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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Do I become Certified if I take this program?
  2. Do you offer the program through distance education or electronic technology?
  3. How do I become a Mediator?
  4. How do I choose from all of the programs that are available?
  5. How is your program different from others?
  6. What are the Values and Interests of the program?
  7. What is the Mission of the program?
  8. Why Conflict Management and not Conflict Transformation?
  9. FAQ about Alternative Dispute Resolution
  10. What is the occupational background of participants?
  11. Who are the Mennonites? What is their peace and justice tradition?
  12. Do I receive University credit for a workshop?
  13. Do I receive a Certificate from the University of Waterloo?
  14. Do I need to take "Understanding Conflict I" first?
  15. Will I receive an income tax receipt?
  16. I live outside Canada and the United States. How do I apply?

  1. Do I become Certified if I take this program?

    Some people are confused by the term "Certificate". A certificate is usually proof of completion of some type of professional development and can have different meanings to various organizations and/or people. Our Certificate in Conflict Management does not provide certification. A certificate of participation is issued for each workshop completed. And a final Certificate is issued upon completion of the requirements. Our program's reputation for excellence also gives validity and meaning to the Certificate we offer.

    If you wish to become a Mediator or Chartered Mediator see "How do I become a Mediator?".

  2. Do you offer the program through distance education or electronic technology?

    On-line training works well, saves time away from work and saves money. So while you can read or access good information on the internet about conflict resolution, it doesn't take the place of interacting with people to learn. After all, what better way to learn about and practise conflict resolution than with people? As part of the learning experience, we stress the importance of interaction with other people who have diverse backgrounds and experiences. As a result, we do not offer workshops through distance education or electronic technology.

  3. How do I become a Mediator?

    There is currently no governing regulatory body for mediators/mediation or formal certification process for mediators in Ontario. Individuals can practice mediation without any credentials, however, it is recommended that people do not consider this option. Family Mediators do have a credentialing body with the Ontario Association for Family Mediators

    If you wish to become a mediator, our Conflict Management:Negotiation & Mediation Level 1 and Level 2 workshops, in addition to developing skills, offer suggestions for how to become a mediator and is approved by the ADR Institute of Ontario. Transformative Mediation and Narrative Mediation offer alternative methods of mediation. Law for Non-Lawyers provides an introduction for non-lawyers to the civil justice system. Organizational Approaches to Mediation focuses on relationship-based approaches for resolving conflict inside the organization. Family Mediation is specifically geared towards family mediation and is approved by the Academy of Family Mediators, ADR Institute of Ontario and Ontario Association for Family Mediation. Understanding Conflict II: Coaching and Assessing Conflict Situations addresses issues and dynamics in preparing parties for mediation. Family Law Arbitration is designed to satisfy the educational requirements of the Family Statute Law Amendment Act, 2006 and Regulations. Anyone dealing with conflict resolution and mediation requires grounding in Facilitation Skills. We also offer Advanced Mediation Skills and Advanced Family Mediation Skills.

    For more information on becoming a mediator please visit ADR Institute of Ontario or ADR Institute of Canada. To become a Roster Mediator please see the Attorney General's website.

    "Building a Successful Mediation Practice" by James Melamed is an excellent article. (Used with permission.)

  4. How do I choose from all of the programs that are available?

    There are many very good similar programs at other educational institutions in Ontario (and Canada). Each program has its own set of requirements and costs to meet their mission and vision. Looking at the choices available is the best way to know which one suits your needs. See also, How is your program different from others?

    We are aware of the following similar programs in Ontario:

    Carleton University, also a Graduate Certificate in Conflict Resolution
    Humber College, Alternative Dispute Resolution Certificate
    Queen's University, Industrial Relations Centre, Dispute Resolution and Negotiation Skills
    University of Western Ontario, Continuing Education, Alternative Dispute Resolution
    York University, Certificate in Dispute Resolution

    If you are aware of other comparable programs offered through educational institutions in Ontario that you would like to recommend be added to this list, please contact Susan Baker

  5. How is your program different from others?

    The Certificate Program in Conflict Management, Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies, Conrad Grebel University College provides:

    • a history of the longest standing Peace and Conflict Studies program in Canada
    • commitment to lifelong learning
    • excellent customer service
    • a quick response time to requests for information
    • flexibility to design a program to meet your needs and interests
    • a combination of theory and immediately useable skills in each workshop
    • no program start or stop time; take workshops at your own pace
    • workshops that are open to anyone
    • no undergraduate degree requirement
    • no previous experience in conflict resolution requirement
    • the opportunity to take one or more workshops for interest only
    • maximum enrollment of 24 people to ensure individual attention
    • interactive style learning; no lectures or exams
    • instructors who are experienced dispute resolution professionals and very competent with adult-learning concepts and practises
    • access to instructors after completion of a workshop

    Our Certificate Program is not static; it continues to evolve in response to the changing nature of conflict management and participant requests. Workshops are modified as needed to ensure they are current and relevant.

  6. What are the Values and Interests of the program?

    The Certificate Program reflects distinctive Mennonite concerns, values and interests. Elements stressed as part of the program include:

    • the importance, in conflict, of presence and being, rather than just skill and doing
    • the transforming and renewing of relationships, rather than just settling disputes
    • understanding approaches to conflict that recognize and address the need for social change as compared to individualistic "band-aid" solutions to conflict
    • conflict as both an internal and external phenomenon, and
    • highlighting the need for individual transformation

    The goal of the program is to encourage participants to more effectively influence and guide a respectful process that will allow disputants to non-violently change current and future relationships between themselves and others, rather than provide techniques that will "fix" or "resolve" all conflicts. Our goal is to create a better society, not just solve a particular problem between two people. Practise is emphasized; participants are given the opportunity to practise the skills being taught and leave the program confident in their own ability to be active peacemakers. Participants are given honest and helpful feedback concerning their understanding of the skills provided.

  7. What is the Mission of the program?

    The Mission of the Certificate Program is to inspire and empower pro-active, positive agents for change within personal and family relationships, the commercial sector, and within their surrounding communities.

  8. Why Conflict Management and not Conflict Transformation?

    "It can be argued that conflicts are neither inherently good nor bad, but simply facts of life. While this argument is often used in the introduction of articles and books on the subject, it is clear that many of us think that conflict is not a good thing. This assumption is revealed in the terms used by scholars and practitioners of various approaches to dealing with conflict-"prevention," "reduction," "settlement," or "termination." But other terms have been used too-for example, "conflict management," "conflict resolution," and "conflict transformation." "Conflict management" is often chosen as the appropriate term as it reflects a belief that conflict is an ongoing part of life which, while it may not be ended, can at least be managed constructively. The term "conflict resolution" more clearly suggests that conflict can be ended successfully. Those favouring the use of the term "conflict transformation" argue that both the conflict management and conflict resolution perspectives focus on the settlement of conflict issues but pay too little attention to the nature of the relationship in which the conflict occurs. Conflict transformation advocates argue that without changes in the parties' understanding of the dispute and its connection to the nature of their relationship and their appreciation of each other, conflictual situations and relations will continue to prevail."1

    The College uses the term conflict management to encompass all strategies that focus on either ending, resolving, or transforming conflict. We hope that people will continue to reflect on their own ways of dealing with conflict, will somehow be transformed through that reflection and motivated to improve conflict management attempts.2

    Definitions:

    Conflict Resolution: the goal of the approach is to end conflict between the parties altogether.

    Conflict Management: the aim is not to end the conflict but rather to get the parties to live with it or to carry it on in ways that keep it within limits that are beneficial to both parties.

    Conflict Transformation: concerned with finding ways to motivate unwilling parties to make peace; the goal is to have power equalization and motivation.3

    Simplified definitions:

    Conflict Resolution: we have a conflict and we resolve it

    Conflict Management: "agreeing to disagree"

    Conflict Transformation: "putting it all on the table" and being transformed by differences


    Footnotes:

    1 Working It Out: Conflict in Interpersonal Contexts by Loraleigh Keashly & William C. Warters in Patterns of Conflict, Paths to Peace by Larry J Fisk & John L. Schellenberg, Broadview Press Ltd., Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, 2000, p 43. Reprinted by permission of Broadview Press.

    2 Working It Out: Conflict in Interpersonal Contexts by Loraleigh Keashly & William C. Warters in Patterns of Conflict, Paths to Peace by Larry J Fisk & John L. Schellenberg, Broadview Press Ltd., Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, 2000, p. 62. Reprinted by permission of Broadview Press.

    3 Shaping a Vision: The Nature of Peace Studies by Conrad G. Brunk in Patterns of Conflict, Paths to Peace by Larry J Fisk & John L. Schellenberg, Broadview Press Ltd., Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, 2000, p 31. Reprinted by permission of Broadview Press.

  9. FAQ about Alternative Dispute Resolution


  10. What is the occupational background of participants?

    Participants come from a variety of occupations. See a partial listing of over 260 occupations.

  11. Who are the Mennonites? What is their peace and justice tradition?

    The Mennonite church is considered an historic 'peace' church. "The Mennonite church in Canada today remains linked to a rich history, while also embracing and inviting people of different cultures and backgrounds....People of diverse cultural backgrounds gather to worship, often in their own language....Just like their Anabaptist predecessors, Mennonites in Canada do not necessarily believe or practice all of the same things. In fact, there are literally dozens of distinct groups with their own organizations, structures, and perspectives. Nonetheless, there are several topics which are recognized as important and which most churches address in some way or another. Adult baptism, the importance of community, and discipleship remain important emphases in Mennonite churches today. Although many issues arise out of these 'traditional Mennonite beliefs,' Service, Peace Perspectives, and Non-conformity reflect some of the areas where these convictions continue to have significant influence in our day. People of different cultural backgrounds have played an important role in challenging and redefining how Mennonite individuals, congregations, and conferences approach such issues." "From early on there has been an ongoing emphasis on following the example of Jesus, and therefore not participating in war. Although this emphasis on obedience and discipleship remains strong, church perspectives on peace have changed somewhat....Mennonites in Canada continue to hold a broad spectrum of views on peace issues, ranging from emphases on being the 'Quiet in the land,' to evangelism and social justice." For more information on Mennonites see Mennonite Historical Society of Canada.

  12. Do I receive University credit for a workshop completed?

    The workshops in the Certificate Program are non-degree. You do not receive University credit. You do receive credit towards obtaining a Certificate in Conflict Management for workshops completed.

  13. Do I receive a Certificate from the University of Waterloo?

    The Certificate Program is offered by and administered through the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies at Conrad Grebel University College, affiliated with the University of Waterloo. The University of Waterloo's logo and name appears on the certificates of participation and the final Certificate in Conflict Management, in addition to the College's logo and name.

  14. Do I need to take "Understanding Conflict I" first?

    Workshops may be taken in any order, except where there are prerequisites. If you have had no conflict resolution training, we encourage you to begin with "Understanding Conflict I", however, there is no obligation to do so.

  15. Will I receive an income tax receipt?

    A T2202A form for the tuition allowance is issued for most workshops. According to government guidelines, workshops that are offered in partnership with a non-academic organization do not qualify. The education allowance is not applicable.

  16. I live outside Canada and the United States. How do I apply?

    Select a workshop. Complete a registration form and send with payment by money order or Western Union transfer in Canadian dollars. Acceptance of your registration is conditional upon any prerequisites having been completed. A 20% discount may be applicable when payment is received 4 or more weeks prior to the start date of a workshop. No scholarships or other financial assistance is available. The cost of the workshop does not include airfare, accommodation or meals.

    You must plan far enough in advance so that you have time to make the necessary arrangements to obtain a visa. It may take months to do so. We encourage you to allow a minimum of 2 months; more time is better. When we receive your registration form with payment, we will send a letter of invitation to you in a email attachment. This letter can be used as part of the information you need to obtain a visa. Please check with the Canadian Embassy/Consulate nearest to you to confirm the necessary documents for travel to Canada.