Support Available For Student Conflict

By Shay Bright, Assistant Director
Conflict Resolution & Student Conduct Services

Conflict Resolution Services at Colorado State University is a service for your college student. Conflict Resolution Services, located within the office of Conflict Resolution and Student Conduct Services, is funded by student fees. The office has trained staff that can assist students with various conflicts. Students can make an appointment to meet with our staff by calling (970) 491-7165.

College students, especially during the first year experience, face a variety of situations and may find themselves in the middle of a conflict. Throughout our experience, we have found that typical issues are: roommate disputes, academic matters and appeals, disciplinary matters and appeals, university policies and procedures, interpersonal difficulties, faculty/student issues, staff/student issues, supervisor/employee conflicts, and co-worker disputes.

If you find that your college student is involved in a conflict, whether it is personal or academic, encourage him or her to make an appointment. We provide a safe place for the student to share his or her concerns as we engage in conversation and answer student's questions. Additionally, we can explain university policies and procedures, provide information and advice, suggest appropriate referrals, provide information and advice, and assist in pursuing a resolution at the lowest level possible.

The role of Conflict Resolution Services is to assist all visitors in receiving fair and equitable treatment within the university system and to act as an advocate for a fair process, not as an advocate for the visitors or the university. We listen and consider all sides of an issue in an objective and impartial manner and empower visitors to solve conflicts on their own.

Conflict Resolution Services provides the following services:

• Consultation regarding options for resolution of your conflict
• Coaching on how you can solve your conflict
• Information regarding campus resources, policies, and procedures
• Mediation between willing parties
• Facilitate communication
• Group conflict resolution
• Referrals to other university personnel or university and community resources

Lastly, your college student can be assured that in most circumstances his or her visit will be kept confidential. Exceptions under the law include a court order, imminent danger to self and others, child abuse, and discrimination. These must be reported to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity and/or another appropriate authority. If the situation does not involve any of these circumstances, then all contacts, records, and communications will be kept confidential at Conflict Resolution Services. Please note that if your college student would like to talk to someone with full confidentiality privileges, please have him/her contact the Counseling Center, Women's Programs and Studies, Student Legal Services, or personnel at Hartshorn Health Center.