Affirmative Action site:

Diversity Recruitment Resources

Forms

Mediation

Nondiscrimination Policy Statement

Procedure for the Resolution of Discrimination Complaints

University Policy Regarding Consensual Relationships

Training Opportunities

Southern Miss site:

Southern Miss Home Page

Southern Miss - Department of Human Resources

Southern Miss - Office of Disability Accommodations and Institute for Disability Studies
 
 

National sites:

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Office of Civil Rights - U.S. Department of Education

U.S. Commission of Civil Rights

U.S. Department of Justice - Civil Rights Division

U.S. Department of Labor

Why offer this option? Mediation will allow people the option to resolve their differences in a nonthreatening, nonadministrative setting. In many situations where conflict exists, the parties involved merely need a safe place to reach their own agreements about how to interact with each other effectively. Mediation will not replace the option to file a grievance. In fact, if mediation fails to reach a mutually satisfactory solution, either party may move forward with a formal grievance process.
 

What actually happens in a mediation session? Mediation typically involves only the two people involved in a conflict, and two neutral third parties, or the mediators. The mediators serve as "referees" and as facilitators. They will guide the process to completion and will keep the session on target. Typically, a mediation session will give both parties a chance to state their views, with the mediators asking clarification questions along the way that will lead toward areas in which the two parties find mutual agreement. Mediation sessions are often a controlled "give and take," with the ultimate goal to have both parties mutually agree to abide by certain guidelines that they, with the help of mediators, reach themselves.
 

Who are the mediators? Thirty employees participated in training that was offered in Fall, 2003. They represent a diversity of gender, race, employee groups, and Southern Miss campus locations. Every effort will be made to achieve total impartiality between the mediator and the parties involved in the dispute. All participants much agree to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the mediation process. 
 

How do I access this service? Contact the Office of Affirmative Action/EEO for help in determining if a conflict or dispute is appropriate for mediation. Mediation will also be offered, when appropriate, during the course of a grievance process either in the Human Resources Department or in the Office of Affirmative Action/EEO.
 

Contact info

Office of Affirmative Action/EEO
(601) 266-6618
http://www.usm.edu/aa-eeo