photo: Tower Hall - side entrance to Morris Daley Auditorium

Resources for Students

The following is a list of resources available to students experiencing a conflict situation. If you don't see a resource that fits your needs, please call Conflict and Common Ground at (408) 924-1098 and we can help you figure out the right place to go to get your problem resolved.

Interpersonal Conflict

Mediation

If you are in conflict with a friend, a roommate, a classmate, a family member, a significant other, a neighbor, landlord, a member of the University faculty or staff, or just about anyone else you know, and believe things could be resolved if you just talked them through, then mediation is for you. In mediation a neutral third party facilitates communication between disputing parties so they can reach, on their own, a solution that works for everyone.

Facilitated Group Discussions

Are you a member of a group or student organization that is experiencing conflict within the group/organization or with another group/organization? We can provide facilitated discussions that explore issues, find solutions that work for everyone and get the group/ organization back on track.

Conflict Coaching

If you would like to resolve a specific conflict on your own, but just need a little coaching beforehand, you can schedule a 45-minute session with one of CCG's staff or volunteers. They will coach you on constructive communication skills or take you through role plays to help you prepare.

Contact Conflict and Common Ground at (408) 924-1098 to schedule an appointment.

Workshops

We provide workshops that teach communication and dispute resolution skills so you can manage conflict constructively on a day-by-day basis. Visit the events section for a list of upcoming trainings and workshops.

Other workshops on a variety of life-skill topics are also available through Counseling Services, Student Life and Leadership, the Health Center, and MOSAIC Cross Cultural Center.

Grade Disputes or Unfair Treatment by a Member of the University Faculty, Staff or Administration

Ombudsman

If you have a complaint about grades or treatment you received by a member of the faculty, staff or administration, the Ombudsman can help you navigate university policies and procedures and the student grievance process. The Ombudsman also screens cases for the Student Fairness Committee.

Student Grievance Process

If you believe you have been treated unfairly by a member of the faculty, staff or administration, you should first bring the matter up with the person directly responsible for the action or decision. If you feel that is not possible or you are not satisfied with the results, you can bring your complaint to the department chair, college dean, or immediate supervisor of the responsible person, or to a higher administrator in that area.

There are two resources available to help you voice your complaint. First, the Ombudsman will help you understand university policies and procedures. Secondly, conflict coaching through the Mediation Center (see above) can help you prepare for the interaction itself and make it as constructive as possible.

SJSU is committed to addressing problems and issues in a responsive, equitable and timely manner. However, students should try to resolve issues at the lowest possible level through informal discussions. If you believe that is not possible, you can request a mediation, seek the assistance of the Ombudsman or bring your case before the Student Fairness Committee.

Discrimination or Sexual Harassment

Office of Equity and Diversity

Contact this office if you believe you have been discriminated against based on your race, religion, color, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, age, veteran status or believe you are being sexually harassed.

ADA Accomodation

Disability Resource Center

Students with a disability who believe they are not receiving appropriate accommodation for that disability should contact the Disability Resource Center.

Threat to Personal Safety

University Police Department

If you have been threatened or are in imminent danger call the University Police Department (408) 924-2222 or 4-2222 from any university phone.

Student Organizations

Student Life and Leadership

Student organizations experiencing conflict among one or more members, with another student organization, among its leadership group, or between leadership and a member can seek the assistance of the Coordinator for Student Organization Development or can request a mediation or group facilitation through the Mediation Center.

Fraternities and Sororities

Greek Governing Councils

Members of a fraternity or sorority can turn to their chapter presidents or to their respective governing councils for issues related to their membership within the organization. Members or leaders of greek organizations can also request a mediation or group facilitation through the Mediation Center to help resolve disputes.

University Housing

Resident Advisors and Residential Life Coordinators

Students living in Residence halls and Campus Village Apartments can seek assistance from their Resident Advisors and Residential Life Coordinators in getting disputes resolved or can request a mediation or group facilitation through the Mediation Center.

Conflict & Common Ground
One Washington Square
San José, CA 95192-0031
408.924.5883
Located in ADM 218