Academic mediation is a voluntary and confidential method of resolving conflicts within the community of the University of Lodz. It enables the parties to work out a solution that is satisfactory for all, with the support of an impartial mediator.
![[Translate to English:] Element dekoracyjny](/fileadmin/Projekty/CONNECT_PATHWAYS_NAWA/grupa_ludzi_trzymaj%C4%85cych_si%C4%99_za_r%C4%99ce.jpeg "Group of people activists protesting on streets, women march and demonstration concept.")
Academic Mediation – Rules for Organisation and Conduct
When can academic mediation be resorted to?
Mediation is a right approach when:
- the conflict is interpersonal in nature,
- the parties are willing to engage in dialogue,
- there is scope to develop a mutually acceptable solution.
How does academic mediation work?
Submission of an application
An application may be submitted:
- in writing,
- by email to: rpa@uni.lodz.pl
A standard application form is required.
Applications may be submitted by:
- a party to the dispute
- Rector of the University of Lodz
- relevant bodies and persons (including the Rector’s Representative for Equal Treatment, the Anti-Mobbing Committee, the Committee for Counteracting Discrimination and Other Undesirable Behaviours, and the Coordinator for Counteracting Discrimination, Mobbing and Other Undesirable Behaviours).
Mediation may also be initiated by the Academic Ombudsman.
What happens after the application is submitted?
The Academic Ombudsman:
- carries out an initial formal review of the application (checks whether it is complete and requests completion if necessary),
- contacts the parties,
- obtains their consent to mediation,
Mediation is voluntary – it cannot take place without the consent of all parties.
When mediation may not take place
The Academic Ombudsman may refuse to refer a matter to mediation only if:
- the parties do not give their consent,
- the matter does not concern interpersonal relations,
- the matter falls under another procedure (e.g. disciplinary, judicial or complaints proceedings).
A refusal to refer a matter to mediation is provided in writing together with the justification.
How is mediation conducted?
The parties select an academic mediator from the University of Lodz list of academic mediators.
The academic mediator:
- contacts the parties,
- agrees on the date and form of meetings,
- explains the principles of mediation and the rights of the parties.
Participation in mediation may be withdrawn at any stage, up to the signing of the settlement.
Mediation may take place:
- in person (on-site),
- online (e.g. via videoconference).
How long does mediation take?
Academic mediation should be concluded within 3 months from the date of appointment of the academic mediator, unless the parties agree otherwise
Conclusion of mediation
The academic mediator does not adjudicate the dispute but supports the parties in:
- conducting constructive dialogue,
- better understanding their needs and positions,
- developing a joint solution, including a settlement.
If a settlement is reached, the parties undertake to comply with its terms.
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Role of the Academic Ombudsman
The Academic Ombudsman:
- receives applications for academic mediation,
- contacts the parties,
- organises the mediation process,
- supports academic mediators,
- maintains records of academic mediation and archiving.
The Office of the Academic Ombudsman is located in the Support and Accessibility Centre, Pomorska 152. Office hours are held on Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Meetings at other times are also possible by prior appointment. Contact: rpa@uni.lodz.pl or krzysztof.kedziora@uni.lodz.pl.
Academic Mediators Team
-
dr Marcin Bogusławski
Position: assistant professor
Works at: Philosophical Anthropology Unit, Faculty of Philosophy and History
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mgr Emilia Jurkiewicz-Majek
Position: Lecturer; Coordinator for students with special needs
Works at: Team of English Language Teachers
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dr hab. Anita Krokosz
Position: associate professor
Works at: Department of Biophysics of Environmental Pollution , Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection
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dr Agata Rudnicka-Reichel
Position: assistant professor
Works at: Department of Logistics, Faculty of Management
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dr Lilianna Światek
Position: senior specialist
Works at: Secretary Office of the Union of Polish Teachers (ZNP) Works Council
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UniLodz Unified
Remember: At the University of Lodz other procedures, which may apply to a given case, are also in force. This applies in particular to the Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Mobbing Procedure at the University of Lodz.
For more information on the topic, visit the UniLodz Unified website.