The Office of Human Relations is establishing the new UMBC Center for Mediation and Conflict Resolution, and is embarking on a recruitment process to train campus mediators. Recruitment will begin with an orientation for faculty, staff, and students who might be interested in serving as mediators. The orientation will be held from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 21 in Room 767 of the Albin O. Kuhn Library.

The goal of the Center for Mediation and Conflict Resolution is to provide an early intervention strategy to avoid unnecessary disruption and suffering that occur when interpersonal conflicts arise in the campus community.

The Center for Mediation and Conflict Resolution will offer 45 hours of Basic Mediator training and 5 hours of Apprenticeship training. This model for mediator training will also provide an excellent foundation for anyone interested in pursuing the opportunity to mediate cases under the auspices of the Maryland Circuit Court or one of the state’s 15 community mediation centers.

Those who are interested but cannot attend the Oct. 21 orientation are urged to contact Adrienne L. Mercer at almercer@umbc.edu.

The mission of the UMBC Office of Human Relations is the development and implementation of programs that promote equal opportunity and respect for all members of the UMBC campus community. The Center for Mediation and Conflict Resolution is consistent with that mission.

Funding for the Center will come, in part, through the UMBC annual budget and, in part, thought a seed grant from the Maryland Judiciary’s Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office (MACRO).

Questions should be directed to Adrienne L. Mercer at 5-1606, or almercer@umbc.edu.