Safety and Assurances

Confidentiality

The mediation process offers a safe and open environment to talk about concerns and to explore resolution options. All mediators are ethically bound to standards of confidentiality. The mediators and staff of the CEDRS program will not share any information that is disclosed to them unless they are required to do so by law or judicial order, or unless the person sharing the information authorizes the disclosure. Participants agree at the outset to keep what happens in the mediation confidential. Please see the full confidentiality policy statement at PPM Section 10 - Dispute Resolution: Campus Employee Dispute Resolution Services (CEDRS).

Enforceability

Mediated agreements between supervisors and their subordinates-that do not violate University policy, State or Federal law, or any relevant collective bargaining agreement-will be considered binding. Therefore, it is important that supervisors who come to the table have the authority to enter into a settlement, or have access to such authority during the mediated session if necessary, and that all parties make a good faith effort to uphold their agreements. Please see the durability of agreements statement at PPM Section 10 - Dispute Resolution: Campus Employee Dispute Resolution Services (CEDRS).

Neutrality

A central element of the CEDRS program is neutrality. CEDRS' mission is to provide a safe venue for employees to discuss their conflicts and find their own solutions. Neither the CEDRS program nor its staff or mediators represent or advocate for individuals or individual points of view-nor do they decide who is right or wrong, or make any judgments about the case. Those utilizing CEDRS services retain the power to make their own decisions, and are never forced to accept a resolution plan that they have not developed and chosen for themselves.

Prohibition of retaliation

University policy prohibits retaliation against any person solely for requesting or participating in a facilitated dispute resolution process, or for raising an issue during mediation or conferencing. Please see the non retaliation policy at PPM Section 10 - Dispute Resolution: Campus Employee Dispute Resolution Services (CEDRS).