The Peer Mediation Program at the University of Maryland, College Park, in collaboration with the University of Maryland School of Law, invites you to learn more about Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and to become a mediator.

• Have you ever suffered as a result of VANDALISM?
• Do you have problems with NOISE?
• Are you experiencing ETHNIC TENSIONS?
• Have you been the victim of SCHOOL VIOLENCE? <
• Do you have concerns about DRUG OR ALCOHOL use?

Learn more about how to become a peer mediator, and enhance your life on campus!

For more information, contact Roger Candelaria at 301.405.2838, or email him at rcandel@umd.edu

The Peer Mediation Program grew out of the expressed needs of students in the University of Maryland community. As a result, at the heart of the program are students trained in the mediation of disputes between other students. The program seeks to have disputing students resolve conflict to the satisfaction of both parties; realize that disputes can be resolved non-combatively (literally and figuratively speaking); develop an understanding of the impact of social identity group memberships on conflict and resolution; and, learn conflict resolution skills to employ in the event future disputes arise. Students interested in becoming mediators will learn mediation skills through formal education--the Peer Mediation Course--focusing on negotiation, conflict resolution, and facilitating intergroup dialogue skills development, and through a closely supervised mentoring relationship with experienced faculty, staff, and graduate assistant mediators.

What is Mediation?

Mediation is a process for resolving disputes and conflicts in which a neutral third party acts as a moderator for the process. In peer mediation, trained students help student peers identify the underlying causes of the conflicts in which they are engaged and find mutually agreed upon solutions. The goal is to work out differences constructively. Mediators help disputing parties to clarify their individual goals, resources, and options; to consider and better understand each other's perspectives; and, to make clear decisions for themselves that will result in a resolution of the conflict.

Why Mediation?

The capacity to resolve conflict is a vital competency for anyone trying to function productively in today's complex world. The capacity to engage with people from different social identity group backgrounds around specific goals is a powerful catalyst for the further realization of democracy. In this way, the Peer Mediation Program is directly aligned with the University of Maryland's mission to prepare its students for citizenship in a global community.

Although common situations involving roommate disputes, rumors, and bullying can be successfully resolved through peer mediation, not every kind of problem is suitable for this type of intervention. For example, assault or other criminal acts are not referred to the peer mediation program. Currently, the Program is developing a screening process, in consultation with other campus units, to determine the types of conflict that can be peer-mediated and the kinds that require referral to other units.

The Peer Mediation Program is a collaborative effort between OHRP, the Department of Resident Life, the Ombud's Office for Graduate Students, Office of Campus Programs, the Health Center, the Counseling Center, the University of Maryland Police Department, Office of Judicial Programs, Commuter Affairs and Community Service, the School of Public Affairs, the Honors Program, Women's Studies Department, the Student Government Association, College Park Scholars, the Academy of Leadership, and the Maryland Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission.

For more information or to learn about how to become a Peer Mediator, please contact the Campus Compliance Officer at our Office (301.405.2838). The Peer Mediation Program is made possible with generous support from the Maryland Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission.