Student Development

Mediation

Who is Mediation For?

Mediation can be an option for dealing with conflicts that arise between people. Mediation is a process of resolving formal complaints.

Mediation is voluntary, is confidential and is not a legal process. If the issue remains unresolved all other avenues of resolution are still open.

In the University of Ballarat conflict that may arise between students, staff members and students and staff mediation is a valuable tool. Mediation is not a substitute for disciplinary action or harassment complaints as set out in university Policies and Procedures.

What is Mediation?

Mediation is a process whereby the participants, together with the assistance of a neutral third person or persons, systematically isolate the dispute issues in order to develop options, consider alternatives and reach consensual settlement that will accommodate the participants' needs. Mediation is a process which emphasizes the participants' own responsibility for making decisions that affect their lives.
(Folberg & Taylor, 1984, Mediation: A comprehensive guide to resolving conflict without litigation).

When can Mediation Work?

Mediation, as a practical approach to resolving conflict, can be offered when:

people are having difficulty resolving conflict satisfactorily
there is an ongoing relationship between the parties
all parties have the desire to resolve the problem
all parties have the ability to negotiate an agreement
all parties are willing to participate in the mediation process
all parties agree to respect confidentiality.

Mediation Process

Mediation is conducted by two mediators.
Part 1:Prior to mediation, the mediator meets with each person (for up to one hour) to:

explore and clarify the issues
seek an understanding of expectations
sssess suitability of the issues for mediation
gain consent to participate in mediation.

Part 2:A mediation session (up to two hours) follows a step-by-step process to assist participants to identify common issues in dispute, and negotiate towards a resolution.

Mediators Role

The mediator's responsibility is to ensure that each person has an equal opportunity to be heard and to participate in the process. The mediator's role is to facilitate the parties reaching their own conclusions and actions, not to determine conclusions or actions.

Organising Mediation - University of Ballarat Community

To organise mediation the University of Ballarat community should contact the Counsellors at Student Services, refer to the contact page.

Employees of the University can also contact the Employee Assistance Program, EAP - IPS Worldwide is an independent company contracted by the University of Ballarat to provide FREE private and confidential counselling to employees and their families, telephone 1300 366789.

To view our confidentiality statement click here.