Mediation Services
The law is often the most expensive, cumbersome, time-consuming, and least satisfactory method for resolving a dispute. Alternative options include mediation and arbitration.
Mediation is a voluntary process in which two individuals or groups meet to resolve a conflict with the facilitation and help of a neutral third party.
Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response
If at least one party to the dispute is a Penn State University Park student, the University offers free mediation services through the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response. Sessions are one hour long and are conducted confidentially and safely by mediators who are staff or affiliates of Penn State and have been trained to assist individuals in airing their concerns, clarifying misunderstandings, and reaching a mutually agreeable resolution. To ensure neutrality, mediators assigned to each case are approved by all parties involved.
Other Mediation Services
- The Center for Alternatives in Community Justice offers mediation services. Fees are assessed on a sliding scale, based on each participant's income.
- The Better Business Bureau will forward complaints to businesses and monitor whether the issue is resolved. If it is not, they offer a low-cost binding arbitration option.
What can mediation solve?
- Interpersonal/friendship disputes
- Off-campus roommate disputes
- Co-worker disputes
- Disputes with neighbors
- Disputes with faculty/staff
Contact
Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response
Phone: (814) 863-0342
Email: studentaccountability@psu.edu
Location: 120 Boucke Building, 325 Pollock Rd, University Park, PA 16802