University Heights, OH— On Sept. 24, John Carroll University’s Student Government held its weekly meeting to discuss conflict coaching and mediation. Other topics included the new JC4U marketing initiative, study spaces and Student Accessibility Services.

The meeting opened up with Director of Community Standards Emily Sherwood discussing a new initiative to effectively navigate conflict between one or more parties. She said, “Provide resources and coaching to help students find their own solutions to concerns.” The idea is to have a form that can be submitted, in which parties can come together to discuss their sides to develop new skills. The conflict coaching is similar to wellness coaching.

Some benefits to the new form are that it is peer-led, gains new perspectives and allows student organizations to get training. One major challenge is getting the word out. The plan is to do the marketing after fall break. Other challenges include accessibility of the form and credibility.

Resident Assistants (RAs) will also be associated with the new initiative. Sherwood assures that RAs will meet with the students regardless. This will be able to provide an extra resource. It will also provide a structure and a document between the two parties.

Sherwood was inspired by, “Escalation of conflicts, lack of communication. If there was a facilitator sooner, conflict wouldn’t have escalated. After COVID, it is harder to address conflicts. Now, this program can address skills to help them resolve the conflict on their own.” Everything in the meetings will be kept confidential.

The new marketing tactic JC4U has started. The plan is to focus on activities that are held both on and off campus. In addition to the activities, there are wellness and fitness coaching. A concern was brought up about commuters. An idea is to do a “Commuter4U” program.

Two other topics of the meeting included study spaces and Student Accessibility Services. On Mondays and Wednesdays, a student-wide study space will be in Saint Ignatius Hall, room 259. The idea is to have a space where it is quiet and accessible. Student Accessibility Services will be moving to the library after renovations are complete. Currently, there are 35 spaces on-campus parking for accommodations.