What is Mediation?

Mediation is an informal process in which a neutral third party, a mediator, helps two or more disputing individuals reach a mutually satisfactory solution to their differences. All parties must agree to participate in mediation and work with the mediator in constructing solutions to their differences. The mediator hears all sides of the problem and facilitates the conversation, whereby the disputing parties work to construct their own solutions to their differences. The mediator has no authority to impose a resolution on the parties, nor can the parties be forced to enter into mediation to reach an agreement.

Why Choose Mediation?

Mediation is a fair and efficient process to resolving disputes among individuals and is less time consuming than participating in the University's judicial process or any legal process off campus. If there is a violation of the Code of Student Conduct, mediation may be used in lieu of initiating formal charges through the Office of Student Conduct. In addition mediation is:

• Free - Mediation is available at no cost to members of the University community.
• Confidential - The content of mediation is private, known only to the participants
• Fair and Neutral - Trained students, staff, and faculty of the Tulane University community allow each party to have an equal say in the process. The focus is on problem solving not placing blame or finding fault.
• Effective - Mediation is most often proven to be successful
• Empowering - Voluntarily solving problems can build cooperation, positive feelings, and improve communication
• Convenient - Mediation sessions are scheduled at a mutually convenient time for all parties involved, usually within 5 business days

How Does Mediation Work?

Students who have a dispute to resolve should contact:
Dr. Jillandra C. Rovaris, The Center for Educational Resources and Counseling (ERC), x5113

Faculty or staff who have a dispute to resolve should contact:
Dr. Marva Lewis , School of Social Work , x5314

Examples of disputes to be resolved include but are not limited to:

• Interpersonal or intergroup conflicts
• Roommate problems
• Landlord-tenant issues
• Problems around work, ethnic or lifestyle tension
• Employment issues between peers and/or supervisor/employee
• Relationship problems and misunderstandings
• Minor forms of harassment
• Grade disputes between students and faculty

Mediation is not appropriate for felonies or violations of state, local, or federal laws, alcohol or drug violations of the Code of Student Conduct, cases of sexual misconduct, or any other case deemed inappropriate for mediation by either of the two coordinators listed above.

One or both parties in a conflict must be willing to initiate the process to one of the coordinators above. A brief questionnaire will be completed in person or via the phone to assess whether or not mediation is appropriate. If not present, the other party involved in the mediation will be contacted, informed of the process and nature of the dispute, and be given an opportunity to participate in mediation. If the other party is unwilling to participate, there will be no mediation. If all parties are in agreement, a mediator and session will be scheduled within 5 business days.

A referral can also be made by a third party such as hall director or supervisor. A questionnaire will be completed to determine the nature of the mediation and both parties will be contacted. If both parties do not agree, there will be no mediation. If all parties are in agreement, a mediator and session will be scheduled within 5 business days. Although the process remains confidential, the referral party will know whether or not a mediation session took place and if a resolution was reached. The content of that resolution is not shared with the referring party.