Conflict Resolution Board

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Dedicated to the ideals of the UT community - fostering an environment of trust, openness and goodwill.
Sometimes, no matter how hard we try to do a good job and to be amicable team members, conflicts can arise in the university setting. These differences might stem from questions surrounding organizational policy, or could be caused by a misunderstanding among faculty, staff or students. Whatever the reason, conflict can be a major source of stress, can influence our effectiveness on the job or in school, and can play a major role in our satisfaction - or dissatisfaction - in our daily lives.

MISSION

To assist the UT-HSCH community - faculty, staff and students alike - in resolving such differences, the Conflict Resolution Board helps and advises UT-HSCH employees and students with interpersonal or policy/procedural issues which may cause stress and strife.

In keeping with UT's goal of maintaining an environment that respects the value and differences among people, the Conflict Resolution Board complements UT's mission to hire, recruit, and retain faculty, staff and students of the highest integrity.

CORE VALUES

The UT-HSCH core values which the board serves to uphold include:
Integrity
Consistency in ethics; honesty, and to the standards of one's profession, calling or position.
Honesty
Refusal to accept deceit, fraud or duplicity.
Mutual Respect
Valuing each individual and his/her contribution.
Accountability
Responsibility for one's actions and decisions, and the consequences for those actions.
Fairness
Consistency and equitability in the unbiased treatment of others.
Collegiality
Sharing power and authority vested among colleagues.

Confidentiality

All matters taken to the board will be kept in the strictest confidence, unless the individual gives permission to the board to discuss the issue with others. The only exception to the confidentiality policy might be in a situation where a board member suspects the possibility of an illegal act.

PROCESS

The Conflict Resolution Board is designed to empower open communication and understanding among individuals.

Those who feel they have a question or conflict in one or both of the following areas are directed to contact a member of the board. The board member will make every attempt to help the individual solve the problem at the initial level, thereby circumventing the more formalized grievance process. No individual will be penalized, disciplined, or prejudiced for exercising the right to contact the board.

Policy Questions or Issues

If the problem involves policy and/or procedure, the board member will help clarify the policy and procedure and refer the individual to the UT office most appropriate for addressing the concerns.

Interpersonal Conflicts

In the more complex realm of interpersonal disputes, the board member will listen and assist the individual in identifying the problem. The board member may then act as a facilitator and coach the individual in problem solving techniques and communication skills. In other cases, a board member may serve as a mediator for the persons involved in the conflict.

For More Information

To find out more about the UT-HSCH Policies and Procedures on Conflict Resolution, refer to policy 2.58 Problem Solving/Conflict Resolution in the HOOP .

Benefits of the CONFLICT RESOLUTION BOARD

CONFLICT RESOLUTION BOARD

Effective March, 1997, the Conflict Resolution Board increased its membership in order to

Members

Miguel da Cunha, Ph.D.
School of Nursing, HMB 5.529B
email: Miguel.F.daCunha@uth.tmc.edu
(713) 500-2046

Bonnie Geppert
Health Science Center-General, UCT M20
email: Bonnie.L.Geppert@uth.tmc.edu
(713) 500-3054

Billy Hinton
Health Science Center-General, SFA 1.00
email: William.C.Hinton@uth.tmc.edu
(713) 500-8441

Gillian Rittman
Dental Branch, DBB 4.109
email: Gillian.Rittman@uth.tmc.edu
(713) 500-4359

Douglas Simmons, DDS, MPH
Dental Branch, DBB 2.212
email: Douglas.M.Simmons@uth.tmc.edu
(713) 500-4300

mws 03/09/04