The Faculty Conciliation and Mediation Program is an alternative to the grievance process. It’s a no-cost program to help faculty members resolve conflicts. In addition to providing conciliation and mediation internally, the program also makes outside mediators available as needed. Faculty members who are experiencing a conflict or disagreement that interferes with work are encouraged to request a meeting with the conciliation counselor. Together they’ll explore the nature of the conflict and alternatives for resolving it. Conversations with the conciliation counselor and mediators are confidential and voluntary.
Conciliation & Mediation Frequently Asked Questions
A confidential, semi-structured process in which an impartial third party helps disputing parties resolve their work-related problems or conflicts. It is a non-judgmental, voluntary process that helps parties find mutually satisfying resolutions to their problems without the use of formal grievance proceedings.
One party to a conflict contacts the conciliation counselor and asks for an initial meeting to determine the nature of the problem and explore possible options for resolving it. Options may include:
- Individual consultation
- Facilitated dialogue
- Conciliation/mediation by the conciliation counselor
- Mediation by an outside mediator
- Referral to another source
If conciliation/mediation is desired, the initiating party or the conciliation counselor will contact the other party to determine their interest in participating. If both parties agree, the process proceeds with the conciliation counselor serving as a mediator. For a variety of reasons (confidentiality, conflict of interest, or legal issues), one or both parties may request a referral to an outside professional mediator to be provided at university expense.
- Complaints against the administration or an officer of the university
- Procedural disputes regarding the promotion and tenure process
- Resource allocation
- Personal or professional disputes with a faculty colleague
- Issues of respect and cooperation
- Violation of the university constitution or by-laws
- Academic misconduct
- Decisions on tenure and promotion
- Sexual harassment
- Discrimination
- Research misconduct
- Any issue in which legal action is pending
Yes. The grievance process is still available to faculty when there is an alleged violation of university policies and procedures. Although conciliation and mediation are recommended alternatives or precursors to the grievance process, they are not required.
No. Participants in a conciliation or mediation will be asked to suspend any grievance process until the conciliation or mediation is completed.
Phone the conciliation counselor directly at 216.368.3321 or conciliator@case.edu, or phone the office of the Secretary of the University Faculty at 216.368.0705.
Sandra Russ, Distinguished University Professor Emerita and the Louis D. Beaumont University Professor Emerita of Psychological Sciences, is the conciliation counselor.
Russ, a renowned clinical child psychologist, served as a professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences for more than 40 years before her retirement from teaching in 2022.
In addition to her service to the university as a professor, Russ provided leadership in a number of roles including periods as assistant provost, associate provost, two terms as chair of the faculty senate, and two separate appointments as interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
| Grievance Process | Conciliation/Mediation |
|---|---|
| An adversarial, rights-based process | A conciliatory, interests-based process |
| An entitlement. The complainant grieves and the university is obligated to respond | A mutually voluntary process -- either party may request it, and either may accept or decline |
| An alleged violation of policies and procedures | Broad range of conflicts and disputes |
| Committee hears facts and makes recommendations to president of the university | Seeks common understanding and mutual agreement |
| President makes final decision or determination | Parties search for a mutually acceptable solution |
| May result in redress for the complainant | Parties decide on an acceptable solution within their authority |
| Often stretches out over a period of months | Can be completed in as little as a few weeks |
| Is confidential | Is confidential, protected by law |
| A formal and structured proceeding | An informal and facilitated process |