Students involved in conflict(s) with another individual(s) may elect to have the conflict(s) mediated with the assistance of a third party mediator assigned by the appropriate Student Life dean.
The following information information and procedures relate to the MTSU mediation process. Click on a topic to learn more.
The following conditions must be accepted by the parties:
- all parties involved must agree to the mediation process;
- the resolution that results from the mediation process will be written, must be signed by all parties, and will bind the parties to abide by the agreed terms until such terms are completed, or an alternative agreement is developed by the parties;
- the agreement reached through mediation is not subject to any appeals process; and
- if no form of resolution can be determined by mutual consent, the judicial coordinator may recommend that the matter be referred to the appropriate judicial body.
What is Mediation?
Mediation is a process in which a neutral third party (mediator) facilitates the discussion and identification of issues between the disputants, the development of alternate solutions, and the negotiation of a mutually satisfying outcome to the dispute.
(taken from "Training Peer Mediators in the College and University Setting: A Trainer's Guide" by Rick Olshak)
Why use mediation?
- It is voluntary. No one is forced into mediation; it is completely up to the parties involved to determine if they will participate.
- It is confidential. There is no public record of mediation. In the beginning, every participant agrees to keep all matter discussed confidential.
- It is inexpensive - actually it is FREE!!
- It is fast. Mediation can usually take place within a couple of weeks for most situations.
- It leads to a reduction of violence. Mediation is a positive alternative that focuses on the future.
- It leads to empowerment. Mediation empowers people by helping them control decisions that affect their life.
- It has a high success rate. On average, schools with mediation programs have over an 80 percent success rate.
When would I use mediation?
- Roommate disagreements
- Conflicts or disputes with a friend
- Officers within your organization that cannot agree
- Family or spousal disputes
- Disagreements with faculty or staff
- When someone in class is hassling you
- When you want to preserve a friendship
How can I become a mediator?
*There are several trained faculty and staff mediators on campus. In addition, there is an opportunity for students to be trained in the mediation process to become peer mediators. This opportunity is open to any student, administrator, or faculty member that has the desire to serve the MTSU community. Further information is available in the Office of Judicial Affairs and Mediation Services (208 Keathley University Center, 898-2750).
The following mediation forms are available in pdf and Microsoft Word format and require Adobe Reader or Microsoft Word for viewing and printing: