Mediation and dispute resolution are rapidly growing fields of study and sought after skills in the workplace. This comprehensive course provides the core skill sets necessary for the practice of mediation. As it becomes more and more apparent that individuals, families, groups, organizations, communities, and nations must begin to work together in peaceful ways for the common good, mediation and dispute resolution are poised to become increasingly popular. In mediation, a neutral third party, termed a mediator, works with both sides of a dispute to have them agree on their own terms, without someone else deciding what is best for them.

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TOPIC HIGHLIGHTS

1. Module One: Mediation and Advanced Dispute Resolution in Context
1. Introduction to the Mediation Process
2. Mediator Roles and Approaches
3. Overview of Roots of Conflict
4. Theories of Conflict
2. Module Two: Conflict Styles
1. Your Personal Style of Conflict
2. The Passive-Assertive-Aggressive Continuum
3. Aggressive Encounters and the Art of Questioning
3. Module Three: Pre-Negotiation and Designing Mediation
1. Management of Initial Contact with Disputants
2. Conflict Analysis and Pre-Planning
3. Preparing Ground Rules and Building Trust and Cooperation
4. Module Four: Communication Skills for Mediation
1. Assessment of Conflict Communication Skills
2. A Foundation for Nonviolent Communication
3. Good Communicators are Good Listeners
4. Building Rapport
5. Module Five: Beginning the Mediation
1. Mediators Opening Statement
2. Creating a Positive Climate and Defining Issues
3. Setting an Agenda
4. An Overview of Negotiation
6. Module Six: Mediator Neutrality and Issues of Power, Gender, and Culture
1. Neutrality and Impartiality
2. Impartiality and Counter-Transference
3. Gender and Culture in Mediation
4. Culture and Conflict
7. Module Seven: The Middle Stage of Mediation
1. Uncovering and Examining Hidden Interests
2. The Use of Caucuses
3. Dealing with Intractability and Impasses
4. Taming the Hard Bargainer
8. Module Eight: Mediation Ethics, Final Bargaining and Agreement
1. Generating Options
2. Final Bargaining
3. The Agreement: Crafting the MOU
4. Ethical Standards

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CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS

A 70% or better must be achieved in order to receive a Certificate of Completion.

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COURSE OBJECTIVES

• Apply advanced dispute resolution skills to conflict situations
• Apply concepts of conflict theory to conflict situations at multiple system levels
• Apply the mediation process to interpersonal conflict
• Analyze the differences between four of the most common mediation approaches
• Analyze conflict using the concepts of empowerment theory
• Increase self-awareness regarding approach and reaction to conflict
• Understand the significance of gender and culture in mediation
• Understand and apply skills for working through impasse in mediation
• Demonstrate the ability to identify hidden interests in conflict
• Demonstrate the ability to facilitate the resolution of conflict and reach agreement
• Demonstrate effective communication and relationship skills in mediation.
• Articulate and apply ethical standards for practice
• Demonstrate a stance of neutrality and impartiality in mediation

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PDF BROCHURE

Please click here to download the PDF brochure for the Gatlin online courses offered by OCPE.

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WHO SHOULD ATTEND

There are no prerequisites for this course.

A certificate course in mediation can help you advance in the workplace and enhance the skills listed on your current resume. The course is also intended for those students who wish to one day build a private practice in mediation and alternative dispute resolution.

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Coming soon!

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1. How do I register for a Gatlin online course?

Please contact our office on the Fairfax campus in Northern Virginia (NOVA) or call 703-993-2113. Click here for more information or to download a copy of the registration form.

2. How much do Gatlin online courses cost?

To view the prices for all Gatlin courses that are offered by George Mason University, please click here.

3. Why do I have to take Gatlin courses through a participating school?

Gatlin does not offer courses directly to the public. They partner with major colleges and universities to offer their programs.

4. Do I have to travel to register for or to attend a Gatlin online course?

All Gatlin courses are delivered entirely online, you do not have to go to a class or travel to a school. If you are unable to visit our office on the Fairfax campus in Northern Virginia (NOVA), please contact us at 703-993-2113 or click here for more information or to register for a course.

5. How long does it take to complete a Gatlin course?

All of our Gatlin courses are asynchronous. You can start and finish the course at your own pace. Most courses are designed to be completed within 180 days. You may request an extension if you think you will need more time to complete a course (fees may apply). Please contact us at 703-993-2113 or click here if you have any questions or if you would like to register for a course.

6. Do I have to buy additional materials?

Please refer to the green Included Materials box located on the upper right hand side of this page. If materials are included in this course, they will be shipped by Gatlin to you via UPS ground service after you have registered for a course.

7. Can I get financial aid for Gatlin courses?

Gatlin courses are non-credit and therefore are not eligible for Federal Student Aid. However there are a number of loan programs that can be used to fund your course. Click here to view a list of these options or call 703-993-2113 for more information. Gatlin also provides a loan opportunity for students (www.collegeloanapplication.com).

8. What happens when I complete the course?

If you obtain a final passing grade of 70% or greater in a course, we will award you a George Mason University certificate of completion.

9. Who will be my instructor?

Each student is paired up with a facilitator for one-on-one interaction. The facilitator will be available (by e-mail) to answer any questions you may have and to provide feedback on your performance. Facilitators are all successful working professionals in the fields in which they teach.

10. What are the system requirements in order to take an online course?

Please see the "PC requirements" section listed for individual courses.

11. When can I start the course?

Registrations are rolling. Please send us your registration form at the time you wish to start your course. Registrations take five to seven business days to process.

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