WMS hosts a variety of trainings and events each year. Our recurring Discovery Chats, workshops, and mediation trainings are described below.

Discovery Chats

  • ON CONFLICT

    The Workplace Mediation Service recognizes that there is a relationship between our mindset about conflict and how we engage in conflict. If that’s true and we want conflict to work for us, then why not adjust our mindset? In Discovery Chats, we will explore our mindset about conflict and decide whether we want to change it.

  • ON OPEN COMMUNICATION

    UMB employees are encouraged to be a catalyst for our core values of Respect and Integrity by promoting “open communication.” Decide for yourself whether open communication is really possible at work and explore how you can promote more open communication at UMB.

  • ON LISTENING

    How well do you listen in the workplace? What impacts your ability to listen better? Join this Discovery Chat to explore listening from each attendee’s perspective, including yours, and explore how you can listen better while working.

Flex Your Skills Workshops

  • Active Listening

    Listening is one of the biggest keys to effective communication (and part of UMB’s Respect and Integrity core values set), yet few of us are taught how to listen well. Join the Workplace Mediation Service at this workshop on active listening.

  • Scenario Practicing

    Want better responses or more understanding in your conversations? Join us for a time of trial and error. Bring a scenario and leave with an improved way to communicate about it. After a short presentation on tips for conversations, you’ll get to practice your scenario with other attendees. 

Special Events

  • Understanding Conflict and Making It Work for You

    Conflict doesn’t have to be a roadblock—it can be a powerful tool for growth, creativity, and leadership academically and professionally. In this dynamic workshop, participants will explore their conflict mindsets, uncover the hidden value in disagreements, and practice strategies to turn tension into collaboration. Whether you're navigating research teams, classroom dynamics, or professional relationships, you'll leave with practical skills to make conflict work for you.

  • Mediation Q and A Time

    Bring your curiosities and questions to a 30 minute conversation with a WMS team member about 
    •    What mediation is and what is it good for
    •    Steps in the mediation process
    •    How and whys of starting the mediation process

Mediation Training

Basic mediation and annual training are essential for mediator skill development. WMS is committed to the continued skill development of our mediation apprentices and roster members. Each year, WMS provides mediation trainings, which includes content, technique development, and time to practice.