The campus has resources to support individuals and academic units when conflict occurs. It is prudent to familiarize yourself with these resources before you need them.
For interpersonal conflicts, the campus Ombuds Offices, which are confidential, can be a great place to refer the individuals.
- The Faculty Ombuds serves faculty.
- The Ombuds Office for Students and Postdoctoral Appointees serves students and postdocs.
- The Staff Ombuds Office serves staff as well as faculty in a management role.
If conflict is between parties of different affiliations, it is okay to start at any of the offices associated with the affiliation of one of the parties.
For broader conflict within a department (including climate issues), the Office for Faculty Equity & Welfare (ofew@berkeley.edu) can help point you in the right direction. Some options include:
- Amy Scharf, Director of Faculty and Departmental Diversity Initiatives, for consultation, facilitation, training, and other assistance on issues related to equity, inclusion, and diversity.
- The Restorative Justice Center for restorative and community-building circle facilitation, workshops, and other services related to conflict resolution.
- The PATH to Care Center, which specializes in climate issues relating to sexual harassment.
- An outside consultant specializing in the conflict or issue your department is experiencing.
The DEIBlueprint online resources for improving departmental climate are available to all departments. Consultation with Tracy Pascua Dea, Academic Climate Program Director, may also be possible, schedule permitting.
The Supportal website is another resource dedicated to helping all members of the campus community find the right supportive resource.