Mediation FAQ's

1. Shouldn't I be able to handle disputes on my own?
2. Isn't asking for a third party really escalating the problem?
3. What happens if we don't reach an agreement?
4. Can asking someone to partake in a mediation session have undesirable consequences for me?
5. How can a person arrange for or find out more about mediation?

1. Shouldn't I be able to handle disputes on my own?

Yes and no. Yes, it's a great skill to have. But often a dispute will take you by surprise, or upset you to an extent that may make it difficult to say what you want to say. The other person in the dispute may or may not be willing to listen to you. If that's the situation, a skilled neutral party can bring a calm, listening attitude into the conversation that can help.

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2. Isn't asking for a third party really escalating the problem?

Many people feel that way. In actual practice, the neutral third party DE-escalates the situation by making it easier to talk, and by adding an outside perspective. Many of our clients, recognizing this fact, contact us just to have the benefit of an outside facilitator helping the conversation flow and be productive.

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3. What happens if we don't reach an agreement?

Even if you don't reach an agreement, we hope you will leave the mediation with a better understanding of all the issues.

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4. Can asking someone to partake in a mediation session have undesirable consequences for me?

University policy prohibits retaliation against any person solely for requesting or participating in a facilitated dispute resolution process, or for raising an issue during mediation or consultation.

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5. How can a person arrange for or find out more about mediation?

Parties who know they would like a mediator may simply call 734-615-4789 to make the request. Staff here will ask about such things as:

• How many are involved?
• Is everyone willing to participate in mediation?
• What is the time frame?

We suggest a name from the campus group of professionally trained mediators. The mediator must be acceptable to all parties: each party has the right to refuse a mediator with whom s/he is not comfortable.

The mediator will be in touch with you within two days.

If you are not sure whether mediation is appropriate, or whether the other party(ies) will agree, we will consult with you about the mediation process, and how it might work in your situation.

• We will assist you in deciding how to invite the other party(ies) involved in the dispute to participate in mediation.
• When needed, we will call the other party(ies) and invite them to meet with us individually, to learn about our procedures and to decide whether they are willing to try it.
• When all parties have agreed to mediation, we will assign a mediator as described above.
• The mediator will contact the parties, arrange for your meetings, and explain and guide the process.

All information will be kept confidential, UNLESS the concern involves threats, illegal harassment or acts of a criminal nature that pose potential danger to other people.

If such danger does exist, we will make every effort to keep the client immediately informed of any action we must take, and to protect their privacy if at all possible.

For more information, or to schedule a consultation or mediation:

• Call: 734-615-4789
• Email: mediation.services@umich.edu
• Use our: Online Inquiry Form

Please make sure to include information on how to contact you, and whether or not it is okay to leave a message on your answering machine/voicemail (if applicable).