Archive Fall 2001: The UCI Cooperative for Problem Resolution

The UCI Cooperative for Problem Resolution

Kirsten Quanbeck,
Associate Director, Office of Equal Opportunity & Diversity
Published Fall 2001

The Cooperative for Problem Resolution (CPR) provides confidential services for informal conflict negotiation and formal dispute resolution. It is comprised of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity, Ombudsman, Campus Mediation, Faculty and Staff Assistance Program and the Sexual Harassment Officer

The Campus Mediation Program and the Ombudsman Office offer informal methods for dispute resolution. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity (OEOD) and Sexual Harassment Officer (SHO) also assist in the informal resolution of grievance; however, under certain circumstances, the OEOD & SHO will conduct formal investigations of complaints involving discrimination and/or sexual harassment. Although the CPR philosophy emphasizes and encourages the use of informal dispute resolution before filing a formal complaint, a formal complaint can be filed with the OEOD or the SHO at any time.

As a graduate student, you might need advice in resolving a variety of work-related conflicts, academic disputes, or personal issues that can encumber your working or learning experience at the University. In these instances, the CPR offices offer neutral environments in which you can discuss these sensitive matters and can receive information about the confidential, voluntary, and effective processes that are available to resolve professional and personal concerns. When you meet with a CPR staff member, you will receive an objective review of your problems as well as beneficial guidance that will enable you to choose an efficient resolution process to meet your specific needs.

Office of Equal Opporuntity and Diversity

About CPR Confidentiality

Confidentiality will be protected and honored to as great a degree as is possible. Every effort will be made to protect the privacy of all individuals throughout all phases of the complaint resolution process. with the exception of the Sexual Harassment Hotline, anonymity and complete confidentiality cannot be guaranteed once a complaint is made or unlawful behavior is made.

The UCI Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity offers graduate students a safe and confidential place to discuss issues, concerns, and conflicts involving sexual harassment, verbal abuse, or discrimination of any type, including discrimination based on gender, race, national origin, sexual orientation, medical condition, age, disability or veteran status. We are a team of civic rights experts who will listen to you and assist you in developing a plan of action to resolve conflicts, confront discrimination, and stop inappropriate behaviors. Depending on you situation, your concerns may be handled on a formal or informal basis.

What does OEOD do?

Investigates and responds to complaints of discrimination and/or harassment.

Explains and clarifies state and federal laws and regulations and University policies and procedures.

Works to ensure fair and equal treatment for all parties involved during the complaint process.

Compiles data for affirmative action and organizational analysis.

Offers departmental in-service training, team building and workshops in cultural awareness, civic rights, compliance, discrimination and/or harassment. Refers faculty, staff, students and others with concerns and/or complaints to appropriate service departments for informal complaint resolution.

Responds to outside agencies (i.e., Department of Fair Employment and Housing, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and/or other appropriate agencies.)

What OEOD will not do:

OEOD does not recommend, render judgment, or decide the course of disciplinary actions on any issue or person.

Title IX/Sexual Harrassment Officer

With the implementation of the UCI Policy on Sexual Harassment and Complaint Resolution Procedures, the University has taken a significant step forward in the elimination of sexual harassment on campus and at the Medical Center. As part of the effort, a Title IX/Sexual Harassment Officer has been appointed to provide educational programming and to assist in resolving sex discrimination and sexual harassment concerns. See www.sho.uci.edu for additional information.

The network of Sexual Harassment Advisors throughout the Campus and the Medical Center also assist individuals who raise allegations of sexual harassment. A current list of Sexual Harassment Advisors may be found in the UCI Telephone Directory or on the Sexual Harassment website. In addition, individuals wishing to make anonymous complaints of sexual harassment may contact the Sexual Harassment Call Line at (949) 824-7037.

Contacting OEOD and the Title IX/Sexual Harassment Officer:

Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity
4500 Berkeley Place
Irvine CA 92697-1130
(949) 824-5594
Email: oed@uci.edu
Web: eod.uci.edu

Ombudsman Office

The Ombudsman is a neutral, confidential, and informal resource to help individuals, departments, groups, and/or the institution achieve equitable solutions to complaints, problems, or issues of concern. The Ombudsman is an advocate for fairness.

What does the Ombudsman do?

Listens to and discusses your question, complaints, and concerns.

Provides answers to your questions or helps you find the person who can open up avenues of communication with people, departments, or the institution.

Mediates disputes so that acceptable solutions to all parties may be obtained.

Explains University policies and procedures and how they affect you.

Makes referrals to the appropriate Administrators in the Schools, Departments, or Offices for follow up.

Issues the Ombudsman Cannot Address:

Grievances that are in Formal Litigation, Formal Disciplinary Actions, Grievance Hearing, Union and/or Arbitration Hearings.

Please note that notice to the Ombudsman Office does not constitute notice to the institution in regards to grievance, complaints, or concerns. Nor does the Ombudsman testify in formal or legal actions.

Contacting the Ombudsman on Campus:

Ombudsman Office
437 Administration
(949)824-7256
www.ombuds.uci.edu/

The Campus Mediation Program :

The Campus Mediation Program makes available trained volunteer mediators to provide an informal way to resolve differences between two or more parties in a dispute. Students, staff, administrators and faculty may resolve their conflicts in a fair and mutually agreeable way. Mediation is voluntary. When all parties agree to participate in mediation, it can prove to be the best vehicle for generating acceptable solutions.

Benefits of Mediation:

Promotes creative problem solving.

Preserves ongoing relationships.

Parties control the outcome.

Parties learn conflict resolution skills.

Services are free of charge.

Contacting the Mediation Program:

Campus Mediation Program
437 Administration
(949) 824-7256
www.uci.edu/mediate/

Frequently Asked Questions :

Is it acceptable for a TA to date an undergraduate student?

Teaching Assistants who become involved with a student whome they grade, evalutate or supervise may have a conflict of interest. TAs in this position should contact their professor, advisor or the SHO so that effective steps can be taken to minimize or eliminate conflict.

Can I be disciplined for sending sexually explicit emails?

Members of the UCI community who repeatedly send unwanted, sexually explicit emails may be disciplined.

What do I do if a student informs me that he or she is being sexually harassed?

If a student informs you that he or she may be experiencing unwanted sexual conduct, do not promise not to tell anyone. You should refer the student to the Sexual Harassment Officer and follow up to make sure that the student gets the help s/he needs.

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