graduate certificate in conflict resolution (gccr … · the graduate certificate in conflict...
TRANSCRIPT
CARLETON UNIVERSITY
GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN CONFLICT RESOLUTION
(GCCR Program)
STUDENT HANDBOOK Revised 2011
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................. 4
BEFORE BEGINNING THE PROGRAM
II. GETTING TO KNOW THE PROGRAM & SUITABILITY AS A STUDENT .................... 4 2.1 CONTACT THE DIRECTOR .............................................................................. 4 2.2 VISIT THE GCCR WEBSITE ............................................................................. 5 2.3 WHAT STUDENTS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THE GCCR PROGRAM ..................... 5 2.4 DETERMINE YOUR INTEREST IN THE GCCR PROGRAM ................................. 7 III. APPLYING FOR THE PROGRAM ................................................................... 9 a) Application for Admission .......................... Error! Bookmark not defined. b) Referee’s Confidential Appraisal Form ...................................................... 9 c) Official Transcripts ................................................................................... 9 d) Candidate Statement ............................................................................... 9 3.1 APPLICATION DEADLINE .............................................................................. 10 3.2 APPLICATION FEE ........................................................................................ 10 3.3. ADMISSIONS PROCEDURE .............................................................................. 10
AFTER BEING ADMITTED TO THE PROGRAM
IV. PROGRAM OF STUDY ........................................................................................ 11 4.1. STUDENT CARD ................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 4.2. REGISTERING FOR A COURSE ........................................................................ 13 4.3. ACADEMIC READINGS ..................................................................................... 14 4.4. HOW TO READ CRITICALLY ............................................................................. 15 4.5. BEFORE CLASSES BEGIN ................................................................................ 16 4.6. WHILE IN CLASS .............................................................................................. 16 4.7. COURSE REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................... 16 4.8. INDEPENDENT LEARNING INITIATIVE ............................................................. 17 4.9. SKILLS ASSESSMENT ...................................................................................... 17 4.10. GRADUATION ................................................................................................. 18 4.11. WORDS OF " WISDOM” FROM PAST AND PRESENT STUDENTS ..................... 19
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V. OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION WHILE IN THE PROGRAM ........................... 20 5.1 HOUSING ........................................................................................................ 20 5.2 LIBRARY .......................................................................................................... 21 5.3 CARLETON UNIVERSITY BOOKSTORE. ........................................................... 21 5.4 PARKING ......................................................................................................... 21 5.5 PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION ............................................................................. 21 5.6 CAFETERIAS AND FOOD SERVICES ............................................................... 22 5.7 ESSAY DROP-OFF BOX ................................................................................... 22 5.8 WRITING TUTORIAL SERVICE ......................................................................... 22 5.9 FINANCIAL RESOURCES ................................................................................. 22 5.10 PHYSICAL RECREATION AND ATHLETICS ....................................................... 22
AFTER COMPLETING YOUR COURSE WORK
VI. FURTHER INFORMATION AND RESOURCES ................................................. 23 6.1. ALUMNI GROUP .............................................................................................. 23 6.2 ON-GOING SKILLS PRACTICE .......................................................................... 23 6.3 COACHING ....................................................................................................... 23 6.4 CAREER PATH .................................................................................................. 23 6.5 LEARNING JOURNAL ....................................................................................... 24 6.6 VOLUNTEERING ............................................................................................... 24
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I. INTRODUCTION The Graduate Certificate in Conflict Resolution (GCCR) is a program offered by the Department of Law, at Carleton University in Ottawa. However, the program is multidisciplinary in nature and open to applicants who have completed an honours BA in any discipline. In special cases, applicants without a BA are admitted to the program based on their having a significant amount of related training and work experience. The GCCR program is a for-credit graduate-level program. This is what distinguishes it from other Canadian professional development and continuing education conflict resolution programs. As an academic program, it reflects the rigor of graduate-level study as well as a demand that students demonstrate a level of competency in the strategies and skills of conflict resolution. The program places emphasis on the integration of theory and practice and self-reflection.
The information in this Handbook is intended to inform students about the GCCR program and about what to expect before coming to classes so as to enhance their learning journey. .
BEFORE BEGINNING THE PROGRAM
II. GETTING TO KNOW THE PROGRAM AND YOUR SUITABILITY AS A PROSPECTIVE STUDENT 2.1 CONTACT THE DIRECTOR
Are you interested in getting to know more about the field of conflict resolution and mediation? Do you already have a university degree and are now looking for a new educational challenge? Do you think that dealing effectively with conflict is an essential management tool and life skill? Are you interested in pursuing a career as a mediator? Are you already involved in the field but want to deepen your theoretical and applied knowledge?
Then this may be the program for you. If you would like more information or an interview with the Director of the Program, Dr. Cheryl Picard, you can contact her by phone at (613) 520-2600 ext. 2678 or by email at [email protected] Dr. Picard would be happy to discuss the program with you and help you consider whether it might be a suitable program for you based on your background, interests, expectations, and career aspirations.
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2.2 VISIT THE GCCR WEBSITE
The GCCR program has a website www.carleton.ca/law/conflict where you will find information related to the course of study, applying, fees, as well as links to other conflict resolution organisations and sites. Full course descriptions, faculty bios, information on the Skills Assessment, and a statement of program goals, competencies and indicators of success can also be found there.
2.3 WHAT STUDENTS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THE GCCR PROGRAM
Here are some of the views expressed by current students and graduates. “This program would be beneficial to anyone and should not be mistaken as being only for professional mediators or lawyers. The world is constantly changing, and change brings conflict. We all need to have the skills to deal with conflict and the disputes that arise out of it in a positive and healthy way. The certificate program at Carleton gives you these skills and more in a fun, dynamic, and interactive environment. The program’s format makes it easily accessible to both professionals and those new to the field.” [Patricia Lo, Graduate 1999; now with Health Canada]
“I feel very secure to have the depth of knowledge as a base and to work on my skills in mediation. Most people I have met in mediation do not have the depth of knowledge I have. When I met these mediators and started to ask questions about the theory they worked by, I usually got a blank stare. Most mediators have only a one-week course or at most two.” [Christina Caap, Graduate 1998; now in Private Practice] “Not only did I learn new skills, wrestle with new ideas, and struggle with different opinions, but I also learned more about me. I found myself reflecting more on who I am and where I am going, questioning my opinions and ideals, and learning about things that I never took the time to even think about before. The participatory atmosphere of this program is extremely conducive to self-development and discovery.” [Jane Hansen, Graduate 1999; now with Justice Canada]
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“The human resources this course offers are outstanding. Both the faculty and the students provide valuable real-life lessons in conflict resolution. The faculty always make themselves available for help and guidance, not just during a particular course, but also throughout the program. They are very approachable and always willing to provide the one-on-one assistance that makes this learning experience so enriched.” [Kelly Lewis, Graduate 2001; now works for DND in their ICMS.]
“I applied for the GCCR program without fully understanding its specific focus in mediation skills and training. This was important, because in my work with aboriginal groups, I did not see myself playing the role of mediator. By the end of the program, however, I could see a bigger spectrum of communications and conflict resolution theory and skills. The program was an entry point into a whole range of potential applications starting from group facilitation and co-ordination to negotiations to organizational design and policy analysis. The GCCR program gave me a solid foundation of theory and practical skills which I plan building on. It's funny how the GCCR program changed my perspective. All of a sudden, the newspaper, the TV -everywhere- was filled with conflicts waiting to be resolved.” [Andrew Mathewson, Graduate 1998; now in private practice]
“When I came to Canada I had a law degree but I did not want to study and practise law again. So, I decided to pursue a career in the conflict resolution field in which I could take advantage of my background. The program has been a challenge for me, not only because English is not my first language, but also for the cultural and ideological shift it has meant to me as a lawyer and newcomer to Canada. However, through the dynamic of the courses I have found a source of intellectual enrichment and a hope to continue with my professional development.” [Maria Teresa Garcia, now working for Catholic Family Services] “This program provides the theoretical base and practical tools to move participants towards a level of competence.” [Steve Levecque, Graduated 2002; now with Federal Ombudsman Office] “The self-reflection in the GCCR Program has to do with the increased level of awareness and the consciousness of the mediator in the process of helping others, and the continuous search for feedback and improvement.” [Lucie Allaire, Graduate 2002; now working in private practice and retired from Department of National Defence]
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2.4 DETERMINE YOUR INTEREST IN THE GCCR PROGRAM
Students in the GCCR program came up with a list of questions (questions relating to possible concerns, hopes, expectations, assumptions, priorities, beliefs, fears, and values) that they thought would be useful to consider when determining your short and long-term interests in pursuing this program. It is not a comprehensive list, but it is hoped that it will engage you in some self-reflection about the GCCR program.
Concerns
Will the program fulfill my educational needs? Will the program fulfill my work-related needs? Do I understand what the program is trying to achieve? Will the knowledge and skills learned in this program be of value to me in my current
or future work? Will my employer support me in undertaking this course of study? Will my employer help pay for the program? Will my employer make allowances for the time commitment? Are there opportunities to use this knowledge and these skills in my present or future
work environment? Will my family support me and do they understand the commitment in time and
resources? Can I afford this program? Do I have what it takes to complete this program successfully (i.e. academic writing,
analytical and critical thinking skills)? Hopes
The program will open up new and interesting employment/work/community-based opportunities.
The program will improve my communication skills and make me more effective in handling conflict in my work/family/community environments.
It will give me the background and skills to analyze and manage conflict more consciously and effectively.
A graduate certificate will be of value in pursuing further academic studies in this area.
I will be able to meet other people who have an interest in this area. The program will be a positive financial investment in my future.
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Expectations I will be able to use the knowledge and skills learned in my work/home/community
environments. I will complete the program successfully. Having a Graduate Certificate in Conflict Resolution will be a valuable
academic/professional credential in applying for employment in the future.
Assumptions The faculty and administration at Carleton share most, if not all, my hopes and
concerns about the program, and are addressing these issues in the content and composition of the program.
The other students in the program have similar objectives, if different applications for the knowledge and training.
Priorities
Identification of the specific knowledge and skill bases which are directly applicable to my current employment.
Ensuring that the program fulfills those requirements. Determination of the time commitment related to the program and its impact on my
personal and business life. Ensuring that I can financially afford to complete the program (subsidization, savings,
re-organization of other priorities/needs).
Beliefs Doing this program will be a good move in terms of orienting myself for present and
future work-related opportunities. Studying conflict resolution studies techniques and being conscious of the elements
of effective system design will be translatable to a range of work/family/community applications.
Fears
A big fear is studying conflict resolution theory and learning the skills needed to play the role of mediator and finding out that I could not help - or even made matters worse.
Values
Alternative Dispute Resolution methods are a better way of resolving conflict (economically, socially, and politically).
Dealing with the interests of the people, groups, and organizations is better than dealing with their demands. It makes for more equitable settlements of disputes and has the potential for longer-term resolution of further conflicts which are bound to arise.
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III. APPLYING FOR THE PROGRAM
a) Application for Admission:
The application process for the GCCR program
begins online. Please click the link below:
https://gsapplications.carleton.ca/applynow.php?program=CCR-67&dept=LAWS
b) Referee’s Confidential Appraisal Form: You require 2 Referee reports. Preferably your referees would be academically familiar with you. If this is not possible, you can choose a referee who is familiar with your work experience, professional training, conflict resolution skills, and suitability for the program. Please note, if you use a non-academic referee, it is important that he or she be able to comment on your ability to do Graduate Level work. Ensure that your referees are aware of the application deadline, and that they send their completed appraisal form directly to you in an envelope that they have first sealed, and then signed along the seal. In order to be considered official, these envelopes must not be opened. c) Official Transcripts: Please supply 2 official transcripts of your entire university record. If your university does not provide transcripts please supply an official letter from the University Registrar or Departmental Chairperson which indicates degree awarded, date conferred, and class of honours and, if available, courses completed and grades received. Student copies of transcripts are not acceptable. Once again these are to be sent directly to Andrew Squires, Graduate Program Administrator for the Department of Law at Carleton University. d) Statement of Interest: Submit with your application forms a short statement (one copy) of 3-4 pages in length (typed, double-spaced) outlining your reasons for taking this program; your interest in conflict resolution; your work training and other related experience in the area of conflict resolution, and your personal and career goals.
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3.1 APPLICATION DEADLINE
It is the applicant’s responsibility to check the deadline for application. http://www2.carleton.ca/law/graduate-programss/conflict/how-to-apply/
3.2 APPLICATION FEE
In 2011 There is a $100.00 non-refundable fee to cover administrative admission costs and can be paid on-line. This fee changes from time to time; check with Carleton for the right amount.
3.3. ADMISSIONS PROCEDURE
Your file will be complete and a decision regarding your application will be made after the receipt of the following completed documents.
a) Submission Summary form (2 originally signed forms)
b) Referee’s Confidential Appraisal (minimum of 2 references)
c) Candidate Statement (1 copy) d) Official Transcripts (2 copies of all
university/college transcripts) e) English Language Test Scores (1
official copy, if applicable) If possible, please send all required
documents in one package. Once your application is complete, it will be reviewed by the GCCR selection committee and a recommendation will be made about admittance. If you are accepted, your file will be passed to the Faculty of Graduate Studies at Carleton for formal admission as a graduate student to Carleton University. You will be notified by Graduate Studies once you are admitted.
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AFTER BEING ADMITTED TO THE PROGRAM
Important Note Once you have been admitted to the program it is important that you ensure the Director has a current email address for you. Most of the communication to students in the program is done through email to your MyCarleton e-mail account. New students only need to activate their Student Computing Account to gain access to their MyCarleton email account. http://www2.carleton.ca/ccs/services/accounts-and-passwords/student-computing-account/ For information on your MyCarleton email account, read the MyCarleton E-mail Quick-Start Guide. http://www2.carleton.ca/ccs/services/email-messaging/mycarleton-e-mail-connectmail/ MyCarleton e-mail is accessed through the MyCarleton Portal. Your e-mail address will be: [email protected]
IV. PROGRAM OF STUDY There are five (5) courses and a skills assessment in the program of sThese courses are:
tudy.
pproach,
of
Laws 5700 Theories of Conflict Resolution (Normally offered in the spring; weekend format) This course is an introduction to the field of conflict studies, negotiation and mediation theory. Taking a multidisciplinary ait overviews the elements and importance of theory and the nature of conflict. Topics include analyzing and resolving conflict, negotiation styles, orientations and models mediation with special emphasis on Insight mediation, alternative dispute resolution, building consensus, and current issues and trends in the field of conflict studies. Theplace of gender and culture will be threaded throughout course readings and class discussions.
Laws 5701 Introduction to Conflict Resolution and Mediation (Normally offered early July; week day format) This course provides an introduction to the theory and practice of negotiation and Insight mediation. It examines conflict resolution and mediation from communication, social
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psychology, sociology and legal theory. Topics to be covered include contextualizing conflict resolution, understanding how to negotiate and mediate, determining the role of the negotiator/ mediator, understanding the importance of a theory informed practice, and reviewing the current state of mediation and conflict resolution.
Laws 5702 Advanced Conflict Resolution and Mediation (Normally offered in late October; weekend format) This is an advanced course that builds upon the theory and skills of conflict resolution and Insight mediation. In this course, students will learn to convene a mediation, analyze the level of conflict, design a conflict resolution process, co-mediate, get past impasse, and facilitate a multi-party problem solving session. Advanced communication skills and mediation techniques will be taught. Other topics include: standards of practice, ethics, reflective practice, and setting up a practice.
Laws 5703 Special Topic in Conflict Resolution I: Organizational Conflict (Normally offered in August; weekday format) Organizations increasingly call upon conflict resolution professionals to intervene in disputes - whether incorporations, government departments, Federal or Provincial agencies, trade associations, non-profit community groups, professional associations, or other business entities. Understanding and responding to an organizational dispute requires specialized intervention strategies, skills and approaches grounded in an understanding of the appropriate conceptual frameworks. This course provides participants with the knowledge and skills to a) Understand organization dynamics and the theory and nature of conflict in organizations; b) Apply conceptual frameworks to the diagnosis and assessment of organizational conflict; c) Develop and implement appropriate intervention programs and strategies; and d) Design conflict management systems for organizations
Laws 5704 Special Topic in Conflict Resolution II: Multi-Party, Multi-Issue Conflict Resolution and Consensus Building (Normally offered in mid-February; weekend format) This course draws upon recent cases where mediators have successfully assisted competing interest groups in finding mutual gains resolutions to conflicts which might have otherwise resulted in indecision and impasse, community dissension, exclusion of legitimate minority concerns, wasted resources and opportunities, lengthy and costly court battles, significant political risk. Principles and techniques will be drawn from these cases for application elsewhere in the public sector, and mediators will expand upon their personal skills of crisis intervention, group facilitation, assisted negotiation between competing parties, dispute resolution process design and coaching.
Laws 5709 Skills Assessment The design and completion of an agreed upon independent skills assessment exercise is a distinctive feature of the program.
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4.1. REGISTERING FOR A COURSE Registration at Carleton is done on the Web through Carleton Central. Carleton Central is Carleton’s secure online centre for student registration and administrative activities. It is your one-stop service for registration, student records, admission, and fee information. Access Carleton Central from the link on the Carleton University home page.
Logging in:
1. Your Student Number (User ID): You will find your 9 digit student number in
your package from Carleton. Use this number in the “User ID” block. 2. Your Personal Identification Number (PIN): The first time you login, your PIN
will be your date of birth in YYMMDD format. For example, if your date of birth is July 14, 1980, your initial PIN will be 800714. Use this number in the PIN field to access Carleton Central for the first time only; once you have logged in you will be required to change your PIN. Your PIN must be numeric and six digits in length and be something that you can easily remember. If you forget your PIN in subsequent logins, press the 'Forgot PIN' button to reset your PIN back to your birth date.
3. Your Security Question/Answer: After your first login you will be asked to enter a security question and answer. The answer is used to reset your PIN in the case that you forget it. Make your security answer easy to remember and avoid special characters.
4. The fees you will be paying are $1500.00 per course plus student fees which change each year.
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Fees Fees are subject to change from year to year for the most current information; check the GCCR website at this link.
http://www2.carleton.ca/law/graduate-programss/conflict/tuition-and-fees/
Making Fee Payment After completing your course selection during a registration period, you will be required to complete tuition payment arrangements in order to finalize your registration. Student payments may be made electronically (via internet or telephone banking), or by mailing in a cheque or money order. Fee payments not received, processed, and posted to students’ accounts by the appropriate scheduled deadline will be considered late and be susceptible to a late penalty. Any payment returned to the University as non-negotiable must be replaced before the last day of late registration (see Dates & Deadlines) or the late registration charge will apply. A service charge of $30.00 will be assessed for each payment returned to the University as non-negotiable for any reason. Payment is NOT Accepted on Campus. When making paying via the following available methods, please ensure you allowed enough time for processing to avoid late charges. The best method of payment is through a Canadian bank via an online payment to Carleton University. Please see Accepted payment methods.
4.2. ACADEMIC READINGS
a) Required Readings
The texts for all courses are available at the Carleton University bookstore. They are listed on each course outline, which can be found on the GCCR website.
b) Recommended Books by GCCR Students Bush, Baruch and Joseph P. Folger, The Promise of Mediation. San Francisco: Jossey- Bass, 1994 Moore, Christopher W., The Mediation Process: Practical Strategies for Resolving Conflict. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1996
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Tannen, Deborah, The Argument Culture. New York: Ballantine Books, 1998 Folger, J., M. S. Poole, and R. K. Stutman, Working Through Conflict. New York: Addison Wesley Longman, 1997 Costantino, Cathy A. and Christina Sickless Merchant, Designing Conflict Management Systems. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1996
c) Recommended Books by GCCR Faculty
Lang, Michael and Alison Taylor, The Making of a Mediator: Developing Excellence in Practice. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2000 Langer, Ellen J., Mindfulness. Reading, MA: Addison Wesley, 1989 Langer, Ellen J., The Power of Mindful Learning. Reading, MA: Addison Wesley, 1997 LeBaron, Michelle, Bridging Troubled Waters: Conflict Resolution from the Heart. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2002 Schön, Donald A., The Reflective Practitioner. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1987 4.3. HOW TO READ CRITICALLY
Critical thinking helps to situate your knowledge and viewpoints with the views of an author. In doing so, you are better able to identify with what the author is saying and able to formulate questioning thoughts. Critical thinking demonstrates that you have understood the article and can apply it to the world around you. It also means that you constantly question what it is that the author is saying – that you approach the article with a “curious” mind. Being curious causes you to ask particular questions. For a full explanation of how to read critically see the GCCR website: www.carleton.ca/law/conflict/Course Materials.htm
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4.4. BEFORE CLASSES BEGIN
You are required to read all of the course material before classes begins. This is necessary because the intensive format of the course makes it very difficult for students to follow the lectures, participate in class discussion and do well on class assignments if they have not read and become familiar with the materials ahead of time.
4.5. WHILE IN CLASS
During the class you can expect to be engaged in class discussions with other classmates, lectures, individual and group exercises, role plays, in-class assignments, presentations, individual and group self-reflections about the themes that are being studied, analysis of conflict management experiences, and other shared learning opportunities. Participation in class, engaging with ideas and skills presented, learning to think critically, and being reflective are important elements of your learning and each will factor into the compilation of your grades.
4.6. COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Each course instructor will determine the grading assignments for his or her course. In addition, each course will require students to complete a journal and some other independent learning initiative (ILI) assignment. The format for keeping a journal can be found on the GCCR website journal can be found on the GCCR website: http://www2.carleton.ca/law/graduate-programss/conflict/independent-learning-initiative/ Every course has a required written assignment due a few weeks after class. Proper referencing in the text and bibliographies are required. You can find the Department of Law style guide available on their website http://www2.carleton.ca/law/ccms/wp-content/ccms-files/legal_style_sheet.pdf
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4.7. INDEPENDENT LEARNING INITIATIVE
The GCCR program practices adult learning principles. The creation of the ILI (Independent Learning Initiative) is an outgrowth of these principles. It is an individualized activity that requires each student to define their learning goals, record their learning experience, and make note of ongoing and future resources. It is intended to be both reflective and creative. It has involved students in activities that track their skills development, pose critical questions, collect feedback from faculty and coaches, record areas for further development, store papers and class assignments, articulate interests, and make links with other professionals. In other words, the ILI is a GCCR student's program portfolio.
Some of the reflective activities that are contained within the ILI include:
i. Defining your GCCR Expectations and Goals ii. Keeping a Learning Journal iii. Assessing your Conflict Resolution Skills and Knowledge
In addition to the above, students are asked to keep papers and assignments from courses, coaching forms, and other indicators of their progress through the program in their ILI binders. Periodically, students will be asked to show their ILI binders to the faculty. For more information on the ILI visit our web site: http://www2.carleton.ca/law/conflict/independent-learning-initiative/
4.8. SKILLS ASSESSMENT
Each student is required to undertake and successfully complete the Skills Assessment
requirement within one year from the time of completing their course work to graduate
from the GCCR program.
Information regarding the fee for the Skills Assessment can be found on the GCCR web
site:
http://www2.carleton.ca/law/graduate-programss/conflict/tuition-and-fees/
You will also find the following information regarding the Skills Assessment at: http://www2.carleton.ca/law/graduate-programss/conflict/skills-development-and-assessment/
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4.9. GRADUATION
Students expecting to graduate must apply for graduation by a specific date based on tterm.
he
Please check the following link to determine when you must apply to graduate. http://www2.carleton.ca/registrar/academic-evaluation/graduation/ Applications must be made online through http://www.central.carleton.ca/ For more information contact: Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral ACarleton
ffairs University
ive
hone: 613-520-2525
512 Tory Building 1125 Colonel By DrOttawa, ON K1S 5B6 Canada PFax: 613-520-4049 Email: graduate_stu
lease note that you cannot graduate in the Psame term that you are taking your skills assessment.
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4.10. WORDS OF " WISDOM” FROM PAST AND PRESENT STUDENTS
Cartoon by Philip Street. Reprinted with permission
ON THE READINGS
The readings are paramount to getting the most out of these courses. Do your pre-reading and more.
Be sure to do the readings BEFORE the course begins. It is known this is hard to do
since everyone is busy with work and life. But it will really help you understand the course work, and it will be less of a struggle.
Buy your reading materials as early as you can and get started! The daily work is
quite heavy and those who have to go home and do the readings for the next day were exhausted (and sleepy in class).
ON JUGGLING FAMILY RESPONSIBILITIES
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For active mothers (whether single or attached) these courses are quite intense, and
they require a lot of quiet time in the evening. If I were to do it over, I would have arranged to find accommodation away from the family, for no matter how understanding or supportive they are, it is hard to shut out their needs.
If you have children (especially small ones), call in favours owed to you or prevail
upon the good nature of grandparents to take the kids for the time you are in class. My husband kindly took my kids to their grandparents. It made all the difference in the world. I was able to devote myself in a more complete way to the course and to get as much out of it as I could.
ON TAKING CARE OF YOU
It is very important (especially during the week-long course) to take a few minutes every evening to RELAX and literally get away from the course. Do something you enjoy, meditate, go for a run, rent a movie… otherwise the heaviness and intensity of the course will really wear you thin.
Be prepared to ‘share’. “I found that our class developed a special bond as we
learned a lot about ourselves in the process of learning about conflict and conflict resolution.”
V. OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION WHILE IN THE PROGRAM 5.1 OUT OF TOWN STUDENTS http://www2.carleton.ca/housing/conference-services/guest-accommodations/ There are also many hotels, motels, and “bed and breakfasts” close to Carleton.
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5.2 LIBRARY
The Maxwell MacOdrum Library is located in the south side of the quad. Tel: (613) 520-5621 (24-hour recording of hours of operation) Tel: (613) 520-2735 (Information desk) Website: www.library.carleton.ca Carleton's University Library is linked to the University of Ottawa Library through ORBIS terminals. There are also some mediation and conflict resolution resources available from the Chet Mitchell Resource Centre, which is operated by the Department of Law and located in the Loeb Building at D4. 5.3 CARLETON UNIVERSITY BOOKSTORE University Center, First Floor Tel: (613) 520-3832
5.4 PARKING
There is no charge for parking in University visitor lots on weekends. Permit and visitor parking areas on the University campus are enforced Monday to Friday, from 7:00 am. to 10:30 pm. Parking is permitted in designated spaces only. For more information on parking, including how to purchase parking passes on-line http://www2.carleton.ca/parking/studentsstafffacultydailyvisito/daily-visitor-parking-permits/
5.5 PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
OC Transpo buses and trains both come onto the University campus. Their schedule is available at www.octranspo.com.
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5.6 CAFETERIAS AND FOOD SERVICES On weekdays, the Loeb Café is open, which is located on the first floor of the Loeb Building (where classes are held). There are also some fast food places in the Student Centre. On weekends, there is limited food services For break times during class, students organize themselves to bring coffee, tea, drinks and snacks. There is a Coffee maker, microwave and refrigerator available.
5.7 ESSAY DROP-OFF BOX Beside the Department of Law office at C473 Loeb Building. 5.8 INFORMATION ON WRITING ESSAYS The Carleton University Library provides Library Guides for all disciplines as well as information on Book Reviews, Style Manuals, Essays and Thesis Preparation. A Writing Tutorial Service is available to Carleton University students. This service offers free, individualized instruction on all aspects of essay writing. For further information contact the Writing Tutorial Service located on the 4th Floor of MacOdrum Library or call 520-1125. .
5.9 FINANCIAL RESOURCES There are no scholarships or bursaries available to students in the GCCR program. Some government departments and private companies have funded students from their training and educational budgets. Banks and other financial institutions offer student loans. 5.10 PHYSICAL RECREATION AND ATHLETICS Tel: (613) 520-4480. http://www1.carleton.ca/athletics/ Athletic facilities, fitness centre, gymnasium, squash courts, sports fields, tennis court, swimming pool, sauna and whirlpool are available.
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AFTER COMPLETING YOUR COURSE WORK
VI. FURTHER INFORMATION
AND RESOURCES 6.1. ALUMNI GROUP Graduates from the GCCR program have organized an alumni group. They meet on occasion for further study and skills refinement. They also participate in role play practices and other activities. For more information on the alumni group contact the Program Director. 6.2 ON-GOING SKILLS PRACTICE Each term a new group is formed for students to practice their conflict resolution and mediation skills in preparation for their Skills Assessment. These practice sessions often occur in the evenings and on weekends. Students nearing the end of their course work are strongly encouraged to join these groups. Trained coaches participate in these practise sessions. They do this on a voluntary basis and should be acknowledged for their contribution to the students' learning. Of course, there are always opportunities to practise your skills at work or at home. If you do, they will become second nature. 6.3 COACHING
A further way to refine and advance your skills is to join the coaching group. If you are interested, contact Dr. Cheryl Picard, the Director of the GCCR program.
6.4 CAREER PATH Graduates find their skills and knowledge valued in many contexts. These include: education, youth; government: organizational, workplace; child and family services; community: aboriginal justice, restorative justice; cross-cultural conflict; international conflict; environment and public consultations and policy; media; mediation, facilitation; conflict resolution teaching and training support; labour-management; business; law.
COACHES NEEDED
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6.5 LEARNING JOURNAL
Even after classes end, students may want to consider continuing to document their learning by making one or two entries a week.
6.6 VOLUNTEERING The Centre for Conflict Education and Research
C476B Loeb Building 1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6 Tel: (613) 520-5765
Website: www.carleton.ca/ccer
note: Image courtesy of www.allliance.org
The Centre for Conflict Education and Research (CCER), a Research Centre within the Department of Law at Carleton University, has as its mandate to expand opportunities for interdisciplinary research collaboration, theory building, system design and capacity building in organizational, workplace, family, community, interpersonal, and multi-party public and private sector conflicts. CCER views the acquisition of conflict resolution knowledge and skills as an important mechanism in building human social capital, the Centre has acquired a reputation as a centre for innovation in developing the Insight approach to conflict.