The options available for Informal Resolution for students working with CACE at Lewis & Clark are primarily pulled from the Spectrum Model (Shrage & Thompson, 2009) from the University of Michigan. In this model and its framework of inclusive excellence, there are multiple pathways of resolution that range from informal and minimal involvement on the part of the College to more formal and highly involved pathways. This approach centers around the idea that students, their needs, and their conflicts must be addressed in ways that meet their individual and situational needs. The availability of these options may vary depending on the staff trained and available to facilitate them.
Students may request assistance with a student conflict through CACE. Please consult with us about which of these approaches may be best for your individual situation. These options may also be available for any student in conflict with another student, even if a policy violation is not present.
The Office of Community Accountability & Conflict Education can meet privately with a student who is seeking guidance on how to engage in a conflict more effectively and independently.
The Office of Community Accountability & Conflict Education or other designated College staff can facilitate conversations between 2+ individuals to help them overcome communication barriers and engage in conversations around mutual interests and concerns. This differs from a mediation, because this conversation will seek understanding rather than to produce agreements. This is also not connected to the College’s Community Dialogue program, though our staff often serve as facilitators for this process, too.
The Office of Community Accountability & Conflict Education, or other designated College staff, can facilitate a conciliatory intervention between individuals or groups to develop shared & mutually acceptable solutions to their conflict. In cases where a mediation is needed between roommates, Community Accountability & Conflict Education may refer a mediation out to the appropriate Campus Living Area Director or Resident Advisor of those students.
Based on Indigenous practices of peacemaking, Restorative Justice practices focus on inclusive decision-making, active accountability, repairing harm, and rebuilding trust. We incorporate this concept in many of our informal resolution options, but one specific practice includes restorative justice conferences or circles. These gatherings provide an opportunity for community members to come together to address harmful behavior in a process that explores harms and needs, obligations, and necessary engagement. Involved community members include responsible parties, impacted parties, supporting parties and facilitators. Circles bring all parties together to meet, talk about what happened, and settle on a plan to repair the harm.
For deeply divided parties where a Complainant may not want to directly face the Respondent(s), Community Accountability & Conflict Education can help manage conflict and create solutions without parties needing to address each other directly. Community Accountability & Conflict Education staff will meet individually with those involved and will go back and forth between parties to find mutually acceptable solutions.
To request a consultation on what resolution option might be best for a conflict you or a peer are experiencing, email cace@lclark.edu to book an appointment. Please note, CACE cannot assist with staff or faculty related conflicts.
If you are participating in a mediation or restorative justice circle/conference, you can complete your Informed Consent Form by clicking the link below:
