Dear SSEC and Undercurrent members:

 

Dr. David Carnevale and I have organized a mediation process for SSEC and The Undercurrent. Dr. Carnevale is a professional mediator with a long history of serving as a mediator for all types of organizations, especially unions.  To look into mediation to resolve the dispute involving the Undercurrent, SSEC, and other student organizations in the area was my idea.  My own interest in mediation stems from my realization that no matter how old, or wise one is, good conflict resolution skills are as useful as they are rare, and this is particularly true among progressive organizations, leaders, and people (why? maybe because conservative organizations allow very little room for dissent?). In more down to earth terms: it is quite depressing to see how urgently needed coalitions and alliances among progressive organizations collapse because the only perceived way out of conflict is aggression followed by distance. 

 

The goals of this mediation process are:

1. To settle issues and disputes between the Undercurrent and SSEC. The idea is to eventually bring in the student organizations from other campuses involved;

2. To establish clear procedures and by-laws that can prevent future disputes and misunderstandings;

3. To learn how to deal with disputes, differences, conflicts, etc. in a way that can lead to win-win resolutions.

 

The mediation sessions are planned as follows

Clemencia Rodriguez
Associate Professor
Department of Communication
University of Oklahoma
610 Elm Ave
Norman, OK 73019
(405) 325 1570
Fax (405) 325 7625