CIVIL MEDIATION COURSE
UT MARTIN
MARTIN, TENNESSEE

SESSION 1: 
MARCH 11, 13, 18, 20, 25 & 27                  6:30 - 9:30 P.M.
APRIL 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22 & 24                6:30 - 9:30 P.M.

SESSION II:
MAY 5 - 9                                                       8:00 - 5:00P.M.

SESSION III:

JULY 21 - 25                                                  8:00 - 5:00 P.M.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

While the course will necessarily deal to some extent with inter-personal conflict resolution in its skill-building segments, its focus on the resolution of conflict between individuals vs. companies-or-agencies, interdependent groups or units, either intra- or inter-organizational.  Specifically emphasized will be the skills required – communication, creative problem solving, facilitation – and the basic processes used – negotiation, conciliation, mediation – in conflict resolution.

The participants will examine the current theory in conflict resolution; legal, ethical, and emotional issues that are common in disputes; and the format by which employment disputes are resolved.    

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Participation completing this course will be able t

1.         Formulate skills in: communications, especially listening and giving feedback; creative idea generation and problem-solving; negotiation; mediation-facilitation. 

2.         Explore the dynamics of various conflict/negotiation contexts and the resolution techniques that may be appropriate to use in given situations.         

3.         Identify and differentiate between the various theoretical approaches to negotiation and mediation.  

4.         Summarize a broad range of dispute resolution processes both in concept and in execution.

5.         Apply, analyze, and reflect upon one’s skills involving the resolution of conflict between individuals, interdependent groups or units, either intra- or inter-organizational.

COURSE OVERVIEW

A substantial portion of the course will be devoted to roll-playing, processing in seminar format, and skill-building in the concepts and theories of conflict resolution and interest-based negotiation. Participation activities will be included as the course progresses. Class sessions will consist of seminar discussion of the manual as well as group activities and simulations. Because of the nature of the course and subject mater, your full participation of every trainee is essential.

This course meets the general mediation training requirements and includes the curriculum components specified by the ADRC for Rule 31 Mediators in general civil cases.  The course was approved by the ADRCX in April, 2007.

Training Schedule (scheduled will be adjusted for Fall class)

Day One

Hands-on Demonstration Exercise – Conflict, Competition and Cooperation
Conflict Resolution Theory of Mediation
A Word on Private Practice, Other Forums
Communication Skills Workshop
Role and Function of the Mediator
Non-Verbal Communication
Written Communication & Listening
Emotional Ventilation and Control
Understanding Others
Role Play Demonstration – Neutrality/Impartiality
Mediation Modes

Day Two

Negotiation Theory and Technique
Application of Negotiation Theory to Mediation
Preparing for the Mediation
Preparing the Participants
Summarizing, Setting the Agenda and Role Playing

Day Three

Brainstorming in Mediation:  The Mindset of the Mediator
Maintaining Control of the Process
Closing the Gap:  Finding Common Ground for an Agreement
Many Hats of the Mediator
When More Bargaining is Required

Day Four

Holding the Line:  Securing and Enforcing Commitments
Q & Q and Review of Day One, Two, and Three
Closing the Mediation: No Agreement/Partial Agreement
Additional Issues in Mediation (Family)
Domestic Violence Issues/Team Mediation
Putting It All Together

Day Five

Recording, Reporting and Professional Development
Mediation – Related Records
Variations from Court to Court, Program to Program
Central Role of  “The House” in Mediation
Small Group Tutorials – Maintaining Control Role Play #4
Memorandum of Understanding – Preparation & Role of Attorneys
Co-Mediation Activity – Role play, Observation & Feedback

Curriculum Developed by:  Raymond L. Stevenson, General Civil Case Mediator, Consultant & Mediation Institute.  Mr. Stevenson specializes in employment and federal & state compliance. The Consultant & Mediation Institute (CMI) was founded in 2005, in response to a need for skilled, independent, and industry specific dispute resolutions and training programs.  CMI’s panel is comprised of premiere conflict resolution experts with extensive experience in the courts, attorneys, law enforcement, juvenile staff, ministers, disciplinary haring authority, workplaces, families, divorce, school counselors, state agencies, universities, companies, and commercial industries.

Cost:  $1,275 includes training materials.
40 Hour General Civil Mediation Training Course for Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 31
Approved by the Tennessee Supreme Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission (ADRC)

Online:  http://www.utm.edu/departments/ecce/courses_nondegree.php

Mail completed form t  ECCE, 110 Gooch Hall, Martin, TN  38238

Debbie Mount, Director
Non-Degree Programs
Office of Extended Campus and Continuing Education
UT Martin
Martin, TN  38238
731-881-7104
731-881-7984 (Fax)