Mediation is a voluntary alternative dispute resolution process that uses an objective third party to resolve conflict between two or more parties. The mediator helps the parties to identify, clarify, discuss and resolve their issues, eventually guiding them toward an informed, mutual agreement. The goals of mediation are to:

• Preserve relationships vital to fulfilling the University's mission.
• Provide an impartial, confidential forum in which parties can discuss and resolve issues.
• Resolve issues that interfere with meaningful workplace and campus relationships.
• Improve communication and encourage meaningful dialogue among students, faculty, staff, administrators, and the community at large.

Millersville University employs a facilitative mediation process to expedite disputes/issues in complete confidence. Since the goal is to resolve disputes/issues at the lowest possible level, accessibility to mediation will be a first and immediate alternative to dispute/issue resolution. Mediation should be used after the dispute/issue has gone through traditional informal means prior to a formal complaint. Mediation will not deny parties their rights to due process inherent within Millersville University=s current complaint and grievance management procedures. Parties will be able to seek redress in more traditional dispute/issue resolution forums if a mediation session fails to bring the parties together with a mutual agreement. Mediation can be used as a conflict resolution tool when:

• Parties to a dispute/issue mutually decide to bypass lengthy investigations.
• Parties believe that resolution is in their best interests and that of the institution.
• Initial fact-finding does not warrant a cause finding.
• Disputes/issues presented in the fact-finding process can be resolved through mediation.
• All other appropriate means of addressing disputes/issues have been temporarily suspended.
• Parties are truly committed to resolving conflict in a positive, confidential, and constructive manner.