Mediation

Some kinds of grievance are more suited to resolution through the involvement of an external, independent mediator.

If a Grievance Facilitator at Stage 2, or the Secretary to a Stage 3 Student Grievance and Appeals Committee, believes there is potential for a mediated resolution, and both parties to the grievance agree, they may propose that an independent external mediator be engaged at the University's expense.

All requests for mediation must be directed to the Student Policy and Appeals office in the first instance. Student Policy and Appeals staff will examine the nature of the grievance, the attempts at resolution to date and the availability of a suitable mediator, and make a recommendation to the Director, Student Administrative Services, on whether mediation is appropriate and feasible.

The Director, Student Administrative Services, has the final decision on whether an external mediator is engaged.

When a mediation process begins, the University's own Grievance Resolution Process is suspended. If the grievance is resolved through mediation, the resolution is recorded and no further action taken. If the grievance is not resolved through mediation, the suspension is lifted and the aggrieved party may continue to pursue their grievance in accord with the Grievance Resolution Process.

Brokering a settlement

Between Stage 2: Formal review and Stage 3: Appeal, it is sometimes possible for a resolution to be reached by drawing on the experience of the Student Policy and Appeals office.

When a student lodges a Stage 3 application for appeal, or indicates a strong intention of doing so, and where Student Policy and Appeals staff judge that there is a reasonable chance that a resolution can be successfully brokered, Student Policy and Appeals staff may, with the approval of the Director, Student Administrative Services, further investigate the complaint and negotiate with the relevant parties for an agreed resolution.

When a brokering process begins, the Grievance Resolution Process is suspended for a maximum of 15 business days. If the grievance is resolved through brokering, the resolution is recorded and no further action taken. If the grievance is not resolved through brokering, the suspension is lifted and the student may continue to pursue their grievance in accord with the Grievance Resolution Process. The time frames specified in the Stage 3 process are adjusted by the period taken by the attempted brokering.