PSLEGMED3001 - Certificate in Mediation and Arbitration

What you will learn

Articulate the use of the INACCORD Conflict Analysis model for use in mediation and arbitration
Examine the three phases and four stages of the INACCORD model used in mediation and arbitration
Explore the pre-interview and post-interview phases of the INACCORD mediation and arbitration model
Apply the Touchstone Skills of questioning, reflecting, and reframing to simulated mediation and arbitration cases
Apply INACCORD surveys to simulated mediation and arbitration cases, and analyze the results
Examine and apply the INACCORD model to the most common workplace disputes

How you will benefit

Receive four individual certificates in Mediation, Applied Mediation Practice, Arbitration and Professional Mediator and Arbitrator
Prepare yourself for a career as a mediator or arbitrator within the state or local government, finance, and insurance industries, or private practice
Use your improved conflict resolution skills to solve disputes in the home or workplace
Understand how to effectively help others negotiate and collaborate through disputes

How the course is taught

Self-paced, online course
6 Months to complete
Open enrollment, begin anytime
200 course hours

Prerequisites:

You must be able to use a browser and Microsoft Word to complete the assignments and navigate the online campus. You should have basic computer skills and be comfortable navigating the Internet and using email. You must be willing to learn to write at a professional level in order to generate contracts and fulfill various written tasks related to mediation and restorative justice.

State Requirements:

Please research your state's requirements before enrollment to ensure this course is the right fit for you. This course is not suitable for students in Arkansas and Georgia who desire to handle court-referred or court-ordered cases.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.
A microphone is required to participate in the role play practices.
Software Requirements:

PC: Windows 8 or later.
Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
Microsoft Word (not included in enrollment).
Skype.
Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.
Other:

Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.
Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment. The following textbooks will be shipped to you approximately 7-10 business days after enrollment:

In Justice, INACCORD
Touchstone Skills for Authentic Communication
INACCORD Arbitration, Basic Skills for the New Arbitrator (PDF)
Please note: You will receive a digital book if the physical book is on backorder.

Financial assistance information can be found on Rice Financial Aid's Visiting and Continuing Education Students page.
The estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) is $XX.

Registrations are considered final as of 10 working days before class starts. No refunds will be issued after these dates and credits will not be given for future classes. No refunds will be granted for participants who miss a portion of a program. Refund requests before the deadline are subject to a 10% processing fee and must be made in writing to gscs@rice.edu

Does this course prepare for a certification?

No

When can I start the course?

This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course as soon as you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.

How long does it take to start the course?

This course is self-paced and open enrollment, so you can start when you want and finish at your own pace. When you register, you'll receive six (6) months to complete the course.

What if I don’t have enough time to complete my course within the time frame provided?

The time allotted for course completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours. However, if you are unable to complete the course, contact the student advising team to see what options you may have available to work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee may be charged.

What kind of support will I receive?

Our courses are designed to accommodate various learning preferences. Depending on the course structure, you may get different forms of support. Self-paced courses are designed to be user-friendly and independent, minimizing the need for external support. In courses with instructors, our direct platform support feature includes opportunities for questions, discussions, and remediation, with email and phone support available for select courses. Our student advising team is available to guide you on program requirements and administrative requests, but they do not provide assistance with course content. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary support for success, whether it's through self-paced exploration, direct communication, or guidance from our advising team.

What happens when I complete the course? 

Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded a certificate of completion.

Am I guaranteed a job?

This course will provide you with the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. Potential students should always do research on the job market in their area before registering.

What is the difference between a mediator and an arbitrator?

A mediator is a professional who acts as a neutral party helping two or more people in conflict come to a collaborative, negotiated agreement that is referred to a Memorandum of Agreement. An arbitrator is a professional who acts as a neutral party but, unlike the mediator, functions more like a judge, hearing evidence and witnesses and then rendering an award to one party.

There are a lot of mediation training courses out there.  What sets this apart?

This is one of the most comprehensive mediation and arbitration distance learning courses available with online learning that includes role play practice.
The proprietary INACCORD Conflict Analysis model is only available through this training, and offers students the following:

•    A psychologically based empirical research model that tracks the role of emotions in conflict and client satisfaction and understanding at every stage of the ADR process.

•    The ability to recognize the emotional state of individual disputants in order to determine whether to use a relational approach with all parties in the same room or a directive approach that involves starting the sessions with disputants in separate rooms until a balance of emotions between disputants is achieved.

Are there any internship/externship opportunities?  

Upon successful completion of the course, you may choose to submit an application to Mediators Without Borders to be considered for a referral network to work as a professionally Certified Mediator and Arbitrator or as a professional Interviewer.