A presentation crafted by Amy Timmerman and Alex Stewart for 90 Resident Assistants (RAs) at Florida Atlantic University. This workshop was constructed to provide expectations, guidelines, and resources for RAs to feel confident in performing mediations with their residents.

1. Mediation
Workshop
By Alexandria Stewart and Amy Timmerman

2. Flow Chart for Mediation
Conflict reported
to RA
RA informs
supervisor
RA meets with all
parties individually
RA holds group
mediation
RA emails supervisor
about follow-up
RA of residents follows up
after mediation
1. 2. 3.
4. 5. 6.

3. “Am I the best person
for this situation?”
Don’t be afraid to ask for help

4. Be intentional about room set up
Be strategic about where everyone sits
within the space
If the problems are caused within the
room, use an outside space like a
conference room
The Set-Up
If rules are broken:
“Let’s take a
minute. Cool off,
take a walk. We
can revisit this
another time.”

5. Don’t jump right into the mediation.
Ask open-ended questions.
Try to get everyone talking equally
– don’t let one person’s answer
matter more than another’s.
Disarm
“How has your day
been?”
“Tell me about your
classes.”

6. What is mediator’s role in these situations?
● Establish guidelines
● Promote conversation
● Ensure all voices are heard
● Gather everyone’s insight and experiences
● Serve as an unbiased resource
Define

7. Let everyone state their case
individually, then work together as a
group and then create an action plan.
Everyone has a stake in the mediation
– the space and relationship is shared
with each individual.
Discussion
“How has this
impacted you &
what do you
want to get out
of this?”

8. Reiterate what you heard as the mediator
Make time for any extra questions and offer up space if anyone
wants to stay after
Let everyone know what their action items are and what follow
up will look like from you (or their RA)
Wrapping Up

9. Roleplays

10. Everyone will interpret the
situation differently
Tailor things to your strengths

11. Remain objective as the mediator – don’t pick sides
All parties need to consent to the mediation
Be conscious of the space’s layout and setup
Make room for everyone’s voice
Key Takeaways

12. Mini Quiz

13. Questions?

14. Flow Chart for Mediation
Conflict reported
to RA
RA informs
supervisor
RA meets with all
parties individually
RA holds group
mediation
RA emails supervisor
about follow-up
RA of residents follows up
after mediation
1. 2. 3.
4. 5. 6.

15. Thank you!