The dispute resolution center at the University of Massachusetts illustrates how a legal studies program can form the basis for conflict resolution in the local community as well as on campus. The center draws heavily on the skills and experience of individuals in both the academic and public sectors. (MLW)

Mediation programs in higher education devoted to resolution of faculty conflicts are discussed. The nature of the faculty enterprise and faculty peer conflicts is examined, and three universities' efforts to incorporate faculty-to-faculty conflict resolution systems on campus are described. The organizational culture of each institution defined…

Abilene Christian University uses a hybrid governance model. Centralized structures include traditional program departments that supply the faculty and curriculum development for online graduate programs. Decentralized structures include an associate provost and separate student services for the online program.

Basic characteristics and factors in conflict and conflict management in the context of institutions of higher education are examined, particularly as they interact in the context of a higher education institution. Drawing on the literature, trends in conflict management approaches, reasons for conflict, and results of conflict are identified.…

Discussion of the conflict common in the relationship between a college and its host community looks at some of its common characteristics and at institutional barriers to the use of alternative dispute resolution strategies using a third party. A preventive approach is recommended over reactive forms of resolution, and this approach is…

Understanding the roles implicit in the collective bargaining process is seen as essential to being prepared for negotiations. The collective bargaining process, selecting a chief negotiator, gathering information for negotiations, determining guidelines and positions, formulating the negotiation team, conduct of negotiations, etc. are discussed.…

The American Association of University Professors, the leading agency in higher education in developing the principles and standards governing the relationships of academic life, has also assumed responsibility for implementing these principles and standards in specific situations. The Association turns to formal investigation and censure only if…

One way universities have served society since the Middle Ages is by providing an environment giving students and faculty freedom to explore new ideas without fear of retribution. Properly used, conflict can be the catalyst for advancing wisdom. However, the university is at risk when rational discourse is replaced by conflict as the means of…

The American Association of University Administrators (AAUA), an organization for administrators that offers a mediation service for resolving disputes concerning professional standards, is described. Causes of disputes, mediation procedures, users of AAUA's mediation service, selection of mediators, costs, reactions to the process, and mediation…

The new president of Miami University (Ohio) recounts the controversy he encountered over the name of the university's athletic teams, considered racist and insensitive by some, and his approach to the issue. Public discussion of the volatile issue, led by the president, took a large amount of time but was felt to be worthwhile. (MSE)

This article argues that conflict has been a part of higher education since its inception, and that many problems faced by academics today have centuries-old prototypes. Conflict types include those between academics and community, religion and secularism, research and teaching, administration and the teaching profession, students and institution,…

A support group formed by three deans of social work schools and sustained over a seven-year period of change for each institution helped each dean address issues in organizational change. Agenda topics included tenure and promotion, selecting senior administrators, dealing with faculty conflict, managing budgets, responding to student concerns,…