Get involved with OSCR by…
Joining the OSCR Advisory Board
The OSCR Advisory Board is a student-led think tank that meets once a month for free food and insightful discussion of OSCR’s mission and practices assisting student in resolving conflicts. Conversations cover everything from the appeals process for formal arbitrations to the most effective layout of our website, and students of our Advisory Board frequently see their ideas and suggestions adopted by the University (including on this very page).
Acting as an Advisor to Students
Under the Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities, students are allowed to bring an advisor with them to any and all meetings at OSCR. Advisors assist students participating in the conflict resolution process. All U-M students, faculty, and staff are eligible to act as an advisor after undergoing brief training provided by OSCR.
Volunteering at OSCR
OSCR offers volunteer opportunities and unpaid internships to graduate and undergraduate students who seek hands on experience and training doing conflict resolution work. Volunteer opportunities are very flexible and may last the whole semester, the whole summer, or a shorter period of time during the school year such as facilitating resolution of a particular conflict. In addition to students, faculty and staff may also volunteer by serving as social justice mediators, facilitators, etc.
Working at OSCR
OSCR provides employment opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students. Students have robust involvement in OSCR’s work from being the first point of contact to those inquiring about OSCR, to meeting with those seeking services, to actively coordinating and facilitating conflict resolution through OSCR’s multiple pathways. Work-study recipients are particularly encouraged to apply for vacant postings.
Inviting OSCR to give a Workshop to your Organization or Group
OSCR offers educational workshops on issues and topics related to conflict management and resolution, which can be tailored for individual circumstances and needs, including preventative or reactive programming. Popular topics include conflict styles, listening skills, OSCR services, and identifying/resolving conflict. Request an OSCR workshop.
Participating in a Training provided by OSCR
OSCR periodically offers trainings to the campus community such as a 40-hour Social Justice Mediation training and other briefer conflict resolution trainings.
Amending the Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities
The Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities is a community-owned document. Students, staff, and faculty collectively authored the document and continue to revise it on an as-needed basis. Campus community members are encouraged to participate in updating the Statement and to propose amendments. See additional information on the Statement Amendment Process.
Serving as a Student Resolution Panelist
Each year, sixty students are appointed to serve as Student Panelists in the formal conflict resolution process administered by OSCR. Serving as a Student Panelist is by invitation only, through random selection each winter. Those who accept the invitation participate in a weekend training during the fall semester to learn about the resolution process specified in the Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities and hear from guest speakers from SAPAC, Student Legal Services, and many other corners of the University community.
Serving as a Resolution Officer
Judicious and thoughtful faculty and staff members are relied on to serve as Resolution Officers (ROs) in the formal conflict resolution process administered by OSCR. Depending on the type of arbitration selected, ROs may determine responsibility themselves or assist Student Panelists during the hearing. ROs must participate in a weekend training during the fall semester to learn more about how OSCR administers the Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
Contact OSCR to learn more about any of these opportunities!
