Restorative Justice Design Process

Overview of the Process:

From Spring 2022 to Summer 2025, representatives of the University of Guelph (U of G) and a group of alumni athletes came together with the support of external facilitators, to form a Design Group intended to create and implement a restorative process. This process aimed to hear from alumni athletes and associated Athletic staff who were connected to the cross-country and middle-distance programmes since the late 1990s. Together, the Design Group created a three phased process that enabled the University to further learn about the range of experiences that impacted the well-being and success of students and student-athletes during this period.

Intentions of the Restorative Process:

This restorative process was not intended as an investigation, but as an opportunity to reflect on past experiences, build on positive changes already made, and identify further opportunities for development. The goal was to inform future efforts to support the well-being and success of current and future athletes. Alumni athletes involved in the Design Group entered this collaboration with the hope of strengthening the athletics programme and contributing to a safer, healthier sport culture at the U of G. All participants were invited to engage in the spirit of these intentions.

What is Restorative Justice?

Restorative justice engages those directly or indirectly affected by an issue to foster understanding, surface insight, and shape a better future. It brings together members of a community committed to learning and improvement, creating space to share experiences, reflect collectively, and identify meaningful actions. At the University of Guelph, this process unfolded over several years. The Design Team worked collaboratively to identify areas of need and developed a process that welcomed participation from alumni, Athletic staff, colleagues, and university leaders connected to the cross-country and middle-distance programmes.

Who Participated:

Phases One and Two: Invitations were extended to student-athletes and Athletic staff directly involved with the cross-country and middle-distance teams between 1997–2020.

Phase Three: A broader group of student-athletes, alumni, and Athletic staff from a range of disciplines and organizations were invited to take part in a larger learning experience.

Summary of the Three Phased Process:

The restorative process unfolded across three interconnected phases, each evolving as needed. Flexibility was maintained throughout to adapt to the needs of participants and the process itself.

Day of Learning Summary:

On June 26, 2025, a collaborative Day of Learning was held with the intention to spark dialogue, reflection, and action among a diverse, multi-disciplinary group of participants. Centred on student-athlete well-being, the day also offered space to reflect on the overall restorative process.

Discussion topics included:

• How can we continue to respond better when things do not go well?
• How can we continue to build a stronger sport culture on campus and beyond?
• How can we continue to increase transparency, trust, and learning?

Continued Commitment Following the Day of Learning:

Although the Day of Learning marked the formal conclusion of the Restorative Justice process, it also signaled a shared commitment by the University and participants alike, to carry forward the insights and learning into the on-going work of building a healthier sport culture.

Participants left the Day of Learning with a collective sense of responsibility and possibility. There was strong recognition that meaningful change requires sustained effort, reflection, and collaboration across roles, disciplines, and institutions. As such, the University is committed to embedding the principles and lessons of this process into the everyday practices, relationships, and structures that shape student-athlete well-being.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Continuing to foster environments where feedback and lived experience are valued;
• Supporting leadership and decision-making practices that prioritise transparency, equity, and care;
• Exploring opportunities to further integrate restorative approaches across university and sport settings.

A Special Note of Gratitude:

The University extends sincere thanks to everyone who participated in the restorative process. Your willingness to share made this important learning and growth possible. 

We also offer heartfelt appreciation to the individuals listed below, whose dedication and efforts were instrumental in bringing this process to life:

Facilitators of the Restorative Justice Design Process:

• Jennifer Llewellyn, Professor, Schulich School of Law, Dalhousie University & Chair in Restorative Justice
• Melissa MacKay, Associate, Restorative Lab, Dalhousie University

Jennifer and Melissa supported the design group from the beginning of the restorative process and facilitated the Day of Learning to ensure an inclusive and engaging experience for all participants.

External Facilitators for Phase One:

• Catherine Bargen, Director and Lead Consultant, Just Outcomes
• Michelle Jackett, Senior Consultant, Just Outcomes

Design Group Alumni Athlete Representatives:

• Jenn Dowling-Medley
• Robyn Mildren
• Sophie Watts

Design Group Alumni Athlete Advisor Representatives:

• Charlotte Ward
• Kelsey Serviss
• Rachel Cliff
• Katrina Allison

Design Group University of Guelph Representatives:

• Melinda Scott, Vice-Provost, Student Affairs
• Irene Thompson, Interim Vice-Provost Student Affairs (now retired)
• Harpreet Hansra, General Counsel
• Mary Murphy, General Counsel (now retired)
• Ann Pegoraro, Professor Lang School of Business
• Jan Klotz, Associate Director of Student Wellness
• Kristin Lennan, Associate Director of Residence Life
• Shannon Thibodeau, Manager of Student Engagement and Leadership
• Jessica Westlake, Executive Assistant to the Vice-Provost

How to Contact the Design Group:

To contact the Design Group with questions about process or scope, please email:  studentaffairs@uoguelph.ca