Division of Student AffairsOSCR Home Page U-M Gateway

FAQs for DISPUTANTS

What is “alternative conflict resolution”?

Alternative conflict resolution refers to a range of approaches that promote peaceful conflict resolution outside of the formal Resolution Process. Common forms of alternative conflict resolution at the University of Michigan include:

  • Mediation
  • Facilitated dialogue
  • Restorative justice circle

You can learn more about OSCR’s alternative conflict resolution services here:
(Alternative Conflict Resolution)

I’ve just received a letter from the Office of Student Conflict Resolution offering assistance in resolving a conflict. Why was it sent?

A party with whom you may be in dispute has contacted OSCR seeking assistance in resolving the conflict. Specifically, they have expressed interest in using alternative conflict resolution (ACR) to settle the dispute.

Am I required to respond?

You are encouraged to respond. Participation in ACR is strictly voluntary, however.

Why are the benefits of using ACR to resolve a conflict?

  • Time: resolving a conflict using ACR generally takes less time then other conflict resolution processes, like the court system.
  • Money: OSCR’s services are free of charge to all U-M students!
  • Utility: ACR can be used to resolve most conflicts, even those that don’t constitute Statement violations or lawbreaking.
  • Choices: ACR allows people in dispute to make their own choices, solve problems, and reach agreements that make sense for them. In ACR, the parties decide whether agreement is possible and what shape agreement will take.
  • Privacy: Both the ACR process and outcome (i.e., a negotiated agreement) are confidential.
  • Voluntary: All parties must freely consent in order to participate in ACR, and may withdraw consent at any time. Beginning an ACR process does not oblige you to finish it.
  • No Disciplinary Record: In cases where a written complaint has been filed alleging a violation of the Statement, both complainant and respondent may request to use ACR to resolve the complaint. If ACR is successful, OSCR will consider the matter appropriately addressed and no disciplinary record will be created.

What kinds of conflicts can appropriately be resolved through ACR?

While no one approach to conflict resolution is universally appropriate, ACR can productively be used to address and resolve a wide variety of interpersonal conflicts, including:

  • Conflicts between members of a student organization or Greek house
  • Conflicts between roommates, housemates, or floormates
  • Conflicts between students in a class or study group
  • Conflicts between friends

ACR may not be appropriate as a response to conflicts in which any of the following have taken place:

  • Physical violence or the threat of violence
  • Sexual violence, relationship violence, assault, or harassment
  • Stalking or intimidation

Students experiencing conflicts involving one or more of the above are encouraged to consult with OSCR staff and other campus resources to determine the appropriate course of action.

Can ACR be used to resolve disputes between faculty and students?

ACR has been used in the past to resolve conflicts between faculty members and students. Parties are encouraged to consult with our staff to determine the appropriateness of OSCR as a venue.

U-M schools and colleges manage allegations of academic misconduct.
A web page with links to academic integrity policies at each U-M school or college may be found here:

http://www.crlt.umich.edu/faculty/honor.html

Who are the ACR facilitators and what are their qualifications?

ACR facilitators are OSCR staff and (faculty, staff, and student) volunteers. OSCR’s volunteer pool is intentionally representative of the U-M community in order to serve the widest spectrum of Michigan students.

How are parties matched with facilitators?

While scheduling and availability drive initial decisions, parties are also asked to voice their own preferences. Some examples:

Jeanne is a student in the College of Engineering and also works as an RA on North Campus. During her intake meeting with a member of the OSCR staff, she asked that she not be matched with any facilitator with involvement in Residence Education or the College of Engineering.

What happens if ACR is not successful?

Setbacks are not uncommon when negotiating resolution to a conflict. The ACR facilitators can be helping parties decide whether to continue in ACR or if a more productive, appropriate venue is available. Ultimately it is up to the parties themselves to decide whether to continue or not.

ACR cases which began as complaints in the formal Resolution Process are referred back to that process in the event ACR is unsuccessful.

FAQs For Respondents

FAQs For Complainants

FAQs For Advisors and Attorneys

FAQs For Faculty and Staff

FAQs For Parents and Families

FAQs For Suspension

FAQ HOME