus is developing facilitation skills necessary for hosting restorative dialogues. Participants will develop skills for both “restorative circles” and “restorative conferences,” two distinct and commonly used restorative practices. Each requires three distinct skill-sets: pre-dialogue preparation and assessment skills; dialogue facilitation; and post-dialogue mentoring and support skills. The course is highly experiential with intensive role play and debriefing.
The skills-based course will focus on three tiers of restorative practice:
Tier I: Restorative circles for community building and improving campus climate We will focus on restorative circle practices to improve campus culture and build relationships and how to use circles in response to charged community incidents in order to provide inclusive dialogue, healing, accountability, and action plans.
Tier II: Restorative conferences for incidents of harm This section focuses on restorative approaches to conduct violations from “bread-and-butter” noise or alcohol violations to academic dishonesty to serious incidents that may also include criminal charges.
Tier III: Restorative circles for effective reintegration after separation This section introduces restorative circle practices to successfully reintegrate community members after periods of separation. Reintegration circles provide reassurance to the community by emphasizing both social support and accountability. The primary focus will be on reentry, such as student return after suspension or incarceration, but other applications will be addressed such as return from medical leave.
This is the second of three required courses for the Restorative Justice Facilitation and Leadership Certificate, developed by the University of San Diego's Center for Restorative Justice, housed in the Leadership Studies Department in the School of Leadership and Education Sciences and facilitated by the Division of Professional and Continuing Education. The certificate curriculum combines an academic understanding of restorative justice with experiential learning to ensure skillful facilitation, with the goal of building a new generation of restorative justice leaders.
Number of Units: 2.0 graduate level extension credits in semester hours
Who Should Attend: This course is an intensive skill-building workshop in restorative practices. The focus is developing facilitation skills necessary for hosting restorative dialogues. Participants will develop skills for both “restorative circles” and “restorative conferences,” two distinct and commonly used restorative practices. The course is highly experiential with intensive role play and debriefing.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to regulations from the U.S. Department of Education, the University of San Diego is unable to enroll students in its online programs who reside in Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Georgia, Iowa, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Rhode Island and Wisconsin. This restriction does not apply to applicants interested in a campus-based program. If you are from one of these states/district, please contact the Center for Restorative Justice at [email protected] for advice about our program.
Course Format:
ADA Accommodations: The Center for Restorative Justice is committed to promoting knowledge and academic excellence for all learners. The University of San Diego's Disability and Learning Difference Resource Center helps students with verified disabilities obtain meaningful academic accommodations and support to help improve access to the Center for Restorative Justice and courses. If you are a student who would like to be considered for academic accommodations, please visit USD's Disability and Learning Difference Resource Center's website and follow the instructions under Requesting Services.
Refund Policy: To receive a refund, students need to drop the course through the MyPCE@USD student account portal before midnight (11:59PT) on the third day of the course. The refund of the course fee will be returned less a processing fee of 10% of the course tuition. No refunds will be issued after this deadline.
Enrollment Open Through: Maximum enrollment is met, or through the first day of the course, whichever happens first.
Course Location: University of San Diego, San Diego, California (for in-person cohorts only)
Course Materials: Two text books,
Prerequisites:
EDU-X785R, Introduction to Restorative Justice: A Global Social Movement must be completed before beginning this course.
Number of Sessions: 8
Once you have enrolled in your course, log in to your account to access the Academic Integrity Policy. A Welcome email will be sent no later than 48 hours prior to your first course meeting.
Course Dates and Times: Tuesday, March 11 – Thursday, April 3, 2025, 4PM – 6PM PT. Online synchronous twice weekly meetings on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and weekly asynchronous assignments (2-4 hours each week).
Number of Sessions: 4
Once you have enrolled in your course, you can then log in to your account to review the Academic integrity Policy. The Center for Restorative Justice will send an Welcome email no later than 48 hours prior to your first class meeting. This section is taught in a CLASSROOM, with meetings held on USD's campus.
Course Dates/Times: Synchronous meetings on campus, Monday – Thursday, October 13 – 16, 2025, 9:00AM-4:00PM
Location: University of San Diego, San Diego, CA – Hahn University Center, Forum C. Students are responsible for their own accommodations, meals, transportation and parking.
Enrollment Open Through: October 13, 2025 (11:59PM PT) or if maximum enrollment of 25 is met, whichever happens first.
Course Dates and Times: Tuesday, March 10 – Thursday, April 2, 2026, 4PM – 6PM PT. Online synchronous twice weekly meetings on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and weekly asynchronous assignments (2-4 hours each week).
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I thoroughly enjoyed the practice we were able to gain through this restorative justice practicum.
It was a very positive learning experience.
Great instructors, the class design has been really helpful and informational. I have had a great experience so far
You are all so incredible–thank you for doing this! I have learned so much, met so many thoughtful and interesting people, and I am looking forward to another class in the fall!
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