Resolution of Conflicts

Mediation

Mediation provides a student involved in a dispute with Institute faculty or administration the opportunity to discuss and negotiate, with the help of uninvolved parties, an arrangement that is mutually acceptable to all parties of the dispute. It is a first-step process designed to avoid, when possible, a resolution imposed by the Hearing Committee. Mediation is not open to students facing dismissal. Faculty members or students involved in the dispute are not eligible to serve as mediators.

The following individuals may participate in mediation:

• The student(s) and faculty member(s) or administrator(s) directly involved in the dispute.

• Two mediators - a faculty member and student whose selection is facilitated by a Program Director. The mediators must be acceptable to all parties of the conflict.

The student must request mediation within 5 business days following the warning or suspension. Mediation may not exceed 15 business days from the time of the request. If there is no resolution within 15 business days, the student may initiate the student grievance procedure. Extenuating circumstances such as semester/summer breaks or temporary unavailability of faculty and/or student may necessitate a longer interval between the request for mediation and a resolution.

The mediation process is as follows:

The student writes a letter requesting mediation to the faculty member involved, with a copy to the student's Program Director.

The Program Director facilitates the appointment of two mediators, mutually acceptable to both sides of the dispute.

Two mediators must be selected within five business days from receipt of the student's letter to the Program Director and faculty member.

If the Program Director is directly involved in the disciplinary problems, he/she may be replaced by another Program Director for the purpose of facilitating the selection of mediators.

The mediators are responsible for having the first meeting within 5 business days of their appointment.