Public Relations and Marketing

Contact: Donna Kramer (509-963-1466/fax 509-963-3206/e-mail: ombuds@cwu.edu)

ELLENSBURG, Wash. - A new team of campus professionals has been established at Central Washington University to help “create and sustain productive, civil and pleasant campuses and workplaces.” CWU DIRECT, an acronym for Dispute Resolution Consultation and Training, is comprised of faculty and staff members who are experienced in the theory and dynamics of conflict resolution. CWU Ombudsperson Donna Kramer assembled the new unit, in conjunction with her charge to develop additional university conflict resolution strategies. “There is an amazing wealth of knowledge and experience within the university community,” Kramer says, “and I’m pleased that this group of people is willing to volunteer their time and share their expertise.” Currently, the team is available to present the following short, fun, interactive skill-building sessions, all designed to help employees learn to resolve workplace conflict. The sessions include:

“Active Listening,” presents a tool that will strengthen each participants’ listening and feedback skills;
“Dealing with Difficult People,” provides information on how to interact with difficult, angry or negative people, and the communication skills that can help clarify and calm a situation;
“Raising the Issue,” teaches participants how to begin a dialogue around difficult issues;
And, “Myers-Briggs self-assessment,” helps co-workers understand their own and each other’s personality style, along with helpful tips for working together.

“If a group or department would like to develop some additional skills, get to know each other better, understand each other’s styles — and have fun in the process — these skill-building sessions will help,” Kramer adds. While the new team will work independently of the ombuds office, Kramer will initially coordinate and schedule the skill-building sessions. To make an appointment for such a session, or for more information about CWU DIRECT, call (509) 963-1466, or e-mail ombuds@cwu.edu.

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