Empowering Academic Leaders and Faculty to Navigate Conflict Effectively
Presented by the Office of the Provost and the Office for Academic Personnel and Faculty
Strengthen Your Conflict Engagement Skills
In times marked by complexity and tension—globally, nationally, and locally—the University of Washington is committed to cultivating a campus culture where every member of the community feels safe and respected when expressing their views. As part of this commitment, the Office of the Provost and the Office for Academic Personnel & Faculty are offering a powerful opportunity for academic leaders and faculty to build skills for navigating conflict constructively.
Led by Professor Christine Cimini and Emeritus Associate Professor Alan Kirtley from the UW School of Law’s Mediation Clinic, this interactive, 8-hour training provides tools and strategies to:
- Engage in difficult conversations with respect and clarity
- De-escalate tense situations
- Find constructive, inclusive paths to resolution
Participants will explore basic conflict theory and leave with practical tools to address conflict in academic settings with confidence.
What to Expect
- Engaged, Interactive Learning: Experience hands-on activities and academic scenarios that bring conflict theory to life.
- Practical Tools and Strategies: Gain actionable approaches for resolving conflict and fostering collaboration.
- Expert Facilitation: Learn from seasoned mediators and educators with deep experience in academic conflict resolution.
- Comprehensive Resources: Receive a detailed participant handbook for ongoing use and reflection.
Who Should Attend?
This training is designed for academic leaders including:
- Department Chairs
- Associate Deans
- Center Directors
We will also consider faculty in other roles as space allows. Whether you’re new to leadership or a seasoned academic, this training will enhance your ability to lead and collaborate effectively.
Training Format
- Session Length: Two half-day sessions (4 hours each)
- Format: In-person training with group activities and real-world scenarios
- Location: Sessions offered on all three UW campuses (Seattle, Tacoma, and Bothell)
- Materials: Comprehensive handbook included
How to Apply
The Provost and the Vice Provost for Academic Personnel & Faculty are seeking applications from academic leaders and faculty across UW’s tri-campus system. The application deadline is January 30, 2026.
Your application should include a brief biographical sketch (3-4 sentences) and a statement on how this program can be helpful for you (3-4 sentences). You will also have the opportunity to indicate your preferred campus location (Seattle, Tacoma, or Bothell).
Commitment to Learning and Community
Due to the interactive and community-building nature of the training, participants must commit to attending both sessions in full. This ensures deep engagement with the material and meaningful peer learning.
The conflict resolution training […] has been a game changer. Participants leave the training better equipped to de-escalate challenging situations and with a much better understanding of how we can all work together more happily and productively.