Mediation is an activity in which a neutral third party—the mediator—assists two or more parties in order to help them achieve an agreement on a matter of common interest. Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution facilitate mediation and offer training in peer mediation.

Purpose of Mediation

• To assist students in resolving disputes with the help of a neutral mediator
• To teach students how to mediate and learn to resolve their own problems using an alternative route, i.e., mediation

Benefits of Mediation

• Student conflicts are resolved by applying alternative problem-solving techniques.
• Positive thinking is inculcated in students and they learn to tolerate team members, fellow students and people with different cultures and traditions.
• Students' personal relationships improve as they learn to communicate better.
• Violence and disciplinary actions reduce.
• Students learn problem-solving and active listening skills.
• Students availing mediation services assume responsibility for resolving conflicts and learn the consequences of their decisions.
• Students are trained by professionals and become involved in facilitating the mediation process.
• Students are able to contribute to the community.
• The approach of trained student mediators helps mediation become more effective in residential halls as well as in the school and college environment.

Conflicts that May Be Referred to Mediation Services

• Student misunderstandings due to individual factors (such as personal or individual differences) or interactional issues—dynamics between people
• Interactional student conflicts due to behavioral differences; failure to recognize and understand cultural diversity; secondary emotions like anger, frustration or hurt; poor listening and communication; selfishness; or irrational thinking and perspectives

Disputes invoking serious violations of the Student Code of Conduct will not be mediated.

The Mediation Process

• A dispute or disagreement between students is brought to Mediation Services.
• The mediation coordinator collects all the necessary information and makes an appointment to meet the disputants individually.
• Both students are contacted and the reason for their dispute learned.
• The mediation coordinator determines if the dispute is appropriate for mediation.
• The mediation coordinator schedules the mediation in a neutral location.
• The mediators assist both the parties to arrive at a solution to the dispute.
• When the solution is found acceptable to both parties, a consensual agreement is signed in the presence of the mediator.
• After a certain interval, both parties are contacted to find out if the solution is working.