A new service aimed at resolving disputes within the University of Aberdeen community will be officially launched at a special event at King’s College tonight (Wednesday, November 30).
AU Mediation is a new service being offered through Aberdeen University Students’ Association (AUSA). The initiative, believed to be the first of its kind among universities nationally, will be open to all community members of the University.
The service will be operated by trained University community members under the auspices of AUSA.
Patrick Sloan Student Coordinator of AU Mediation, said: “Disputes can affect our daily university and work environment and can add an enormous amount of stress to an already stressful life.
“Disputes also affect the way we interact with each other and produce unhealthy results.”
The types of disputes appropriate for AU Mediation include: flatmate disputes, neighbour disputes, work group disputes, and organisation/society/club disputes.
Requirements for the Service include: a recognised conflict between two or more persons, at least one being at University of Aberdeen member, and parties must agree to use the service.
Margaret Ross, Senior Lecturer in Law and mediation adviser to the service continued, “Mediation is a completely confidential process.
“Mediation occurs when a neutral, impartial, third party (the Mediator) facilitates discussions between disputing parties in an attempt to attain a mutually acceptable outcome.”
AU Mediation will be launched tonight (Wednesday) from 6.30pm – 8.30pm in Elphinstone Gallery. The launch includes a short talk and demonstration of community mediation from the team leader of the Community Mediation Services for Aberdeen City and Shire.
Further information on AU Mediation is available by contacting Aberdeen University Students’ Association on (01224) 272965 or email: mediation@abdn.ac.uk.