Walsh University’s Office of Academic Affairs is excited to announce the launch of two new academic and community centers, the Center for Restorative Justice and Community Health, directed by Dr. Michelle Bemiller, and the Center for Academic and Professional Enrichment, directed by Dr. Ute Lahaie. These Centers are in addition to the existing Renacci Center for Civic Engagement, directed by Dr. Rachel Hosler, and the Center for Sustainable Food Design (formerly the Institute for Food Sustainability), directed by Professor Jennifer Vokoun.
The Centers provide formal pathways for faculty, staff, coaches, alumni, students and our regional community to engage with our campus in unique and meaningful ways. They are designed to expand community and campus outreach, complement formal academics, and provide new opportunities for learning, development and community building. As a Catholic university, Walsh University brings the Catholic Intellectual Tradition alive through all aspects of operations with a focus on building community, the spiritual and intellectual development of people and bringing our mission to life every day. Our four Centers serve as conduits for vibrant intellectual development, faithful service to our community and interdisciplinary engagement.
Center for Restorative Justice and Community Health
The Center for Restorative Justice and Community Health focuses on building and strengthening relationships—both within and outside Walsh University—by providing positive space for civil discourse, self-development, and consensus decision-making centered on community needs and concerns. In alignment with the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, the Center encourages participation in restorative dialogues that encourage respect for all people, recognize the rights and responsibilities of each community member, and encourage inclusion of all people in decisions that affect their lives and well-being.
Directed by Dr. Michelle Bemiller, the Center offers opportunities for training programs and workshops to educate our community on the principles and practices of restorative justice. In addition, the Center provides facilitation of restorative circles and conferences that may focus on community building, conflict resolution, and/or community feedback and recommendations.
Educational opportunities and trainings will begin in Spring of 2023.
Center for Academic and Professional Enrichment
The Center for Academic and Professional Enrichment (CAPE) designs and coordinates professional development and enrichment activities for faculty and staff in support of Walsh’s mission and strategic goals. CAPE’s special emphasis is excellence, which is one of Walsh’s core values. CAPE serves as an umbrella for a variety of professional development activities that promote faculty and staff excellence in scholarship, teaching, leadership, and professional skills to support continuous improvements and institutional effectiveness in all aspects of campus life. CAPE’s professional development offerings include scholarship showcase events, faculty and staff development opportunities, adjunct orientation and training, conferences, and lecture series. In addition, CAPE will house the new Walsh University Press, a focus area on Grants and Research training and collaboration, as well as other potential pillars that can advance our campus community. Stay tuned to the Walsh Wire for educational opportunities and trainings that will begin in Spring of 2023.
Although it will be evolving, the current information on all four Walsh University Centers can be located here.
