Inclusive Excellence in Conflict Resolution

Student Conduct and Community Standards works through an inclusive conflict excellence approach. Inclusive excellence incorporates diversity, inclusion, equity, and equity-mindedness into all aspects of the learning environment (AACU, 2005). Our work focuses on enhancing student learning by addressing conflict and concerns in an equitable manner. By using an Inclusive Conflict Excellence lens, SCCS adds social justice, transformative justice, and restorative justice practices to the traditional procedural justice approach found in campus conflict resolution (Schrage and Giacomini, 2020). Our goal is to transform the learning environment by creating inclusive conflict resolution experiences where students feel supported, heard, and respected.
Overview of Inclusive Conflict Excellence which includes the realm of Transformative, Social, Restorative, and Procedural Justice.
By using an Inclusive Conflict Excellence lens, SCCS adds social justice, transformative justice, and restorative justice practices to the traditional procedural justice approach found in campus conflict resolution (Schrage and Giacomini, 2020).

Spectrum of Resolution Options

When a conflict, concern, policy violation, or harm occurs on campus, SCCS uses a Spectrum of Resolution Options rooted in the Inclusive Conflict Excellence model.

Spectrum of Resolution Options

When a conflict, concern, policy violation, or harm occurs on campus, SCCS uses a Spectrum of Resolution Options rooted in the Inclusive Conflict Excellence model.
When a conflict, concern, policy violation, or harm occurs on campus, SCCS uses a Spectrum of Resolution Options rooted in the Inclusive Conflict Excellence model.

We review each report or concern shared with SCCS, and we work in collaboration with KU Student Housing, Student Support and Case Management, and the Office of the Vice Provost for Student Affairs to review all reports involving conflict, concerns, or possible university policy violations. Guided by the Spectrum of Resolution Options, SCCS staff will work with a student to determine the best resolution strategy. Often, students want to share a concern but not engage in any formal conflict management or staff support. We are happy to help students practice their conflict resolution skills or brainstorm possible solutions through supportive conflict coaching. Other times, SCCS staff might support a group of students to reach a mutually-agreeable resolution or repair harm caused in the community. Situations involving university policy violations (including drug and alcohol violations and many violations of KU’s student housing handbook) are typically resolved through an informal adjudication process. The most serious violations (including cases of physical harm, threats to campus, or other concerns for the safety of the KU community) are resolved through a formal student conduct hearing.

 

By using an Inclusive Conflict Excellence approach, the Spectrum of Resolution Options provides a more equitable, holistic, and comprehensive approach to conflict resolution at KU. This approach gives students greater choice in the conflict resolution process while still creating accountability for behaviors that violate our community standards. Each phase includes specific guidelines, resources, and resolution procedures. SCCS staff will help students select the appropriate resolution pathway. Our goal is to resolve conflicts at the lowest possible level while supporting the wellbeing and academic success of all involved parties.

Explanation of KU's Conflict Resolution Model. By using an Inclusive Conflict Excellence approach, the Spectrum of Resolution Options provides a more equitable, holistic, and comprehensive approach to conflict resolution at KU.

SCCS only keeps disciplinary records for cases when a student has been found responsible for violating the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities. This occurs at the shuttle diplomacy and adjudication levels. We do not maintain disciplinary records for concerns and conflicts resolved at more informal levels of the Spectrum of Resolution Options.

 

Review our FAQs to learn more about Inclusive Conflict Excellence and KU’s Spectrum of Resolution Options.

Determining the best path forward

We know conflicts, concerns, and conduct issues create stress that limits students’ ability to succeed academically. The conduct and conflict resolution process can be overwhelming. SCCS staff support students throughout the process, from the moment we learn of a concern through the final resolution. You can share a concern online, via email, by calling, or by visiting Strong Hall 134. Our team will review your concern, gather more information, and suggest the best path forward. SCCS also helps connect students to campus and community resources focused on their well-being and assigns a liaison to each student navigating the conflict process.

The conduct and conflict resolution process can be overwhelming. SCCS staff support students throughout the process, from the moment we learn of a concern through the final resolution.

Prefer to chart your own path? The SCCS team is eager to help you navigate the best resolution path for your concern. Please note not all resolution pathways are available for all concerns. Resolution options depend upon the level of conflict, concern for harm, university policy violations, and students’ willingness to repair harm they may have caused.

Please note not all resolution pathways are available for all concerns. Resolution options depend upon the level of conflict, concern for harm, university policy violations, and students’ willingness to repair harm they may have caused.