Chapter II. Conflict Resolution Processes

Introduction to Conflict Resolution Processes 

Parties to conflicts are strongly encouraged to exercise their best will and seek to resolve disagreements as amicably and directly as possible. When a student is a party to a conflict, Student Affairs is available to help reach such resolutions. The following processes are available to students, faculty, and staff who need or desire the structure that a grievance process provides when direct resolutions are inappropriate or impossible. All reports made to Amherst College are reviewed and action is taken based on information known or learned about the report.

Any student who may require an accommodation to participate in a College process should contact Accessibility Services and the respective primary point of contact listed below. Any student who may require language translation or interpretation services should contact the respective primary point of contact listed below. Any staff or faculty member who may need these services should contact Human Resources.

All communications and notices required by these procedures may be made electronically, in hard copy, or in person. Conflict Resolution Processes will primarily be communicated through official College email. Students are expected to check their official College email on a regular basis.

Multiple factors influence the appropriateness of which of the resolution pathways might be initiated to resolve a conflict. The affiliation or role of the parties to a conflict is one such factor. Whatever factors may emerge as influential, College officials associated with each process can assist interested parties in making informed decisions.

Resolution Pathways

Adaptable Conflict Resolutions (ACR)

ACR is a voluntary, remedies-based, structured interaction between or among affected parties that balances support and accountability without traditional disciplinary action. ACRs include conflict coaching, facilitated dialogue, restorative circles or conferences, shuttle negotiation, mediation, and accountability circles. The primary point of contact for information about this procedure is Community Standards, communitystandards@amherst.edu. https://www.amherst.edu/mm/500781

The Community Standards Adjudication Process (CSAP)

The CSAP can be initiated only against Amherst College students, Five College students enrolled in Amherst College courses who are alleged to have violated standards of academic integrity, or Amherst College student groups and only for allegations that are not covered by the Interim Title IX Policy. The primary point of contact for information about this procedure is Community Standards, communitystandards@amherst.edu. https://www.amherst.edu/mm/500781

The Interim Title IX Policy

Amherst College students alleged to have engaged in sexual misconduct may be adjudicated by the Interim Title IX Grievance Process described in Section 13. The primary point of contact for information about this procedure is the Title IX Coordinator, (413) 542-5707. https://www.amherst.edu/mm/335912 

The Resolution of Student Grievances with Members of the Faculty

If a student believes their rights under the Honor Code have been violated by a faculty member, they should consult the Dean of Students or the Provost and Dean of the Faculty at (413) 542–2334 about the procedures for resolving their grievances, as described in Section 15, The Resolution of Student Grievances with Members of the Facultyhttps://www.amherst.edu/mm/80807

The Resolution of Student Grievances with Administrators, Staff, or Visitors

If a student believes they have been aggrieved by a member of the administration or staff, they should consult the Chief Human Resources Officer at (413) 542-2372. See Section 16, The Resolution of Student Grievances with Administrators, Staff, or Visitors for additional details. The section of this code dealing with sexual harassment (Section 3, College Sexual Misconduct Policy) also provides guidance for students who believe that they have been harassed by members of the faculty, the administration, or staff. https://www.amherst.edu/mm/41895