Conflict.
A word everyone wants to avoid, but is sometimes impossible on a college campus. By this time of the year, students may be experiencing conflict, especially with roommates. To help resolve conflicts on campus, the office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution (SCCR) has created the new registered student organization, Redbirds Resolving Conflict. This organization uses restorative justice and mediation to resolve conflicts on and off campus.
Restorative justice is a discussion process where a student, or designated registered student organization representatives, meet with other community members in order to identify actions to repair harm done. Mediation is a process guided by SCCR staff where students clearly identify interests, needs, and resolution options, and then suggestions are provided by SCCR staff.
Justin Stern, a senior specialist in SCCR, states, “Redbirds Resolving Conflict is a great opportunity for students to get involved within the campus and the Bloomington-Normal community. Our goal is to rebuild connections and trust inside and outside of campus.”
Members of this organization, otherwise known as student conflict specialists, will be trained on restorative justice and mediation. Stern emphasizes that this is a student-run process to ensure that students are helping out other students. Not only is this an opportunity for students to gain life skills, but skills that will be highly valuable in the workforce.
For more information about joining Redbirds Resolving Conflict or if you are currently experiencing conflict, contact Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution at (309) 438-8621.
Megan Snodsmith was a contributor to this article.
