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Mediation
(Please note: Mediation is now officially handled by the Employee Relations Office) Mediation is a form of dispute resolution that uses an objective third party Mediator to help people in conflict (disputants) resolve their differences.
If I have a conflict or complaint, how can I request mediation? Top of page
Mediation is now part of Pima's internal complaint process and can be requested by contacting the EEO/AA Office at 206-4807. However, you should first attempt to resolve the conflict with the other party with the help of your supervisor.
Who can participate in mediation? Top of page
Mediation is available to all Pima employees at all levels and can be requested by either party at the first sign of conflict. However, mediation is voluntary and both parties must mutually agree to participate. It is also important to keep in mind that all complaints are not appropriate for mediation. Some employee grievances and discrimination complaints may not be appropriate for mediation if there are issues that involve violence, illegal conduct, or behaviors that violate college policies and procedures.
What are the benefits of mediation? Top of page
Mediation is a popular and effective alternative to the more traditional methods used to resolve conflict. Mediation allows both parties to discuss and resolve their problems with an objective third party who will not judge them or make decisions for them. This confidential, impartial forum often helps people in conflict preserve important relationships and improve communication.
What about confidentiality? Top of page
Mediation is a confidential process which means that information disclosed in mediation sessions cannot be discussed with anyone. However, there are exceptions to confidentiality that mediators are required to report. Admissions to crimes, felony violations, and threats of harm or violence are not confidential and must be properly reported.
What is a mediator's role? Top of page
As an important third party, the mediator assists the disputants in clarifying, discussing, and resolving the issues that created the conflict.
How does mediation work? Top of page
Mediation typically occurs in 4 steps:
Step 1. The Opening Session - The mediator explains the mediation process and the ground rules. Both parties discuss the problem with the mediator.
Step 2. The Private Session - Allows each person to discuss private issues with the mediator. The private sessions help the mediator to further identify key elements of the conflict.
Step 3. The Negotiation Session - Once the issues have been identified, the mediator assists both parties in finding points of compromise and agreement.
Step 4. The Agreement - With the mediator's help, both parties negotiate until they reach a mutual, informed agreement. Both sides participate in creating the language of the agreement. Once the agreement has been read and signed by both parties, each side must honor the terms of the agreement.
These four steps are not always necessary. Sometimes the parties just need to communicate with each other with the help of an impartial third party as facilitator.
How long does mediation take? Top of page
A mediation session can take place in one day - or one hour. Mediation takes less time than administrative grievances, investigations, or court procedings. Most importantly, mediation is not expensive because lawyers are seldom involved in the process.
Mediation ground rules: Top of page
- Respect each other and the mediation process
- Do not interrupt when the other party is speaking. Cell phones and pagers must be turned off.
- No name calling or put downs.
- There will be no violence or threats of violence.
- Direct the course of the conversation through the mediator.
- The mediation process is confidential.
- Notes and other documents used in mediation are confidential.
- Abide by the rules of confidentiality.
- Take a break as necessary, but do not discuss the session with anyone.
- Each party will review and sign the agreement to participate in the mediation before the session begins.
To learn more about learning and winning through mediation and educational resources contact Employee Relations (520-206-4807).
Employee Relations Staff Top of page
Doreen Armstrong, Director
Employee Relations
Location of Employee Relations Top of page Pima Community College
Office of Administrative Action
District Central Office
4905-C East Broadway Blvd., Ste 252
Tucson, Arizona 85709-1310
(520) 206-4807
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