The office of the Dean of Students offers restorative services. These services include requesting a restorative circle,education about restorative practices, and facilitation workshops designed to equip community members to host restorative circles. 

If you are hoping to request a restorative circle:

1. please log into the American University portal
2. click on the life at AU tab, care network: express concern about a student
3. check the first box that is titled restorative circle request.

Once you submit the form, a staff member will follow up with you within one to two business days.

The participation of all parties in a restorative process must be voluntary and can be discontinued at any time throughout the process. Restorative circles may include inquiry into the facts but does not include a formal investigation. Information shared in a restorative process will not be used in any formal proceeding through the office of Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution Services unless specific information is revealed under the mandatory reporting guidelines (e.g., health and safety of any participant or health and safety of the greater AU community). If a restorative process fails before a reparative agreement is established, the university may consider the case closed.

The restorative process is an opportunity to explore and discuss the incident with all affected parties. All participants be provided an opportunity to present your perspective. You will also reflect upon the incident and collaboratively develop a reparative agreement, with the purpose of repairing the harm that occurred with all impacted parties. The reparative agreement requires the approval of the University. The person who caused harm must comply with the reparative agreement.

If a situation is appropriate for restorative practice resolution, students will be contacted typically within three business days for an intake meeting to discuss next steps in the process. Criteria to consider a situation for restorative practice resolution is contingent upon the university’s discretion. The typical timeline for restorative resolution ranges between ten to fifteen business days. If you have questions or concerns related to process please contact dos@american.edu or (202) 885-3300.