The Conflict Resolution Center
Our Mission Statement:
The Conflict Resolution Center supports our holistic and inclusive learning community by engaging students, staff and faculty in constructive ways of thinking about and working with conflict that encourages respectful communication and provides the opportunity for all voices to be heard.
Our Vision Statement:
The Center strives to facilitate a campus environment where all voices are heard and valued. The Center will provide outreach and proactive approaches to assist NDNU community members in managing conflict. The Center will serve as a resource for those looking for more insight or information about alternative dispute resolution. The Center will offer volunteers the opportunity to develop conflict resolution skills, as well as knowledge about mediation processes and theories.
Programs & Services
The CRC offers mediation, conflict coaching and meeting facilitation for students, staff and faculty. All services are free of charge and confidential. The CRC offers training for interested students in conflict coaching and co-sponsors a class on mediation skills once a year.
Course Offerings NEW!
The CRC is pleased to announce the offering of Psyc 159 - Introduction to Mediation Skills. The class will take place on Tuesdays from 2pm to 5pm and is being taught by Mary Oleksy and Jennifer Bullock, Associate Director of the Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center. This course satisfies the mediator training requirements established by the State of California Dispute Resolution Programs Act. All students who successfully complete the course may choose to volunteer with the CRC or with PCRC.
Conflict Coaching NEW!
The CRC is pleased to offer conflict coaching for all NDNU students. Conflict coaching is a confidential process where a student is partnered with a trained conflict coach who can help the student better understand a conflict and help create an action plan to resolve the conflict. Coaching is ideal for students who do not wish to use mediation and would prefer to respond to a conflict on their own. Coaching is also recommend for those who will be entering a mediation process. Coaching is free of charge and consists of two sessions.
What Is Mediation?Mediation is a voluntary process where two disputing parties choose to resolve their conflict by way of neutral third party, the mediator. This mediator helps participants identify their issues, explore possible outcomes and negotiate a mutual written agreement. Mediation IS confidential; a voluntary process for both parties; a win-win situation; and a place to develop a compromise. Mediation Is NOT: for public knowledge; a legal proceeding; counseling; or a place to determine blame or Innocence.
What Types of Disputes Can Be Brought to Mediation?
The CRC will accept the following types of cases:
Roommate Disputes
Relationship Disputes
Student Group Disputes
Team Disputes
Gender Disputes
Racial Disputes
What Types of Cases CANNOT be Referred to Mediation?
The CRC will not accept the following types of cases:
Felony Behavior
Child Abuse
Harassment
Threats of Violence
How to Initiate Conflict Coaching or Mediation at NDNU?
To refer yourself or someone else to the Conflict Resolution Center:
- Contact a CRC staff member at x3513 or crc@ndnu.edu
- Contact Mary Oleksy at x3657 or moleksy@ndnu.edu
- Pick-up or print a referral form at the Conflict Resolution Center and return it to the office
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or a trained mediator with the Conflict Resolution Center, contact the Director at crc@ndnu.edu or call the office at (650) 508-3657. No previous experience is necessary, and training is provided free of charge.
For further information, please contact:
Mary E. Oleksy
Director of Student Development and Responsibility
Campus Life Offices
(650) 508-3657 (phone)
(650) 508-3492 (fax)
moleksy@ndnu.edu