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How are Lakewood College and the American Center for Conflict Resolution Institute affiliated?
Great question! The name of our organization began in 1998 as the American Center for Conflict Resolution Institute (ACCRI) however as of June 9, 2009 it was officially changed to Lakewood College to better represent our future degree program offerings and branding for our graduates. There was no management change as we still the same great company our student and alumni have come to love. However, ACCRI remains a school within Lakewood College.
Are you nationally accredited?
Yes, Lakewood College is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC), Washington D.C. The Accrediting Commission of the DETC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency and is a recognized member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Visit their website at http://www.detc.org.
Do you offer job placement assistance?
Yes! At Lakewood College, we not only help you find a job for after you graduate, we help you find a job any time you need one, throughout your career.
How much can I earn as a mediator?
Click here for a full report.
What types of jobs can I obtain once I complete the mediation program?
Some individuals look to start their own mediation practices while others use mediation training to become proficient in resolving disputes. Whether it’s Family and Divorce or Business, whatever your objective is after completing this course, you will have the necessary tools to be successful.
There are various job titles that fall under the mediation profession. Individuals who take advantage of our course expose themselves to a wide range of opportunities in the field of alternative dispute resolution. Click here to view current openings in this field. Also, below is a list of some of the job positions that individuals seek upon receiving certification:
Mediator
EEO Compliance Professional
Ombudsman
Dispute Resolution Specialist
Director of Mediation Services
Senior Director, Mediation
Project Coordinator
Assistant Professor of Conflict Resolution
ADR Program Specialist
Specialist in Conflict Management
Mediation and Restorative Justice Program Coordinator
Associate Ombudsperson Dependent Contractor
Program Manager
Conflict Resolution Coordinator
Executive Director
Outreach coordinator
Director, Office Dispute Resolution
Family Mediator
Divorce Mediator
Parent-Teen Mediator
Truancy mediator
Mediation Manager
Senior Mediator and Trainer
Training & Conflict Management Specialist
Peace and Stability Operations Program Officer
Tax & probate, Landlord-Tennant Program Manager
Child Protection Mediation Case Manager
Consultant
Mediation Instructor
Currently according to our student surveys, 88.2% of our graduates are working in the field of mediation or conflict resolution. It has been proven that dedication and determination is the key to becoming successful in your career and we are here to help.
Why Lakewood College
Click here to see the top 10 reasons to enroll.
Why Take This Particular Mediation Training?
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Lakewood College provides to a broad range of training on disputes including family and business mediations.
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The course covers 80 hours of instruction including 13 hours of role play simulation which surpasses most State requirements.
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We also provide a 700+ page mediation manual containing extensive information on mediation skills, techniques and resources.
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Each student is assigned to an instructor who provides summary feedback on the skills acquired during the training program.
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Lakewood College has trained hundreds of individuals around the world.
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We emphasizes practice; each student participates in twelve case study problems and numerous skill development exercises.
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Lakewood College is the home of the American Center for Conflict Resolution Institute.
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You will receive official transcripts, a certificate and a letter of reference at graduation. Further, upon graduation each student receives a certification from the Washington, DC based National Association of Certified Mediators requiring no additional testing or cost to the student because of our partnership with this organization.
Who Should Take This Course?
Persons whose job responsibilities include management of workplace conflict: Managers and supervisors, HR and personnel professionals, employee and labor relations specialists, EEO counselors and officers, worker compensation specialists, union officials and leaders, and team leaders.
Organization development (OD) consultants, management consultants, coaches and counselors, facilitators, and trainers.
Attorneys and others who work in legal or judicial settings (Continuing Legal Education).
Current mediators who wish to sharpen their skills People who are interested in a career in mediation, ADR, or conflict management.
Persons interested in serving as mediators in court-ordered civil mediations.
Anyone who simply wants to improve their personal communication, conflict management, and facilitations skills. Mediation principles have universal application.
Simply put, anyone having a desire and ability to complete this awesome training!
What Will Participants Learn?
Please CLICK HERE to see learning objectives of this course.
Will this course enable me to become a mediator?
Your certification from this course is the appropriate first step for anyone entering the mediation field. Upon successful completion, you will be a Professionally Trained Business and Family Mediator.
What Qualities Make a Good Mediator?
- Trustworthiness
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Honesty
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Integrity
- Ethical standards
- Ability to maintain and demonstrate neutrality toward all parties
- Ability to control own biases, prejudices and emotions
- Credibility - Knowledge of the mediation process
- Commitment to the mediation process (advocate for resolution).
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Sincerity
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Tactfulness
- Patience
- Ability to maintain control of disputing parties
- Flexibility
- Understanding
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Empathetic - Sensitivity to strongly held values of other
- Awareness of cultural, economic, social and gender differences
- Respect for others and opposing views
- Open-minded
- Good listening skills
- Discerning as to nonmediatable issues
- Good oral communications skills, in clear and neutral tone
- Good questioning skills and techniques
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Nonjudgmental
- Positive/Optimistic
- Persistent but not overpowering
- Ability to facilitate firm conclusions regarding settlement value
- A good listener.
- A good communicator.
- Able to identify the fundamental issues.
- Able to focus on the matter in hand and push aside the roadblocks created by assumptions and emotions.
- Someone who commands the respect of all parties involved.
- Creative in envisioning solutions.
- Patient and determined.
I'm ready to sign up--How do I Enroll?
Please click here to enroll
What is the cost of your program?
Please CLICK HERE to see a full explanation of tuition and fees.
Can I Mediate In More Than One Practice Area?
Your completion of this course is the appropriate first step for anyone entering the mediation field. Upon successful completion, you will be a Professionally Trained Business and Family Mediator equipped to mediate family, business, divorce and workplace mediations.
Are There Prerequisites For The Course?
Only a high school diploma or GED equivalent for both the Mediation and Paralegal Program. In addition, for the Mediation Program a new student must have three years full time work experience in any field.
To Become A Mediator; Where Do I Start ?
Being a mediator is a rewarding career. The best way to begin is to take a course equivalent to at least a 40 hour training mediation course. Our course has been thoroughly tested. By completing our course you will complete 80 hours of mediations training which includes 13 hours of role play simulation. Therefore, it supersedes most program requirements.
Becoming a skilled mediator requires more than training; it requires experience and feedback. After you have taken training, the next best step is observation and co-mediation with experienced mediators. Our course teaches you not only the necessary skills, but it will also teach you how to quickly set up your own mediation practice and provides resources to get this necessary experience.
What does it mean when I complete Lakewood College's mediation program?
Currently there are no national certifications or licensing agencies in the field of mediation. Various mediation programs (e.g. some state courts, USPS, EEOC and The World Bank among others have initiated mediation programs that utilize contract mediators from outside the organization) have minimum requirements for mediators. Generally these are training requirements. Forty hours of beginning instruction is a nationally accepted standard. Upon completion of our course you will receive a certificate. This document certifies that one has fulfilled the requirements of and may practice in a field. Because you will have 16 examinations and 12 role play simulation exercises throughout this course, we are able to effectively and objectively evaluate your abilities as a mediator. Your certificate from this course is the appropriate first step for anyone entering the mediation field. You will be a Professional Business and Family Mediator upon successful completion of the program.
How does Lakewood College's mediator training differ from that of other providers?
We provide all of the same training that other mediation training programs provide. In addition, you will be required to complete examinations that allow us to objectively evaluate that you are learning the necessary material to become an effective mediator. Further, you will be assigned to your own instructor who will work with you to achieve your educational goals!
What types of disputes will I be able to mediate?
You will be prepared to mediate any business, family, workplace, neighborhood, and divorce conflicts.
However, your state may require additional state specific training in order to receive court case referrals. See last question below.
Does my certification expire?
No, your certificate from Lakewood College does not expire. We recommend, of course, that you maintain and enhance your skills with additional training as in any other profession. However, your certification from the National Association of Certified Mediators will need to be renewed every three years.
Is distance learning a respected way to learn?
Yes, many colleges and universities all around the world have developed distance learning programs because of dynamic, changing society. Please CLICK HERE to find out more information about distance learning.
When will I receive my course materials?
Within 1 business day of enrollment, you will receive a login and password to the student portal. The portal will contain all of your course materials except for textbooks.
Once you have completed lessons 1-10 and paid the required tuition, we will mail the textbooks and DVD required for completion of lessons 11-16 via U.S. Priority. Students who pay in full, will receive all materials within five business days of the date of registration.
All students must sign an enrollment agreement prior to the shipment of materials.
What if I get the wrong shipment or haven't received my shipment yet?
Please email us at support@lakewoodcollege.edu to submit your concerns for immediate contact. You may also call us 1-800-517-0857.
How are exams and grading handled?
You will submit an exam after you complete each of the 16 modules in your Professional Mediation Certification Course. These lesson exams are open book/open notes. Student may take their exams online or by mail.
Those choosing to mail in examinations will receive exam answer sheets which are included with your course materials. Simply mail us your completed exam answer sheet or take your exams online and we'll promptly grade it (usually within a couple of days) and return it to you with your grade. Please allow five or more business days to receive the results for mailed exams. When you take your tests online you will receive immediate feedback. If you fail a lesson exam, you may choose to retake it.
What if I misplace my exam answer sheets?
Please contact us toll free at 1-800-517-0857 or via email at studentservices@lakewoodcollege.edu and we will promptly e-mail you another set of testing materials.
May I submit more than one exam assignment per week?
Yes, you may. Please remember students are not eligible for graduation until all lessons are completed and all tuition and fees have been paid in full.
How often, and where do I send, my monthly payments?
Monthly payments should be mailed to: ACCRI, Billing Dept., 5247 Wilson Mills Rd, #442, Richmond Hts., OH 44143. Unless you have paid your full tuition in advance, you will receive an invoice every thirty days (unless you have chosen the automatic debit option). Your invoice will be for the minimum payment required. However, you may make larger payments at any time. Please be prompt in mailing your payments, whether or not you have completed your lessons.
Who do I contact if I have a new phone number, address, or E-mail address?
Please email us at studentservices@lakewoodcollege.edu or contact us at (800) 517-0857.
What if I have a billing or payment question?
Please contact us toll free at 1-800-517-0857 or via email at studentservices@lakewoodcollege.edu .
Who do I contact if I'm having difficulty with my studies?
Our expert instructional staff is here to assist you in any way we can. You may contact us by emailing us at studentservices@lakewoodcollege.edu or you mail in the forms provided at the end your student manual. We will respond promptly by phone, mail, fax, or E-mail. Or, you may call us at (800) 517-0857, and your call will be referred to a member of our knowledgeable professors. Leave a detailed voice message if someone cannot help you right away. We make every effort to return calls within 1 business day.
What if I have to postpone my studies because of illness, my schedule, or personal reasons?
Please contact us toll free at 1-800-517-0857 or via email at studentservices@lakewoodcollege.edu .
After I graduate and receive my certificate, can I get a copy of my transcript?
Yes. We will also mail official copies of your transcript and letters of recommendation to other schools, or potential employers, at your request.
Will my certification be recognized by other programs, employers, etc...?
Lakewood College is a nationally recognized institution, and your certificate is certification of your achievement of knowledge in the mediation training program from which you have graduated. However it is up to the individual organization to determine acceptance of certification from Lakewood College.
Is there someone that I can speak to right away?
Yes! You may call us at 1-800-517-0857 Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00AM- 5:00PM Eastern Standard Time.
Do I need a computer to take this course?
We make it very easy for our students. You may take the entire course without a computer, however there is an additional fee of $99 for course materials. Exams and assignments may be mailed in for grading. However, if you prefer you may take your exams online and send your assignments via email. You determine which option is best for you!
Does this course meet the qualifications for my state?
Although many states recommend qualifications for mediators, no state has requirements for the private practice of mediation. In any state, a mediator can practice in private settings without being licensed, certified, or listed.
Rather than regulate the practice of mediation, states have chosen to create lists of mediators meeting criteria for certain areas of practice. Statewide lists of mediators are usually maintained by the judicial branch as an extension of its responsibility for settling civil disputes. Lists or certification procedures have two general purposes: 1) to establish qualifications for mediators who receive funding from state government or who receive referrals from the courts or other agencies; and 2) to provide information about mediator qualifications for parties, attorneys, courts, and members of the public as they exercise free market choice among private mediators.
Remember, these qualifications, even for your state, are guidelines for those individuals who wish to seek court case referrals. If you plan to start your own mediation practice or to add such services to your business then the state requirements are not necessary.
Are there any discounts?
Yes, there is a 10% discount for all military personnel, veterans, senior citizens and clergy. For more information please contact the Admissions Office at 1-800-517-0857, ext 708.
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