Frequently Asked Questions about Mediation 

• What is Mediation?
• What Are the Benefits of Mediation?
• Who are the Mediators?
• What Does a Mediator Do?
• What Should I Expect When I Request Mediation?

What is Mediation?

Mediation is a problem solving process facilitated by a neutral third party that promotes understanding and resolution in a safe and confidential setting.

What Are the Benefits of Mediation?

Free - Mediation is provided without charge as long as one party is a student of the University. The only cost is the good faith effort to discuss issues openly.

Confidentiality - Information disclosed to the mediators by the parties will not be divulged to ANY outside parties. All records, reports, and other documentation received are confidential. Mediators are required to report only issues of child abuse, elder abuse, or cases of immediate threat of harm to self or others.

A report of the outcome of mediation is given to referral sources such as apartment staff or conduct officers. Unless the participants express permission to share details of the agreement, the report will either state that the problem was resolved or did not resolve in mediation.

Helps Preserve Relationships - Mediation deals directly with the parties involved and often results in all parties having a better understanding everyone’s point of view. Mediation does not promise to create lasting friendships but it does enable participants to talk about their true interests and concerns to work out an agreement that satisfies everyone. In contrast to moving out, ending relationships, or the conduct process, mediation offers more of an opportunity to preserve relationships.

Parties Control the Outcome - Mediators are neutral and have no authority over the outcome of the mediation. Parties tend to be more satisfied and comply with resolutions they personally design. The agreement can be flexible to meet the needs and interests of the parties. The resolution may be more satisfactory than what a judge or the law may impose.

Saves Time - A mediation session typically is scheduled in a 2-hour time slot. Considering the amount of time often spent in conflict before seeking help, mediation is a very effective way to help everyone save time.

Saves Reputations - Solving the conflict through mediation can preserve reputations by helping the parties come to a common ground in a confidential setting. This reduces the risk of gossip and rumors.

Expands Options - Mediating eliminates no other rights or remedies. You conflict can still go to court, file disciplinary reports, or end the relationship.

Deals Directly With The Issue - The process is designed to focus attention on the present situation and future expectations, rather than past disagreements. Mediation encourages people to deal efficiently with conflict and craft a solution. You leave the mediation with a sense of closure and the opportunity to move on.

Voluntary - Mediation is a voluntary process. Anyone can decline or withdraw at any point. Even when mediation is offered as an alternative to or in conjunction with the conduct process, the student can choose not to participate and pursue other available options.

Who are the Mediators?

Each of the volunteers have received a minimum of the required 40 hours of classroom education in the techniques of dispute resolution and are well qualified to serve and be appointed as a mediator or neutral by the courts of the State of Texas. The mediators chosen must be acceptable to all parties to ensure neutrality.

What Does a Mediator Do?

• facilitates communication in the mediation process
• encourages the exchange of information
• helps the parties to understand each other’s views
• lets the parties know their concerns are understood
• promotes venting or emotional expression in a safe environment
• deals with differences in perceptions and interests between parties
• encourages flexibility and provides new information about options
• shifts the focus from the past to the future

What Should I Expect When I Request Mediation?

Initial contact with SCRS. Students can either walk-in or call-in to schedule an appointment for an intake.

Intake. An intake is a one-on-one meeting with an SCRS staff member and you. The same confidentiality laws that apply to the mediation session protect it. This meeting is designed to get a general idea of the student’s views on the dispute as well as to inform them about the mediation process and other options.

Referral (if necessary). If a student is in immediate physical danger, feel threatened, or if you don’t feel mediation would be appropriate for your dispute, then we’ll refer them to other campus and community resources.

Arrange the mediation. We will contact the parties involved and coordinate the participant’s schedules to find an acceptable mediation time and location. If any participant feels that they would not like to be in the same room as one/some of the other participants, arrangements are made at this time.

Mediation. This is the actual mediation in which all parties involved in the dispute seek to reach a resolution with the aid of the neutral mediators. Agreements reached are based on the interests of all parties so that everyone wins!