Location: St. Mary's University, University Center, Conference Room A
All events are free and open to the public

Tuesday, March 23 - Thursday, March 25, 2004

A fundamental aspect of peace is the ability to effectively resolve conflicts. Many supervisors, managers, and administrators agree that addressing interpersonal conflicts is one the most difficult aspects of their jobs. While conflicts among nations and within regions of the world dominate the news, effective management and resolution of these conflicts is essential to saving lives and resources.

The basics of effective conflict resolution are key to growth and development in our interpersonal relationships, as well as managing conflict at local, national, international, and regional levels. Developing effective conflict management skills among members of our university community is an important component of the education process.

Tuesday, March 23, 2004

9:45 AM - 11:00 AM: Historical Development of Dispute Resolution

1. How did the alternative dispute resolution (ADR) system develop?
2. How is ADR used in the United Sates, and to what effect?
3. How is ADR used internationally, and to what effect?
4. In which settings is ADR used, e.g. schools, corporations, communities?
5. Where does ADR go from here?

11:10 AM - 12:25 PM: Getting Past "No": Negotiating What You Really Want

1. What are some of the fundamentals of effective bargaining and negotiation?
2. What are some examples of situations in which compromise is just not an option?
3. What are some examples of effective vs. ineffective communication in negotiation situations?
4. How can "game theory" clarify the possibility of cooperative behavior and the obstacles for achieving mutually advantageous outcomes?

12:35 PM - 1:50 PM: Mediation in Action: A Reality Experience

1. What is mediation?
2. What is meant by confidentiality and how does it make the mediation process work?
3. What are the legal implications of mediation?
4. What are the benefits of mediation?

Wednesday, March 24, 2004

9:20 AM - 10:10 AM: It's All in the Family: Resolving Family Disputes

1. When, if ever, is it appropriate for the state to intervene in family conflicts?
2. What are the most effective intervention methods in dealing with family conflicts?
3. What are the outcomes of mediation used in family conflicts?

10:20 AM - 11:10 AM: Peers as Peacemakers

1. What is peer-mediation and at what educational levels is it used?
2. How effective has peer-mediation been in reducing conflicts in schools?
3. What other forms does dispute resolution take in school settings?
4. Who trains peer mediators and other mediators in these settings?

11:20 AM - 12:10 PM: Career Opportunities in Conflict Management

1. What is a mediator?
2. What training is available and required for those pursuing a career as a mediator?
3. What opportunities are available for mediators and individuals who have obtained dispute resolution training?
4. What ethical issues should one consider in this field?
5. Why would one want to become a mediator?

12:20 PM - 1:10 PM: Sixth Annual Art of Peace Award

6:30 PM: Post-Hussein Iraq: Perils and Possibilities

1. What are the sources of instability in post-Hussein Iraq?
2. What strategies is the US implementing to bring stability to Iraq and what are the chances of success?
3. What efforts are being made by the Iraqis to resolve conflict and encourage peace?
4. What role, if any, exists for other actors, such as the United Nations, the European Union, international governmental organizations, or non-governmental organization in the peace building process in Iraq?
5. Are there models of conflict resolution or peace building that appear particularly appropriate for the situation in Iraq?

Thursday, March 25, 2004

9:45 AM - 11:00 AM: Diversity Wars: Resolve to Keep the Peace

1. What approaches to effectively resolving conflict have been used by various cultures, e.g., the Yakima and other American Indian tribes?
2. What considerations need to be taken into account in considering gender differences in resolving conflicts?
3. What considerations should be considered when resolving conflicts between individuals of different cultures?

11:10 AM - 12:25 PM: I�ll See You Out of Court: Pros and Cons of Arbitration

1. What is an arbitration clause and how does it affect the consumer?
2. Who should be able to agree to an arbitration clause, e.g. multinational corporations, governments, labor organizations?
3. What are some of the consequences to the greater public good of settling conflicts through arbitration?

Sunday, March 28, 2004

St. Mary�s University Jazz Orchestra; Director: John M. Rankin

---

President's Peace Commission
Mission Statement

The President's Peace Commission fosters an ethical commitment to participate in the establishment of world peace and social justice. The Commission encourages respect for human rights and dignity of all people. The Commission annually hosts symposia that offer opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to grow in their active pursuit of peace and justice. Through the symposia and other activities, the Commission seeks to build within the St. Mary's community a greater awareness of the Roman Catholic and Marianist perspectives on peace and justice. The President's Peace Commission reflects the University community through student, staff, and faculty representatives appointed by the University President.

Students: Jeremiah Ellis, Christina Garc�a, Ymelda Rivera, Patrick Simeroth, Shivani Singh

Staff: Carrie Gaines, Rey Gustamente, Lucy Poludniak, Minita Santizo

Faculty: Elijah Akhahenda,PhD; Diane M. Duesterhoeft; LeonaPallansch, PhD; Richard S. Pressman, PhD

---

To receive periodic updates about upcoming
President's Peace Commission programs at
St. Mary's University, please send an email to:
stmuppc-announce-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

---

Mark your calendars for the President's Peace Commission
Fall 2004 Program
Tuesday, October 26 - Thursday, October 28

---

Note: Program participants' institutional affiliations were accurate at time of the program.

created October 15, 2003; updated July 28, 2004

President's Peace Commission at St. Mary's University One Camino Santa Maria | San Antonio, Texas   78228 phone: (210) 436-3346 fax: 210-436-3782 diane@stmarytx.edu