Mediation Program Application
The Dean of Students Office is seeking faculty, staff, and students who are interested in assisting in a new mediation program to assist students in conflict management. The primary purpose of the Mediation Program at the University of Louisville is to provide students a way to resolve disputes and conflicts with the assistance of a trained, neutral, third party. Mediators assist the two parties to develop a mutual agreement to resolve their differences. Differences may include relationship issues, roommate disputes, and team/group member conflicts, along with other issues where parties wish to remain amicable. Mediation is a voluntary process. Parties have the ability to request mediation at any time.
Position Description
The University of Louisville Mediation Program’s primary purpose is to provide students a way to resolve disputes and conflicts with the assistance of a trained, neutral, third party. Major areas of responsibility are community building, conflict resolution, counseling, and administration. The mediator in the program is:
· Responsible for assisting parties in mediation to assist in creating a mutually agreeable solution.
· Available to help with the concerns of students, faculty, and staff.
· A facilitator during mediation sessions.
· Expected to assist in building a sense of belonging, support, and affiliation between students, faculty, and staff at the University of Louisville.
· An information source for the University of Louisville.
· Expected to be an individual who cares for the individuals at the University of Louisville and involved in the mediation process.
· Expected to remain neutral in the mediation process. The mediator should not have personal connections with either party or have knowledge of the disagreement.
Responsibilities for individuals involved in the Mediation Program can be extensive and varied. The following is a list of these responsibilities. The mediator in the Mediation Program:
Community Building
· Acts as a community facilitator by helping to develop a positive atmosphere to promote a sense of belonging, support, and affiliation with the University of Louisville.
· Becomes acquainted with each party in the mediation process.
· Facilitates mediation discussions.
· Encourages academic and campus involvement.
Counseling
· Acts as a referral agent for concerns (academic and involvement) and during emergency situations.
· Helps faculty, staff, and students throughout the semester with different issues.
· Assists students, faculty, and staff with concerns within the limits of training and capabilities.
· Remains current on referral information for members of the University of Louisville community.
· Participates in training and on-going training to help assist in the mediation process.
· Uses critical thinking skills to help facilitate an agreement between individuals involved in mediation.
· Assist in successfully helping guide individuals through conflict resolution.
Campus Leader
· Is familiar with campus and its resources.
· Knows and understands University policies and procedures. Can interpret and enforce the policies and procedures.
· Develops a positive working relationship with the Dean of Students Office and peer mediation program members.
· Communicates consistently, effectively, and efficient with professionals and peers.
· Is intent on becoming a part of, and supporting, a team that will serve the University of Louisville community and Dean of Students Office.
· Maintain positive relationships with the Dean of Students Office and peer mediation program members.
· Is expected to maintain a high level of ethical standards and professional attitude while employed as University employee for the Dean of Students Office.
· Is expected to maintain a clean judicial record while employed as a mediator for the Dean of Students Office Mediation Program.
Administration
· Assist with additional responsibilities as requested.
· Develop a positive and supportive relationship with faculty, staff, and students.
· Complete administrative tasks as assigned by the Dean of Students Office.
· Participate in all events and does not leave until dismissed by staff.
Other
· Attends and participates in all meetings, training sessions, and retreats. Advanced notification (one-week minimum) to the coordinator is required if unable to attend due to academic reasons. Group meetings and trips are not acceptable and should be scheduled around meetings, training sessions, and retreats. Notification should be given in a written format. The notification does not allow for consent to miss.
Selection Criteria
This position is extremely important to the campus and the main role of a mediator is assist students in the University of Louisville community to settle disputes. The following components are essential for mediators in the University of Louisville Mediation Program:
· Attitude that exhibits a positive outlook for the University of Louisville, its students, and the Dean of Students Office.
· Ability in communication, leadership, teamwork, and academic achievement.
· Administrative skills for the completion of mediations.
· Leadership skills for assisting parties in completing the mediation process.
· Neutrality to assist parties in creating a mutually agreeable solution. Mediators must have no personal connection or knowledge of the disagreement.
· Interest in personal growth and enthusiasm to participate in the Dean of Students Mediation Program at the University of Louisville.
· Willingness to help create a positive campus environment.
· Integrity and reputation reflective of a respectful University of Louisville member.
· Critical thinking skills for facilitating conflict between parties and creating a resolution acceptable for both.
· Confidentiality in all matters in the mediation process and program.
Qualifications
Due to the high demands and important roles of the mediators in the Mediation Program, the Dean of Students Office requires the following qualifications to be considered for the position as a mediator in the Mediation Program:
· A 3.00 cumulative and semester grade point average while employed.
· A judicial record reflective of a respectable University of Louisville community member.
Mediator Growth
Members of the Mediation Program are provided extensive training in the fall and spring, which includes on-going training throughout the year. The training will assist the mediators in becoming more effective in the position while providing opportunities for personal growth. Mediators in the Mediation Program are required to actively participate in training throughout the semester, and training is necessary for the smooth operation of the Mediation Program itself. Other opportunities for growth will be provided and participation is strongly encouraged.
More information about training will come as the selection process continues.
Thank you!
For more information, please contact Laura Ulmer dos@louisville.edu
