Today@Sam Article

Student Legal and Mediation Services Presents Conflict Resolution Month

Oct. 4, 2021
SHSU Media Contact: Wes Hamilton

Conflict Resolution Month EventsStory by Gene Roberts

Student Legal and Mediation Services is hosting the ninth annual Conflict Resolution Month at Sam Houston State University. Each October, Conflict Resolution Month is a time to equip the SHSU community with useful insights and tools to effectively resolve disputes.

“Conflict is inevitable within any relationship or community – friends, roommates, coworkers, and even between governments,” said Gene Roberts, director of Student Legal and Mediation Services. “Unresolved conflict can damage relationships, decrease productivity, and reduce commitments to organizations. The key is having the knowledge and tools to address conflict in a healthy and productive way, and that is what our office focuses on.”

This year’s theme is “Conflict Busters.” A Conflict Resolution Month pledge will be in front of Suite 327 in the Lowman Student Center throughout October. This is an opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to express their commitment to the peaceful and responsible resolution of disputes in their lives.  

“There are many examples of conflict causing harm instead of healing,” Roberts said. “Conflict can be a good thing. It can sharpen our understanding of issues. It can expose us to new ideas and new ways of thinking, but the context of the discussion must be set correctly for the communication to work. We want the SHSU community to be Conflict Busters and create better spaces where we work and live.”

There will be five presentations promoting conflict resolution, four conducted via Zoom, with registration required. The schedule of events includes:

  • Doug Noll, JD. “De-escalation Techniques” on Oct. 6, 6-7 p.m.
  • Jeanine Rispoli, JD, president of the Texas Young Lawyers Association and Stephen Rispoli, JD, assistant dean, Baylor Law School. “Civility” on Oct. 13, 7-8 p.m.
  • Karey Barnes, MSPA, director of Student Rights and Responsibilities, South Texas College. “Restorative Circles” on Oct. 18, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. (in-person, limited seating) (Co-Sponsored by the Office of Institutional Diversity & Inclusion)
  • Lee Jay Berman, president of American Institute of Mediation. “Anger: As Recipient and Deliverer” on Oct. 26, 6-7 p.m.
  • Hesha Abrams, JD. “Holding the Calm” on Nov. 16, 6-7 p.m.

Conflict Resolution Month Graphic

“Our lineup consists of extraordinarily competent conflict resolution professionals and leaders in the field. Their reputations are known throughout Texas and the country, and we are excited that they will share their knowledge with the Sam Houston community,” Roberts said.

Other presentations during Conflict Resolution Month include a professional development workshop on conflict management at the SHSU College of Osteopathic Medicine, and Verbal Aikido with Luke Archer in collaboration with The Graduate School at SHSU.

For more information and registration links, visit shsu.edu/slms and follow SLMS @shsuslms on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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