Graduate Certificate in Mediation and Conflict (HPU)

Graduate Certificate In

Mediation and Conflict

Hawai‘i Pacific University www.hpu.edu/grad Hawai‘i Pacific University Center for Graduate and Adult Services 1164 Bishop St., Suite 911 Honolulu, HI 96813 Phone: (808) 544-1135 Toll free: (866) GRAD-HPU E-mail: graduate@hpu.edu

Hawai‘i Pacific University

Program Overview

P

rofessionals in business, government, education, law, and health care, to name a few, as well as any of us in our roles as parents, partners, and friends, may find that we spend more and more of our time attempting to manage or resolve conflict. Conflict is an increasingly common way of life, yet the methods and strategies for dealing with conflict have not always kept pace with the increasing number and complexity of disputes individuals find themselves engaging.

The Certificate Program in Mediation and Conflict at Hawaii Pacific University provides postbaccalaureate training for professionals, students, and individuals who seek a better understanding of the nature of conflict and appropriate and effective methods to settle disputes in business, professional, personal, and social settings. The program provides training for individuals that require extensive client contact, as well as those who want to develop knowledge in persuasion and negotiation. Graduates will also be able to employ the communication skills necessary for a successful mediation practice. The program entails 180 hours of instruction and supervised practice--far more than any other mediation training provided in the state.

Benefits & Objectives The program provides a foundation of communication-based mediation skills that would allow individuals to engage in mediation practice and corporations to initiate “in-house” centers for dispute resolution, thereby avoiding expensive and divisive law suits. It also provides advanced instruction in applied communication, conflict, persuasion, negotiation, and mediation practice.

Specific Student Learning Outcomes include the following: 1. Improve foundational and applied communication skills.

2. Gain knowledge into how differences in behavior, culture, and gender affect people and situations.

3. D evelop confidence in interviewing, intervention, negotiation, mediation, and conflict management to assist groups or individuals to come to an agreement on issues or outcomes.

4. Recognize specific ideological differences that collaborate in communication breakdowns.

5. D esign and apply effective communication techniques through learned conflict management and mediation skills.

Eligibility and Certification Participants in the program will be taking graduate-level courses within Hawaii Pacific University’s Department of Communication. Courses are specially designed for working professionals, current graduate students, and returning students who wish to enhance their professional and personal skills in applied communication. Participants need not be enrolled in a Hawaii Pacific University graduate program and are eligible to take courses in The Certificate Program in Mediation and Conflict if they have completed a baccalaureate degree (i.e., Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science) at an accredited U.S. university. Exceptions may be granted by the Director of the Mediation Program to individuals based on their professional experience.

Upon successful completion of all required coursework with a minimum 3.0 grade point average, and upon filing a Completion of Program Form, students will be awarded a Certificate in Mediation and Conflict from Hawaii Pacific University.

Program Design Students will complete 12 units of graduate level coursework as specified below. The program is designed to be completed in as little as one summer.

Certificate Program in Mediation and Conflict Courses

Credits Summer I Summer IV

Fall Spring

Mediation and Conflict

3

x

x

Persuasion and Negotiation

3

x

x

Communication Strategies

3

x

x

Mediation Practice for Professionals

3

x

x

Total Credits: 12 Required Courses Mediation and Conflict COM 6600 This study of mediation as facilitated communication examines how mediation can be used in various contexts as well as significant legal, ethical, and situational considerations. The course also provides an overview of the nature of conflict, conflict styles and patterns, management and resolution processes, and the role of communication. Students will develop the communication skills necessary for successful mediation, learn mediation stages and procedures, and observe mediation in practice.

Persuasion and Negotiation COM 6610 This course examines the art and science of influence in order to improve the student’s ability to understand the nature of persuasion, communicate more effectively, and respond appropriately to the influence attempts of others. Topics include sources of influence, managing power relationships, and the use of effective techniques of persuasion in mediation. Students also learn theoretical foundations and practical applications of negotiation strategies, processes, and skills. Students will participate in individual and group negotiations.

Communication Strategies for Professionals COM 6620 This course focuses on communication strategies designed to promote productive interaction and competent management of disagreements in professional settings. Topics include the role of perception and its influence on communication and conflict, listening and paraphrasing, verbal and nonverbal communication, gender and cultural differences, and working with people when their behavior is unpleasant or difficult. Specific strategies include identifying common ground, reframing, asking questions, identifying boundaries, and the use of humor. The Meyers-Briggs type indicator is utilized to explore personality types and learn new and more effective ways of communicating.

COM 6600 Mediation and Conflict (may be concurrently enrolled) Mediation Practice COM 6630 This course focuses on the development of mediation skills through intensive practice, with students working in small groups with a coach. Topics include convening the parties, delivering an articulate opening statement, conducting all stages of the mediation process to include both joint sessions and caucus, and drafting a cohesive written agreement. The course has a Practicum component that provides opportunities for students to work under the direct leadership of a professional facilitator or mediator on actual public participation, consensus building, or conflict resolution projects.

Pre: COM 6600, 6610, and 6620 (may be concurrently enrolled)