Mediation
Mediation is one of the many tools the Texas State University Ombuds Services uses to help you resolve conflicts. It is a process by which an impartial third party facilitates communication between two or more parties to assist them in creating mutually agreeable lasting agreements.
Some of the great advantage of mediation is that it allows people to stay in control of their own situations and provides a safe space to reset the relationship between people.
A Constructive Process. The role of the mediator is to assure a fair and balanced process, one which enables everyone in mediation to be heard and discuss their issues in a constructive way.
There are several ways the mediator accomplishes this:
- Prior to mediation, talking to each person individually to help them identify their underlying interests, rights, and goals, as well as coach them in effective communication skills;
- Establishing effective guidelines for the discussion; giving each person a chance to tell their story without interruption;
- Helping each person to clearly identify, and voice their concerns in a way that is authentic, understandable and constructive;
- Guiding each person through an exploration of possible for conflict resolution options.
A Confidential Process. Everyone who participates agrees that everything that is said in mediation is confidential, this is to encourage the fullest participation and exploration of the real concerns and options for addressing them.
The Parties Control the Decisions. The people involved in the conflict are in control of the decisions made throughout the mediation process and any agreements reached. As a result, they do not need to turn control over to another person. The mediator will facilitate the discussion and provide structure for the productive exchange of ideas and options for potential resolution of the conflict. However, they will not make decisions for the people involved, nor oversee or enforce the agreements reached.