Alternative Resolution Process

The Alternative Resolution Process is grounded in restorative practices that promotes dialogue as a means to increase understanding and enact change. The process can be enacted as the result of a conflict or harm created that may or may not be a violation of the Code. The Alternative Resolution Process is facilitated using one of the methods below.

• Administrative Outreach: Administrative Outreach regarding a policy violation(s) may be applied in cases in which the Director or designee determines the following:
  • there is a preponderance of the evidence that a Student has engaged in a single, first-time violation, as described in the Code;
  • there is little additional information needed to resolve the case;
  • important information relevant to the policy violation may be communicated to the Student without a meeting
  • Administrative Outreach will include a letter to the Student from the Director or designee that:
    • provides notification of the alleged violation;
    • educates the Student about the policy that has been violated;
    • offers the Student the opportunity to engage in a Mutual Resolution;
    • notifies the Student that they have three (3) Days to request a Mutual Resolution;
    • and notifies the Student that if they do not respond to the letter within three (3) Days, the Administrative Resolution stands, and the case will be closed.
• Conflict Coaching: Conflict coaching includes meeting with the Director or designee to build skills around managing conflict in a productive manner. Conflict coaching may be part of a 1:1 meeting or small group.
• Educational Outreach: Educational Outreach includes meeting with the Director or designee to discuss the concerning behavior, and clarify policy and university expectations.
• Facilitated Dialogue: Facilitated dialogues are used when impacted parties do not wish to actively engage with one another, but would like to resolve the conflict without going through a mutual or hearing process. In a facilitated dialogue, the Director or designee meets with the impacted parties independently, and then relays information between the parties in order to create a resolution both parties can agree upon.
• Mediated Dialogue: Mediated dialogues are used when impacted parties are comfortable being in the same space to discuss the conflict. The Director or designee serves as a mediator to provide structure to the meeting and help the parties create a mutually agreed upon resolution to the conflict.
• Peer Conflict Resolution: Students may also request or be referred by Student Accountability & Conflict Resolution to participate in peer-to-peer resolution with the Student Accountability Board. (This option is not currently available but will be coming soon).