Mediation
photo by Todd Paris
The Equal Opportunity Director is available to provide mediation, facilitation or other techniques to assist individuals to resolve conflicts in the working or learning environment. This office also has a list of other individuals who are trained mediators.
MEDIATION PROCESS AT UAF
The UAF Office of Equal Opportunity offers mediation as a means to resolve complaints and grievances.
What is Mediation?
Mediation is an alternative to traditional grievance and complaint processes. It is confidential, usually voluntary and ensures that the outcome of the decision-making process remains in the hands of the parties. It provides an opportunity for the parties to discuss their issues, clear up misunderstandings, identify separate and mutual interests and find areas of agreement. The mediator provides a safe environment, the ability to frame the issues in constructive ways, and support for the development of a mutually acceptable solution. The purpose of mediation is to help people resolve or better manage their disputes with one another. It accomplishes this by helping parties reach agreements about what each will do differently in the future. The process is intended to tap the parties' wisdom, unlock creativity, bring about hope, loosen deadlocks and promote understanding, cooperation, and joint problem-solving.
There are several benefits of mediation, they include:
- Mediation is generally perceived to be a fair and effective form of alternative dispute resolution.
- Mediation is a process which allows the parties to maintain greater control over the development of agreements.
- Compliance with agreements reached in mediation is often higher than with externally imposed decisions.
- Mediation is a confidential process, unless the parties mutually decide otherwise. In any event public disclosure of sensitive information is avoided.
- The process fosters understanding and cooperation often resulting in improved relationships.
If you are interested in the mediation process, please contact the Office of Equal Opportunity at 474-6600.