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Ground Rules for Discussion

 

Purpose of the rules:
            The purpose of these rules is to provide a set of guidelines that are understandable by all parties involved and that will help ensure a healthy, civil, and fair atmosphere in which to discuss the parties’ differences.

Purpose of the meeting:
            This meeting hopes to allow the disputing parties involved a way to resolve their conflict.  A third party is included in order to facilitate the meeting

Statement I
            No legal professionals will be present during the meeting.  Feel free to consult with a legal professional at any time before or after, but having a legal professional at this meeting may actually hamper our ability to maintain a fair environment for all parties involved.

Statement II
            The third party (facilitator) provided by the Office of Campus Activities is not a legal professional, and can not give legal advice to any party.  If there is ever a question about rights, a legal professional should be consulted.

Statement III
            Each party attends and stays at this meeting willingly.

Statement IV
            The facilitator can not impose his or her will on either party.  While the facilitator does exist to provide suggestions, any agreements reached are done so willingly by each party.

Statement V
            In order to maintain the proper atmosphere, there shall be no vulgar language used, no yelling, no interrupting of another’s sentences.  Only one person may speak at a time.

Statement VI
            The facilitator will interpret these statements.

 

Any information given on this website is not a substitute for legal advice. If you have a legal question, please seek out legal counsel as soon as possible. Additionally, any information given is presented as a service. Drexel University Off Campus Housing does not endorse any website, realtor, apartment, or home. Drexel OCH encourages renters to be cautious and aware, and to make informed decisions when searching for housing.

Civility is very important. If you lose your cool, your landlord/roommate may lose theirs. Stay calm, don't swear. Shouting matches are very rarely productive. Remember what Ambrose Bierce has said, " Speak when you are angry and you will make the best speech you will ever regret."
Multiple discussions held over multiple media over multiple occasions can be difficult to keep track of. Keep a log of key points about each time you contact your landlord about an issue. Reference your log prior to your next meeting so that you can be sure you are 'up to speed'.
As always, DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT. Documentation is key. Supporting documentation is always stronger than just your word.
Paraphrasing is a very simple, yet not often used tool that aids us in understanding what someone else has said. Plenty of disagreements go on for longer than they need to due to misunderstanding. So, when a person that you are disagreeing with tells you a fair amount of information, put it in your own words and say it back to them asking if you have it correctly. Paraphrasing also fosters a feeling that even if you disagree with what is being said, you are listening and processing the information.

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