Mediation and Restorative Practices
Associate Vice President for Equity and Title IX Officer
More information about mediation or a restorative process can be found by visiting the Office of the Ombuds and Restorative Practices @ Penn:
Office of the Ombuds
The Office of the Ombuds offers mediation services by a professionally trained and certified mediator. This informal process brings differing parties together for a facilitated conversation, with the goal of moving the participants in the direction of better understanding of the issues and collaborative problem solving. To learn more, visit Mediation Services.
Restorative Practices @ Penn
Since 2020, Restorative Practices @ Penn has partnered with the Office of the AVP for Equity and Title IX Officer to provide an alternative to the investigative process for students who have experienced sexual harm. They offer a confidential, supportive process which centers the harm and works to address needs, promote accountability, and provide scaffolding for future healing. To learn more, visit Restorative Practices @ Penn.
Pursuant to the 2020 Title IX Regulations from the U.S. Department of Education, before Penn can offer the parties a non-investigative, informal resolution process to resolve a report of sexual misconduct, a complainant would need to file a written complaint. Additionally, under the University’s Sexual Misconduct Policy, a notice of the allegations would need to be provided to the respondent by the university.
Parties who are interested in addressing an allegation of sexual misconduct through the non-investigative processes of mediation and/or restorative practices can consult with the Office of the Ombuds and RP@P on a confidential basis before making the decision to report the allegations to the AVP-Title IX Office, or before deciding to file a formal complaint for potential disciplinary action under the University’s Sexual Misconduct Policy.
For more information, see the FAQ for “Informal Resolution Process.”