Mediation Services at Ball State
The Center for Peace and Conflict Studies offers a diverse variety of mediation services to faculty members, staff, and students affiliated with Ball State University and to individuals, organizations, agencies, companies, and others located off campus. Our team of mediators is comprised of individuals from Ball State University.
What is mediation?
Mediation is a process involving at least two parties that are experiencing a conflict and are working toward achieving an acceptable resolution. In mediation, each party both individually and collectively discusses and addresses issues and concerns, strives to achieve mutual understanding, and work toward establishing agreements that will resolve the conflict. Mediation has a structure and timetable. The mediation process is private, confidential, and facilitated by one or more trained, neutral mediators.
What are the benefits of mediation?
- Private and confidential, ensuring that all discussions and procedures remain protected
- Participation is voluntary, allowing individuals to engage in the process by choice
- Resolving concerns cooperatively, mediation strengthens relationships and contributes to a safer, more connected community
- Helps participants build self-esteem, develop mutual respect, and gain practical skills for addressing future concerns
- Mediation is time-efficient, often leading to faster resolutions than more formal dispute processes
- Appointments scheduled to accommodate the availability of those involved
Time and Location
The type of mediation service needed and characteristics of the clients, influences which and how many mediators deliver the service. The appropriate location is based on the service needed and will be in the Center or elsewhere. The length of mediation can vary from one hour for a mediation intake session or mediation lecture to potentially 32 hours for an intensive mediation-training program designed to prepare individuals to become mediators. In general, a mediation involving two parties will require one hour per party for an intake, and three hours for the mediation session itself.
Conflict Prevention and Resolution Services
Conflicts arise, for instance, at work, school, home, and in the community. The Center for Peace and Conflict Studies offers various training programs to teach individuals skills that can help to resolve such conflicts constructively. Learning these skills can prevent and resolve conflicts, and can contribute to maintaining and building more fulfilling and rewarding relationships. Conflict prevention and resolution skills can enhance understanding between people, facilitate appropriate discussions, and assist with effectively managing emotional responses.
De-Escalation Services
The Center for Peace and Conflict Studies offers various training programs to teach individuals de-escalation skills. These verbal and non-verbal skills are used to prevent or reduce the escalation of a conflict or potentially dangerous or violent behaviors without the use of physical or psychological force. Effectively employing these skills leads to “turning down the temperature” of a volatile situation.
Scheduling Information
For further information and to schedule mediation services, contact the Center for Peace & Conflict Studies at 765-285-1622 or peacecenter@bsu.edu.
How Much Does Mediation Cost?
Mediation Session
$50 to $200 per hour for each mediator depending on the number of parties and each party’s financial ability. Mediation services are free of charge to persons affiliated with Ball State University. Ball State units receiving services are responsible for paying each mediator $125 per hour of service.
Mediation Training
$750 to $1500 per participant depending on the number of participants, the number of sessions, and the assets of the requesting organization. Training can be for 28 or 32 (includes train the trainer session) hours.
Conflict Prevention/Resolution or De-Escalation Skills Training
$125 to $200 per hour for each trainer depending on the number of participants, the number of sessions, and the assets of the requesting organization. Training can be for 2, 4, or 8 hours. Training is available free of charge to Ball State units.
Mediation, Conflict Prevention/Resolution, or De-Escalation Lecture
$125 to $200 per hour for each trainer depending on the number of participants, the number of sessions, and the assets of the requesting organization. A lecture on mediation is available free of charge to Ball State units and classes.