Conflict Resolution (CR)

Purpose

The purpose of Macon State College's Conflict Resolution (CR) process is to assist in the resolution of disputes at their lowest level whenever possible. Conflict in an academic environment is a natural phenomenon, but constructive (i.e., less adversarial, more collaborative) methods of conflict resolution are sometimes difficult. The text represented here defines the relevant terms and outlines our local process.

Definition of Terms

Campus Mediation Process

If you believe that you have a dispute which remains unresolved after your own attempts to resolve the matter, you might consider contacting the Campus CR Coordinator.

The Coordinator serves as the chair of the Conflict Resolution Committee and will screen your problem to determine if mediation is the proper course of action.

If the Coordinator indicates that mediation might help remedy the situation, then you will be referred to one of the trained mediators on campus.

The mediator will meet with the conflicting parties to discuss the dispute and facilitate the discussion. A trained mediator helps people examine their situation in terms of personal needs and interests. Disputants reach their own resolution (a fair, equitable, and workable agreement that satisfies everyone); it is not one mandated by the mediator.

Should the mediation fail to reach an acceptable resolution, either party may next proceed to utilize one of the existing complaint, grievance, or legal procedures for redress.

Conflict Resolution Flowchart

Some areas where mediation can help...

• Conflict between student and school officials
• School conflicts between students
• Conflicts involving service providers and students, staff, and faculty
• Management-employee conflicts
• Faculty-faculty conflicts
• Inter- and intradepartmental conflicts
• Faculty-staff conflicts
• Faculty-administration conflicts

Benefits of Mediation

• Enhances communication
• Can lead to cooperation
• Encourages people to take control of won decisions
• Less costly than litigation
• May make it possible for realtionships to continue
• Less violent than war or face-to-face fighting
• Keeps conflicts from getting worse
• Sessions are confidential: People don't have to talk about their problems in public
• People live up to their agreements

The Macon State College Conflict Resolution process should not be considered the first step in conflict resolution, but the second. The first attempt should be between the two parties alone.

Macon State College’s Conflict Resolution process is designed to assist students in the resolution of disputes. Students involved in unresolved disputes are encouraged to contact the Campus Conflict Resolution Coordinator. The Coordinator, who chairs the College’s Conflict Resolution Committee, will review the student’s situation to determine if mediation is the proper course of action. If so, the student will be referred to a trained mediator who will meet with those involved in the dispute with the goal of facilitating a discussion.

For more information about the College’s Conflict Resolution process, call or visit the Office of Student Affairs at (478) 757-7383.