This is a graded discussion: 100 points possible due Sep 29

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Encyclopedia Britannica Image Quest. (n.d.). Regulatory committee [Photograph]. Retrieved from http://quest.eb.com/search/115_2239683/1/115_2239683/cite

This activity addresses module outcome 2. Upon completion of this activity, you will be able to:

• MO2: Determine the significance of a voluntary certification model for mediators. (CO3,4)

To successfully mediate within the known Standards, training is provided to incoming practitioners of mediation in a Community Resolution Dispute Center. However, there have been significant talks of legitimizing the profession by providing a certification process to becoming a mediator.

The focus with this discussion is now on the mediator, whether they are an independent mediator or associated with a nonprofit CDRC.

For this discussion post, please read the following report:

Southern California Mediation Association ad Hoc Committee on Mediator Regulation or Certification Report [PDF, file size 81.9 KB]

Respond to the following:

• Would the proposed Voluntary Mediator Certification Program offer a voluntarily certified mediator who also maintains a private mediation practice an opportunity to have the same credibility as a CDRC mediation in the general public’s eye?
• The proposal suggests that there would be requirements for a certified mediator (CM) to maintain their certification, which only discusses continuing education. Should there be some type of observation or mediation evaluation required for one to maintain their CM status? Please Explain.
• Should there be an Oversight Board to determine if a CM should have their Certification suspended, decertified, or removed for conduct unbecoming for a mediator, while mediating disputes?
  • If yes, please give examples of such conduct that would rise to a level for an Oversight Board to act.
  • If no, explain how the public would know of mediators who are bad actors?

Post your primary response by Friday, 11:59 pm EST. Read any postings already provided by your instructor or fellow students. Read and provide a substantive response to the conclusions drawn by at least two of your classmates by Sunday, 11:59 pm EST. Remember to read the feedback to your own major postings and reply to it throughout the module.

As you will see in the rubric, to maximize your points on the discussions, you should make sure you adhere to the following:

• Consistently synthesize and tie in specific, relevant information and examples from course materials, and from own experiences or current events, to support ideas.
• Frequently make comments that build on what has already been said and extends the discussion, moving it forward. Encourage a deeper analysis of content by asking meaningful, relevant questions about postings.
• Posts are well-organized, clearly, and concisely written. The posts are easy to read and free of spelling and grammatical errors. Sources, if applicable, are present and cited correctly. Posts are courteous and respectful of other viewpoints.
• Posts are made on three separate days throughout the module; AND Number of posts meets or exceeds the number of required posts.
• Makes first substantial and meaningful contribution to academic discussion and posts responses by due dates at 11:59pm.

Consult the Discussion Posting Guide for information about writing your discussion posts. It is recommended that you write your post in a document first. Check your work and correct any spelling or grammatical errors. When you are ready to make your initial post, click on “Reply.” Then copy/paste the text into the message field, and click “Post Reply.”  This is a “post first” discussion forum, which means you must submit your initial post before you can view other students’ posts.

To respond to a peer, click “Reply” beneath her or his post and continue as with an initial post.

Evaluation

This discussion will be graded using the SPS Default Discussion Rubric. Please review this rubric, located on the Rubrics page within the Start Here module of the course, prior to beginning your work to ensure your participation meets the criteria in place for this discussion. All discussions combined are worth 50% of your final course grade.