Upcoming Course!

We're excited to offer this course in Summer 2025! While the exact dates are yet to be announced, you can register now to secure your spot or stay tuned for updates on the official schedule. We look forward to seeing you in class!

Course details

  • Summer 2025

  • Online via Zoom

  • Continuing Education Credits

    22 (Virginia MCLE) -- 28.75 SHRM PDCs

  • Approved to complete the 20-hours basic mediation training requirements for Virginia Court Mediator Certification levels.

  • Cost: $1,465

Topics covered

Session 1 - Understanding Conflict

  • Introductions and course overview
  • Understanding conflict
  • Conflict cycles
  • Interest-based negotiation as a basis for mediation


Session 2 - The Mediation Process

  • Meeting the parties’ needs
  • Introduction to mediation
  • What is mediation?
  • Mediation demonstration
  • Pre-mediation preparation
  • Stage 1: Orientation


Session 3 - Understanding Parties, Identifying Issues and Mediator Skills

  • Stage 2: Understanding parties and identifying issue
  • Mediator communication skills: Summarizing, paraphrasing, asking questions, managing emotions, reframing, active listening
  • Handling intense emotions


Session 4 - Stage 3: Problem Solving

  • Role-play #1
  • Power imbalance
  • Stage 3: Problem-solving
  • Ethical considerations
  • Caucus


Session 5 - Stage 4: Agreement Writing

  • Video demonstration
  • Role-play #2
  • Stage 4: Agreement Writing


Session 6 - Unauthorized Practice of Law

  • Role-play #3
  • Unauthorized Practice of Law (UPL)


Session 7 - Mediator Ethics

  • Role-play #4
  • Ethics

Program structure

Blend of self-paced and live online sessions.

Activities include: self-paced readings; lectures; videos; discussion in large and small groups; individual reflection activities; practice activities in pairs and groups; and role-play simulations practice.