History of the initiative

In 1995, the University System of Georgia Board of Regents' initiative and the Consortium on Negotiation and Conflict Resolution established a system-wide conflict resolution program as a way to:

  1. Communicate differences without opposition
  2. Resolve conflict at the lowest level
  3. Improve institutional environment
  4. Lead the development of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in higher education

As a response to the Board of Regents' directive, VSU created a committee of representatives from across campus.  The committee reports to the University President.

Board of Regents Conflict Resolution Goals

  • To establish System-wide conflict resolution programs which are developed for and well integrated into the particular institutions culture of each campus.
  • To decrease reliance on adversarial process, both within the System and in its dealings with other persons and agencies.
  • To achieve timely, equitable, and satisfactory resolutions at the lowest level and reduce conflict recurrence.
  • To make the institutional environment more protective of human dignity and trust, more respectful of the value of conflict, and more effective in fostering communication and community.
  • To make the University System of Georgia an exemplary and nationally recognized leader in the development of ADR in higher education.