Conflict Resolution Consortium

Peer Mediator Application

Who are you?

___Student __Staff ___Faculty

Students:

If you are applying to be a Peer Mediator, complete the entire application, pages 1-4.

If you are a Resident Assistant interested in training only, you do NOT need to submit references, a resume, or answer the student code of conduct section.

Staff/Faculty Members:

For staff and faculty members interested in training, e-mail requesting to be trained. Please provide your name, position, department, and extension. Do not complete this application.

Peer Mediation Overview

With training in mediation skills, Peer Mediators commit to assisting in dispute resolution using the mediation process.

Benefits

Mediation training has benefits for your personal and professional development including obtaining skills for problem-solving, listening to understand people’s needs, and reducing conflict in your life and work.

·  Receive 40 hours of University-verified mediation training

·  Develop personal problem-solving, listening, and relationship skills

·  Develop mediation and negotiation skills applicable to career opportunities

·  Develop skills needed in local, national, and international settings at all levels

Responsibilities

·  Participate in 40 hours of training (the first 32 hours is January 18 – 21, the last 8 hours will be determined)

·  Be a Stag Explorer (see Stag Explorer description)

·  Attend monthly Peer Mediation meetings

·  Serve on-call as mediators

·  Participate in Peer Mediation Club activities

·  Promote mediation and recruit new mediators

·  Present workshops or class presentations on mediation for University audiences

Stag Explorers

Description:

Stag Explorers is a pilot program that provides an opportunity for first-year students to connect with a peer after a first offense of non-serious policy violations in their first six weeks.

Fairfield University values each of its students as an individual with unique abilities and potential, and it respects the personal and academic freedom of all its members. At the same time, it seeks to develop a greater sense of community within itself, a sense that all of its members belong to and are involved in the University sharing common goals and a common commitment to truth and justice, and manifesting in their lives a common concern for others.

Students who participate in this program have the opportunity for non-judgmental candid dialogue intended to discern the types of decisions they are making in their lives and challenge them to better understand their needs, the needs of the Fairfield community, and implications of further policy conflicts on their lives, within this community, and beyond.

Major Components:

1. Stag Explorers are available for dialogue with students within the first three business days after they are confronted for a policy violation (first offenses that do not include an accusation of serious policy violation).

§  Each Explorer will have to identify four half-hour blocks each week for the first eight weeks to be available to meet with students for an initial meeting.

§  They will then schedule a follow-up meeting with each student on their own.

2. Students will receive a letter letting them know they have been invited to participate in this pilot program. They will contact the Dean of Students Office within three days to schedule a meeting with a Stag Explorer. If they do not schedule a meeting within three days they will be assigned a student conduct meeting with an administrator.

3. Stag Explorers need to be prepared to communicate the firm conditions of this option (timeframe, first offense, no serious misconduct, and willingness to participate in a dialogue, not simply attend).

4. Work with Area Coordinators and RAs to explain this pilot program and have them reach out to students the day after the documentation to explain the program and the option to participate if they are invited.

5. The student who participates in the Stag Explorers program will receive confirmation of their completion. The Stag Explorer will submit documentation to the Office of the Dean of Students of the successful participation and completion of the program.

6. Upon confirmation of the successful completion of the Stag Explorer program, the Office of the Dean of Students will note completion of the program in the student conduct file.

Benefits of the Program:

1. Increased opportunity for students to identify relationships that may help them to be successful (the facilitator and referrals they can provide).

2. Demonstrate and role model institutional values of dialogue, honesty, and respect for others and the community outside of an authority role.

3. Continue effort to connect the learning opportunity that follows a behavior concern as quickly after the incident as possible.

4. Provide a means of intervening with student behavior in a manner that utilizes mentoring and positive interactions as opposed to authority and consequences.

Personal Information

Full Name:
Last / First / M.I. / Preferred Name
ID #: / Cell Phone: / ( )
Campus Address: / Commuter:
Hall / Room Number / Mail Box / Yes/No
E-mail: / @student.fairfield.edu
Date of Birth:
mm/dd/yy

Academic Information

Class Year: / 2016 / 2015 / 2014 (Class of 2013 not eligible)
Major(s): / Minor(s):
Cumulative GPA:
Studying Abroad: / Fall 2013 only / Spring 2014 only / Neither

Student Code of Conduct

Since you have been at Fairfield University, have you ever been found responsible for violating any University policy? Please note that this information is verified by the Dean of Students office.
Yes / No
If your answer is Yes, please provide an explanation and describe how you have learned from this experience (on a separate piece of paper).

Click on the lines and you will be able to type in your information. When making a selection, please use the letter “X”. All applications must be typed.

Resume

Please include a copy of your resume that includes any extracurricular activities in which you have been involved while at Fairfield (including community service, clubs and organizations, and student employment). Include any offices you have held in clubs or organizations, and any honors or awards received.
References
Please list the names, titles, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of two (2) persons to serve as references. At least one of your references should be a Fairfield University staff member, faculty member, or administrator.
Name: / Name:
E-mail: / E-mail:
Title: / Title:
Phone: / Phone:
Briefly respond to the following questions:
Have you ever had mediation training? If so, please describe.
Why you are interested in mediation training?
What kinds of conflicts do you think need the most attention at Fairfield University?
What kinds of solutions have you tried to implement while at Fairfield or elsewhere?
What special skills or perspectives would you bring to the mediator group?

Please read this paragraph before signing.

As an applicant for a student leader position, I hereby claim that the information contained in this application is correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that if selected, I am in a position that requires me to be a role model for my peers both academically and socially. By signing below, I authorize the Conflict Resolution Consortium to check both my academic and student code of conduct records to determine if I am eligible to apply for this position. If I am offered and accept the position, I understand that violating any Fairfield University policies, especially those dealing with drugs and/or alcohol, may result in the termination of my position. In addition, I will be available January 18 – 21 for Mediation Training and an additional 8 hour training during spring semester. My signature below confirms that I have read and understand the content of this application.

Signature: / Date:

Please submit paperwork via e-mail to by December 7, 2012.
You will be notified by December 20 regarding the outcome of your application.

If you have any questions, please contact Kamala Kiem, Director of the Peer Mediation Program, at .

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