A-to-Z Index

Conflict Resolution Resources

Employee Mediation Services JMU policy 1404
JMU's HR Service Center provides Employee Mediation Services to assist employees from all across campus in resolving conflict. Through mediation, a process that is designed to encourage open conversation between the parties, participants are able to have honest dialogue. Issues are addressed at the lowest level instead of moving up the "chain of command". The process includes a time for each individual to state his/her issues in an informal, non-adversarial way. The goal is to find common ground and reach an agreement or solution to his/her issue.

Mediators are JMU employees from all levels who have been nominated, selected and highly trained to serve as mediators. Their role is to assist fellow employees in arriving at their own solutions - not to judge. 

Mediation sessions are available for both individuals and for groups. Common issues include work style differences, supervisory style differences and issues before a grievance is filed - any issue affecting a working relationship between co-workers. In a nutshell, anything that a "good open talk" would help is appropriate for mediation. 

All topics discussed in the mediation session are confidential. The agreement written by the parties is not confidential; however, it will not be discussed or published except on a "need-to-know" basis.

If you would like more information, visit JMU's Employee Mediation Services website, send an email to mediation@jmu.edu or contact Cathy Thomas, Employee Ombudsperson at (540) 568-3967.

Employee Ombudsperson
The office of the Employee Ombudsperson is a safe place for employees to

  • voice concerns
  • evaluate situations
  • organize thoughts to figure out options
  • talk through problems
  • seek mediation
  • receive guidance with the grievance process
  • gain an understanding of university policies and procedures

Your employee ombudsperson offers free, neutral guidance to members of the JMU community and is only a phone call or email away when workplace issues arise. Consider talking with your Ombudsperson when you experience a situation at work that is awkward, bothering you or when you feel you need a listening ear. Visit JMU's Employee Ombudsperson website for additional information and directions to the office.

Contact Cathy Thomas, Employee Ombudsperson (540) 568-3967, thomasce@jmu.edu or the HR Service Center at (540) 568-6165 to speak with Cathy or to schedule a visit.

Grievance Procedure/Virginia Department of Employment Dispute Resolution (EDR)
Non-probationary, classified employees have access to the Grievance Procedure to address work-related complaints or disputes. This formal process is administered through the Virginia Department of Employment Dispute Resolution. When informal methods do not lead to a settlement of differences, the formal Grievance Procedure may be the next step in conflict resolution. Some examples of issues which may be grieved include

  • Disciplinary actions including dismissals, demotions, and suspensions
  • Misapplication of personnel policies, procedures, rules, regulations, ordinances, and statutes
  • Discrimination as a member of a protected class
  • Retaliation for participating in the grievance process
  • Retaliation for reporting a violation of law
  • Arbitrary or capricious performance evaluations

Whenever possible, the university encourages employees to discuss concerns with their immediate supervisor, or in certain cases with upper management, to seek solutions to work-related problems. Employee Mediation Services are available to all employees. The Employee Ombudsperson assists employees with the process and provides forms for filing a grievance. For additional information on the Grievance Procedure visit the Virginia Department of Employee Dispute Resolution website or contact an EDR consultant at (888) 232-3842.

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