Frequently Asked Questions

What does the UNM Dispute Resolution Department Do?

The UNM Dispute Resolution staff is neutral and non-judgmental.  They facilitate the resolution of workplace concerns raised by UNM employees.  The department's process emphasizes collaboration and fair consideration of all the issues involved.

What is the Basic Mission of the Dispute Resolution Department?

The Dispute Resolution (DR) Department's basic mission is to assist employees in preventing and/or resolving any work-related issue, problem, conflict or concern.  DR employees work with staff and their supervisors (both faculty and staff) or co-workers (both faculty and staff).   The various techniques include facilitation, mediation, information gathering, and negotiation.  The Department provides services that seek to avoid lengthy adversarial conflicts that interfere with workplace productivity.  The DR goal is to help employees improve communication and the work environment so that the responsibility for resolving conflict returns to the individuals involved.

Who Can Use Your Services?

All staff employees, including supervisors & managers of the University of New Mexico are able to use DR services, unless they are members of a collective bargaining unit. Members of the bargaining unit use the Grievance Procedure specified in the Collective Bargaining Agreement; however, if all the parties to the dispute agree, they may use the procedures described here.  There is a separate Faculty Dispute Resolution Office, but faculty who supervise staff may be encouraged to work with the staff DR Department to resolve conflicts.

How Do I Take Advantage of the Services?

Individuals may access services by telephone or in person.  The brief intake process gathers basic employee information and the employee is given an appointment to meet with one of the staff to discuss the issues and possible resolution processes in detail.  All information gathered is kept strictly confidential; permission is required from an individual seeking services before other persons involved in the situation are contacted.

How Does the Department Help Resolve Work Related Issues?

The DR staff members listen to the employees to understand their concerns and their goals.  Then a variety of approaches are described that might be effective in resolving the concerns.  The employee and DR staff member make a decision together about the next step that will be taken in the DR Process.  In some situations, and with appropriate releases, the DR Department works in cooperation with other UNM Departments including the Office of  Equal Opportunity Programs  (OEO), the Counseling Assistance and Referral Service (CARS), and the Department of Human Resources (HR), etc.

How Does Mediation Work?

Mediation, one of the many processes used by DR to resolve/prevent conflict, is a confidential process.  The participants sign an agreement that outlines the conditions under which the mediation occurs.  The mediators are responsible for the process, not the outcome.  They help employees clarify issues, identify concerns and brainstorm solutions. Moving toward resolution is a collaborative activity.  The participants have the responsibility for moving toward agreement with the assistance of the mediators

If the Dispute Cannot be Resolved, What Are the Next Steps an Employee Can Take?

Under the Dispute Resolution Policy, UPB 3220, employees who have not reached resolution through mediation or other processes used by DR staff, employees may use an appeal process.  The first step is a written appeal to the dean or director or the next person in the line of supervision if the dean or director has been involved in earlier resolution efforts. For employees who have been terminated, suspended without pay or demoted, the second step is a peer hearing or arbitration. Peer Hearing .     The final step is discretionary review by the President and the Board of Regents.

What are the Main Policies Under Which the Department Works?

Dispute Resolution Policy, UBP 3220; Performance Management Policy, UBP 3215; and University Personnel Policies, Section 3000.

Who Will Know I Am Using The Dispute Resolution Process?

DR Department employees keep all communication strictly confidential.  Issues are discussed only with the permission of those involved.  There are a few limitations to DR's confidentiality, which are explained in the first meeting with a DR staff member.

What about the Risk of  Retaliation For Raising Issues?

Retaliation for participation in the process is strictly forbidden under UNM's Dispute Resolution Policy.  The department will respond to any allegations of retaliation.  If retaliation is found to have occurred, those responsible for the retaliation are subject to disciplinary action.

Is An Employee On Pay Status When Visiting The Department?

Yes, University Business Policy 3300 states that visits to the Dispute Resolution Department are considered time worked.

What Other Services Does The Department Provide?

The department provides dispute resolution training, group facilitation, including team building.  Often training and facilitation are done in cooperation with other UNM departments.

How Do I Begin The Process?

Call 277-2993 or come to the office at 1800 Las Lomas NE, the Southeast corner of Las Lomas and Buena Vista to make an appointment or to discuss available services.