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 and chose liaisons to the University System Advisory Committee. Currently, Sherolyn Hopkins serves as the VSU ADR liaison. The work of 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.