This program bridges mediation theory and practice, while actively engaging students in the provision of conflict resolution services through an in-house Clinic. Students learn the theory that underlies mediation, as well as the skills needed to mediate conflicts.
What You Will do
As a student in the program, you will participate in a weekly seminar, and pursue clinical work in one of three divisions: Campus/Clinic, Neighbourhood and Family/Youth. You will work with both the Clinic Director and community partners in fulfilling your clinic work. Under the guidance and direction of the Mediation Clinic Director, you will also engage in a variety of mediation services including community outreach, facilitating dispute resolution workshops, and conducting community and Small Claims Court mediations. The seminar explores a variety of topics that encourage you to connect theory and practice, including the utility of mediation in civil and criminal disputes, mediation advocacy, access to justice, as well as issues of culture, power imbalances, ethics, and professional responsibility in alternative dispute resolution. The course also considers principles of dispute system design. The seminar includes a major research paper addressing one or more theoretical issues with observations based on your practice experience.
What You Will Learn
- mediation theory and models
- skills in facilitation and mediation
- the role and place of mediation in the context of legal and community dispute resolution
- to apply mediation processes to facilitate both court-related and community dispute resolution
- the benefits and limitations of mediation and other dispute-resolution techniques
- how to be professionally self-aware and to reflect on your practice
- professional and community collaboration and teamwork skills
