Mediation

Mediation is a private, voluntary, decision-making process in which one or more impartial persons, the mediator(s), assist people, organizations, and communities in conflict to work toward a variety of goals. Mediation is designed to facilitate a workable solution which benefits all parties. The participants are responsible for keeping, or re-negotiating their agreements.

Who should use the service?

Members of the UCF community who have been unsuccessful in resolving their differences are encouraged to use the mediation service. Some examples of problems that may be brought to mediation are between:

What can mediation accomplish?

Mediation is a private, dispute resolution process which helps parties communicate their concerns and needs to one another, with the goal of reaching an agreement. Mediation cannot replace the judicial or legal system, but can be an alternative to these systems for certain disputes. Mediation is not counseling; mediators are trained to facilitate communication, not to provide therapy.

Who are the mediators?

Mediators can be faculty, staff, or students, both graduate and undergraduate, that have been carefully selected and have successfully completed a rigorous training program. Mediators may not mediate cases where there is prior knowledge concerning the situation or the parties involved. When should mediation occur?

Mediation can be used to prevent a simple dispute from escalating to a more serious matter. It is especially useful when both parties have been attempting to reach resolution and have been frustrated in their individual efforts. However, certain disputes, for example those involving felonies or threat of harm, are NOT appropriate for mediation.

What are the steps in the mediation process?

  1. An intake is scheduled within one business day of an initial inquiry. The process and expectations will be explained. Information about the problem and other person(s) involved will be gathered. All information received is private.
  2. The other person(s) will be contacted to encourage participation in the mediation process. Participation is entirely voluntary.
  3. If the other party agrees, a mediation session will be scheduled at a mutually agreeable date and time.
  4. During the actual session, the mediators will establish ground rules and facilitate an agreement that is acceptable to both sides.

What are the advantages of mediation?

Mediation settles disputes privately, focusing on problem solving rather than placing the blame on someone. It is an educational process where participants learn communication skills and new methods of addressing future conflicts.

What are the potential outcomes?

Ideally, the participants can leave the session with a clear understanding of the others' point of view and an agreement which both sides helped to draft and which benefits all participants. It is the responsibility of the participants to keep the agreement or modify it together. UCF Dispute Resolution Services does not "enforce" an agreement. At times, mediation is not successful, and each party may then choose other forms of dispute resolution.

How do I get started?

There are three ways to submit a request for mediation. First, you may submit an electronic request for mediation by completing the form (Intake Form) below and a member of our office will contact you directly to further process the request.

Intake Form

Next, you may also contact someone directly by calling UCF's Dispute Resolution Services Office at (407) 823-3477. Please leave a message on our voice mail if someone is not available to take your call.

Finally, you may drop by or walk in during office hours with the advance warning that availability may be limited due to appointment conflicts. (Office Hours)

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