Mediation is a resource for both students and their supervisors that compliments the Student Labor Grievance Procedure as outlined on page 19 of the Berea College Student Labor Program Policies and Procedures Manual, 2002-2003. A mediation may occur at any time during the Grievance Process but is most effective in the first two steps of the process:

A student with a labor related problem should first discuss this situation with the supervisor. Most difficulties can be handled at this level. However, if it cannot be solved here, the next step is to discuss the grievance with the head of the department.

A mediation is conducted by a representative of the labor program and results are official and binding. A follow-up person will be designated as a resource for particpants and to aid in the follow through of agreements made during the mediatoin. This person will also keep the mediation record on file.

As outlined in the Grievance Process, a student may still elect to file an official complaint to the Dean of Labor, if they feel that the mediation and/or its outcome has not been succesful. A decision made by the Dean of Labor may be appealed by the student to the Labor Program Council.

Mediator Expectations

• To uphold high standards of professionalism in conducting the process
• To respect the rights of the participants to confidentiality
• To accurately represent the norms and aims of the Berea College Labor Program
• To strive for impartiality in working toward compromise

Participant Expectations

• To respect the process and all of its participants
• To repect the rights of the participants to confidentiality
• To demonstrate willingness to work towards compromise
• To honor all agreements made as a result of the mediation