UVA_HRAlternative Dispute Resolution
Regular and effective communication between supervisors and staff members reduces the likelihood of misunderstandings and conflict in the workplace. The University expects and encourages supervisors and staff members to communicate openly and regularly so that the interests of both the staff and the University are best served.
In addition, the University has alternative dispute resources such as University Ombuds, Faculty and Employee Assistance Program (FEAP), the Maxine Platzer Lynn Women's Center and the Virginia Department of Human Resource Management's office of Employment Dispute Resolution that will assist staff members in resolving issues or concerns. Staff members who have concerns about the administration of University or departmental policy are encouraged to try to resolve them by working with a supervisor, department head, or by reaching out to one of the resources.
The following areas provide University Employees with a broad range of workplace dispute resolution tools that help manage workplace conflict consistent with the University human resource policies and related laws:
- Employee Relations - one-on-one consultations, appeals of performance evaluations, policy and procedural guidance, resource referrals
- University Ombuds - one-on-one ombuds consultations, conflict management coaching, emotional intelligence coaching, facilitated dialogue, formal mediation services
- Faculty & Employee Assistance Program (FEAP) - informal facilitated dialogue options
- The Maxine Platzer Lynn Women's Center
- Office of Employment Dispute Resolution (EDR) through the Virginia Department of Human Resources Management (DHRM)