Mediation FAQs

Any member of the UMGC community can request mediation services; however, all parties involved must agree to participate in the process.

In resolving disagreements, the mediator does not take sides or impose solutions. Instead, he or she facilitates fair and productive communication as a pathway to common ground, greater understanding, and mutual agreement among those in conflict.

There are conflicts that fall outside of the mediation program’s purview, including current or pending legal actions, certain organizational or personnel decisions, and safety or security concerns that have been referred to law enforcement.

UMGC Mediation Services reserves the right to decline any mediation request it deems inconsistent with the program’s intent or resources.

Mediation empowers individuals to preserve relationships and resolve misunderstandings on their own terms in a way that is proactive and non-adversarial. By focusing on the future rather than analyzing the past, it promotes new ways of thinking and doing through collaborative problem solving and honest communication. And because it takes place in a setting that is both informal and confidential, mediation is less stressful and time consuming than other avenues of dispute resolution.

The UMGC mediation process requires no advance preparation other than an open mind and a positive outlook.