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Stanford University Main Quadrangle. View from corridor looking into Main Quad court with palm trees. Credit: Linda A. Cicero / Stanford News Service

Peer Mediators FAQs

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Explore frequently asked questions about Peer Mediators. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is mediation?
      • Mediation is a structured, interactive process where an impartial third party assists disputing parties in resolving conflict through the use of specialized communication and negotiation techniques.
      • Basically, if you have a problem, we'll try to (help you) solve it
  • Is the process judicial?
      • There is no connection to outcomes of this process and the Office of Community Standards (OCS), unless OCS makes a rerferal. If they do, that referral will allow each party to opt in.
  • Who can make a request? About whom?
      • Any student can make a request. The requests have to for concerns with other students.
  • Can I report a conflict without telling the person I’m arguing with first?
      • Mediation is consent-based process. Both parties should be in agreement that they should go to mediation to help resolve an issue. The person filling out the form should tell the other(s) before they submit it.
  • What are typical cases for peers?
      • Interpersonal disagreements (ex: lab mates who need to figure out how to work better together)
      • Disagreements in student organizations  (ex: someone is not pulling their weight and the entire board needs mediation)
      • Conflicts with a friend (ex: two people with very different approaches to their friendship want mediation to continue to be friends)
  • Is the process confidential?