Workplace conflicts are a common occurrence, often leading to tension, stress, and decreased productivity. However, there are effective ways to address and resolve these conflicts, and one such method is through the Faculty Conciliation and Mediation Program. Read on to learn more about the services offered by this program and how it helps individuals navigate challenging situations.
Understanding the program
The Faculty Conciliation and Mediation Program is designed to provide a confidential and impartial process for resolving faculty work-related conflicts or problems. Led by experienced conciliation counselor Sandra Russ, the program aims to facilitate constructive communication and find mutually agreeable solutions.
How it works
The process begins when one party contacts the conciliation counselor and asks for an initial meeting to determine the nature of the problem and explore possible options for resolving it. Options for resolving conflicts might include individual consultation, facilitated dialogue, conciliation/mediation by a conciliation counselor, or mediation by an outside mediator.
One party, or the counselor, then contacts the other party to gauge interest. If both agree, the counselor acts as a mediator. If needed, parties can request an outside mediator paid for by the university.
“Often, one session is sufficient to discuss possible options about how to handle the issue,” said Russ. “It is up to the individual as to whether they then want the other party to be contacted.”