Restorative Practice

The listening circle is a restorative practice facilitation technique that builds and restores relationship through equal opportunity sharing and listening.

Communities may engage in different kinds of circles depending on their needs, including proactive circles for relationship-building, responsive circles to address a situation of harm, and impact circles for those who were directly affected by a situation.

In response to a harmful incident, responsive circles, which are managed by a facilitator following a predetermined script, may create an opportunity for accountability and restitution and acknowledgement of harm caused.

Circles are effective because they create a structure where every participant is heard and also listens to what others have to say. Participants take turns to speak and express their concerns, feelings, and personal experiences.

The principles of restorative practices are now currently used in various ways in departments and offices across campus, including staff and student meetings, one-on-one supervisory meetings, conduct procedures, and student-employee trainings.

In addition, issues-related circles have been facilitated on the topics of grief and election anxiety.

Currently, Dartmouth has 72 active facilitators from 10 divisions across 37 departments, offices, and centers. They received training from Emerging Leadership Consultants, LLC, led by Dr. Stacey Miller.

Facilitators participate in a 3-day training in "Introduction to Restorative Practices for Leadership and Community Development." Thus far, there have been three training sessions in February and June 2024 and January 2025.

If you are interested in learning more, contact Dayrene Pittelli, administrative assistant for Community and Campus Life.

Housed in the Division of Community and Campus Life within the Native American Program, the Restorative Practice Steering Committee includes staff and student representatives:

Co-chair: Adria Brown, director of the Native American Program

Co-chair: Adam Knowlton-Young, deputy director, Community Standards and Accountability

La-Tarri Canty-Bess, assistant vice president of campus initiatives and chief of staff to the SVP of Community and Campus Life

Carrie Colla, susan J. and richard m. levy distinguished professor in health care delivery, Geisel School of Medicine

Ryan Jenkins, interfaith advisor, william jewett tucker center for spiritual and ethical living

Alexandra Lenzen, associate director, Counseling Center

Stacey Millard, associate dean, Residential Life

Amanda Wong, assistant dean and associate director, Office of Pluralism and Leadership

Spring 2025 Term

• Restorative Practice Facilitator Refresher, April 18, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m., Haldeman 031. Open to all trained facilitators. 

Winter 2025 Term

• Community of Care, Restorative Practice Facilitator Training: Jan. 13-15, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Courtyard/Marriott Hanover Lebanon. Open to all students, faculty, and staff.

Fall 2024 Term

• Democratic Listening Circle: Nov. 13, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Collis 221. In the wake of our recent election, our Post-Election Listening Circle will provide a safe, structured space where progressive voices can be heard and respected. Open to faculty, staff, and students.
• Republican Listening Circle: Nov. 14, 5:30-7:30 p.m., South Fairbanks 104 (Tucker Center). In the wake of our recent election, our Post-Election Listening Circle will provide a safe, structured space where conservative voices can be heard and respected. Open to faculty, staff, and students.
• Bipartisan Listening Circle: Nov. 15, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Collis 212. In the wake of our recent election, our Post-Election Listening Circle will offer a structured, respectful space where people across the political spectrum can share their hopes, concerns, and experiences. Open to faculty, staff, and students.