Faculty members sometimes encounter workplace disagreements or concerns that can be difficult to resolve on their own.
To support Case Western Reserve faculty in resolving workplace conflict, the university’s Faculty Conciliation and Mediation Program offers a confidential voluntary resource for finding a path forward whether an issue involves:
- A colleague;
- An administrative decision;
- Promotion and tenure procedures;
- Resource allocation; or
- Questions of respect and cooperation.
A confidential place to start
The no-cost program is designed to help faculty address work-related conflicts before—or instead of—pursuing a formal grievance. Sandra Russ, Distinguished University Professor Emerita and the Louis D. Beaumont University Professor Emerita of Psychological Sciences, serves as the university’s conciliation counselor, working with faculty to understand their concerns and explore options for resolution.
The process begins with a confidential conversation with Russ. Together, the faculty member and counselor can discuss the situation and consider possible next steps. Options include:
- Individual consultation;
- Facilitated dialogue;
- Conciliation or mediation with a counselor; or
- Mediation by an outside mediator paid for by the university.
“In many cases, I offer suggestions about how to handle a situation and possible ways to go forward," Russ said.
Faculty members remain in control of whether and how they move forward. If another party needs to be involved, that happens only if the appropriate parties agree to participate.
An alternative approach to resolving conflict
Conciliation and mediation differ from the university’s formal grievance process. While a grievance involves a structured, rights-based proceeding concerning an alleged violation of university policies or procedures, the Faculty Conciliation and Mediation Program uses a more informal, interests-based approach focused on communication, understanding and finding a mutually agreeable solution.
The program can address a broad range of faculty workplace concerns and, in some cases, the process can be completed in a matter of weeks.
Visit the Faculty Conciliation and Mediation Program website to learn more about the program, frequently asked questions and how to initiate the process.
