Mediation Program at AUM

A University in Motion. Apply now!

Financial and Administrative Services

Mediation Program at AUM

Mediation provides an equitable and confidential process that encourages the parties within interpersonal conflict to create a mutually acceptable resolution of issues in dispute that is managed by an impartial and professional third party.

Contact Us
Mediation Program

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mediation?

A confidential, semi-structured process in which an impartial third party helps disputing parties resolve their work-related problems or conflicts. It is a nonjudgmental, voluntary process that helps parties find mutually satisfying resolutions to their problems without the use of formal grievance proceedings.

How Does It Work?

One party to a conflict contacts HR and asks for an initial meeting to determine the nature of the problem and explore possible options for resolving it.

What topics are appropriate for mediation?

  • Complaints against the administration or an officer of the university
  • Procedural disputes regarding the promotion and tenure process
  • Resource allocation
  • Personal or professional disputes with a faculty colleague
  • Issues of respect and cooperation

What issues are not appropriate for mediation?

  • Violation of the university constitution or by-laws
  • Academic misconduct
  • Decisions on tenure and promotion
  • Sexual harassment
  • Discrimination
  • Research misconduct
  • Any issue in which legal action is pending

Who will know about the mediation?

Human Resources and those involved will have knowledge of the mediation.

How do I initiate the process?

Call the Office of Human Resources at 334-244-4641

Grievance Process vs. Mediation

Grievance Process

  • An adversarial, rights-based process
  • An entitlement. The complainant grieves and the university is obligated to respond
  • An alleged violation of policies and procedures
  • Committee hears facts and makes recommendations to president of the university
  • President makes final decision or determination
  • May result in redress for the complainant
  • Often stretches out over a period of months
  • Is confidential
  • A formal and structured proceeding

Mediation

  • A conciliatory, interest-based process
  • A mutually voluntary process – either party may request it, and either may accept or decline
  • Broad range of conflicts and disputes
  • Seeks common understanding and mutual agreement
  • Parties search for a mutually acceptable solution
  • Parties decide on an acceptable solution within their authority
  • Can be completed in as little as a few weeks
  • Is confidential, protected by law
  • An informal and facilitated process
Get In Touch

Want More Info About AUM?

Address

7400 East Drive, Montgomery, AL | Taylor Center 101

Call Today

334-244-3000

Fax

334-244-3795

Email

[email protected]

Office Hours

8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday

Send AUM Admissions a Message

Back To Top