by Karey Barnes. and Gene Roberts.
Colleges and universities today are home to at least three generations: Baby Boomers, Gen X, and Millennials. On the horizon is also iGen, or Gen Z. Plus, higher education is increasingly diverse. Naturally, the opportunities for conflict amongst such diverse populations are rife. One of the unique aspects of mediating in that environment is the opportunity to educate students, faculty, and staff that there are alternatives beyond going to the courthouse that can be used to resolve disputes. The authors offer data on their experiences with mediation, including breaking down the time it takes to mediate. In the end, parties feel heard, have learned a different way to resolve disputes, and costs are lower for both parties and the universities.