Handling Conflict

We strive to promote a learning environment that is safe, positive, and in which the rights of all members of the campus community are respected.

Thomas University' holds students accountable for their behaviors and have developed educational sanctions designed to help students learn from their mistakes. We strive to help students at TU see both the immediate consequences and the long-term consequences of their behavior.

We believe the disciplinary process is an educational process as opposed to a punitive process. The disciplinary process allows individuals the opportunity to learn from their mistakes, while at the same time protecting the rights of all members of the University community. The disciplinary process also provides an opportunity to discover underlying issues that are leading to the irresponsible behavior. Recognizing that our students are the leaders of tomorrow, we seek to help them develop their character and become a person of integrity through this educational process.

Reports of acts and incidents involving students may be referred for evaluation and possible disciplinary action by the Director of Student Life. Reports should be directed to the Director of Student Life.

Mediation

Students involved in conflict(s) with another individual(s) may elect to have the conflict(s) mediated with the assistance of a third party mediator. The following information and procedures relate to the TU mediation process.

Conditions of Mediation the following conditions must be accepted by the parties:

All parties involved must agree to the mediation process;
The resolution that results from the mediation process will be written, must be signed by all parties, and will bind the parties to abide by the agreed terms until such terms are completed, or an alternative agreement is developed by the parties;
The agreement reached through mediation is not subject to any appeals process; and if no form of resolution can be determined by mutual consent, the judicial coordinator may recommend that the matter be referred to the appropriate judicial body.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mediation

What is Mediation?

Mediation is a process in which a neutral third party (mediator) facilitates the discussion and identification of issues between the disputants, the development of alternate solutions, and the negotiation of a mutually satisfying outcome to the dispute. (taken from "Training Peer Mediators in the College and University Setting: A Trainer's Guide" by Rick Olshak)

Why use mediation?

It is voluntary. No one is forced into mediation; it is completely up to the parties involved to determine if they will participate.
It is confidential. There is no public record of mediation. In the beginning, every participant agrees to keep all matter discussed confidential.
It is inexpensive - actually it is FREE!!
It is fast. Mediation can usually take place within a couple of weeks for most situations.
It leads to a reduction of violence. Mediation is a positive alternative that focuses on the future.
It leads to empowerment. Mediation empowers people by helping them control decisions that affect their life.
It has a high success rate. On average, schools with mediation programs have over an 80 percent success rate.

When would I use mediation?

Roommate disagreements
Conflicts or disputes with a friend
Officers within your organization that cannot agree
Family or spousal disputes
When someone in class is hassling you
When you want to preserve a friendship