UTMB / HR Employee Relations Mediation logo

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is mediation?

Mediation is an alternative form of dispute resolution involving an impartial third-party, or mediator. He or she facilitates communication between the employees involved in a conflict or dispute, to promote reconciliation, settlement, or understanding of differing viewpoints. Mediation is a voluntary process in which both parties must agree to participate.

What are the benefits of mediation?

Mediation is a collaborative process that is, more positive than some other forms of dispute resolution. It also:

 

 

Does mediation work?

Mediation has a high success rate. Even in cases in which a complete resolution is not reached, it often paves the way to an eventual solution by increasing understanding and facilitating communication. Those who have participated in mediation routinely rate it as an “extremely positive and worthwhile experience.”

 

 

What does the mediation process involve?

An employee with a work-related conflict contacts or is referred to the service. The Intake Coordinator provides a basic overview of the service and contacts the second party to provide that person with an overview of the process and to offer the service. If both parties agree to participate in mediation, the coordinator secures the services of neutral mediators and the process begins. A speedy, but fair and mutually satisfactory agreement is always the objective and usually the outcome.

 

 

Is the process confidential?

Mediation is an extremely confidential process. All documentation is destroyed at the end of the mediation session and information is not placed in employee records.

 

 

What types of cases cannot be mediated?

Unfortunately, the Mediation Program cannot address all conflicts because other processes or programs may already be in place. Following are some examples of situations for which mediation is not available at UTMB:

 

 

What department provides this mediation service?

The program is a collaborative effort between Human Resources, and the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity. The Employee Assistance Program of Human Resources coordinates the effort.

 

 

Who are the mediators?

The mediators are UTMB employees. The growing team comprises more than 40 individuals from all areas and backgrounds, with many various jobs and responsibilities on campus. However, they all share a belief in the power and positive impact of mediation, and a willingness to invest their time helping fellow employees.

Employees utilizing the Mediation Program are carefully matched with their mediators. These mediators come into each conflict completely neutral. They have no prior knowledge of the situation, other than the information provided by the Intake Coordinator, and do not have a relationship with either of the employees involved in the dispute.

 

 

Sounds interesting…How do I become a mediator?

It takes some time, an interest in and willingness to help people and good interpersonal and listening skills. Formal training coordinated by the Mediation Program staff is also required. For more information, call (409) 747-6190.

 

 

How do I access services from the UTMB Mediation Program or get more information?

For more information, contact the program at (409) 747-6190, or by e-mail at mediation@utmb.edu.

To request service, visit hr.utmb.edu for more information. The Office of Equal Opportunity & Diversity and/or the Employee Assistance Program, and / or Employee Relations Office may also refer cases to the program.