What is mediation?

Mediation is...

A process in which a neutral third party, the mediator, helps people involved in a dispute work together to reach an outcome acceptable to both parties. The intervention by a third neutral party is designed to facilitate the process of negotiations. It is also known as Alternative Dispute Resolution or Conflict Resolution.

It provides students with a means for resolving disputes beyond the traditional process by helping students to develop important life skills such as anger management, dispute resolution, and effective communication skills.

Mediation is NOT...

A process to decide guilt or innocence; the parties themselves discover the outcome. The mediators are only there to facilitate ideas that would help the parties reach a mutual agreement. It is not a form of punishment. It is voluntary. No one can force you to go to mediation.