From resolving community disputes, labour grievances and government accountability office complaints to representing clients in courts and tribunals, our well-rounded Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) graduate certificate program benefits those wanting to be trained dispute resolution specialists, as well as agents representing parties in various dispute resolution processes.

With a core curriculum spanning community mediation, administrative tribunals, court dispute resolution processes, employment/labour law, family law, conflict resolution in health care and conflict management system design, the program uses intensive workshop training and community engagement to teach the core principles of negotiation, mediation and arbitration. Applying these principles, students learn to resolve disputes between individuals, within families, businesses, stakeholders in the health sector, government and community agencies.

It is an ideal program for recent university graduates wanting to enhance their academic credentials, as well as those currently employed in areas such as law, human resources, insurance, community organizations, health care, education, social work, real estate and government.

Students have the opportunity to gain practical experience by applying the theory and skills they’ve learned at on-campus Dispute Resolution Clinic. This program is approved by the ADR Institute of Ontario, Family Dispute Resolution Institute of Ontario and the Ontario Association of Family Mediators.

Upon completing the program, graduates may find employment as a dispute resolution officer, conflict resolution facilitator, community outreach co-ordinator, conciliator, early resolution officer, employee relations officer or labour relations officer. They may also work independently as ADR consultants.