American University Mediation Services (AUMS) provides a forum to all students, staff, and faculty, in which to creatively process and resolve conflict rather than allowing hostilities to build toward violence and/or adjudication. Mediation services are provided free of charge, requiring only that parties participate voluntarily and in good faith. In some instances, disputes involving students may be referred to mediation by the university judicial process.

All inquiries, mediation sessions, and other services are confidential.

What is Mediation?	Why Choose Mediation?	Training/Guest Lectures
What is AUMS?	The Mediation Process	Skills Building Forums
AUMS Mission	AUMS Services	Hours of Operation
AUMS Mediators	Training Opportunities	Need More Information?
What Types of Conflicts Can be Mediated?	Basic Mediation Skills Training	Mediation Training Application

Email: AUMS@american.edu

 

WHAT IS MEDIATION?

Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process in which an impartial, third party assists people in finding a mutually acceptable solution to their problem. Conflicts are resolved without legal and/or judicial intervention. Some conflict is natural, choosing to respect others while working towards a peaceful resolution is the key to a successful outcome.

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WHAT IS AUMS?

American University Mediation Services (AUMS) is an initiative of Judicial Affairs and Mediations Services. It is a volunteer-supported university program that helps members of the American University community to resolve interpersonal, inter-group, and organizational conflicts. AUMS services are available to all students, staff and faculty.

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AUMS MISSION

To promote the learning and use of alternative dispute resolution, primarily mediation.

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AUMS MEDIATORS

All AUMS mediators are trained and experienced in mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). AUMS uses a co-mediation model with two mediators assigned to each situation. Participants will be given an opportunity to evaluate their mediators following the mediation session. Volunteer mediators are members of the American University community and may be students, staff, or faculty.

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WHAT TYPES OF CONFLICTS CAN BE MEDIATED?

Mediation can be used to resolve a wide variety of disputes. Mediation is most effective where there is a relationship at stake. Some of the types of conflicts that AUMS would mediate are:

- Roommate conflicts
- Co-worker conflicts
- Significant others
- Grievances
- Neighbor conflicts

At the discretion of the Director of Judicial Affairs and Mediation Services, some disciplinary actions may be referred for resolution through mediation.

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WHY CHOSE MEDIATION?

Mediation allows you to control the outcome of your situation. Also, mediation is:

- Confidential
- Effective
- Free
- Non-adversarial
- Quick

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THE MEDIATION PROCESS

Mediators are impartial and assist people in disputes by helping them to communicate more effectively. They help identify concerns and issues and assist with creative problem solving. The participants decide the outcome and the goal is a mutual agreement they create to resolve their conflict.

Mediations begin with an explanation of the mediation process. Participants then meet individually with the mediators to express their concerns. Next, participants share their experiences with each other, and identify the key issues. The participants brainstorm possible solutions with the assistance of the mediators. Outcomes can be written or verbal agreements.

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AUMS SERVICES

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

Spring 2008 Mediation Training Application

BASIC MEDIATION SKILLS TRAINING

Mediation Training Application

Each semester, AUMS conducts a weekend-long (20 hours) basic mediation skills training. This training is open to all students, staff, and faculty who wish to attend (on a space available basis). This training is mandatory for all individuals who wish to become AUMS volunteer mediators. The training explores theories in mediation and conflict resolution, skill development, ethical concerns in mediation, the AUMS mediation process and model, and practical experience in mediating disputes. Anyone interested in attending this training, or obtaining more information should contact the American University’s Mediation Services office at (202) 885-1313.

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TRAINING / GUEST LECTURES
to Undergraduate, Graduate, and Law Classes

AUMS often conducts discussions with classes, groups, and organizations within the campus community on various methods, processes, and skills of conflict resolution. These discussions generally focus on the concept of conflict and the tools available to individuals to resolve a variety of interpersonal or organizational conflict situations. AUMS also addresses issues which are particularly evident in cross-cultural conflicts.

AUMS provide staff training to Housing and Dining Programs, the Department of Public Safety, and New Student Programs. We also present workshops, trainings, or lectures to the Office of Multicultural Affairs, International Student Services, Washington Semester Program, and Student Activities. AUMS staff are frequently requested as guest lecturers to SOC, SIS, SPA, WCL, and the Washington Semester Program. If you are interested in having AUMS present to your class or organization, please contact us and we can tailor the training to your specific needs.

Workshops can be tailored for your office, department, or student organization.

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SKILLS BUILDING FORUMS

Each month, AUMS sponsors a monthly skill building forum featuring a guest speaker or a current topic in conflict resolution. These speakers are individuals who utilize the skills necessary for successful facilitation of dialogue on a daily basis. Speakers focus on the importance of these skills in the success of their careers and may lead an experiential exercise. All AUMS trained mediators are invited to attend monthly forums. Other persons/groups interested in attending forums should make arrangements to do so by contacting the American University's Mediation Services office at (202) 885-1313

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HOURS OF OPERATION

Monday – Friday, 9a.m. – 5p.m.

Appointments and mediation sessions are handled on an individual basis and can be scheduled after hours and on weekends. All services are free and confidential.

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NEED MORE INFORMATION?

If you are interested in finding out more about AUMS, utilizing our services, or becoming a mediator, please contact us at:

American University Mediation Services
409 Butler Pavilion
American University
4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20016-8148

Phone (202) 885-1313
Fax (202) 885-1594

Email: AUMS@american.edu

All inquiries, mediation sessions, and other services are confidential.