Department of Food Science Conflict Resolution Guideline v2

Goal

To provide resources and a guideline to resolve conflict within the department when there is conflict between persons A and B. This resource represents resources that can help in an instance of workplace conflict. While a sequence of steps is provided, it is important to note that there is no prescribed sequence or hierarchy. It is OK to reach out to those you feel most comfortable with depending on the nature of the situation.

Suggested sequence to resolve conflict

*Again, remember that there is no official prescribed set of steps for resolving workplace conflict. These steps are a suggested starting point.

Timeline: In general, please allow up to 2 weeks (3 weeks if an individual is traveling) for conflict resolution before moving onto a new step.

Step 1

Open communication between A and B. Here are some resources to facilitate conversations around workplace conflict.

Step 2

If there is a power dynamic between individuals (i.e. between a graduate student/undergraduate/postdoc and professor, a technician and a professor, a department head and professor etc.) include a neutral party, individual C (advisor, supervisor, ally etc.), to the conversation.

Step 3

Involve individual D (department head or other neutral faculty) to the conversation. 

Step 4

If the conflict involves a faculty member, involve the Department of Food Science Personnel Committee or all faculty to the conversation.

Step 5

Involve the Ombuds office (What is OMBUDS? -- from the OMBUDS website -- The Ombuds Office is a unique place where all UMass Amherst students, faculty, and staff can talk confidentially and "off the record" about any campus concern, issue, or conflict. The Ombuds staff work with visitors in a variety of ways to help them understand their options and resolve their concerns. The Office works to foster a culture in which differences can be resolved through respectful communication and fair process.)

UMass OMBUDS office

 

Step 6

Consult with your union

  • Graduate Students -- GEO
  • Postdocs -- PRO
  • Technicians -- USA/MTA
  • Faculty -- MSP

Notes

Title IX related issue should follow this guideline:
https://www.umass.edu/equalopportunity/titleix

UMass faculty are considered “Mandatory Reporters” and Title IX and University policy require mandatory reporters to promptly report to Title IX staff any potential incident of sexual misconduct, sexual assault, sexual harassment under Title IX, relationship violence, stalking, or other assault or harassment involving a UMass Amherst student and/or employee, either as victim or perpetrator.

If you have questions about an incident that may involve Title IX issues please contact:

Kerri Thompson Tillett, J.D.
Title IX Coordinator
Associate Vice Chancellor Equal Opportunity and Access
225 Bartlett Hall, 130 Hicks Way
(413) 545-3464
@email

Additional Resources