Join UDRP!
UDRP is a campus-based, student-run organization that helps members of the George Mason University community deal with interpersonal and organizational conflict. UDRP was founded by graduate students in the Conflict Analysis & Resolution degree program, and the organization's officers are still drawn from that program. As a volunteer organization, UDRP relies on the hard work and enthusiasm of many students, both graduate and undergraduate. The general membership is made up of volunteers from a variety of GMU degree programs: Continuing Education, Integrative Studies, Government, Psychology, English, Communication, Law, etc. UDRP volunteers have diverse backgrounds and are trained in a variety of conflict resolution skills.
UDRP has always worked to give students opportunities to develop a variety of professional skills. In addition to volunteer opportunities in many different areas of conflict resolution and skills development, UDRP has also worked with students to develop meaningful and productive internship or experiential learning experiences.
If you are interested in UDRP volunteer, for-credit, or leadership opportunities, please contact the Director at udrp@gmu.edu or 703-993-2887.
Volunteer
Volunteers have joined UDRP from studies in Continuing Education, Integrative Studies, Government, Psychology, English, Communication, Law, etc. Given the rich backgrounds of its members, UDRP has become a unique organization where members can partner with and learn from other members who have more experience in a certain area. The organization recognizes that all members have something to teach, as well as to learn.
UDRP is looking for volunteers with diverse backgrounds who would be interested in:
- mediation
- facilitation
- small group dialogue
- conflict resolution skills training
- communication skills training
- marketing/advertising
Experiential Learning Credit
UDRP offers experiential learning credit. Students who participate n this way can gain valuable hands-on experience while learning about conflict resolution and different types of conflict intervention. Past projects have included:
- designing training workshops, facilitated dialogues, and other services
- assisting with the implementation of training workshops, facilitated dialogues, and other services
- maintaining the UDRP library and website
- designing and creating UDRP brochures and other advertising material
- developing strategies for marketing, fundraising, and recruitment
Internship Credit
UDRP also offers for-credit and not-for-credit internships of 1-2 semesters. Internships are unpaid, and students must register with their department for academic credit. Past projects have included:
- designing and implementing training workshops, facilitated dialogues, and other services
- research projects on campus mediation services and programs
- research projects on community dialogue
Leadership Opportunities
Each UDRP Program Committee is led by either a Chair or Co-Chairs. Program Committee Chairs lead and coordinate the events, activities, and volunteers for their committee. These leadership positions are available to student volunteers from any of the GMU degree programs, both graduate and undergraduate.
The officer/leadership positions of the organization - Director, Assistant Director, Treasurer, and Secretary - are drawn from students in the Conflict & Analysis degree program at GMU. The officers are also volunteers, with the exception of the Director.
The Director is a part-time (20-hrs/wk), paid position for a student in the Master's degree progam in Conflict Analysis & Resolution. Responsibilities include organizational management, project development, public relations, and recruitment. The Director also holds regular office hours on the Fairfax campus. Students interested in this position are strongly encouraged to apply for an Internship position under the Director. This Internship is carried out during the Spring Semester. Although this is not a paid position, academic credit may be earned. Please contact the Director for more details.
