The Mediation Process
This comes from the
GSW Weathervane
EE. Mediation Process
In cases where there is no clear violation of the Student Conduct Code, but
there is a conflict between two or more students or student groups, students
may choose to go through the mediation process. Mediation is defined as a
structured and voluntary intervention in which an impartial and neutral
third party helps facilitate a mutually agreeable settlement of a conflict
between two students. It is the responsibility of the students involved in
the conflict to reach a mutually acceptable agreement. The role of the
mediator is to assist students in reaching a mutually acceptable agreement,
help identify the issues involved in the conflict and to facilitate a
resolution of the conflict. It is important to note that mediation should
not be viewed as a means to avoid being charged with a violation of the
Student Conduct Code and should not be used in place of the judicial
process. It is simply an alternative strategy used to address student
behaviors that may not require formal judicial intervention.
Not all conflicts are appropriate for mediation. Violations of the Georgia
Southwestern State University Weathervane may not be subject to mediation.
Mediation is not designed to resolve conflicts between students and
professional staff or between students and faculty members. The following
represents conditions in which mediation may be used. It is, however, not an
all inclusive list.
a. If it were determined that it would be in the best interest of the
students to mediate the conflict.
b. If it is clear that students cannot work together because of a conflict.
c. If academic performance is negatively impacted because of a conflict.
d. If one student complains about another student’s behavior, but does not
want to pursue formal judicial action.
e. If a student’s learning experience or personal development is in
jeopardy.
The procedures for mediation are:
a. Students must meet with the designated Student Affairs official, for an
in take process. At that time, it will be determined if the case is
appropriate for the mediation process. In addition to mediation, any
information provided that indicates a clear violation of the Student Conduct
Code, will result in a judicial hearing.
b. Once the designated Student Affairs official determines that this case
can be mediated, the student(s) choose a mediator from a list of university
officials that have been trained in mediation or are assigned an off-campus
mediator from the Consortium on Negotiation and Conflict Resolution.
c. Both students must agree to participate in mediation.
d. The mediator and the students will sign a written contract outlining
agreed upon behavior.
e. A violation of the contract may result in formal judicial procedures.