Center for Mediation and Risk Management

1704B Arlington Boulevard
Greenville, NC 27835
(252) 737-1067

 
Information about the Center:

The Center has two main functions. First, it provides an informal, timely way of resolving disputes, in which the parties work with a mediator to reach mutually acceptable solutions. Second, it provides training and certification for people who wish to serve as mediators for the Center as well as for those who would simply like to develop mediation or conflict resolution skills. The Center also provides training in threat assessment, conflict avoidance and non-physical violence prevention strategies.

What is Mediation?

Mediation is an informal, confidential facilitated negotiation or discussion between two or more parties who are in a dispute with each other. The mediator is neutral and facilitates the proceedings but has no power to impose a settlement or agreement on the parties: therefore, the power to resolve the dispute rests with the parties themselves. The mediator's role is to provide a safe environment and to facilitate a dialogue that will help the parties develop solutions to their particular situation.

Why mediate through the ECU Center for Mediation and Risk Management?

If a student has a disagreement with another student at the university, often the best solution is to reach an understanding through direct meeting and discussion. If, however, the two parties have discussed the matter and are unable to resolve their disagreement, mediation may be a helpful alternative to consider, for the following reasons:

• It is applicable to many situations where a student may not want to file criminal charges against another.
• It is informal and cooperative. Mediation focuses on resolving the dispute, not on deciding who is right or wrong. To promote this problem-solving approach, all discussions are confidential.
• It may lead to a quick resolution of the dispute. Mediations can be arranged and completed quickly.
• It gets effective results. Since agreements are reached only by mutual consent, they are likely to be long-lasting and satisfactory to both parties. Any agreement signed between the parties is binding and failure to abide by the terms may lead to university sanctions.

How is my dispute referred to mediation?

You may call the office, (252) 737-1067 and inform them that you are in dispute with another student. The office will then contact the other individual or individuals, inform them of the service, and invite both parties to come in at a mutually agreeable time to mediate. Alternatively, you may be referred by another office on campus or by a member of the faculty. No matter how you are referred to the Center your case will be handled in the same professional, neutral and confidential manner.

Who will mediate my case?

Either a member of the professional staff or a trained peer mediator (student) will serve as the mediator in your case. All mediators are trained and bound by the confidentiality rules.

About the Director