Conflict Management & the
Use of Alternative Dispute Resolution

A required course in the Certificate Program in Conflict Management and the Use of Alternative Dispute Resolution. All organizations encounter conflict in the course of conducting business. Many problems can be resolved by those who understand how to effectively use conflict resolution processes. This course examines alternative dispute resolution (ADR) as it is used in the business environment. Litigation, arbitration, mediation, ombudsmen, and private judging are just some of the processes reviewed. Upon completion of this course, students shall have a working understanding of how to use the different conflict resolution processes available, along with a knowledge of the basic skills of communication, conflict resolution, and negotiation. A successfully implemented conflict resolution program can save money, and reduce litigation and settlement costs.

A required course in the Certificate Program in Conflict Management and the Use of Alternative Dispute Resolution. An elective course in the Certificate Program in Administrative Management. Traditionally, the primary negotiation strategy utilized has been a competitive approach commonly referred to as "distributive bargaining." Recently a more cooperative approach has emerged fostering the term "win-win" negotiation. This approach centers on interests rather than issues and attempts to create value for each side. In an interest based negotiation, attention moves toward solution. Explore the theory and practice of negotiating and the methods of obtaining cooperative conflict resolution. Business managers and professionals will benefit by examining positional bargaining, cooperative approaches to impasses and collaborative styles of negotiation techniques.

This course is an interactive mediation skills building program. The format includes lecture, group exercises and role-plays. Students will learn about the mediation process including convening, setting an agenda, opening statements, negotiation techniques, and writing mediation agreements. Emphasis is on communication skills. Discussions will include how to create options, acknowledge value, and identify acceptable settlement ranges. Strategies for special situations will be presented along with mediator styles and ethical considerations. Through role-plays, you will learn about setting up a room, pacing, establishing trust and caucusing.

Arbitration is one of the oldest forms of alternative dispute resolution. As a result of its long history and statutory backing, contractual arbitration is one of the most widely used forms of non-litigious dispute resolution in the United States. Students will have an in depth view into how arbitration is initiated, how to write an arbitration clause, and how to select a qualified arbitrator. For those who would like to add arbitration to their skills, instruction will include how to effectively arbitrate disputes. This is an important course of study for those involved in collective bargaining agreements, employment contracts, and other agreements where contractual arbitration exists. The curriculum will be of benefit to anyone who currently implements arbitrations, has a desire to become an arbitrator, or those who would like a better understanding of such a commonly used conflict resolution process in the work place today.

This course will develop and enhance your mediation skills through the use of case studies, mock mediation, interactive group discussion, guest speakers and videos. Topics include an overview of court mandated mediation in civil cases; the role of judges, lawyers, and mediators; styles of mediation and negotiation strategies; techniques for breaking impasse; and generating options for settlement. You will have the opportunity to participate in role plays, to improve your active listening skills from the beginning interview or opening statement to resolution. The nature of conflict, paradigm of ADR processes, confidentiality and ethics, the organization of information, and drafting of agreements will be addressed.

An elective course in the Certificate Program in Conflict Management and the Use of Alternative Dispute Resolution. From small businesses to large corporations, employees are afraid to be open with internal investigators for fear of losing their jobs. Learn the value of "neutral" fact finding and neutral investigations. This class will teach tips and techniques that conform to the latest court decisions including the Cotran ruling. Be prepared for interactive exercises and role plays in active listening, neutrality, and how to prepare neutral documentation.

An elective course in the Certificate Program in Conflict Management and the Use of Alternative Dispute Resolution. This course is designed for ADR and other professionals who are involved in managing groups, meetings, boardrooms, and multi-party mediation. A successful mediator remains neutral, is an advocate for the process, keeps negotiations on track, and demonstrates empathy, while encouraging the parties to reach an agreement. All of these traits require excellent communication skills. The new interaction method of facilitation is similar yet different. Come learn the tips, techniques and skills required to achieve effective "proactive" group management. This class will be very interactive and participation is encouraged. Topics will include convening, setting agendas, active listening, building consensus, overcoming resistance and turning reactionary attitudes into proactive results.

Mediation is regularly used in the resolution of disputes involving child custody and visitation. The Domestic Relations Mediation course is designed to provide students with an understanding of general principles of family law, the emotional and psychological stages of divorce, and mediation process skills. Students will learn about parenting plans, child and spousal support, financial issues, and property division. Through role plays and exercises, students will practice their communication skills addressing issues of power imbalance, anger, and bias. Ethical obligations, domestic violence, standards of practice, and drafting agreements will also be discussed. The course is highly interactive and participatory. Guest speakers will describe how outside experts are used effectively in the mediation process.