Association for Conflict Resolution to honor Rifkin

Janet Rifkin, professor emeritus of Legal Studies, will be honored next month by the Association for Conflict Resolution for her pioneering contributions to alternative dispute resolution, assessment of potential flaws in the field’s theories and practice, and leadership in conflict resolution studies.

The organization will bestow its Mary Parker Follett Award on Rifkin during its annual conference from Oct. 7-10 in Atlanta. The Mary Parker Follett Award is presented to an individual who has shown a passion and willingness to take risks, is confronting a contemporary problem or opportunity in the field of dispute resolution, has used innovative and experimental techniques, and draws upon the talents and ideas of all persons involved. An early advocate of encouraging parties to consider interests when negotiating, Follett shifted her focus from community group processes to the field of business during the mid-1920s. Business leaders sought her advice on how to manage their enterprises and she became a featured speaker at national and international business conferences.

A member of the faculty since 1974, Rifkin served as dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences from 2002 until her retirement in May. Prior to her appointment as dean, Rifkin chaired the Legal Studies Department 1997 to 2002. Rifkin also served as associate dean of the College of Social and Behavior Sciences from 1995-97. She has been the co-director of the Center for Information Technology and Dispute Resolution within the Legal Studies Department since 1997. She also served as the University ombudsperson from 1991-95 and has been director of the campus’s Mediation Project since 1980.

Rifkin is co-founder of the National Association of Mediation in Education, an advisor to the American Bar Association Committee on Dispute Resolution, and a member of the board of the National Association of Community Justice.

The ACR is the professional organization dedicated to enhancing the practice and public understanding of conflict resolution. ACR represents and serves a diverse national and international audience that includes approximately 5,000 mediators, arbitrators, facilitators, educators and others involved in the field of conflict resolution. ACR also publishes Conflict Resolution Quarterly Journal and ACResolution.

September 17, 2009.

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