Build, nourish, and maintain positive relationships

Tufts Student Life is committed to creating a culture of well-being and belonging through the integration of Restorative Practices (RP) into our campus culture and communities.

There are opportunities for AS&E students to learn and be involved, and we invite you to join us. Staff and faculty are also welcome! Curious? Interested in learning? Connect with us and find out more!

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Circle Practice

RP at Tufts emphasizes the importance of creating a strong, connected community. Proactive practices, like community-building circles, encourage open communication, belonging, and mutual respect among students, staff, and faculty. Circle practice is at the heart of how restorative practices come into action, and essential to building trust and relationships within a group or community. The power of circles lies in their capacity to promote community building.

Educational and Foundational Programming

Through ongoing training sessions, workshops, and community circles, RP educates students, staff, faculty, and community members about ways to build trust, connections, and relationships; prevent and process conflict through uplifting empathy; active listening; and effective communication, promoting a more cohesive campus culture.

Restorative Conversations

When conflicts arise, RP provides an opportunity for addressing them in a relational way. This includes facilitating conversations where all parties have a voice, allowing individuals to express how they were affected and identify constructive ways to move forward.

Attendees of Restorative Practices event

Circles of Accountability and Repair

RP focuses on accountability that is supportive rather than punitive, prevent and process conflict through the use of empathy, active listening, and effective communication, promoting a more cohesive campus culture. Individuals who have caused harm are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions in a way that fosters personal growth and reparative actions to mend relationships.

HEaRD Life Leaders

The objective of HEaRD Life Leaders is to create a student-led team of circle keepers who can hold space for peer-to-peer connection, facilitate healthy conversations, and contribute to a positive and welcoming campus environment.