Restorative Practice Fellows (RPFs)
Student-led pathways to accountability, healing, and growth
The Restorative Practice Fellows (RPFs) program is entirely student-run, operated by undergraduate fellows fostering restorative approaches to conflict and harm at Harvard College. Originally established within the FAS Office of Student Services (OSS) in 2024, the program is now housed in the Office of the Secretary of the College, where RPFs continue to serve as peers offering alternative pathways for accountability and personal growth.
Restorative Practice Fellows build community through open discourse while maintaining interconnection when harm occurs.
Submit a request
Students reach out to Restorative Practice Fellows (RPFs) for many different reasons. You might contact us if you are experiencing:
- Conflict with a roommate, friend, partner, or teammate and want help talking it through.
- Tension or disagreement in a student organization, residential community, or class that’s starting to affect the group.
- You said or did something that caused harm and want support in taking accountability and making things right.
- You were hurt by someone’s actions and want a space to be heard and explore options for repair.
- You’re not sure what to do about a conflict but want a low‑pressure space to talk and get guidance.
Understanding restorative practices
Restorative practices are an approach to conflict, harm, and community-building that emphasizes relationships, accountability, and repair rather than punishment. Drawing from Indigenous traditions of North America, Australia, and New Zealand, restorative practices focus on:
- Understanding the impact of harm on all involved
- Creating space for those affected to be heard
- Meaningful accountability and repair
- Strengthening community capacity to handle conflict
- Interpersonal conflicts in student groups or living spaces
- Breakdowns in communication or trust
- Situations where harm has occurred and repair is desired
- Proactive community building before conflicts arise
- As an alternative or complement to formal disciplinary processes
Rather than asking "What rule was broken and what punishment is deserved?", restorative practices ask:
- How can we involve the community in making things right?
- Who was harmed?
- What are their needs?
- Whose obligation is it to meet those needs?
How we can help
We provide a range of supportive services designed to help students navigate conflict, build communication skills, and engage in restorative practices.
Ad Board Case Support
Educational outcome/sanction option: Restorative Practice Fellows sessions can be assigned as an educational outcome by the Ad Board
Restorative alternative: We offer a restorative approach as an alternative pathway for accountability and growth
Support throughout the Ad Board process:
- Understanding your options
- Navigating the process
- Connecting with resources
Community-wide education
Our community‑wide education programs equip students and groups with practical skills to strengthen communication, navigate conflict, and foster healthier relationships.
- Trainings introduce restorative practices, explore communication and conflict styles, and offer strategies for engaging in difficult or charged conversations. Participants also build confidence in community dialogue, boundary setting, community‑building techniques, and bystander intervention.
- Workshops can be fully customized to meet the specific needs of your group.
Privacy and responsible employees
While RPFs are not confidential resources, privacy extends to all the program's work. RPFs are designated as responsible employees at the University. If an RPF learns of an incident of sexual harassment or other sexual misconduct (including harassment based on gender or sexual orientation) impacting a Harvard community member, they are required to promptly share that information with a Title IX Resource Coordinator.
For confidential support, we encourage you to connect with the following groups:
Who we are
The Restorative Practice Fellows aim to create supportive, accessible spaces where members of the Harvard College community can navigate conflict, strengthen communication, and repair harm through restorative practices. Grounded in empathy and accountability, we work collaboratively with students, staff, and campus partners to promote healthier relationships and more connected communities. Our role is to listen, guide, and empower to help you explore options, reflect on their experiences, and engage in meaningful growth.
Our work is guided by core values that shape every conversation and process we offer.
Meet the Fellows
Click on each Fellow's bio to learn more about them & view their weekly office hours.
How to connect with us
Online
When you reach out, we’ll respond within three business days to begin an initial conversation about your needs. Together, we’ll explore available options and determine the most appropriate next steps. Participation in any process is always voluntary, ensuring you remain in control of how you choose to move forward.
Email rpf@fas.harvard.edu to get started.
Office hours
You can join us for drop-in virtual office hours during one of our standard times, or email us to schedule an appointment at a time that works best for you. If you would like to meet with a specific fellow, you can click on the RPF’s bio above to view their individual office hours or email us to coordinate a time.
Zoom Office Hours
- Click here to access
- Wednesdays 9:15-10:15 am, 1:00-3:00 pm
- Thursdays 2:45-3:45 pm, 7:00-8:00 pm
- Fridays 2:00-6:00 pm
During office hours, you’ll start with a brief introduction or icebreaker, followed by an overview of the Restorative Action Plan, Shuttle Dialogue, and other available services. You’ll have space to share any current conflict or concern you’re experiencing, and we’ll close with a brief check-out to reflect, answer questions, and explore next steps, including the option to meet again.
FAQs
Reach out for a consultation. We can help you understand your options and connect you with appropriate resources, whether or not restorative practices are the right fit.
Yes! We offer facilitation and community building for student organizations.
It varies based on the situation and participants’ needs, typically ranging from a single meeting to several sessions over weeks or months.
All participation in restorative processes is voluntary for everyone involved.
The Administrative Board (Ad Board) is Harvard’s formal disciplinary body. Restorative Practice Fellows offer restorative approaches that can complement or serve as alternatives to formal processes, and we can be assigned as an educational outcome by the Ad Board.
No. Restorative Practice Fellows are private resources mandated reporters. For confidential support, please review the recommended resources.