resolutions: An eNewsletter from FASAP, Work/Life Resource Center and Mediation Services

Fall 2009

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In This Issue:

 

Options for Addressing Your Workplace Issues: Mediation or Grievance?

by Linda Winkler, Manager of Mediation Services for Faculty and Staff

You have a complaint about something that’s going on at work and are considering what to do.  After you’ve unsuccessfully tried to resolve the matter yourself or by seeking assistance from others at the University, you have a choice to make about what, if anything, to do next.  Among your options are these:  you can file a grievance or you can request mediation. 

Take a look at the chart below to find out some of the differences between them.

 

GRIEVANCE

 

MEDIATION

Employee-initiated procedures governed by University guidelines.  The employee is entitled to a response from management.

A process which an employee may request.  Since participation is strictly voluntary, others involved may choose whether or not to participate.

Both filing of and responding to grievances are subject to specific time limits.

Mediation occurs whenever the parties choose and any party may withdraw from mediation at any time.

Formal and a matter of record.

Informal and confidential.  No name-based records are kept.

The person filing the grievance receives a decision on the merits of the grievance.

The people involved in the matter work together collaboratively with the help of a neutral mediator to understand the issues and identify mutually acceptable solutions.  They determine whether all, some, or none of the issues are resolved.

Designed to review opposing points of view. 

Designed to improve communication and foster understanding and agreements that meet everyone’s needs.  Especially beneficial if the parties will continue to work together.

Employees are encouraged to seek informal resolution of grievances through mediation.

Employees do not give up their right to use the grievance procedures by seeking or taking part in mediation.

Retaliation against employees for using the grievance process is not permitted.

Retaliation against employees for requesting or using mediation is not permitted.

If you’d like more information about how best to handle a problem at work, please contact Mediation Services for Faculty and Staff at 734-615-4789 or mediation.services@umich.edu.


New Mediation Services for Faculty and Staff Web Site

A few months ago, Mediation Services for Faculty and Staff rolled out its new Web site.  For up to date information about its services and related resources, please take a look at www.umich.edu/~mediate.

While you are there, consider printing and displaying the poster that appears on the home page. 

As always, don’t hesitate to contact Mediation Services with questions or to schedule an appointment. 

You can reach us by calling 734-615-4789, e-mailing mediation.services@umich.edu, or using the online inquiry form on our Web site.

 

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Parenting Workshop Offered by FASAP

“Parenting the Next Generation”
Find out how to be a “cool” parent without losing the parental role in this 6-week Workshop Series.

Parenting teenagers is challenging and sometimes daunting; for this reason the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program would like to invite all staff and faculty to attend a 6-session parenting workshop. This workshop is designed to provide education, relationship development and behavior management skills to parents with children between 12-18 years of age and is facilitated by Janell Kilgore, MSW, ACSW, Faculty/Staff Counselor & Lorna Hurl, MSW, Ph.D., Faculty/Staff Counselor

Specific session topics are:

  1. Adolescent Development – How does adolescence influence your child’s behavior and mind?
  2. Parenting Style – Learn about the weakness and strengths of different parenting styles
  3. Communication Techniques – Learn how to communicate effectively with your teens
  4. Active Listening – Introduces the concepts of active listening
  5. Discipline and Consequence  – Teach your teens about discipline and the consequence of their behaviors

“Parenting the Next Generation”
Thursdays, October 8-November 12
11:30am - 12:30pm
Faculty and Staff Assistance Program Office
1009 Greene St. (Near U-M Football Stadium), Room 2076 Administrative Services Building

Please Register by October 2
To register, call 936-8660 or email  FASAP at fasap@umich.edu.

 

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The Emergency Hardship Fund: A Simple Way to Help Colleagues in Need 

Sometimes, unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances can result in a traumatic or emergency financial crisis for a faculty or staff member. A Sudden illness, family crisis, or natural disaster can lead to an unplanned financial crisis. The U-M Emergency Hardship Program was established for such times.

When our colleagues face an unexpected, temporary and significant hardship and are left without sufficient funds for rent, utilities or other immediate and essential expenses, the Emergency Hardship Program was created to provide resource recommendations and, in specific emergency cases, one-time funds to bridge the financial gap.

If you would like to contribute to the Emergency Hardship Fund information on how to donate can be found on the website for the program.  All contributions go directly to helping
Colleagues in need and no University funds are used to support the fund as it is totally supported by donations.

For information on how the program works, who is eligible for assistance and other information about the Emergency Hardship Program go to  http://www.emergencyhardship.umich.edu/.


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New Feature is Now Available on Mental and Emotional Health Online Screenings



If you or someone you care about is experiencing feelings and symptoms of depression, anxiety or stress that are of concern, consider taking a confidential on-line screening for one of the following mental health conditions:

  • Depression
  • Alcohol misuse
  • Generalized anxiety
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Eating Disorders
  • Post Traumatic Stress

Now in addition to selecting a screening area by one of the above topics a feature has been added that allows you to select from a list of “feelings” which will then prompt you to an appropriate screening.
All of the information on the screening site is completely anonymous and secure and only you will see your results. 

One can access the screenings by going to the Understanding Uwebsite at:  http://www.hr.umich.edu/mhealthy/understandingu/index.html

At the end of each screening you will receive a recommendation; other options for assistance can also be found on the “Understanding U” web site or by calling and speaking to a FASAP counselor. 

 

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Dealing with Separation or Divorce

By: Tom Waldecker, Director, FASAP

Separation or divorce is often painful for all the people involved, from the spouse or partner being left, to the children, to friends and family members, and even the spouse doing the leaving.  Some describe the experience as having a piece of themselves ripped away and leaving them where it hurts to even breathe. 

Often the hurt, anguish and pain are stifling and affects every aspect or a person’s life. Such a loss involves multiple losses, such as loss of a standard of living, loss of family and friends, and often the most painful loss, loss of the dream.  That is, the dream of the life and future the person had counted on.  When a relationship or marriage ends, a dream often dies.  The death of a dream can evoke emotions like anger, guilt, sadness, depression, and fear of being alone.  As is the case with any loss or death, the end of a marriage requires grieving so that the person can work through feelings.  This is called adjustment and can be thought of as the light at the end of the tunnel.
   

The Adjustment

Each separated or divorced person is an individual with his or her own unique needs and preferences.  Often it takes two or three years to adjust to the changes separation and divorce can bring.  In addition, other stressors such as illness or job loss can extend this adjustment period.

One particularly difficult challenge affecting adjustment involves the negotiating of a new relationship with an ex-spouse when there are children involved.  While there are no easy answers, being aware of what to expect, how to cope, and where to find assistance can be helpful to the adjustment process. 


A New Lifestyle

Divorce changes everything- friends change, routines change, priorities change.  To facilitate adjustment, take into account:

Where do I want to live and work?

  • What does my budget look like?
  • What do I want my social life to be like?
  • Who are my friends?
  • What are my interests?


Taking Care of Yourself!

When you are experiencing a separation or divorce it is important to take care of our own emotional needs by developing a support network.  It may helpful to speak with a professional counselor at FASAP or another community resource. In addition, it may be of help to participate in support group. 

If you would like assistance in locating a support group or would like to schedule a time to meet with a FASAP professional counselor call 734-936-8660 or email fasap@umich.edu. 

 

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University Eldercare News

The Work Life/ Resource Center offers an information and referral service for those with eldercare needs, locally and nationwide. As part of this service, a feature with eldercare articles will be included in Resolutions.

Turner Geriatric Clinic Fall Classes

For those of you who may be caring for an elderly parent or relative please take a look at the new classes being offered at the Turner Geriatric Clinic:

  • Improving Your Memory -  a three session course for older adults
  • Memory Improvement for Baby Boomers - a two session evening course
  • Positive Aging group- a six session therapy group for people who need help coping with issues related to aging
  • Caring for Aging Relatives educational series- six sessions in the evening
  • New Ways to Feel Good- 10 session therapy group for older adults who are experiencing depression, anxiety or adjustment to life changes
  • Peace of Mind-4 session therapy group to learn skills to cope with negative emotions

Please call 764-2556 for more information.

 

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resolutions is published in the Winter, Spring and Fall of every year. To obtain additional information regarding our services contact FASAP, Mediation Services or Work/Life Resource Center at (734) 936-8660.

Hospital employees may contact the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
at 763-5409 for counseling service.