Mediation Certificate Program
Mediation Credential
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In class CEU 40 Basic Mediation Training clock hours
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In class CEU 30 Hours of Marriage and Family clock hours
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In class CEU 6 Hours of Texas BAR approved Ethics
Total of 76 CEU
Texas mediation certification in Basic Mediation and Marriage and Family Mediation upon graduation and completion of the Masters program.
This program blends on-campus residency sessions, and practical application in the student's home community to offer one of the best mediation programs in the country today. The program will allow you to develop and practice the skills you need to guide the conflict-resolution processes through face-to-face learning and field work. Our program's strong theoretical foundation coupled with intensive hands-on experience will give you a solid grounding in the best practices in this important field.
The Masters students will receive valuable education for professionals working in the field of ministry including the various forms of mediation such as working with the courts, family life programs, child care and juvenile facilities, health care institutions, professional organizations, chaplaincy programs, and in ecclesiastical settings. The program will allow each student to be an effective and artful mediation practitioner immediately upon graduation.
Professional mediators students will find the program designed to enhance their work within the judicial system by elevating their professional status as peers among attorneys, judges, legislative administrators, and other members of the legal profession. Ministry professionals, whether serving in health care, ecclesiastical, judicial or educational institutions, will find their professional profile elevated.
What is Mediation?
Mediation is one form of Alternative Dispute Resolution. It is widely used in family law cases in Texas. Mediation is a process where the parties to a dispute meet with a neutral trained facilitator, called a “mediator”, to try to resolve areas of conflict. The parties, their attorneys, if applicable, and the mediator discuss the goals of each party, the reality of each party’s position and explore possible solutions.
The mediator facilitates the exchange of information and settlement alternatives between the parties. Mediation is characterized by a business-like, cooperative climate which sets the stage for constructive communication in the future. Accordingly, mediation is used extensively in family disputes, particularly those involving child custody issues.
The mediator establishes and enforces procedures which are fair and even-handed and which provide all sides a chance to be heard. Mediation also provides an opportunity to express emotions or frustrations which may be blocking negotiations and to address these underlying concerns in a controlled environment. The mediator acts as an agent of reality helping parties think about their claims and ensuring that all parties participate in fashioning any settlement agreement
The length of time needed for a mediation depends on the complexity of the dispute, the commitment and communication skills of the parties and the orientation or limitations of the mediator. Many disputes can be resolved in one mediation session of two to four hours; other cases may require multiple sessions.
Mediation gives the parties more control than a trial, certainty on the result, saves trial costs, helps save the Court’s time, and is generally a friendlier process for the parties. Most clients prefer making their own decisions rather than leaving their fate to a judge who does not know them or their children. Another strong selling point of mediation is that the parties do not need to “air their dirty laundry” in a public forum.
Mediators provide a safe and cooperative environment which encourages open and honest discussion. The mediator’s role is an impartial one, identifying issues, exploring underlying interests, suggesting options and balancing power. Mediators encourage the parties to put the past behind them and to focus on the present and future.
Mediation is a confidential process. The mediator cannot be called as a witness at trial. If no settlement is reached, the mediator will notify the court but will not include any details. Most mediators destroy all notes taken at the end of mediation. No tape recorders are allowed at mediation. No Service of Process (subpoenas, summons, citations, writs, etc.) is allowed at or near the mediation site.