New Mock Mediation Club Earns Recognition at Regional Tournament

New Mock Mediation Club Earns Recognition at Regional Tournament

 
Georgia Southern’s newly formed Mock Mediation student organization recently earned several awards at the regional level, and has also gained sponsorship from the International Academy of Dispute Resolution (INADR) and the University’s Center for International Studies to compete at the National Intercollegiate Mediation Tournament in Iowa this November.

Mediation is a fast growing form of alternative dispute resolution that is growing in popularity both as a profession and a professional skill in which, mediators are considered to be facilitators of finding meaningful solutions to disputes; be it domestic violence, corporate disputes or misunderstandings between co-workers. A competition designed to help students learn valuable dispute resolution and advocacy skills, Mock Mediation can help improve active listening skills, conflict resolution and management skills and enhance a person’s ability to become more understanding.

At the Regional Mock Mediation Tournament held earlier this month in Gainesville, Ga., three members competed at Brenau University including Dylan John, team captain and president of the student organization, Mikkel Ryrsoe and Robert Wilson. The students faced some of the toughest competition in the Southeast region, and won the round with a commanding lead of 15 points.  

They won seven awards including:

• 3rd Place Overall Top Advocate/Client (Team) – Georgia Southern University
• 1st Place Overall score “Peacemaker Award” (Individual) – Dylan John
• 3rd Place Top Mediator (Individual) – Dylan John
• 2nd Place Top Advocate/Client pair (Individual) – Dylan John
• 2nd Place Top Advocate/Client pair (Individual) – Mikkel Ryrsoe
• 5th Place Top Advocate/Client pair (Individual) – Dylan John
• 5th Place Top Advocate/Client pair (Individual) – Robert Wilson

In addition, team captain Dylan John was also awarded the regional tournament’s most prestigious award – the Elizabeth S. Baumgardner Peacemaker Award, for best all-around individual performance in both Mediator and Advocate/Client categories.

The team leaves for Iowa to compete on the national level next week and couldn't be more excited.

“Starting this semester, regionals did not seem within reach, at least for another year, and now we have a team that is prepping for nationals. Dreams do come true!” said John.

The Mock Mediation team is actively recruiting members. A club meeting will be held on Thursday, Oct. 24 at 5 p.m. in Russell Union, Room 2043. Interested students are encouraged to participate.

For more information, contact Dylan John by email at david_d_john@georgiasouthern.edu.