SA: Restorative Practices Advisors (S9665C)

Summary

Restorative Practices Advisors (RPAs) serve as a resource on campus to students and student groups in the areas of conflict mediation and restorative practices. RPAs proactively provide education and outreach to the Bates community, seeking to engage students, faculty, and staff in meaningful conversations that will strive to build community and establish mutual respect. These educational programs will have the overarching goal of helping individuals and communities develop the capacity to communicate effectively and work through conflicts as they arise. RPAs also serve as resources to students and student groups who may be experiencing conflict, or moving through a student misconduct resolution process through the Office of Community Standards. RPAs facilitate mediations and restorative circles and conferences for student conflicts. RPAs report to the Assistant Dean of Community Standards.

Basics

  • Department: Student Affairs
  • Supervisor: Andee Bucciarelli
  • Office Location: Chase Hall G05
  • Email: abucciar@bates.edu
  • Hours: 5-7
  • Workers: 4

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but may not be limited to:
Education & Outreach (50%)
Each RPA will be responsible for working with student organizations and departments on campus as needs arise (e.g. student clubs, athletic teams, residence halls, etc.).
RPAs will serve as Process Educators in Student Misconduct Resolution Processes. Process Educators function independently from staff in the Office of Community Standards, and are available as a resource to help explain the college’s student misconduct resolution process. Process Educators meet with any community member involved in a misconduct resolution process, including Respondents, Complainants, Third Parties, to answer questions and ensure understanding the process.
RPAs will be responsible for one program per month during the academic year approved by the Assistant Dean. Programs must identify a target audience and clear goals.
RPAs will develop and implement a comprehensive marketing plan to the Bates community designed to educate students, faculty, and staff on the principles of mediation and restorative practices, and to advertise the facilitation services offered.

Facilitation (50%)
RPAs will be available to facilitate mediations and restorative circles as needed throughout the year.
RPAs will typically serve as co-mediators or co-facilitators for mediations or circles. Selection of facilitators for a given situation will depend on the nature of the concern, the preferences of the parties involved, and the workload of the RPAs.
RPAs will also offer conflict coaching for students who request assistance in navigating conflicts.

General Responsibilities
RPAs will serve as role models on campus and must maintain appropriate boundaries with other students given the nature of their role.
RPAs will serve as a general resource to students on campus and will be able to direct them to appropriate resources.
RPAs will meet together as a team weekly with the Assistant Dean of Community Standards.
RPAs will hold weekly drop-in hours (2 per week).

Requirements

RPAs must have an interest in learning more about restorative practices.
Experience and or training in both mediation and the foundations of restorative practices is preferred.
Registration in Short Term 2026 EXDS course “Practicum in Mediation and Restorative Justice” strongly preferred.
If no prior training, RPAs must participate in a training determined by the Assistant Dean of Community Standards. If the training has an associated cost, Bates College will cover the cost.

Reporting

Works closely with Assistant Dean for Community Standards and other RPAs.