Experiencing Conflict?

The Office of Student Conflict Resolution provides a variety of programs and services designed to support a safe, just and peaceful community, and to help Michigan students learn how to manage and resolve conflict peacefully.

Conflict between Faculty/Staff and Students

Off Campus Conflict

Ways to Resolve My Conflict

Four Things to Keep in Mind during a Disagreement

Both you and the other person should be respectful and feel respected at all times during an argument. If you can feel the tension rising in the room (e.g. escalated voices, inappropriate language) use your words to bring attention to this. It might be more constructive to walk away and return to the issue at a later time.

Definitions

A. Physically harming and/or directly threatening harm of any other person or group in a manner which would cause a reasonable person to fear for physical safety.

Campus Community Perspectives

Assault: an intentional act, verbal or physical, that can be described as creating fear of physical harm.

The Relationship between OSCR and the Statement

The Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities is a community-owned document that sets forth the University’s values and expectations for resolving conflicts and is intended to maintain a campus climate that supports learning for all students. Similar to policies articulating standards for academic behavior within the University’s schools and colleges, the Statement sets forth the expectations for non-academic behavior for all undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor.

Faculty/Staff and Student Conflicts

OSCR offers services that may be useful for some conflicts between students and faculty/staff members. A one-on-one conflict coaching or consultation session between you and an OSCR staff member may be helpful in exploring various approaches to a particular conflict. Other resources for conflicts with faculty members are Academic Deans or Department Chairs in the faculty member’s academic unit, the Ombud’s office, and the Office of Institutional Equity.

Minor in Possession (MIP)

Alcohol and other drug use may constitute a significant health risk with consequences for student academic and personal success. As described in the Statement, University students are expected to uphold institutional values and maintain a high standard of conduct both on and off-campus. The University believes it is essential that students involved in alcohol or drug-related incidents learn about resources designed to support their healthy decision-making, well-being, and success. When given an MIP while off-campus the University will get involved in this incident.

Off-Campus Conflict Resolution

Off-Campus Statement Violations

Per the Statement, “Behavior which occurs in the city of Ann Arbor, on University controlled property, or at University sponsored events and programs may violate the Statement. Behavior which occurs outside the city of Ann Arbor or outside University controlled property may violate the Statement only if the behavior poses an obvious and serious threat or harm to any member(s) of the University community.”

Academic Misconduct

The Statement does not cover Academic Integrity. Therefore, OSCR is not involved with questions of Academic Misconduct. Each school and college at the University has established statments and procedures related to Academic Integrity and Academic Misconduct.