Benefits extend in many directions. Students, both mediators and disputants, learn communication, problem solving, and interaction skills. They also learn to take responsibility for their actions and build confidence in their ability to help themselves. Mediation is also:
Peer mediators are GSU students who have been identified as being trustworthy, responsible, and good listeners who are problem solvers and are able to keep confidences. They have been trained and are eager to assist students in solving their disagreements.
Mediations take place at times that are convenient for managers, mediators, and disputants. A great effort is put forth to ensure that mediations do not interfere with tests or other major academic events.
Each student will be given the opportunity to say how they see the situation, what
they want changed, and how they would like the situation to be resolved.
The mediator will help the parties come up with a solution. If more sessions are
needed, they may be scheduled, but a satisfactory resolution can usually be reached
in one or two hours. If there is an agreement, the parties will be encouraged to sign
a written agreement outlining the resolution to the dispute. Both parties will get
a copy of the agreement to take home.
The parties are encouraged to respect the agreement. If there are any further disputes, the parties can initiate another mediation session or use other University avenues to resolve the matter.
Yes! No information students share during mediation will be released to anyone outside of the mediation Program without your express written consent. The only exception is if anyone threatens/attempts to hurt themselves or someone else.
NO. GSU’s peer mediation program offers students an alternative to traditional sanctions imposed by the Office of Judicial Affairs. While student who receive fines, probation, or referrals to substance abuse or counseling will have their permanent student records flagged, the records of those that participate in the peer mediation will remain unmarked.
