Bryn Mawr College

Mediation

Mediation is the process of bringing together groups of individuals involved in conflict, with the help of student Conflict Coaches, to explore the nature of the conflict and to work toward resolution or progress.

There are a few basic principles that underlie all the work of the mediation program at Bryn Mawr. First and foremost, the concept of active listening is of paramount importance throughout any conflict resolution process. There are also the concepts of neutrality, confidentiality and personal responsibility. This program is designed for students to work constructively within the bounds of the Honor Code and without resorting to more drastic measures. Mediations should take place before you get to the point where you think a room change, a Social Honor Board hearing, or a Dean's Panel may be required.

Active Listening

Most conflicts are caused by miscommunication between two or more people. Active listening ensures that people are perceiving each other in the manner which is intended. During a mediation, Conflict Coaches may ask you to listen to what the other person has to say, then rephrase what has been said. In this way, any difference in perception can be cleared up between mediation participants. Active listening is a valuable tool that can support a relationship long after the mediation has ended.

When you practice active listening, make sure that you are not distracted. If you are tired or hungry, if you think you know what the other person is going to say, or if you are already forming your response, you are forming barriers to active listening. Stay focused on what is being said. Once the person is finished, give them back a summary of their statement. This is important because it allows for the person to correct your interpretation of their words. This clarification process is the core of active listening.

Personal Responsibility

The Honor Code is based on the core principal that all members of the College community are responsible for their actions. When you bring a conflict to mediation, you are not giving up that responsibility. The mediators will not decide what happens for you. Through the process of mediation and collaborative problem-solving, all participating parties will come to a decision together.

Neutrality and Confidentiality

Neutrality and confidentiality are two qualities you can expect from your Conflict Coaches. Conflict Coaches do not take sides in a conflict. If you are friends with a Conflict Coach in such a way that prevents neutrality during a mediation, we will find a replacement Coach without such a conflict. If you are uncomfortable with your initial Coaches, we can schedule another mediation with different individuals.

Confidentiality is extremely important to the mediation process. Conflict Coaches will not discuss anything involving your mediation with anyone outside the mediation program (other Coaches and the mediation coordinator). Coaches will not talk to the Health Center or Counseling Services. They will not talk to your HA or your Dean. The paper records of your mediation agreement will be kept in confidential files for your convenience. Should you seek to access them at any time during your college experience, you may request a copy from the Office of Residential Life. This documentation will only be released at the request of all participants. It will not be used for room change hearings or other hearings, unless all participants request permission for such use.

Collaborative Problem-Solving

If problems escalate beyond the point of mediation, it is possible that participants could be called before a Dean's Panel or the Honor Board. Collaborative problem-solving is the advantage that mediation offers over these two situations. Whereas the Dean's Panel or the Honor Board creates a resolution as a result of an official proceeding, participants maintain control of the results of a mediation.

The best thing about mediation is that you get to come up with your own solution to the problem. Many times, people are wary of mediation because they think that they will have to compromise in areas that are important to them. During mediation, the parties all work together to create a solution that works toward meeting everyone's goals simultaneously. Even if it seems as though there is no such solution for your conflict, mediation may help all participants understand each other's priorities and form a new agreement to help meet them.

For questions, or to schedule a mediation, you may use one of the following methods:

• Phone: x7333 (Mediation Coordinator)
• Email: cms@brynmawr.edu
• Online: www.brynmawr.edu/cms/form.shtml