Conflict is an Everyday Part of Life

It is to be expected that at some point everyone will experience a conflict situation that makes them feel uncomfortable, anxious and even fearful. Mediation is an avenue for parties in conflict to work together to solve their problems peacefully.

Mediation is:

• A completely voluntary and confidential process that helps two people communicate their feelings about an issue and reach a mutual agreement.
• Mediators are trained neutral facilitators who help the parties in conflict to work together.
• An informal forum for people who would prefer to privately handle their disputes.

Mediation is not:

• A replacement for the University disciplinary system.
• A court to determine blame or innocence.
• Personal or marital counseling.

Typical cases involve:

• roommate conflicts
• conflicts with friends, family, and partners
• conflicts with team members
• conflicts with fraternity and sorority members
• conflicts with classmates
• conflicts with colleagues at work
• conflicts with student groups regarding policies, leadership, resource allocation, etc.

At the Student Mediation Center we will listen to your problem. If we can help, we will gather information regarding your problem and the other person involved. We will contact the other person and ask them to participate in the session (participation is voluntary). A session time will be scheduled that is convenient to all. At the session, a trained co-mediation team will listen to all sides of the disagreement. The mediators will not decide right and wrong, but will assist in helping the disputants reach their own agreement. When an agreement is reached by the disputants, the specifics are written up and the document is signed by all parties. Follow-up contact is done to ensure that the agreement has been successful.