Resources and Support for Implementing Restorative Practices in Higher Education
Institutions of higher education are facing a range of existential challenges, including demographic shifts impacting enrollments, concerns over affordability and access for marginalized populations, and an uncertain sociopolitical climate that may heighten tensions and disrupt campus culture. Yet, even within this context, colleges and universities continue their role as centers of learning, knowledge creation, and personal transformation.
The promise of higher education relies on people and the relationships formed among students, faculty, staff, administration, and the wider community. Restorative practices, with a focus on fostering healthy relationships and human dignity, offer valuable frameworks and tools to reimagine and transform campus communities. Honoring all campus voices, respecting personal agency, and fostering a sense of belonging creates spaces where people may comfortably express their authentic selves and where inevitable conflict may be navigated in a healthy and generative manner.
Globally, a growing number of institutions are adopting and implementing restorative practices and restorative justice, but their success depends not only on resources and leadership but also on shared understanding, critical reflection, and the willingness to work through cultural and organizational tensions (Bussu & Karp, 2025). The IIRP established the Commons to support individuals and institutions seeking to implement restorative practices on their campuses by providing the tools and resources needed to take their implementation from foundational understanding to collective action and integration.
Overview of The Commons
The Commons emerged from the Collaborative Center for Restorative Practices in Higher Education, championed by former Associate Professor and Director of Research and Program Evaluation Dr. Gina Abrams, working with a team of founding partners.
The Commons provides support for professionals in higher education seeking to implement restorative practices in institutions of higher education, whether online or in person. The Commons will serve as a convener of dialogues and webinars as well as a repository of resources, with an emphasis on collaborative peer support. The Commons encourages the adoption and implementation of restorative practices in higher education in an environment where all knowledge and experiences are valued. In alignment with the IIRP mission, we aim to build a community where higher education practitioners can learn together, find peer support, and implement restorative practices in higher education.
Additional Support
Professional Development
The IIRP offers professional development for higher education professionals. Learn more about Reimagining Campus Community or email
Implementation
The IIRP Graduate School has been developing approaches for fostering positive workplace culture and community for decades and has a variety of services designed specifically for colleges and universities.
Our services are built on a philosophy of collaboration and co-creation, so they can be customized to meet your unique needs. Offerings include:
- Executive and leadership coaching
- Program development
- Visioning and strategic planning
- Peer review of programs and processes
- Cultural and climate audits
- Search services
Please contact us to learn more: