My study of conflict resolution through KIPCOR opened my eyes to varying viewpoints and the elements that shape an individual’s perspective—Kristina Graber ’10, conflict resolution
If you complete the certificate requirements and the co-mediation practicum, you are eligible for approval as a mediator by the Kansas Supreme Court.
While there are some positions available in mediation centers or organizations looking for conflict resolution specialists, the primary strength of this certificate is to provide added value to any other major and to increase the attractiveness of a job candidate for almost any position. Any job has the potential for conflict, and employers value employees who understand and can help resolve conflict.
Notable Alumni
Kristina Graber – ’10
Kristina graduated with a B.S. in business administration, a psychology minor and the Conflict Resolution Certificate. She secured a conflict resolution internship with Next Element Consulting (Newton), a company that works to improve soft skills. There, she completed training in the process communication model and facilitated self-efficacy. Following graduation from Bethel, she entered the master of business administration program at the University of South Dakota.
“My study of conflict resolution through KIPCOR opened my eyes to varying viewpoints and the elements that shape an individual’s perspective,” Kristina says. “This foundation allows me to interact with others with a more open mind and a strong appreciation for diversity. This skill has been beneficial in my current role in human resources. Additionally, this certification has created a strong competitive advantage with my skill set.”
Karey French – ’06
Karey interned with Episcopal Social Services in Wichita, co-facilitating family group conferencing. After graduating from Bethel, she spent a year in Mennonite Voluntary Service as a teacher’s assistant in a local inner-city primary school in Bradford, England.
She says, “My Conflict Resolution Certificate gave me the skills to relate to, understand, and deal with conflicts between White British children and Asian British children in Bradford. The training was vital in my year in England and will continue to be vital in every aspect of my life.”
Emily Smith – ’05
Emily’s internship was with Midland Mediation Services in Wichita, working with state agencies and families dealing with the child welfare system and assisting with various issues between the parties.
“I feel like I was on the cutting edge through my internship,” Emily says. “I was placed with a pilot program doing child welfare mediation. This was the first program like it in the state. The internship helped prepare me for my current job and the direction my field was taking.”
Aziza Hasan – ’03
Aziza had two internships, one during the summer in the Harvey County Attorney’s Office and the other during the semester at Offender Victim Ministries. Aziza says that each of her internships gave her a different view of our justice system. Working with and observing the county attorney gave me a glimpse of the grey reality of our criminal justice system. In contrast, Offender Victim Ministries gave me hands-on experience working with individuals to understand the severity of their crimes and help them reconcile their relationship with those they’d offended. I enjoyed both experiences because they helped me come full circle to realize the importance of attaining justice for both victims and offenders.
“I co-direct a Muslim-Jewish dialogue program in Los Angeles,” says Aziza Hasan. “The Conflict Resolution Certificate and mediation training have been invaluable assets when facilitating tense and often charged discussions. My ability to see conflict through opportunity and growth has distinguished me from others and provided me with the comfort level needed to guide the transformational process successfully.”
Joletta Friesen – ’02
Joletta spent a year in voluntary service in south Texas as a paralegal, advocating for the rights of legal and illegal immigrants, before entering law school at Washburn University in Topeka, Kan., and graduating with honors. She works for Rouse Hendricks German May PC, Kansas City, Mo.
“My Conflict Resolution Certificate allowed me to set myself apart,” Joletta says. “I had interviewers comment on it, and I brought up my experience in interviews and received positive responses. Firms like to see you have training on working well with others.”
Lisa Kaufman – ’02
To complete her Conflict Resolution Certificate, Lisa spent time working at Offender Victim Ministries in Newton. Since 2002, she’s been employed by Lutheran Social Services in Sioux Falls, S.D. As part of the Refugee and Immigration Program, she helps provide interpreters for individuals who don’t speak English when they arrive in the United States.
“The mediation and conflict resolution skills that I learned during my internship have shaped my response to conflict at work,” Lisa says. “Even though I don’t carry out formal mediation sessions, I try to look for creative solutions to conflicts that arise while seeking to uncover the underlying needs of the parties involved in a disagreement.”
Dan Miller – ’02
Dan did his internship for the Conflict Resolution Certificate with the Hillsboro, Kan., city administrator. Dan is employed at Hesston (Kan.) College as director of the aviation program. Approved by the State of Kansas Supreme Court in core and domestic mediation, he serves as a volunteer mediator for the Small Claims Court of Harvey County.
“My Conflict Resolution Certificate allows me to make a difference in how I face challenges,” Dan says. “My internship with a city administrator offered many practical experiences in relationships with the public. The personal growth I experienced in completing the certificate was instrumental in my selection as a volunteer FAA Safety Team member.”