Mediations
While all roommate relationships vary, at some point, it’s likely two people living together will differ over an issue. Each roommate conflict is unique, but Residence Life at Georgetown does have some guidelines about such situations. Those are outlined below, but residents should note that depending upon the nature of the conflict, the time of year, or the options available, we may need to consider alternatives at any point.
Roommate mediations can be challenging for everyone involved. We hope roommates will approach this process with patience for each other, with a goal of addressing and resolving the existing issues. Roommate mediations are nearly always a course of action prior to our staff disrupting multiple living situations with a roommate switch. This is not only for logistics, but also because Georgetown believes that learning to live with others and resolve differences is an important educational opportunity for our students.
Residents should also note that the Office of Residence Life and the Office of Housing reserve the right to move any resident into an empty space at any time. While we try our best to give everyone affected advance notice, sometimes moves must take place quickly--not permitting us much time to contact residents.
- Roommates should communicate clearly and frequently with each other about concerns. Roommate disagreements are normal and rarely need resolution beyond the roommates, provided they are addressed quickly. Most difficult roommate disagreements occur because residents chose not to speak to each other about their concerns.
- It is our first goal that, whenever possible, roommates work together to arrive at a mutually agreeable solution to their conflict. Our staff is here to help, but with the exception of upholding Georgetown's expectations for students, we do not dictate the terms of roommate agreements.
- Roommates are encouraged to revisit their roommate agreement (made at the beginning of the year) as they address conflicts. This can be helpful in clarifying what the original expectations were and documenting newly developed expectations.
- If roommates believe that a third party would be helpful in their mediation or in thinking about how to speak with their roommate about a concern, residents can contact their RA. The RAs receive extensive training on conflict mediation and will be able to facilitate a discussion. In a mediation all parties come not only to share their concerns, but also to hear the concerns of others and to seek compromise on all the issues. Anyone entering a mediation should be prepared to modify their behavior and expectations, as well as asking for some changes from others.
- The goal of a roommate mediation is to raise issues of concern, resolve them, and move forward with new expectations. Before participating in a roommate mediation, residents will benefit from thinking about what their concerns are, what they need to live reasonably in the shared space, and areas where they can compromise.
- If an agreement cannot be reached with the assistance of the RA, the area's professional staff (Hall Directors and Area Coordinators) will assist in the conversation and conduct a mediation.
- In the rare cases that a relocation is necessary, the Hall Director generally (although not always) seeks a volunteer to relocate from the room. New assignments will be determined by the Hall Director or Area Coordinator (HD or AC) based on availability and perceived compatibility.
- If no one volunteers to move, the HD or AC will be required to select if mediation should continue, which roommate should move, or if both roommates should move.
