Types of Conflicts

• Roommate Issues
• Relationship Issues
• Classmate Disagreements
• Group Communication Issues 

[Back to Top]

Peer Mediation Program

The Student Mediation and Resource Center is designed to assist students discuss and resolve disputes in an educational setting.  Issues range from roommate, relationship, and classmate disputes to group communication issues.  Formal mediation takes place with two student peer-mediators, or one staff person.  The mediation process is voluntary, efficient and free for all students.  If you would like to become a trained peer-mediator, please contact our office.

[Back to Top]

Using the Service

Scheduling a Mediation Appointment

Contact J Malcolm Smith to find out about your options to use the Mediation and Resource Center.  jmalcolm@uic.edu or 312-996-4857.

[Back to Top]

Resources

Resource Library

A resource library is available to all students to use to gain information on the mediation/conflict resolution/dispute resolution process.  Books and articles may be checked out, copied, or read in the Resource Center.

[Back to Top]

Answers to Frequently asked questions dealing with Mediation

• Mediation occurs between two students who are involved in a conflict.
• Both parties must be there of their own free will and be willing to come to an agreement if possible.
• Mediations typically last 1-2 hours so you should plan for two hours.
• You will have one mediator who is impartial and neutral and is there to assist you in identifying issues and working toward a solution.
• Sometimes, no solution can be agreed upon.  It doesn’t mean that anyone failed.  You may learn some valuable skills in the process.
• Mediation is time efficient in that you meet once with the coordinator, then for the mediation, and it is over.  Conflicts can last days or even years.
• Mediation strives for a win-win situation.
• Anyone can bring an issue to mediation as long as both parties agree to act in good faith and make an attempt to work toward a solution of some kind.
• If you must continue working with the person after the mediation session, mediation is very helpful because you can preserve relationships.  This has nothing to do with whether or not you like a person.  This has to do with being able to work together on future projects.
• It does not cost you anything.
• It is confidential.
• The two students involved control the outcome.
• You may learn about some options during the mediation process.
• Mediation cuts to the chase and deals directly with the issues.
• It is educational.
• Everyone’s voice will be heard.
• Mediation respects both sides of the issue.
• Solutions as outcomes of mediation are stronger because both parties agree to them.

[Back to Top]