Mediation
CPACS provides neutral co-mediators to students who are involved in a conflict. Mediators facilitate a problem-solving process in which the parties invovled in the conflict define the issues and work toward a mutually acceptable resolution. The mediation process provides disputants with a framework for resolving the dispute themselves. The mediators do not function as judges and are not responsible for attributing guilt or innocence. The freedom for resolving the dispute remains with the involved parties. If an agreement is reached between disputants, it is formalized and put into written form. If no agreement is reached, other appropriate avenues for resolving the dispute remain available and may be engaged by the parties at their discretion and as need dictates.Mediators are chosen from participants in the Practicum in Conflict Mediation, an upper-division course taught by Dr. Madeline Maxwell of the Department of Communication Studies. Mediation is conceived of as an expedient, problem-solving process. There is no charge for use of mediation services by students of The University of Texas at Austin, even if the conflict involves a non-UT student.
Individual Consultation
Mediators at CPACS provide individual students with a framework for analyzing a current conflict and deciding on a plan of response. Facilitators do not give advice and are not responsible for evaluating the conflict or the plan. Mediators guide the student through an assessment of the conflict and various action plans of response.Team Action Plan
CPACS offers Team Action Plan (TAP) services, providing students involved in group activities with neutral co-facilitators. Facilitators guide participants in the devolopment of an action plan that meets their goals.The facilitation process provides participants with the framework for managing their teamwork with minimal conflict, and focuses them on effective communication for achieving their goals. The facilitators provide the structure and guide participants in the development of an action plan with detailed action steps, identification of responsibilities, and a timeline for completion. TAP facilitation is conceived of as an expedient, organizing model.