What to Expect from Mediation
Mediation is a voluntary process to resolve a workplace dispute collaboratively. It is an opportunity for two or more parties in a disagreement to communicate openly and honestly, in a safe and structured setting. The mediation process helps parties hear each other, understand each other's perspective, and develop constructive outcomes. Mediation is especially effective at the early stage of a disagreement, opening up communication before concerns escalate. Although later stage disputes can be resolved successfully, we encourage faculty and staff to make use of mediation sooner rather than later.
At the outset of the mediation session, the mediator will provide an explanation of the process that will be followed - the steps that will generally occur are:
Before the Mediation Session
- The mediation coordinator consults privately with each party to make certain they understand the mediation process and agree to participate, and to obtain basic information about the dispute. If either party chooses not to participate, mediation will not take place and the parties are informed. If mediation proceeds, the mediation coordinator selects the mediator and schedules the mediation.
During the Mediation Session
- The parties complete an Agreement to Mediate form provided by the mediation coordinator. This form sets the tone of mediation by defining behavioral expectations of the parties. The form is reviewed and completed with the mediator’s signature in the mediation session.
- The mediator convenes the meeting, sets ground rules, explains the mediation process that will be used during the session, and facilitates the session. The mediator does not decide who is “right or wrong”, nor does the mediator decide what is the appropriate alternative or solution to the dispute. The dispute belongs to the parties, and the mediator facilitates a process to help them generate their own mutually agreeable solution.
- The parties express their viewpoints, and the mediator summarizes each party’s perspective to ensure understanding.
- The mediator articulates the issues to be addressed, ensuring that the parties agree.
- The parties express what they want to have happen to resolve the matter, and the mediator facilitates the process as the parties generate, evaluate, and select the appropriate alternative(s).
- The mediator drafts the agreement that has been generated by the parties and provides sufficient time for its review, if necessary. The mediator ensures an agreed-upon time for a subsequent meeting if needed.
- Ohio State's emphasis is on a durable agreement. The mediator will provide a Settlement Agreement form at the time for developing a written agreement. When agreement has been reached, each party and the mediator sign the document, and the mediation is closed. Each participant receives a copy. A copy is provided to the mediation coordinator if administrative action by the university will be taken as a part of the agreement.
