News & Announcements

Learner Support

The IIRP has contracted with Tutor.com for writing support and quantitative statistics tutoring. In the Moodle page of each course, students can follow a link to Tutor.com where they can choose to:

1. Chat online with a live tutor (available 24/7).
2. Schedule a virtual meeting to discuss questions.
3. Upload a paper for review and feedback.

Each student is allotted a total of three (3) hours of free support per academic year. A student who needs additional time is to contact Student Services at 610-807-9221.

(Note: Tutor.com is a third-party service provided as a convenience for students; it is not affiliated with the IIRP. Tutors can assist with writing style, grammar, and mechanics; they cannot assess subject content.)

Our faculty is involved and interested in the development of each student and are willing to help students who are having difficulty if they can. Students should reach out to their advisor for guidance.

The Library also has resources available to assist students in a variety of skills.

Library

The IIRP Graduate School Library specializes in books, journals, and other resources related to restorative practices, and provides research and writing support services to students, faculty, and staff.

The IIRP provides online access to scholarly research via premium literature databases on EBSCOhost and ProQuest, as well a variety of publicly-available resources; these include SocINDEX, ERIC, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global, Google Scholar, NJCRS, Restorative Justice Legislation Database,  APA PsychNET, Open Access content, and much more. Any materials not available in the Library may be obtained through its interlibrary loan service.

The Library provides support for American Psychological Association (APA) writing style with an original APA writing guide illustrated with examples drawn from the literature of restorative practices, as well as links to additional self-teaching tools.

The Library hosts a collection of instructions, forms, and tools for compliance with Institutional Review Board (IRB) rules for the use of human subjects in research.

The Library supports information literacy with a collection of resources to help students evaluate research information and to use it legally and ethically; in addition, it provides links to free citation management tools that can help users organize and share research content.  

The Library webpage also offers public access to its online catalog of print and digital holdings and a variety other resources, as well as contact information for the Librarian.

Code of Conduct

The IIRP recognizes the basic rights and responsibilities of the members of the Institute and accepts its obligation to preserve and protect those rights and responsibilities. Further, the Institute must provide for its members the opportunities and protections that best serve the nature of the educational process.

The Code of Conduct governing the behavior of members of the IIRP must ensure the basic rights of individuals, as well as reflect the practical necessities of the community. The Code also must prohibit or limit acts that interfere with the basic purposes, necessities, or processes of the IIRP or with the rights of its members. Finally, the Code must reconcile the principles of maximum freedom and necessary order.

Sanctions

Consistent with the philosophy of restorative practices, the emphasis of the IIRP disciplinary processes is on repairing the harm and restoring the well-being of the educational community. Although sanctions may be appropriate or necessary, violators of the IIRP Code of Conduct will be afforded the opportunity to participate in a restorative process.

Sanctions for violations of the IIRP Code of Conduct may include penalties ranging from warning (written or verbal) to expulsion from the graduate program, but will be tailored to address the circumstances of each offense and ideally decided in conjunction with the offender as part of the process. Ultimately, the administration of the IIRP will be responsible for such sanctions.

The Code of Conduct shall be made public in an appropriate manner and may be revised by the IIRP in consultation with the faculty, students, and staff.

Behaviors Inconsistent with IIRP Values

The Code of Conduct describes behaviors that are inconsistent with the essential values of the IIRP community. Those directly violating the Code of Conduct and those who assist, condone, or who are aware of the violations and do not report them, are engaging in behaviors that contradict the values of the IIRP. Such behaviors include but are not limited to:

1. Physically harming or threatening to harm any person, intentionally or recklessly causing harm to any person, or reasonable apprehension of such harm or creating a condition that endangers the health and safety of self or others.
2. Sexually assaulting or abusing a person. The Institute does not tolerate sexual assault or abuse, such as rape (including acquaintance rape) or other forms of nonconsensual sexual activity.
3. Harassing, stalking, or hazing any person, including sexually harassing.
4. Using, possessing, or storing weapons or fireworks.
5. Tampering with fire or other safety equipment or setting unauthorized fires.
6. Illegally possessing, using, distributing, manufacturing, selling, or being under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
7. Intentionally providing false or inaccurate reports of emergencies or Code violations or knowingly providing false statements during a hearing, disciplinary conference, or to IIRP officials.
8. Stealing, vandalizing, damaging, destroying, or defacing Institute property or property of others.
9. Obstruction or disruption of classes, research projects, or other activities or programs of the Graduate School; or obstructing access to IIRP facilities, property, or programs. Disruption is defined as an action or combination of actions by one or more individuals that unreasonably interferes with, hinders, obstructs, or prevents the operation of the IIRP or infringes on the rights of others to freely participate in its programs and services.
10. Violating the Academic Integrity Policy.
11. Failing to comply with reasonable directives to provide identification or to report to an administrative office or, when reasonable cause exists, failing to leave Institute-controlled premises when directed to do so by properly authorized persons, including police and/or Institute staff.
12. Making, using, or possessing any falsified IIRP document or record; altering or forging any Institute document or record, including identification or access cards. Includes but not limited to: forging (signing another’s name and/or ID number) or manufacturing IDs, altering permits, and misuse of forms (letterhead stationery, IIRP forms).
13. Unauthorized entry into or use of IIRP property or facilities, including classrooms, offices, and other restricted facilities. The IIRP also has the right to control use and entry into facilities for reasons of security, safety, or protection of property. This includes closing facilities at specified times. It should also be recognized that an open or unlocked door is not an invitation to enter and use facilities.
14. Engaging in disorderly, disruptive, lewd, or indecent conduct. Inciting or participating in a riot or group disruption. Failing to leave the scene of a riot or group disruption when instructed by officials. Disorderly conduct may include disruption of programs, classroom activities, or functions and processes of the IIRP. This item covers unreasonable noise, creating a physically hazardous or physically offensive condition.
15. Violating written IIRP policy or regulations contained in any official publications or administrative announcements, including IIRP computer policies; violating IIRP policies and regulations that are contained in official publications, administrative announcements, contracts, and postings.
16. Violating federal, state, or local law if such behavior has impacts on the IIRP community. Criminal or civil decision is not a necessary prerequisite for a disciplinary decision, nor is it necessary that criminal or civil charges be lodged against the student either before or after a disciplinary decision.
17. Misusing or abusing computer resources or other information technologies at the IIRP.

Community Responsibility

Students and employees of the IIRP are members of the academic community. As members of the academic community, they are subject to the rights and obligations that accrue to them by virtue of this membership. Students and employees are expected to be honorable and ethical in every regard and to have consideration for the welfare of others as individuals and for the community as a whole.

In keeping with the Clery Act, as amended by the Campus SaVE (Sexual Violence Elimination) Act in 2013, the IIRP does not suggest that witnesses (bystanders) to violent or potentially violent situations put themselves in jeopardy, but that they do take appropriate steps to keep members of the community safe. Reporting options are available for bystanders as well as victims. Calling the police is usually the best way to intervene if there is a question of safety for anyone. If there is no immediate danger, restorative processes may be utilized to address any concerns for members of the community.

Data Privacy Policy

The IIRP exercises care and prudence in the handling of personal information that we collect through our websites. This policy does not protect external sites linked to or from any iirp.edu website.

Collection of Information

The IIRP collects no personally identifiable information from visitors to our website, unless an individual affirmatively chooses to make such information available to the IIRP. However, our web servers do automatically recognize some non-personal information, such as volume and timing of access, as well as the Internet domain and IP address from which an individual accesses our sites. That information is stored for a maximum of 60 days.

Cookies are small files that are stored on a computer (unless you block them). We use cookies to understand and save visitors’ preferences for future visits and compile aggregate data about site traffic and site interaction so that we can offer better site experiences and tools in the future. We also use cookies to enable certain web services like Single Sign-on. Google and other third parties may use cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies to collect or receive information from this website and elsewhere on the Internet and use that information to provide measurement services and target ads.

The IIRP collects personal information through online data entry forms. Only information necessary to fulfill an information or other request or application, subscribe to our email lists, process a donation, or fulfill an e-commerce transaction and to notify an individual of order status is collected. The IIRP’s website neither markets to persons who are less than 13 years of age nor knowingly collects personal information online from them. Student information is kept confidential pursuant to federal and state regulations. We will not sell information to commercial entities.

We may also provide a visitor’s information to third parties in circumstances where we believe that doing so is necessary or appropriate to satisfy any applicable law, regulation, legal process, or governmental request; or to detect, prevent, or otherwise address fraud, security, or technical issues; or protect our rights and safety and the rights and safety of our users or others.

Use of Information

The IIRP uses the information an individual submits to provide them with the product or service requested, consistent with the purpose for which the information was collected. 

If an individual sends us an email, the email address they provide may be used to send information, respond to inquiries, and/or other requests or questions. We will not share, sell, rent, swap, or authorize any third party to use that email address for commercial purposes without the individual’s permission.

The IIRP may also generate summary statistics about the volume, variety, timing, and other characteristics of our web traffic in general, but such statistics do not contain personally identifiable information. For example, we use third parties such as Google Analytics to generate reports on site usage, web traffic, user behavior, and user interests in order to optimize our website for our visitors.

The IIRP will only use collected information to communicate with an individual regarding future offerings or opportunities in which we feel they may be interested if they have opted to receive such communications.

The IIRP does not share, trade, or sell personal information to third parties. The only exception is the sharing of information or the conduct of marketing efforts in conjunction with IIRP international affiliates, with which we have governance and programmatic oversight, and whose goals and mission are consistent with the mission and goals of the IIRP. 

Opt Out

A person may disable cookies through their individual browser options or they can opt out of the collection and use of this information through tools like the Network Advertising Initiative opt-out page.

Third Party Vendors

The IIRP works with various third-party services to provide email management and payments. We choose these vendors based on their compliance with applicable privacy laws.

Security

The IIRP follows industry-standard precautions and procedures in the transmission and storage of electronic data. The IIRP and affiliate websites use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption to process secure information. Sensitive credit card information is not permanently stored on any IIRP web server, and although order information is retained for our records, this information is not shared with other companies or persons.

Intellectual Property and Proprietary Rights

Our websites are protected by one or more copyrights, patents, database rights, trademarks, service marks, and/or other intellectual property and proprietary rights that are owned by the IIRP, its affiliates and/or third parties.

Breach Notification

We will notify affected individuals, via email, within 72 hours of first having become aware of a breach of data that is likely to result in a risk for the rights and freedoms of individuals.

Accuracy of Information

All information provided on IIRP websites is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a legal contract between the institution and any other person or entity otherwise specified. Although every reasonable effort is made to present current and accurate information, the IIRP makes no guarantees of any kind.

Grievance Policy and Formal Complaint Process

Review the full Grievance Policy and Formal Complaint Process here.

Harassment, Sexual Harassment, and Stalking Policy

Emergency situations should be reported to local law enforcement by calling 911.

The policy prohibiting harassment and retaliation applies to all members of the community, which for purposes of this policy includes, but is not limited to, employees, students, independent contractors, consultants, leased employees, visitors, and others working at the IIRP’s premises or with IIRP employees or students. The scope of this policy includes, but is not limited to, all settings in which members of the campus community may find themselves in connection with their employment, education, or other institutionally related activities, such as off-site meetings, conferences, social events, etc., including time spent traveling and socializing on the way to and from, and while at, such events. It also extends to other interactions between or among members of the campus community to the extent that a community member’s right to a campus community free from harassment or other inappropriate conduct is involved.

Harassment

The Institution will not tolerate harassment of any community member based upon membership in a protected class by any other member of the community or other individuals with whom community members interact in connection with their employment, education, or other institutionally related activities.

Harassment consists of unwelcome conduct, whether verbal, physical, or visual, that is based on a person’s protected status, such as race, color, gender, national origin, religion, disability, age, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law and which has the effect of interfering unreasonably with another’s work or academic performance, or creating an intimidating, offensive, or hostile environment. A hostile environment is one that is permeated with discriminatory intimidation, ridicule, offensiveness, or insult that is sufficiently severe or pervasive to interfere with an individual’s academic or work performance.

Harassing conduct includes, but is not limited to: slurs; negative stereotyping; ethnic jokes; offensive written or graphic material; display of offensive objects; stalking or cyberstalking; threatening, intimidating, or antagonistic acts that denigrate or show hostility or aversion toward an individual or group because of membership in a protected group. This applies not only to actions that occur in-person, but also to conduct that is perpetrated via phone, email, text messages, social media, websites, and by any other means or method of any kind.

Note that conduct as described above may not be sufficiently severe or pervasive to constitute harassment in the legal sense. However, the institution considers any conduct of this nature to be inappropriate within the campus community, and complaints concerning such conduct should be brought to the institution’s attention as set forth below.

In addition to harassment on the basis of legally protected status, the IIRP prohibits harassment on any basis, which the institution defines to include persistent, severe, pervasive, unwelcome, or inappropriate conduct that actually or potentially interferes with a student’s ability to work or learn. The institution reserves the right to take disciplinary action based on such conduct whether or not it meets the legal standards of discrimination or harassment.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment falls under the category of sexual violence. It is a form of sexual discrimination and is illegal. Sexual harassment can occur between people of the same gender or different genders and is prohibited, regardless of the sexual orientation and gender identity of the people involved. Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome or unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, physical, or visual conduct of a sexual nature when: submission to such conduct is made, explicitly or implicitly, a term or condition of a community member’s employment, education, or other participation in the community; submission to or rejection of such conduct by a community member is used as the basis for decisions affecting the community member’s employment, education, or other participation in the community; or such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonable interference with a community member’s work or academic performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or academic environment.

It is not possible to list all the circumstances that may constitute sexual harassment. However, the following are examples of conduct that, if unwelcome, may constitute sexual harassment, depending upon the totality of the circumstances, including the severity of the conduct and its frequency or pervasiveness.

• Unwelcome sexual advances or propositions (whether or not they involve unwelcome physical touching).
• Explicitly or implicitly conditioning any terms of employment or education (e.g., continued employment, wages, evaluation, advancement, assigned duties, grades) on the provision of sexual favors.
• Inquiries into another’s sexual experience, discussions of one’s sexual activities, comments on an individual’s body or comments about an individual’s sexual activity, deficiencies, or prowess.
• Sexual innuendo, sexually suggestive comments, or use of sexually explicit or vulgar language.
• Sexually oriented teasing or practical jokes; “humor” about gender-specific traits.
• Suggestive body language or gestures.
• Display or transmission of sexually suggestive objects, pictures, posters, cartoons, or other printed or visual material.
• Leering, whistling, or physical contact such as unwelcome touching, patting, pinching, or brushing against another’s body.
• Continued requests to socialize, on or off duty, on or off campus, when a community member has indicated they are not interested.
• Continued writing of sexually suggestive physical or electronic messages, making phone calls or leaving phone messages when it is known or should be known that the recipient does not welcome them.
• Derogatory or provocative remarks relating to an individual’s gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

The IIRP recognizes that sometimes in the conduct of courses and events there may be controversial or uncomfortable material presented that is appropriate in the context of the course or the event. The IIRP also reminds students that an isolated or stray remark or incident may be unwelcome but does not necessarily rise to the level of harassment or discrimination. It is, however, important to communicate that even stray remarks may be unwelcome and hurtful.

Stalking

Stalking is a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or the safety of others, or to suffer emotional distress. Stalking or cyberstalking may include repeatedly following, harassing, threatening or intimidating someone, either in-person or by telephone, mail, electronic communication, social media, or any other action, device or method. Stalking may or may not be sexual in nature.

Complaints of Harassment or Retaliation

Because the IIRP takes allegations of harassment, stalking, and retaliation seriously, it will respond swiftly to complaints of such behavior. The Institute strongly encourages any member of the community who believes they have been the target of harassment or inappropriate conduct to report the incident promptly, verbally or in writing, to any faculty member or any administrator. In addition, every member of the community is strongly encouraged to report, in writing, any such conduct observed, no matter who the target.

A timely report will enable the institution to respond rapidly in investigating the allegations and, where it is determined that harassment or inappropriate conduct has occurred, take the necessary steps to eliminate objectionable conduct or conditions, and impose corrective action, where appropriate.

Should any community member believe that they are being harassed or subjected to inappropriate behavior, they may wish to notify the offender directly and immediately that the behavior is unwelcome and offensive and must stop. In many instances, such informal discussions successfully resolve the issue. However, if for any reason a community member does not wish to discuss the matter directly with the offender or if the discussion does not successfully end the behavior, it is the community member’s duty to report the conduct immediately. The institution is committed to taking action if it learns of potential harassment or inappropriate conduct. The institution may be required by law to take such action, even if the aggrieved party does not wish to file a formal complaint.

All administration and faculty are prepared to deal with reports of harassment. All complaints must be reported to the Associate Dean of Administration, either directly by the complainant or through a member of the IIRP staff or faculty to whom the complainant reports the conduct. If the accused is the Associate Dean of Administration, then the report will be made to the President.

Consistent with its name and mission, ideally concerns would first be addressed informally, through informal discussions or a restorative circle. If a solution is reached it should be put in writing, signed and dated by both parties, and copied to the Associate Dean of Administration. However, persons choosing not to do so should report the incident in writing to the Associate Dean of Administration.

Investigation

A complaint of harassment will be investigated promptly and fairly. To the extent practicable, care will be taken to protect the identity of all parties to the complaint, consistent with a thorough and appropriate investigation.

Investigation will be completed as quickly as is practicable and will include private interviews with the person reporting the incident, any witnesses, and the person alleged to have engaged in the harassment or inappropriate conduct. Should any individual responsible for any task related to the investigation process have a conflict of interest, that person will be replaced by a neutral party. It is vital for all parties to the investigation to refrain from discussing any and all aspects of it, on or off campus. If the investigation determines that harassment or inappropriate conduct has occurred, the institution will act promptly to eliminate the offending conduct and impose corrective action where appropriate.

The person who filed the complaint and the person alleged to have committed the offense will be informed at the same time of the results of the investigation. However, the complainant may not be informed of the specifics of any disciplinary action imposed upon the perpetrator to the extent that this might invade his or her privacy.

False statements made by any party in connection with a complaint of harassment or inappropriate conduct or during an investigation will constitute the occasion for appropriate corrective action, up to and including termination of the person’s relationship with the institution.

Corrective Action

The person who filed the complaint and the person alleged to have committed the offense, consistent with the philosophy of restorative practices, will be offered the opportunity to participate in a restorative process before any decisions are made. This is especially appropriate if the offender has admitted to the offense. Participation by either party is strictly voluntary. If either party refuses participation before a decision, all parties will be informed of the decision when it is made and again offered the opportunity to participate in a restorative conference. Should the complainant or offender refuse, there may still be a restorative process for the benefit of either party and others affected by the offense.

If it is determined that harassment or inappropriate conduct has occurred, corrective action may range from a written warning and disciplinary probation to expulsion and may include such other forms of corrective action as the institution deems appropriate.

This is a general statement of policy and no more. While this policy sets forth institutional goals of promoting a community free of harassment and other inappropriate conduct, it is not intended to limit the institution’s authority to discipline or take remedial action for conduct it deems unacceptable. It does not constitute a term or provision of any contract of employment or implied contract of employment between the IIRP and an individual employee, nor does it create contractual obligations on behalf of the institution to any person. Likewise, it does not constitute a guarantee of continued student status to any person or otherwise create any obligation on the part of the institution.

Reports, including anonymous reports, may be submitted online at any time using the IIRP’s online Incident Reporting Form. Reports go directly to the Associate Dean for Administration.

Report an Incident

Health and Emergency

The IIRP does not have an on-campus medical facility. First-aid kits are located in classrooms and offices. In the case of a student medical emergency, students will be taken to the nearest medical facility. St. Luke’s Hospital in Bethlehem is located within a mile of the IIRP campus. Emergency contact names, as provided by students and maintained in their student records, will be notified.

Mental Health and Human Services Resources

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988 – talk or text)
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) (800-950-NAMI)
• Lehigh Valley Chapter of NAMI (610-252-9060 Northampton County, or 610-782-3127 Lehigh County)
• Veterans’ Crisis Line (988 then press 1, or text 838255)
• Northampton County Department of Human Services (610-829-6500)
• Lehigh County Department of Human Services (610-782-3000)
• Lehigh County Department of Veterans Affairs (610-782-3295)

This is only a partial listing support programs. The appearance of a program or service on this list is not to be construed as the Institute’s endorsement of the identified agency.

Personal Gift Acceptance Policy

Faculty, staff, and trustees of the IIRP Graduate School are asked not to accept or solicit a gift or benefit from vendors, students, or others who may influence or appear to influence the recipient’s decision making. To uphold integrity and transparency, we rely on our community to make informed decisions as to the value of the gift and seek guidance from leadership if the gift is greater than a nominal value. 

Students enrolled in the Graduate School are encouraged to celebrate faculty members with letters, cards, or verbal expressions rather than material gifts.  

Faculty, staff, and trustees may exchange gifts among each other. It is requested that discretion be used when those exchanges occur. 

No-Money-Solicitation Policy

The IIRP has a no-money-solicitation policy with regard to the solicitation by and among faculty, staff, or students to contribute to organizations or purchase raffle tickets, event tickets, cookies, or other types of organizational fundraising in the workplace. We want to avoid uncomfortable situations where employees feel social pressure to participate. With the exception of the IIRP, the IIRP asks its employees and students to keep such solicitation of contributions and purchases outside of the workplace on a private, interpersonal basis.

Photography and Video Recording Policy

The IIRP uses digital photographic images and video recordings to promote the Graduate School and events surrounding the institution in websites, print materials, and social media, in areas around education, publicity, and fundraising.  

All IIRP employees, students, trustees, and attendees of IIRP conferences are advised that the IIRP records digital images and video of members of the campus community throughout the year, which may include in classrooms, in study areas, in offices, and at other IIRP on- and off-campus activities. The IIRP reserves the right to employ these images and videos as a part of its internal and external communications efforts.  

All IIRP employees, students, trustees, and attendees of IIRP conferences are given to understand that their images, names, voices, and likenesses may be included, published, or used in perpetuity in IIRP publications including print, broadcast, social, and/or other electronic media for publicity or marketing purposes, and their employment constitutes consent to such inclusion. Procedures are established so that IIRP employees, students, trustees, and attendees of IIRP conferences can opt out of this arrangement. The Vice President for Strategy and Communications is responsible for these procedures.  

The IIRP will never post images with identifying information such as email address, address, or family members’ names. No special compensation is provided to any individual included in images taken at IIRP events. The IIRP does not contact individuals to notify them if or when their images are used by the IIRP. 

The opt-out procedure can be found here.

Sexual Misconduct Policy: Rape, Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, and Domestic Violence

Rape, Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, and Domestic Violence

If you have been raped or sexually assaulted, go to a safe place.

If you are in danger or there is an ongoing threat, call 911 for the local police department. Contact the police in order to report a crime.

Support agencies are available 24/7 to provide emotional support, as well as practical information regarding preserving evidence of the crime, getting medical attention, and understanding legal options.

• Further instructions for reporting incidents to the IIRP can be found in the Academic Catalog.

Services for Victims of Rape and Sexual Assault

• To report an offense, contact your local police department (911).
• The National Sexual Assault Hotline (800-545-4673) provides support and information and can refer callers to local agencies.
• For support and information in the Lehigh Valley, contact the Crime Victims Council (610-437-6611; or 610-437-6610 for non-emergencies).
• For legal help in the Lehigh Valley, call the Attorney Referral and Information Service (610-258-6333).
• Luke’s University Hospital (Bethlehem and Easton) and Lehigh Valley Hospital have rape examination kits available. Early medical care is important.
  • St. Luke’s University Hospital (866-785-8537)
  • Lehigh Valley Hospital/Muhlenberg (610-402-8000)

Services for victims of dating violence and domestic violence

• National Dating Abuse Helpline (866-331-9474)
• National Domestic Violence Hotline (800-799-7233)
• Turning Point, Allentown, PA (610-437-3369 or 877-438-4957; TTY 610-419-4594)

This is only a partial listing support programs. The appearance of a program or service on this list is not to be construed as the Institute’s endorsement of the identified agency.

Sexual Misconduct

Sexual misconduct in any form or context can threaten the safety, well-being, educational experience, and career of students, faculty, and staff and will not be tolerated whatsoever. Sexual misconduct is a broad term encompassing sexual harassment, dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, rape, and any other conduct of a sexual nature that is nonconsensual or has the purpose or effect of threatening, intimidating, or coercing a person. These violations can occur between strangers or acquaintances, including people involved in an intimate or sexual relationship. Sexual misconduct can be committed by men or by women, and it can occur between people of the same gender or different genders.

An individual found to have violated the Sexual Misconduct policy will be subject to disciplinary action. This policy also prohibits retaliation against individuals for submitting complaints of sexual misconduct, or for cooperating with investigations of these crimes.

The IIRP will take disciplinary action against persons who attempt such retaliation. Those accused of sexual assault or retaliation may also be prosecuted under applicable local, state, and federal laws.

Definitions

Rape is defined as forced sexual intercourse (vaginal, oral, or anal) that is perpetrated against the will of the victim. The assailant may be a stranger or an acquaintance. The type of force may include physical violence, coercion, or threat of harm to the complainant. Charges of rape also may be considered if the sexual offense involves penetration by a foreign object.

The legal definition of rape, according to the Pennsylvania Crimes Code, Section 3121, is as follows: “A person commits a felony of the first degree when he engages in sexual intercourse with another person . . . (1) by forcible compulsion; (2) by threat of forcible compulsion that would prevent resistance by a person of reasonable resolution; (3) who is unconscious; (4) who is so mentally deranged or deficient that such person is incapable of consent.” The crime is punishable by a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment or fine of $25,000 or both.

Sexual Assault is defined as attempted rape, the unwanted removal of another’s clothing, indecent exposure, indecent contact (i.e., the unwanted touching of intimate parts of another’s body including, but not limited to, genitals, breasts, and buttocks), or causing another to have indecent contact with them.

Dating Violence refers to violence committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim. The existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on a consideration of the length of the relationship, the type of relationship, and the frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship.

Domestic Violence includes felony and misdemeanor crimes of violence committed by a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim, a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, a person who is or was residing in the same household as the victim, or any person against someone who is protected from that person’s acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction.

Consent is an informed, affirmative, knowing, unambiguous, and conscious decision by each participant to engage in mutually agreed-upon sexual activity. Consent is voluntary and must be given without coercion, force, threats, or intimidation. Consent means positive cooperation in the act or expression of intent to engage in the act pursuant to an exercise of free will. Even though consent does not necessarily need to be verbal, relying purely on non-verbal communication can lead to misunderstandings; a spoken agreement is the most clearly indicated form of consent. Consent may not, in any way, be inferred from silence, passivity, lack of resistance, or lack of an active response alone; assuming that consent is given by the absence of a “No” is wrong. Consent is revocable. Consent to some form of sexual activity does not imply consent to other forms of sexual activity. Consent to sexual activity on one occasion is not consent to engage in sexual activity on another occasion. A current or previous dating or sexual relationship, by itself, is not sufficient to constitute consent. Even in the context of a relationship, there must be mutual consent to engage in sexual activity. Consent must be ongoing throughout a sexual encounter and can be revoked at any time. Once consent is withdrawn, the sexual activity must stop immediately.

Consent cannot be given when a person is incapacitated. A person cannot consent if they are unconscious or coming in and out of consciousness. A person cannot consent if they are under the threat of violence, bodily injury, or other forms of coercion. A person cannot consent if their understanding of the act is affected by a physical or mental impairment. Consent must be given with rational and reasonable judgment, so if a person is physically incapacitated from the consumption of alcohol or drugs, unconsciousness, or any other kind of inability, consent cannot be obtained.

Reporting Violations of the Sexual Misconduct Policy

Students at the IIRP are encouraged to report any instance of a sexual offense to faculty or administration; employees should report offenses directly to the Associate Dean of Administration. If the complaint is against the Associate Dean of Administration, the report should be made to the President. Offenses to be reported include those perpetrated by students, faculty, staff, other members of the IIRP community, or non-members. Both men and women may be complainants of sexual offenses. Any person may file a complaint of sexual misconduct at any time. Early reporting is encouraged to preserve evidence and provide the victim with information regarding rights, options, and resources available under this policy and federal and state laws. Resources for assistance are provided in the Student Handbook and Catalog and the Organizational Manual.

If a person decides to make an official report to the IIRP, a detailed (typed, emailed, or handwritten) statement of the alleged incident(s) should be submitted to the Associate Dean of Administration. This formal statement should be signed and dated.

The statement should be as specific as possible, including dates, times, locations, a description of the alleged misconduct, the name(s) of the accused person(s), and a list of any person(s) who may have information that would be helpful to the investigation. A complainant may request assistance from an IIRP employee in preparing this statement. The Associate Dean of Administration will promptly investigate all formal reports.

In all cases the IIRP, its staff, faculty, and administration will respond quickly, respectfully, and with appropriate support for victims of rape, sexual assault, and other forms of sexual misconduct. Victims are encouraged to contact their local police department or support agencies for written information about their rights and options, including how to obtain a restraining order and other protective measures.

At the complainant’s request, the IIRP will also assist them in notifying the local police department, if a victim elects to report the crime. Victims are not required to report to area law enforcement in order to receive assistance from or pursue options within the IIRP. Reporting sexual misconduct to the police does not commit the victim to further legal action. However, the earlier an incident is reported, the easier it will be for the police to investigate if the victim does decide to proceed with criminal charges.

All IIRP instructors, staff, and administrators are categorized as Responsible Employees. Responsible Employees are required to immediately report any allegations of sexual misconduct to the Associate Dean of Administration. Any student or staff member who elects to share information about an incident of sexual misconduct to an IIRP staff or faculty member must understand that the information will be shared with the Associate Dean of Administration (or the President, if the complaint is against the Associate Dean of Administration).

If the complainant wishes to remain anonymous, every effort will be made to honor that request, as long as doing so does not compromise the integrity of the investigation process, as outlined below. The Institute will investigate sexual misconduct even without a formal complaint whenever it knows or has reasonable cause to believe that sexual misconduct in violation of this policy has occurred. All IIRP staff, faculty, and administration are expected to maintain confidentiality to the extent possible without compromising the integrity of an investigation.

Victims of sexual offenses always have the option to file a criminal report in addition to a report under this policy. In no case should a victim be dissuaded from reporting sexual misconduct to law enforcement. Regardless of whether a victim elects to file a criminal report, the Institute will conduct an investigation of its own consistent with this policy. Even if the accused is not affiliated with the IIRP, an investigation will be conducted. The Associate Dean of Administration may issue a No Contact order to an accused unless and until the accused is found not responsible. If the accused is a student or faculty from a visiting institution, the IIRP reserves the right to contact that institution for further investigation.

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) requires institutions to report “specified on-campus crimes that were reported to local police agencies or to any official of the institution with significant responsibility for student and campus activities.” At the IIRP, these officials are the President, the Associate Dean of Administration, and their designated staff. When an incident is reported to any of these individuals, they are required to complete a form describing the incident, though they are permitted to preserve the anonymity of the victim. If the victim agrees to have their name released or if they opt to press charges, information about the incident and the name of the victim will be shared with the local police department and the local office of the district attorney. If the victim does not wish to have their name released and chooses not to press charges, information about the incident will be shared with these agencies using the designation of Jane or John Doe. The incident also will be counted for statistical reporting purposes, as required by law.

Completed incident forms are maintained in the administrative offices and used for mandatory compilation of annual crime statistics. The Northampton County District Attorney (or the district attorney from another county, if appropriate) will be notified of any felonies alleged to have occurred involving IIRP students, faculty, or staff.

Process and Penalties

Sexual misconduct offenses are major violations of the Code of Conduct for students attending the IIRP, as well as for employees of the IIRP. Anyone charged with such an offense may be subject to IIRP disciplinary proceedings and possible sanctions. The choice of whether to pursue charges of a sexual offense within the confines of campus discipline parameters always resides with the complainant.

When offenses are adjudicated, complainant and alleged perpetrator are entitled to the same opportunities: to have others present during a campus disciplinary proceeding, to be informed of the outcome, and to appeal the findings.

No action of the IIRP shall be construed to limit a complainant’s right to initiate civil or criminal proceedings against the alleged perpetrator.

In keeping with the gravity of sexual misconduct offenses, sanctions considered in those cases brought before the IIRP will probably start at the level of suspension or expulsion.

The victim and the alleged perpetrator, consistent with the philosophy of restorative practices, may be offered the opportunity to participate in a restorative process before any decisions are made, except where this interferes with any criminal proceedings. This is especially appropriate if the offender has admitted the offense. Participation by either party is strictly voluntary. If either party refuses participation before a disciplinary decision, all parties will be informed of the decision when it is made and again offered the opportunity to participate in a restorative conference.

Investigation

A complaint of sexual misconduct will be investigated promptly and fairly. To the extent practicable, care will be taken to protect the identity of all parties to the complaint, consistent with a thorough and appropriate investigation.

Investigation will be completed as quickly as is practicable and will include private interviews with the person reporting the incident, any witnesses and the person alleged to have engaged in sexual misconduct. Should any individual responsible for any task related to the investigation process have a conflict of interest, that person will be replaced by a neutral party. It is vital for all parties to the investigation to refrain from discussing any and all aspects of it, on or off campus. If the investigation determines that sexual misconduct has occurred, the institution will act promptly to eliminate the offending conduct and impose corrective action where appropriate.

The person who filed the complaint and the person alleged to have committed the offense will be informed at the same time of the results of the investigation. However, the complainant may not be informed of the specifics of any disciplinary action imposed upon the perpetrator to the extent that this might invade his or her privacy.

False statements made by any party in connection with a complaint of sexual misconduct during an investigation will constitute the occasion for appropriate corrective action, up to and including termination of the person’s relationship with the institution.

Corrective Action

The person who filed the complaint and the person alleged to have committed the offense, consistent with the philosophy of restorative practices, will be offered the opportunity to participate in a restorative process before any decisions are made. This is especially appropriate if the offender has admitted to the offense. Participation by either party is strictly voluntary. If either party refuses participation before a decision, all parties will be informed of the decision when it is made and again offered the opportunity to participate in a restorative conference. Should the complainant or offender refuse, there may still be a restorative process for the benefit of either party and others affected by the offense.

If it is determined that sexual misconduct has been committed, corrective action may include suspension or expulsion and such other forms of corrective action as the institution deems appropriate.

Complainant’s Rights

Because of the physical and emotional trauma experienced by victims of sexual offenses, and because rape and sexual assault are intolerable acts, the following rights are afforded to the complainant:

• To report the rape or sexual assault to a primary provider of support.
• To have every effort made to provide confidentiality, except as set forth above with regard to anonymous reporting requirements, and as necessary to assure adequate care for the victim.
• To contact support agencies as appropriate.
• To have every effort made to provide freedom from intimidation or further harassment by the alleged perpetrator or others.
• To request a change of academic setting, subject to availability, while proceedings take place.
• To select a support person to accompany him or her through IIRP disciplinary processes. (The support person may not directly participate in the processes.)
• To protect against evidence of past sexual history, except as allowed by law.
• To remain present during any disciplinary proceedings.
• To be informed of the outcome of any such proceeding.
• To make up any academic work missed as a consequence of the trauma and the disciplinary or judicial proceedings.

Rights of the Alleged Perpetrator

Similarly, the following rights will be afforded to the alleged perpetrator in all IIRP procedures:

• To have every effort made to provide confidentiality, except in areas of the Higher Education Act of 1998, as amended, or any other state or federal regulation that allows or requires disclosure; to take into account concerns about confidentiality in light of Institute, state, or federal regulations that would allow or require disclosure.
• To have every effort made to provide freedom from intimidation or harassment.
• To request a change of academic setting, subject to availability, while proceedings take place.
• To select a support person to accompany him or her through IIRP disciplinary processes. (The support person may not directly participate in the processes.)
• To protect against evidence of past sexual history, except as allowed by law.
• To remain present during any disciplinary proceedings.
• To be informed of the outcome of any such proceeding.
• To make up any academic work missed as a consequence of the trauma and the disciplinary or judicial proceedings if it is determined that the alleged perpetrator was wrongfully accused.

This is a general statement of policy and no more. While this policy sets forth institutional goals of promoting a community free of sexual misconduct, it is not intended to limit the institution’s authority to discipline or take remedial action for conduct it deems unacceptable. It does not constitute a term or provision of any contract of employment or implied contract of employment between the IIRP and an individual employee, nor does it create contractual obligations on behalf of the institution to any person. Likewise, it does not constitute a guarantee of continued student status to any person or otherwise create any obligation on the part of the institution.

Access to IIRP Facilities

Access to the IIRP facilities is restricted to students, employees, guests of the IIRP and of its members, and those attending designated public events.

AIDS and HIV

The IIRP recognizes the epidemic of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection at the global, national, and local levels. It is prudent, therefore, for the institute to adopt policies and practices that presume the possibility of HIV presence.

Specific safeguards are felt to be important for seropositive individuals. These safeguards, listed below, are built primarily around issues of confidentiality and non-discrimination.

• No student shall be denied enrollment and no individual shall be denied employment on the basis of HIV infection.
• Testing for seropositivity shall not be a requirement of admission or employment.
• Individuals who are seropositive, whether or not symptomatic, shall not be denied free and unrestricted access to all IIRP facilities, programs, and events.
• HIV infection shall not be used as a reason to restrict participation in any IIRP educational, recreational, or social activity.
• Any employee having questions regarding HIV infection and its relationship to employment or the workplace may address those questions to the Associate Dean of Administration. All such questions or concerns shall be kept strictly confidential.
• No individual shall be denied access to IIRP facilities nor otherwise isolated, restricted, or segregated on the basis of seropositivity.
• In accordance with the principle of confidentiality and current medical information, the IIRP has no obligation to inform co-workers, instructors, roommates, or others of anyone’s HIV status.
• Individuals with AIDS shall be accorded the legal status of having a handicapping condition.
• Media, or other persons outside the IIRP community seeking information regarding the status of HIV infection on campus or the institution’s response to such infection shall be directed to the President of the IIRP Graduate School or his or her designee.
• All students and employees of the IIRP shall utilize Universal Precautions when dealing with medical events.

The IIRP recognizes that, as information about AIDS is updated, periodic changes to its position and practices may be necessary.

Students and employees requiring information or assistance with regard to HIV/AIDS can contact these local agencies:

HOPE at St. Luke’s
502 East Fourth Street
Bethlehem, PA 18015

484-526-2062

100 North Third Street
2nd Floor Easton, PA 18042
484-503-8010

FACT (Fighting AIDS Continuously Together)
245 North 12th Street
Allentown, PA 18105
610-820-5519

Sexually Transmitted Disease and Tuberculosis Clinic at Bethlehem Health Bureau
10 East Church Street
Bethlehem, PA 18018
610-865-7083

Drug-Free Schools and Communities and Drug-Free Workplace

In support of the national strategy to combat illegal drug and alcohol abuse, Congress has enacted the Drug-Free Workplace and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments, which require that “…as a condition of receiving funds or any other form of financial assistance under any federal program, an institution of higher education or state/ local educational agency must certify that it has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the unlawful manufacture, possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees.”

Standards of Conduct

The unlawful manufacture, possession, use, misuse, abuse, or distribution of drugs and alcohol on institutional property or off campus while conducting any officially sanctioned institutional activity by any student or employee of the institution is strictly prohibited. If found in violation of these standards, students and employees will be subject to disciplinary action and may incur penalties prescribed by civil authorities.

Faculty and staff, as a condition of employment, must abide by the terms of this policy and report any convictions under criminal drug statutes for violations occurring on or off the premises while conducting business for the institution within five days of the conviction.

For students, sanctions imposed by the institution for violations of the above conditions may range from probation up to and including expulsion and referral for prosecution. Sanctions for violation of any of the aforementioned standards imposed on employees may vary from mandatory participation in rehabilitation programs to termination of employment and referral for prosecution.

Counseling and Treatment

Students who abuse controlled substances or alcohol are encouraged to seek assistance and referral through Student Services. Employees who abuse controlled substances or alcohol are encouraged are to seek assistance through the office of the Associate Dean of Administration.

Many options are available in the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas for employees and students in need of substance-abuse counseling. Some of these centers are noted below:

Intake and Referral
Northampton County Drug and Alcohol Intake Unit (610-997-5800)

Support Groups
Alcoholics Anonymous (610-882-0558)
Narcotics Anonymous (610-439-1998)
Narcotics.com (800-861-9372)

Residential Treatment
Caron Foundation, serves adolescents and adults (800-854-6023)
Livengrin Center (215-638-5200 or 800-245-4746)
Penn Foundation, adults only (215-257-9999 or 800-245-7366)
White Deer Run Lehigh (484-895-1486)

Outpatient Counseling
Treatment Trends Allentown (formerly Confront) (610-432-7690)
Livengrin Center (610-264-5521)
Penn Foundation (215-257-6551)
Mid-Atlantic Rehabilitation Services (610-419-3101)

This is only a partial listing of the services and programs available in the greater Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas. The appearance of a program or service on this list is not to be construed as the Institute’s endorsement of the identified agency.

Students or employees who do not reside in the Lehigh Valley can receive information and be referred to local agencies by calling SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) (800-662-4357).

Emergency Notification

The IIRP has a system in place that notifies students and staff via a mass phone message in case of a significant campus emergency or dangerous situation. Notifications will be given unless doing so would jeopardize a law enforcement investigation or compromise the safety of the community.

The Office of the Associate Dean of Administration is responsible for this system, which is tested annually.

Emergency Phone Numbers

Safety Precautions

• When walking, stay in well-lit areas in the middle of the sidewalk.
• Avoid quiet side streets, alleys, entryways, parked cars, and bushes after dark.
• Walk with somebody or stay near other people whenever possible.
• Pay careful attention to your personal belongings.
• Students leaving the IIRP after dark are especially encouraged to walk in groups to cars. Students using the building during the evening hours should use the parking lot immediately adjacent to the building.

Security in the Buildings

In an emergency, call the police using 911 or press the “panic button” on the alarm system. All incidents that happen in the IIRP buildings should be reported to the IIRP staff on duty or as soon as possible. Emergency exit routes are posted throughout the buildings.

Sex Offender Registry and Access to Related Information

The federal Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act went into effect on October 28, 2002.

The law requires institutions of higher education to issue a statement advising the campus community where state law enforcement agency information concerning registered sex offenders may be obtained. It also requires the sex offenders, already registered in a state, provide notice to each institution of higher education in that state, as to where the person is employed, carries on a vocation, or is a student.

Pennsylvania’s Megan’s Law, 42 Pa.C.S. 9799.1, requires the State Police to create and maintain a registry of persons who have either been convicted of, entered a plea of guilty to, or been adjudicated delinquent of certain sex offenses. Additionally, the Pennsylvania State Police are required to make certain information on registered sex offenders available to the public through an Internet website.

Information regarding registered sex offenders on the campus of the IIRP may be obtained from the State Police.

Smoking Policy

Smoking is prohibited inside all IIRP buildings.

Student Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act

The Associate Dean of Administration is the official assigned responsibility for receiving and resolving complaints relative to Act 73 and the Federal Student Right-to-Know and the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990. A complainant also may file a complaint with the Office of the Attorney General of the Commonwealth and shall be given the address of this office upon request to the Associate Dean of Administration.

The IIRP annual security report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that have occurred on campus; in certain off campus buildings or property owned and controlled by IIRP; and on public property within or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus. IIRP policies concerning the reporting of criminal offenses, use of drugs, alcohol, weapons, and access to facilities are published in the Student Handbook and Catalog and the Organizational Manual (for employees).

This report is distributed to all current students and employees through appropriate publications and the IIRP website. Applicants for admission or employment may request copies of the report from the office of the Associate Dean of Administration. Employees and students will be notified in a timely manner regarding crimes occurring at IIRP locations via email and on the IIRP website. Reportable crimes will be maintained in the Daily Crime Log and available for viewing within two business days of the incident. Forms for the reporting of crime can be found on our Safety and Security webpage.

The IIRP will comply with all relevant requirements of the Student Right to Know Act. Enrolled or prospective students may obtain information on graduation rates through the office of the Associate Dean of Administration, appropriate publications and the IIRP website.

Course List

Course Offerings

RP 500 Basic Restorative Practices
Credits: 3 | Delivery mode: Blended
Course duration: 4 weeks (23 hours online)

Prerequisites: Any of the following professional development events, taken within 5 years of starting this course: 

• Introduction to Restorative Practices and Using Circles Effectively or
• Restorative Practices for Educators or
• Restorative Practices for Independent Schools or
• Reimagining Campus Community with Restorative Practices

AND either

• Facilitating Restorative Conferences (in-person) or
• Restorative Justice Conferencing (online)

This course explores the fundamental principles, philosophy, theories, practices, models, and skills of restorative practices. Special emphasis will be placed on proactive and responsive circles, restorative conferencing, and the informal application of these processes. Issues critical to the development of restorative practices, such as models of human interaction, theories of behavior, and current research will be considered. Students will assess the role of human emotion, especially shame, in social relationships.

Students may choose either RP 500 or RP 504, but may not take both, to fulfill the program requirements.

RP 504 Fundamentals of Restorative Practices
Credits: 3 | Delivery mode: Online
Course duration: 10 weeks
Prerequisite: None

Students in this course will learn about the foundations of restorative practices as an evolving field of study. They will explore the emotional, relational, and ecological theories underpinning restorative principles, and the importance of engaging with others in equity-oriented relationships. Students will develop explicit restorative practices skills for application in their own personal and professional lives.

Students may choose either RP 500 or RP 504, but may not take both, to fulfill the program requirements.

RP 506 Restorative Practices: The Promise and the Challenge
Credits: 3 | Delivery mode: Online
Course duration: 10 weeks
Prerequisite: None

This course introduces students to a wide range of possible applications for restorative justice and other restorative practices in varied settings, including criminal justice, education and youth services, higher education, social work, and workplaces. Students explore the potential, as well as the limitations, risks, and obstacles to restorative practices through reading, online videos, interactive online discussion, and writing assignments.

RP 517 Restorative Approaches to Leadership
Credits: 3 | Delivery mode: Online
Course duration: 10 weeks
Prerequisite: RP 500 or RP 504

Students in this course will have the opportunity to explore restorative approaches to leadership and create an actionable leadership plan. The course will examine various perspectives on leadership, self-reflection, and engagement. Students will explore how our values, experiences, empathy, and bias inform our beliefs, intentions, actions, and impact. Current literature, theory, and practical applications will be discussed. Students will participate in a guided professional learning community where they will post reflections, responses, and helpful feedback.

Students who have completed RP 515 Restorative Leadership Development: Authority with Grace may not register for RP 517 Restorative Approaches to Leadership.

RP 525 Restorative Practices in Action
Credits: 3 | Delivery mode: Online
Course Duration: 10 weeks

Prerequisite: Any of the following, taken within 5 years of starting this course:

• RP 500 or
• RP 504 or
• Attendance at Introduction to Restorative Practices and Using Circles Effectively or
• Attendance at Restorative Practices for Educators or
• Attendance at Restorative Practices for Independent Schools or
• Attendance at Reimagining Campus Community with Restorative Practices

In this experiential course, students will use and assess explicit actions modeling restorative practices in the setting of their choice. They will examine ethical and cultural issues related to implementing restorative practices with individuals and communities. Students will practice reflection as a critical competency of restorative practices. Within a professional learning community, classmates will provide reciprocal feedback to assist each other in assessing their individual progress.

RP 532 Aggression Replacement Training®: Behavioral Interventions that Work
Credits: 3 | Delivery mode: Blended
Course duration: 7 weeks (30 hours online)

*Before taking this course, students will need to have attended the IIRP professional development experience: Aggression Replacement Training^® no earlier than five years from the start of this course.

This course is designed to give students practical strategies for intervention with at-risk youth. The course will explore evidenced-based practices such as Aggression Replacement Training^® and Life Space Crisis Intervention (LSCI). The online experience builds on the guided practice portion of the course, by examining social and emotional learning theories as they relate to the philosophical framework of restorative practices. Students will complete 30 hours of coursework online after attending the Aggression Replacement Training^® event.

RP 541 IIRP World Conference
Credits: 3 | Delivery mode: Blended
Course duration: Variable

*Before taking this course, students will need to have attended the IIRP World Conference immediately preceding this course.

In this course, students earn credits based on participation and engagement at an IIRP world restorative practices conference. They supplement this direct experience with related readings, writing assignments, and online discussions. Students actively evaluate, discuss, and critique presentations using restorative practices principles. Students will complete coursework online after attending the conference.

RP 550 Transforming Relational Harm
Credits: 3 | Delivery mode: Online
Course duration: 10 weeks
Prerequisite: RP 500 or RP 504

This course is an approved elective for the Education Specialization and the Community Engagement Specialization.

Students who have completed RP 535 Restorative Responses to Adversity and Trauma may not register for RP 550 Transforming Relational Harm.

This course explores a deeper application of restorative practices as it relates to emotion and harm. Students will use group process, emotional dynamics, compassionate witnessing, and mindful practice to address a wide continuum of harm. Students will explore neuroscience and how harm impacts the brain. Through the learning process, students will begin to understand how harm, human neuroscience, and emotional experiences affect relationships.

Notes:

• This course requires participation in weekly synchronous skill-building experiences with the instructor and a willing participant with whom to practice compassionate witnessing.
• People have been exposed to various levels of trauma in their lives. This course considers the use of restorative practices in cases of grief, trauma, and adversity. We advise students to consider establishing an emotional support system for themselves while taking this course.
• Students who have completed RP 535 Restorative Responses to Adversity and Trauma may not register for RP 550 Transforming Relational Harm.

RP 556 Restorative Practices for Community Health and Well-Being
Credits: 3 | Delivery mode: Online
Course duration: 10 weeks

Prerequisite: Any of the following, taken within 5 years of starting this course:

• RP 500 or
• RP 504 or
• Attendance at Introduction to Restorative Practices and Using Circles Effectively or
• Attendance at Restorative Practices for Educators or
• Attendance at Restorative Practices for Independent Schools or
• Attendance at Reimagining Campus Community with Restorative Practices

This course is an approved elective for the Community Engagement Specialization.

Students in this course will learn about the synergy between restorative practices and the field of community health. They will explore how restorative practices can help create supportive environments that facilitate well-being by prioritizing and strengthening a sense of community, connectedness, equity, belonging, and collective efficacy. Students will learn how restorative practices can strengthen community-focused efforts by fostering meaningful and sustainable cross-sector collaborations and developing the community’s capacity to advance the well-being of its members. Individual plans will be created to use restorative practices to address the social determinants of health within a community of the student’s choice.

RP 610 Evaluation of Research

Credits: 3 | Delivery mode: Online
Course duration: 10 weeks
Prerequisites: RP 525, plus RP 500 or RP 504

This course teaches students to be knowledgeable consumers of research so that they can understand and critique what they read. Students will explore approaches, methods and techniques through online group discussion and readings of research that they choose based on their own areas of interest.

RP 622 History, Evolution, and Critical Issues in Restorative Justice
Credits: 3 | Delivery mode: Online
Course duration: 10 weeks
Prerequisites: RP 525, plus RP 500 or RP 504

Restorative justice views crime from the perspective of those directly and indirectly affected by an incident, empowering them to decide how best to repair harm. This course explores the possibilities of using restorative justice to respond more meaningfully to crime than current approaches used in the criminal justice system. Students examine theory and research to assess restorative justice’s potential for reducing crime and, importantly, its impact. Through case study reviews, students apply restorative responses to situations and compare them with current practices. Readings, video presentations with knowledgeable professionals, and guided discussions present additional learning opportunities.

RP 623 Restorative Justice: Global Perspectives
Credits: 3 | Delivery mode: Online
Course duration: 10 weeks
Prerequisites: RP 525, plus RP 500 or RP 504

This course offers students a comprehensive perspective on restorative justice practices from around the world. Students will examine how restorative justice practices have been implemented in various cultures and contextual settings. Expert speakers will join this course to provide insight from many years of experience working within the restorative justice paradigm. Students will explore these practices through a diverse selection of readings, video presentations, expert speakers, and guided discussion threads.

RP 625 Restorative Practices in Life Space Crisis Intervention
Credits: 3 | Delivery mode: Online
Course duration: 10 weeks
Prerequisites: RP 525, plus RP 500 or RP 504

This course is an approved elective for the Education Specialization.

This course focuses on the basic communication process in problem management and crisis intervention. Life Space Crisis Intervention, which helps individuals identify patterns of self-defeating behavior, is viewed through a restorative lens. Role plays of restorative responses facilitate an understanding of the process. Students will learn to apply Life Space Crisis Intervention with individuals in the moment of crisis.

Note: This course requires participation in weekly synchronous skill-building experiences with the instructor and a willing participant with whom to practice questioning skills.

RP 635 Narrative Inquiry for Empowering Facilitators
Credits: 3 | Delivery mode: Online
Course duration: 10 weeks
Prerequisites: RP 525, plus RP 500 or RP 504

This course is an approved elective for the Community Engagement Specialization.

In this course, students will develop an understanding of social construction and narrative theories that empower the facilitation of decision making. Students will learn to organize and maintain conversations with others to address their needs and enhance their potential, through enriched narrative conversations that acknowledge the individual or group.

Note: This course requires participation in synchronous skill-building experiences with the instructor and a willing individual with whom to practice six different narrative maps.

RP 637 Social Justice and Restorative Practices
Credits: 3 | Delivery mode: Online
Course duration: 10 weeks
Prerequisites: RP 525, plus RP 500 or RP 504

This course is an approved elective for the Community Engagement Specialization.

In this course, students will explore social justice theories and principles and the application of restorative practices in social causes. They will consider patterns of social injustice, analyze assumptions across cultural identity and social issues, and review methods associated with disrupting injustice. Students will complete individual projects to demonstrate an understanding of how restorative practices can be integrated to advance social justice.

This course requires participation in four synchronous learning and reflection experiences with the instructor. 

RP 645 Transgenerational Resilience and Community Striving
Credits: 3 | Delivery mode: Online
Course duration: 10 weeks
Prerequisites: RP 500 or RP 504, RP 525, and RP 550.

This course is an approved elective for the Community Engagement Specialization.

This course explores the deeper implications of transgenerational trauma and resilience within our everyday lives and their impact on community striving. Students will use mindfulness and interoceptive practices in individual and group processes to address transgenerational harm in personal and cultural contexts. Students will explore the neuroscience of how lateral and transgenerational trauma creates certain resiliency patterns that may limit potential. Students will gain insight into how attention, awareness, and intention can transform traumatic experiences into effective resiliency patterns that positively impact relationships and culture.

Note: This course requires participation in weekly synchronous skill-building experiences with the instructor to practice a range of different circle experiences.

RP 652 Social and Emotional Learning in the Restorative Classroom
Credits: 3 | Delivery mode: Online
Course duration: 10 weeks
Prerequisites: RP 525, plus RP 500 or RP 504

This course is an approved elective for the Education Specialization.

Students in this course will examine the theory and practice of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) as it aligns with restorative practices.   They will explore the potential to improve student, faculty, and staff performance through the purposeful implementation of restorative practices to increase social and emotional well-being in their settings. They will develop an understanding of SEL competencies that can provide a framework to establish equitable learning environments. Students will synthesize research in the fields of SEL and restorative practices to design an action plan integrating what they learn into their classroom or organization.

RP 662 A Restorative Approach to Educating the High-Risk and High-Need Student
Credits: 3 | Delivery mode: Online
Course duration: 10 weeks
Prerequisites: RP 525, plus RP 500 or RP 504

This course is an approved elective for the Education Specialization.

Every classroom, whether mainstream or specialized, contains students who experience poverty, trauma, persistent adversity, addiction/substance abuse, neglect, or other risk factors at some point in their lives. This course goes beyond “behavior management” to focus on a restorative framework and techniques for instruction that meet the unique cognitive and emotional needs of these learners.

RP 680 Designing Restorative Practices Research
Credits: 3 | Delivery mode: Online
Course duration: 10 weeks
Prerequisite: RP 525

Students in this course will develop skills and competencies to design scientific inquiry in restorative practices. Students will review research concepts and principles and explore research designs and methods appropriate for answering different types of restorative practices questions. Students will select a topic intended to advance the restorative practices field of study and conceptualize and design a research project. Students also will learn essentials of writing research proposals.

RP 685 Data Analysis for Restorative Practices Research
Credits: 3 | Delivery mode: Online
Course duration: 10 weeks
Prerequisite: RP 680 or permission of the faculty

Students in this course will develop skills and competencies to work with data in restorative practices and social sciences research. Students will learn about qualitative and quantitative data analysis, data interpretation, and how to communicate data-driven results. There is an emphasis on qualitative data analysis techniques, however students also will be introduced to statistical software to perform descriptive and inferential statistical analyses. This course will prepare students to pursue an independent research project.

RP 694 Directed/Independent Study
Credits: 3 | Delivery mode: Individualized
Course duration: variable
Prerequisites: RP 525, plus RP 500 or RP 504 and permission of the faculty

This course provides an opportunity for a matriculated student to develop a learning contract that defines directed study or independent study on a special topic demonstrating a deeper understanding and application of restorative practices.

Note: This course requires the approval of the Provost after a learning contract has been designed between a faculty member and the student.

RP 699 Integrating Seminar
Credits: 3 | Delivery mode: Online
Course duration: 10 weeks
Prerequisite: All required master’s degree program coursework

Students will create a culminating multimedia project that describes how restorative practices positively influences human behavior and strengthens civil society. Students will also identify potential gaps in this emerging social science. Projects are developed in a highly interactive group process where students support each other in writing and presenting their capstone project. As a professional learning community, faculty and students engage in discussion about each presentation to help the group review the processes, philosophy, theory, and research in restorative practices.

RP 707 Thesis Research Seminar
Credits: 0 | Delivery mode: Individualized
Course duration: variable
Prerequisites: RP 680, RP 685, RP 699, and prior approval to pursue the Master of Science Thesis Option

During this ongoing, noncredit Thesis Seminar, students who have been approved to complete a thesis will be supported by the faculty committee chair, their faculty advisor, and a committee member of the student’s choosing. Students will work to develop an original research question and thesis proposal that includes a literature review. The project will need IIRP Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval prior to conducting any research. Students will complete their research, writing, and defense of their thesis within two years from their enrollment in this Seminar.  

Previously Offered Courses

The following courses are not currently offered:

• RP 515 Restorative Leadership Development: Authority with Grace
• RP 535 Restorative Responses to Adversity and Trauma 
• RP 540 Restorative Practices: Symposia and Conferences 
• RP 542 IIRP Turning the Tide Symposium

Master of Science in Restorative Practices

The IIRP Master of Science degree program is designed for working professionals, so it is assumed that most students will be studying on a part-time basis. The minimum completion time for a master’s degree should be two years. 

Students must complete their degree program within five years from the time they are admitted to the program. 

A student’s failure to complete their degree requirements within the prescribed five-year period will be cause for dismissal from the IIRP. Requests for continuation or reinstatement must be presented to the Provost for review and consideration.

Students may apply at any time during the year.

Specializations

Community Engagement

Restorative practices honors the existing strengths in a community and helps to increase people’s personal and collective efficacy, creating social conditions for people to be healthier and have greater well-being. The community engagement specialization provides students with a cluster of courses that focus on relationships and social connections in the community through processes, programs, and policies.

Requirements:

To earn recognition on a transcript, you must fulfil the following, in addition to the required coursework for the Master of Science:

• Four of your electives, including two at the 600 level, must be related to the specialization. These include RP 550 Transforming Relational Harm, RP 556 Restorative Practices for Community Health and Well-Being, RP 635 Narrative Inquiry for Empowering Facilitators, RP 637 Social Justice and Restorative Practices, and RP 645 Transgenerational Resilience and Community Striving, and
• Your project for your final course, RP 699 Integrating Seminar, must be rooted in your specialization.

Education

Restorative practices promotes a healthy teaching and learning environment through practical implementation of engaging processes that are both proactive and responsive. The education specialization provides students with a cluster of courses that focus on teaching and learning. Learning includes strategies to enhance student-teacher engagement; practical classroom activities; development of teacher pedagogy; understanding students' social, emotional, neurological, and academic needs; and building on restorative frameworks to develop anti-racist education and challenge current educational system and practice.

Requirements:

To earn recognition on a transcript, you must fulfil the following, in addition to the required coursework for the Master of Science:

• Four of your electives, including two at the 600 level, must be related to the specialization. These include RP 550 Transforming Relational Harm, RP 625 Restorative Practices in Life Space Crisis Intervention, RP 652 Social and Emotional Learning in the Restorative Classroom, and RP 662 A Restorative Approach to Educating the High-Risk and High-Need Student, and
• Your project for your final course, RP 699 Integrating Seminar, must be rooted in your specialization.

Program Goals

Students will:

1. Explain foundational principles of restorative practices. 
2. Apply conceptual and analytical skills in evaluating the links among practice, systems, and policy issues.  
3. Demonstrate the ability to improve professional skills through self-reflection. 
4. Develop knowledge and skills to work with culturally and socially diverse populations in local and global contexts through a restorative practices frame. 
5. Apply critical thinking skills to an issue and determine a restorative approach. 
6. Demonstrate proficiencies in information literacy. 
7. Thesis option only: Design a research study to advance the field of restorative practices.

Graduation Requirements

Degrees are conferred at the end of the spring and fall terms.

There are three requirements in order to qualify for a diploma:

1. 30 Credits. A candidate for degree is required to successfully complete 30 academic credits. Degree requirements must be satisfied within a five-year period from the date of enrollment (unless the Provost has agreed to an alternative arrangement).
   
   
2. Completion of all required courses for the Master of Science degree program.
   
   
3. Payment of any outstanding debt.

Fall Degree Conferrals:
A candidate will file an application to graduate and register for RP 699 Integrating Seminar in the projected graduation year by August 1. Any outstanding debt to the institution must be paid by October 31.

Spring Degree Conferrals:
A candidate will file an application to graduate and register for RP 699 Integrating Seminar in the projected graduation year by March 1. Any outstanding debt to the institution must be paid by April 30.

Master of Science Course Requirements

Master of Science with Thesis Option

Students in our Master of Science degree program and alumni of the IIRP Master’s degree program who wish to expand knowledge of restorative practices by conducting original research may choose to pursue the Thesis Option. If you wish to gain research experience and develop advanced competencies in scholarly writing, are considering a research-intensive career, or are interested in pursuing doctoral-level study, the Thesis Option may be a desirable choice for you. You will work with your faculty advisor to design a plan of study that fulfills your degree requirements and allows you to still choose four electives. There are six required courses for the thesis option: RP 500 Basic Restorative Practices, RP 525 Restorative Practices in Action, RP 610 Evaluation of Research, 680 Designing Restorative Practices Research, RP 685 Data Analysis for Restorative Practices Research, and RP 699 Integrating Seminar.

Following the RP 699 Integrating Seminar, you will be prepared to initiate your research. You will register for RP 707 Thesis Seminar, an innovative seminar designed to be completed within one year, that integrates all steps of a traditional thesis experience. You will identify a faculty chair and, with the guidance of a committee, develop a research focus and conduct original research in restorative practices, culminating in a written thesis that is suitable for publication. You will earn the Master of Science in Restorative Practices degree with the thesis designation on your transcript after fulfilling these requirements.

While you are expected to complete the Thesis Seminar within one year, you may extend that experience over two years if necessary. You will have up to seven years to complete your program from the time you are admitted.

Alumni also have up to two years to complete the Thesis Seminar.

Graduate Certificate in Restorative Practices

If a student wants to earn a graduate-level credential in restorative practices without pursuing a degree, the IIRP Graduate Certificate in Restorative Practices provides the core learning experiences of our master’s degree program. Students gain extensive knowledge and skill in restorative practices and learn tools necessary for self-evaluation and professional growth. 

Students can apply to the certificate program throughout the year. 

Students must complete their requirements for a graduate certificate within two years from the time their application has been received. 

A student’s failure to complete the requirements for a Graduate Certificate in the prescribed two-year period will be cause for review by the Provost. 

A student may earn the Graduate Certificate by successfully completing four courses: two required courses and two electives.

Program Goals

Students will:

1. Explain foundational principles of restorative practices. 
2. Apply conceptual and analytical skills in evaluating the links among practice, systems, and policy issues.  
3. Demonstrate the ability to improve professional skills through self-reflection.

Course Requirements