1. What is mediation?
Mediation is a voluntary process chosen by persons in conflict to resolve their disputes collaboratively. It is an opportunity for two or more parties to communicate openly and honestly in the presence of a formally trained mediator to arrive at mutually beneficial solutions to their problem(s). The mediation process facilitates discussion between disputants, assists with developing concrete resolutions, and maintains safe and constructive environments for the disputants.
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2. What are the advantages of using mediation?
Mediation is VOLUNTARY. No one can force you to be involved in the process.
Mediation is CONFIDENTIAL. UMS mediators are bound to strict confidentiality, and all UMS records are destroyed or kept in a secure location as part of students' educational record. All materials made in preparation for the mediation session are confidential. Only the disputants can mutually waive their right to confidentiality. Unless court-orderd, UMS mediators maintain confidentiality.
Mediation is EXPEDIENT! Sessions are scheduled for 2 hours, and most cases are settled well within that timeframe. If the need to reschedule another session arises, scheduling is sensitive to the disputant's needs.
Mediation is EMPOWERING for the disputing parties. It asks the disputants to brainstorm several possible solutions, and gives them the ability decide the most appropriate course of action.
Mediation can be more EFFECTIVE for preserving relationships and addressing recurring difficulties.
Also: Mediation encourages open and honest communication between both parties. The process itself encourages healthy and positive discussion, focusing on resolving the dispute rather than placing blame.
It can prevent future conflicts by allowing the parties to be the source of the proposed solution.
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3. What types of disputes does UMS mediate?
UMS mediates all cases that it deems appropriate for mediation as long as the disputants are willing to choose mediation as their form of conflict resolution.
UMS can mediate cases from all aspects of life, including:
- roommate and neighbor disputes
- relationship issues
- non-payment of bills
- noise complaints
- academic responsibilities
- conflicts within or between student groups
Many cases that UMS mediates are referred from other organizations, including Student Legal Services, the University Judiciary Committee, and the Office of the Dean of Students. The scope of cases that can be mediated is vast and is not limited to the given examples. Contact UMS if you would like to know whether a particular case would be appropriate for the mediation process.
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4. How can I file a case for disputes that I would like to see mediated?
Easy! Click here.
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5. I notice that you offer facilitation. What's the difference?
There's not much! Facilitation is a more open process that is not bound by rules of confidentiality. The primary skills of mediation are effective in other settings, particularly in group meetings. UMS has found that its ability to paraphrase, identify issues, and handle a range of conflicts allows us to provide multi-party facilitation and meeting support.
If you are involved in a conflict that involves many parties and many people, contact UMS to see if we can help. In 2004, we helped the Prism Coffeehouse by facilitating dialogue within an entire community (click here for more information). We can do the same for you within or between your groups.
If you have a meeting that doesn't seem to generate consensus, or doesn't seem to include all opinions, or seems ineffective at fostering productive sessions, UMS can help! Our skills give us unique perspectives that enable us to help your members hear each other, share their ideas, and move to consensus more efficiently! Contact UMS for more information.
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6. How can I get involved?
Easy! Click here.
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