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As a satellite of the Dispute Resolution Center of West Michigan, the Ferris State University Mediation Center,
provides tools to empower University constituents with the ability and process to peacefully and constructively address
differences.
What is the Mediation Center at Ferris State University?
In cooperation with the Dispute Resolution Center of West Michigan, Ferris State University's Offices of Equal Opportunity,
Human Resources, and Student Conduct, have established the Campus Mediation Center.
Unless individuals live in virtual isolation, they are bound to experience conflict in their interactions
with others. Conflict must be acknowledged as a part of everyday living on the University campus and its surrounding community.
Campus-based mediation services can help empower individuals to work toward the resolution of problems, differences, and concerns.
The Mediation Center utilizes volunteer mediator staff trained according to the standards established by the State Court
Administrator's Office for community dispute resolution centers throughout Michigan. Mediation services may be requested or
referred and will be open to students, faculty and staff. Mediations are held on campus, in neutral locations, and scheduled as
they are requested. The Mediation Center also provides education and training to students and employee groups on effective
conflict resolution.
What is the Mission of the Mediation Center?
As a satellite of the Dispute Resolution Center of West Michigan, the Ferris State University Mediation Center, provides tools
to empower University constituents with the ability and process to peacefully and constructively address differences.
What is Mediation?
Mediation is a process in which two or more people involved in a conflict meet in a private, confidential setting and with the
help of a mediator, work through a solution to their differences.
A mediator is a neutral, trained volunteer who assists all parties in effectively communicating with one another and
collectively seeking a positive resolution for all parties involved. A mediator does not force any participant to reach an
agreement with which they are uncomfortable or to accept any particular options regarding resolution. Mediators
facilitate the process, while the parties control the outcome.
During a mediation session, each party describes the dispute from their point of view and explains how they think the
matter can be resolved. The mediator helps the parties focus on the real issues causing the problem, and then assists
them in finding a workable solution which resolves the problem.
What Types of Issues Are Addressed in the Mediation Process?
The Mediation Center will provide services for student to student issues, student to faculty and staff issues,
or faculty and staff to faculty and staff issues. The only requirement is that all parties must voluntarily agree to
participate in the mediation process.
How do I Obtain Mediation Services?
Anyone within the FSU community can access Mediation Services by confidentially discussing their conflict with
trained staff in: Equal Opportunity
McKessy House
231-591-2152
Human Resources
Prakken 150
231 591 - 2153
Office of Student Conduct
Rankin Student Center, Suite 104
231 591 - 3619
The other party/ies involved will be contacted by Mediation Center staff
only if the concern is appropriate for mediation. A mediation session will be scheduled if both parties are willing to
participate.
Dispute Resolution Center of Western Michigan
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