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As articulated by the author, higher education is based on
the ideals of freedom and the exchange of ideas.
Conflict is inherent within this exchange.
Most conflict occurs and operates "below the radar"
of campus officials and can escalate to problems.
Due to financial considerations associated with conflict,
efforts have been made to improve the processes of handling conflict
within the academia. The purpose of the text is to provide all the
basic information needed for the creation of a campus mediation
program. The book gives
complete guidance and direction in the steps to be followed with
ample resources and reference materials.
It can also provide the basis for the review of existing
programs. While the
literature base for this area of higher education continues to
expand, the author hopes this book will be a part of the movement to
strengthen campus communities through mediation.
The information is very fluid and arranged in eight chapters
with almost a hundred additional pages devoted to resources, forms,
documents, and references. The
text includes an overview of concepts and terminology, a brief
history of conflict in higher education, and a review of several
theories related to the organizational structure of colleges and
universities.
Chapters
one and two lay the theoretical and historical foundation for the
remainder for the text. Chapter one focuses primarily on the
approaches to conflict management and roles within it. Role
definition in the mediation process is seen as three-fold: 1.
Exploring the past (What action(s) caused the problems?), 2. Dealing
in the present (How can the situation be resolved?), and 3.
Preparing for the future (How can relationships be maintained?).
Clear and concise operational definitions for all related
terminology are provided. Terminology becomes important when
implementing strategies on a particular campus. Explanations of the
various alternative dispute resolution and dispute system designs
are outlined. These
explanations define possible alternatives to conflict management.
There is no “one-size fits” all approach. While
documenting the evolution of the mediation process in the collegiate
setting, this chapter also begins to address early legal concerns.
Chapter
two provides a theory base for the application of mediation in
academic organizations (Birnbaum, 1988; Berquist, 1992; Stroup,
1966, Blau, 1973; Millet, 1962; et al).
Applications, challenges, and strengths of mediation are
applied to the four models of campus culture: bureaucratic,
collegial, political, and complex-systems.
It also discusses the implications for the involved students,
faculty members, and staff members.
The
author identifies the foundation of the text as a ten-step process
to assist in the creation of a campus mediation service.
Chapters three, four, five, six, and seven go into meticulous
detail of each of the following steps:
1.
Developing a core planning group
2.
Conducting a conflict management needs assessment
3.
Deciding on the initial scope and focus of the program
4.
Developing a statement of purpose
5.
Developing a staffing and program coordination plan
6.
Securing administrative and financial support and appropriate
space
7.
Identifying and training mediators
8.
Publicizing the program and building referral systems
9.
Operating and maintaining the program
10.
Implementing evaluation and feedback mechanism (p. 43).
The
first six steps are discussed in chapter three. Those
steps focus on the decision-making process that the campus should
consider. They deal
with the scope and range of services to be offered.
These ground-laying efforts are pivotal to the success of any
program and include identifying stakeholders, defining the mission,
and forming an action plan. The
information will assist in creating a program that covers an
overarching representation of the community.
Participant preparation and training are the focus of chapter
four. Selection
criteria for all those that may have roles within the process are
provided with consideration given to the variety of styles that can
exist. The
staffing issues are critical to the success of a program.
The chapter clearly gives a variety of ways to generate a
staff. Publicity and
creation of referral systems are the focus of chapter five.
It includes several examples of how to generate outreach for
a new program. Chapter
six moves into program operation.
It focuses on the complete process from case intake to
resolution. It also
addresses quality control issues and how to develop levels of
consistency. Chapter
seven is used to address evaluation and assessment.
A critical point of this portion is to ensure the reader has
a clear understanding of methods of evaluation and defining program
objectives. In addition
to examples from other institutions, web-based and additional texts
are listed to provide guidance on evaluation.
The text concludes with alternatives to the "mediation
table". Such alternatives as interest based bargaining, process
consulting models, and labor relations are more applicable to the
corporate setting, but may prove to be viable solutions on a campus.
While often a major source of conflict, the chapter only
devotes minor attention the roles that diversity, culture, and
values play in campus conflict.
This information should have been expanded within the text.
The
growing trend of mediation offers an opportunity to privately
resolve situations and possibly avoid public exposure.
Understanding the cultures of a campus can reduce
miscommunication. All
of the chapters are informative and can prove helpful to the
creation of a campus mediation program.
The rich descriptions of cases and examples give direction.
Examples were given that cover a variety of types of
institutions and provide any reader with steps to follow on their
campus. With the
fragmentation of most campuses, particular attention is given to the
role of coalition building when creating a new program. Some of
their suggestions may be financially infeasible and administratively
difficult when they involve crossing campus boundaries.
Today's
college campus is not a homogeneous environment.
There are differing needs and interests that must be taken
into consideration. Faculty
and staff members must be prepared to deal with a variety of
situations and can never assume reason will prevail.
While this book intends to aid in the establishment of a
campus mediation program, it can also open the doors to other
opportunities. The book
is a perfect tool for student affairs professionals that want to add
a mediation component to their existing programs.
The information and extensive resources provided can aid even
the most seasoned practitioner providing this valuable service.
Resources, forms and documents referenced throughout the book
are found in the appendix. There
are examples of other institutions' logos, mission statements,
procedures, and forms. They
serve as a framework and springboard into the brainstorming process.
In addition, there are over two dozen informative websites
listed. The direct
application of the material in the text allows the reader to
prioritize and tailor the information to campus needs.
This book serves as a wonderful reference guide to all
professionals that are in a position to facilitate mediation between
individual students, student organizations, faculty and or staff
members. It should
prepare any reader to begin implementation.
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