Dialogue, Mediation, and Conflict Resolution Training at Cleveland State

The Division of Continuing and Extended Education at Cleveland State University is pleased to offer conflict resolution, mediation, and dialogue training for organizations seeking to strengthen communication, support collaborative problem-solving, and navigate complex workplace and community conversations. These programs are designed to help participants build practical skills for addressing disagreement constructively, facilitating difficult conversations, and creating more respectful, productive environments.

Available Workshops
Bridging the Divide: What to do when people disagree.

Workshop Length
Workshops may be offered as a 4-hour introductory session or an 8-hour full-day session. The 8-hour format is recommended for deeper skills practice, discussion, and applied scenarios.

$150 per hour

Delivery Format
In-person delivery is recommended for optimal engagement and skills practice. A hybrid format may also be available, combining in-person and online participation or activities.

Summary:
People across your organization can play an important role in creating constructive change within their departments, workplaces, institutions, and communities.

This workshop helps employees and leaders navigate difficult conversations with greater confidence, especially when emotions are high and the stakes are visible. Topics may include interactions with frustrated community members, staff, students, or clients; politically charged conversations in classrooms, offices, or public settings; college-community relations; and conversations among colleagues or students who hold strong views on complex issues.

The goal is not to eliminate conflict. The goal is to help participants respond with skill, professionalism, and purpose when conflict arises.

Learn what to do when emotions run high and positions are deeply held. Compromise isn't the only option. In this workshop you will learn how to de-escalate difficult situations and move from gridlock* to effective solutions to challenging public issues. Participants will practice identifying what other people actually need to move forward even when they aren't saying it, articulating what you need in way that makes difficult people responsive, managing high emotions, and developing solutions that get implemented because they integrate the needs of everyone involved.

*alternatives = impasse, confrontation, conflict, crisis

**Each workshop includes applied skills practice tailored to the contracting organization, with examples drawn from its workplace, professional, or community context. Pre- and post-workshop evaluations are available to support assessment of participant learning and program impact.

Meet your Facilitator

Dr. Jennifer C. Batton, has 30 years’ experience in the field of conflict resolution/alternative dispute resolution and dialogue facilitation, working for state government, higher education, and a non-profit to help local and global communities build their capacity to prevent, address, and manage conflict. Her work includes eight years in state government (serving @ 3600 primary and secondary public schools and 52 teacher training colleges and universities) as the Director of Education Programs for the Ohio Commission on Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management, seven years as the director of the Global Issues Resource Center at Cuyahoga Community College, and international education work in 23 countries. She provided direct service to more than 71 colleges and universities, 600 primary and secondary schools, and hundreds of civil society and governmental organizations. She currently serves on the Advisory Board for the Center for Conflict Management at the University of Akron and coordinates the Ohio Peace and Conflict Studies Network.

For more information or to schedule your team's training, email Nancy M. Pratt, Ph.D., Executive Director, Division of Continuing and Extended Education and the Office of Workforce Development.