Peer Mediation Program Overview / FAQ

The Peer Mediation Program is a student-focused initiative of the Office of Human Relations Programs (OHRP) at the University of Maryland, College Park. It is a collaborative program of the University of Maryland School of Law. The Peer Mediation Program invites you to learn more about Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), and to become a peer mediator.

• Are you and your ROOMATE not getting along?
• Do you have problems with NOISE in your living situation?
• Are you experiencing CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION challenges?
• Do you have concerns about DRUG OR ALCOHOL use with your friends?

The Peer Mediation Program grew out of the expressed needs of students in the University of Maryland community. As a result, at the heart of the program are students trained in the mediation of disputes between other students. The program seeks to have disputing students resolve conflict to the satisfaction of both parties; realize that disputes can be resolved non-combatively (literally and figuratively speaking); develop an understanding of the impact of social identity group memberships on conflict and resolution; and, learn conflict resolution skills to employ in the event future disputes arise. Students interested in becoming mediators will learn mediation skills through formal education—the Peer Mediation Course—focusing on negotiation, conflict resolution, and facilitating intergroup dialogue skills development, and through a closely supervised mentoring relationship with experienced faculty, staff, and graduate assistant mediators.

What is Mediation?

Mediation is a process for resolving disputes and conflicts in which a neutral third party acts as a moderator for the process. In peer mediation, trained students help student peers identify the underlying causes of the conflicts in which they are engaged and find mutually agreed upon solutions. The goal is to work out differences constructively. Mediators help disputing parties to clarify their individual goals, resources, and options; to consider and better understand each other's perspectives; and, to make clear decisions for themselves that will result in a resolution of the conflict.

Why Mediation?

The capacity to resolve conflict is a vital competency for anyone trying to function productively in today's complex world. The capacity to engage with people from different social identity group backgrounds around specific goals is a powerful catalyst for the further realization of democracy. In this way, the Peer Mediation Program is directly aligned with the University of Maryland's mission to prepare its students for citizenship in a global community.

Although common situations involving roommate disputes, rumors, and bullying can be successfully resolved through peer mediation, not every kind of problem is suitable for this type of intervention. For example, assault or other criminal acts are not referred to the peer mediation program. Currently, the Program is developing a screening process, in consultation with other campus units, to determine the types of conflict that can be peer-mediated and the kinds that require referral to other units.

The Peer Mediation Program is a collaborative effort between OHRP, the Department of Resident Life, the Graduate Student, Staff, and Faculty Ombud Officer’s Offices, Office of Campus Programs, the Health Center, the Counseling Center, the University of Maryland Police Department, Office of Judicial Programs, Commuter Affairs and Community Service, the School of Public Affairs, the Honors Program, the Women's Studies Department, the Student Government Association, College Park Scholars, the Academy of Leadership, and the Maryland Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission.

The Peer Mediation Program is made possible with generous support from the Maryland Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission.