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Conflict Management and Dispute Resolution Services > Employee Services > Current Employees > HRS Home

Conflict Management and Dispute Resolution Services

The Conflict Management and Dispute Resolution Office promotes the resolution of workplace disputes at the lowest level possible using conflict resolution and collaborative processes. The office further supports university departments in providing a neutral setting where conflicts are resolved in a positive and constructive manner for all employees. This setting is helpful because emotions can run high and make it difficult for parties to feel heard and understood

The dispute resolution officer (DRO) serves as an impartial third party to help staff express their workplace concerns, resolve and manage conflict, and learn more productive ways of communicating. The DRO seeks to promote a fair and interest-based conflict management system through the alternative dispute resolution process under the Grievance Policy, mediation, conflict coaching, and training.

• Dispute Resolution Process and Grievance Procedure - The university provides a fair and efficient process for you to present and resolve complaints and grievances arising out of the employment relationship.
• Conflict Management Services - The office provides facilitation, mediation, consultation, and training services that help the campus community reduce and better manage difficult workplace situations, problems, and conflicts.
• Problem Solving Information and Tips - In a dispute, it's often easier to describe how others respond then to how we respond. Each of us has a predominant conflict style that we use to meet our own needs. By examining conflict styles and the consequences of those behaviors, we can gain a better understanding of the impact that our personal conflict style has on other people.
• Conflict Management Bibliography [PDF] - Read more about how to handle conflict in the workplace; understand aspects of communication that reduce conflict such as managing emotions and having difficult conversation; and learn more about mediation, negotiation, and facilitation skills.