The mediators are faculty colleagues who have received training in mediation. The Director of the Faculty Mediation Program will suggest the name of a mediator to the parties and they must agree to that person. In some cases there are co-mediators and the parties have to agree to both mediators. We suggest that the direct parties to the dispute limit the mediation to themselves. BUT the other party must be notified in advance and must make the decision whether to continue with mediation under that arrangement.
Mediation is voluntary at all stages by all parties involved.
Mediation is not an adversarial process and we do not believe it is necessary for parties to be represented by an attorney. If all parties to the dispute agree to undertake mediation with attorneys present that is their option. Once again it is important to note the totally voluntary character of this process. The Faculty Mediation Program is a service without charge to faculty of the University. The peer mediators are not paid and there is no cost associated with attempting mediation.