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Students and Staff Collaborate to Mediate Resident Disputes
By Fran Rensbarger
Students suffering through roommate problems have a new avenue for resolving their disputes thanks to a collaboration between Housing and Residence Life and the University Dispute Resolution Project (UDRP) Mediation Committee.
The program was created when Lindsey Godwin, director of UDRP, and Heather Schofield, cochair of the Mediation Committee, contacted Pam Patterson, associate director for residence life, to ask about opportunities for collaboration between their offices.
"UDRP has assisted with some of our resident advisor training over the past few years, but we were looking for more consistent ways to work together," says Patterson. Godwin, Schofield, Patterson, and the area coordinators for President's Park; the Dominion, University Commons, and Commonwealth area; and the Townhouses, Apartments, and Patriot Village area worked together to design and now maintain the program.
All 3,000 residential students have access to the program, but at this point resident advisors refer students to the committee for help when there is a dispute. Once referred, students meet in a safe, discreet, and confidential environment. "We bring them together to discuss their problems in an open and productive way and help them negotiate solutions," says Schofield. "Our mediation program is voluntary. Even though many students may be referred to our services, they have the option to participate or not. Students who do participate in mediation typically find the experience rewarding."
The program has been successful among students who have tried it, say both Patterson and Schofield. "We have only had a few situations that have gone to mediation so far, but the results have been very positive," says Patterson. "The students who have participated have been pleased with the process. They appreciate a nonbiased party working with them to resolve their issues. The program will continue as long as there is mutual interest and it continues to be successful."
UDRP is a volunteer organization that provides free conflict resolution services,
including mediation, group dialogue facilitations, and training to George Mason
students, staff, and faculty, says Schofield. Most UDRP volunteers are graduate
students from the Institute of Conflict Analysis and Resolution, although all
members of the campus community may volunteer. UDRP also contracts with professional
trainers to provide conflict resolution training for the university community.
For more information on UDRP and its services, visit its web site at www.gmu.edu/org/UDRP
or call x32887.
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