Building Bridges Through Circle Work at Carnegie Mellon

Restorative Works!

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Candace Okello and Tera Monroe of Carnegie Mellon University to the Restorative Works! Podcast.  Claire is joined again by co-host Associate Director for the Collaborative Center for Restorative Practices in Higher Education Kaleigh Mrowka, Ph.D. In this series of episodes, we explore the use of restorative practices in higher education through various aspects of the college and university sphere. Tera and Candace join us to share their experiences implementing restorative practices, particularly focusing on the impactful use of listening circles as a method to engage with challenging topics. They emphasize how these circles provide a safe space for students, faculty, and staff to enter open dialogue, share experiences, and foster understanding amid polarizing world events. Tera and Candace offer insights into the preparation, facilitation, and post-circle reflections, focusing on the importance of community building and creating inclusive environments. They discuss how Carnegie Mellon's commitment to restorative practices is shaping campus culture and empowering individuals to embrace difference and discourse. Candace serves as the assistant dean of Student Affairs for Civility Initiatives at Carnegie Mellon University. In her role, she is responsible for designing and leading initiatives geared toward proactive community building and engagement with an emphasis on civility. These efforts are intended to increase opportunities for civil discourse, enhance students’ capacity to resolve conflicts and assist in cultivating a deep sense of self-awareness and belonging through dialogue and restorative practices. Candace is an alumna of Westminster College and Duquesne University, and she is currently pursuing her doctorate at the University of Pittsburgh. Tera is the associate dean of Student Affairs at Carnegie Mellon University, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping the student experience. Her responsibilities include overseeing residential education, serving as a college liaison for Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and supporting exchange students between CMU’s campuses in Pittsburgh and Doha, Qatar.  Tera’s passion lies in creating vibrant and inclusive communities where students can thrive academically, socially, and personally. She collaborates with students, faculty, and staff to enhance the overall well-being of the campus community. Tune in to hear more from Tera and Candace as they provide practical advice for implementing listening circles on other campuses, highlighting the potential for building relational communities and navigating complex issues with empathy and understanding.