About Mediation

Mediation is a voluntary and private process that is available to help UMB employees address work-related conflict and collaborate better. The mediation process includes conversations that are assisted by our trained and experienced mediators. UMB, like other universities across the country, added mediation as a conflict management option to better serve employees who want more control over how their work-related issues are resolved.

Mediation can be helpful for a variety of work-related situations. This includes communication problems, personality or work style clashes, disputes or tensions between co-workers or supervisors and direct reports, and many other work-related conflicts. 

Mediation participants often appreciate the process because it allows them to find solutions that will work for them. Most people who use mediation:

  • Gain a greater understanding of the situation and others involved
  • Improve relationships and communication
  • Are satisfied with the mediation process

Get the Mediation Process Started

Once you contact us about the situation we will collaborate with you about the next steps.

You may request mediation for your situation, recommend mediation for someone else's situation, or reach out to learn more about mediation. 

Mediation Process

What are steps are included in the WMS mediation process?

A mediation process circle

Throughout

Throughout the mediation process WMS maintains confidentiality and is non-judgmental and participation is voluntary for everyone involved.

 

Contact WMS in-person, by email, online contact form, video or phone call

WMS is contacted

Someone contacts WMS about the situation. You may request mediation for yourself, recommend mediation for others, or submit a referral if you are part of a referral office.

two chat clouds in conversation

Individual Conversations Occur

WMS has one-on-one confidential conversations with those involved to learn about the situation from their perspective, explain mediation, respond to questions and concerns, check for the appropriateness of the situation to mediation, and to find out whether they are interested in proceeding with our process.

Monthly calendar for scheduling mediation sessions

Mediation Sessions Scheduled

WMS schedules one or more joint mediation sessions for those who agree to participate.

Joint conversations with participants and the Workplace Mediation Service.

Mediation Sessions Occur

WMS conducts one or more joint sessions for those who agree to participate. Participants share and discuss and the mediators facilitate the conversation. The mediators are present for all sessions. Private sessions are held as needed. We meet remotely or in-person.

That's a wrap

Case closes

WMS closes the case by informing all participants and sharing the mediation evaluation.

Next Steps

WMS has many options for you.