Earlier this month, seven MTSU students made their way to Des Moines, Iowa for the National Intercollegiate Mediation Tournament at Drake Law School, and received more awards than any other participating school.
MTSU's members of the Student Mediation Association received "All-American Honors" by being one of the top 10 mediators or attorney-client pairs. The seven included Andrea Borella, Brian Clifford, Robyn Diez, Ashley George, Jordan Sluder, Tessa Swartz and Marshall Weber. Also participating were Andrew Johnson and Candes Prewitt.
Jordan Sluder received recognition as the top mediator in the regular competition, and fourth in the championship round.
Brian Clifford and Marshall Weber took second place for the attorney-client pair in the championship round.
Mediation students study and practice skills that are needed to help people settle disputes in a non-confrontational manner without going to court.
The students who are part of the MTSU Mediation Association not only learn the overall procedure of mediation, but they master the peacemaking skills of a mediator and the special skills of an advocate for clients in mediation.
"[Mediation] taught me to resolve my problems and keep my cool," said Robyn Diez, a junior in political science. "Mediation prevents small claims courts from being filled [with cases] that could be resolved with the parties talking to each other."
Mediation also provides a way for people to express themselves adequately, which usually makes all parties concerned feel better.
During the events, judges rate individual members of the team then all the scores are combined to decide the university's overall standing.
Mediation is "a good skill for everyone to have and it makes a great career," Diez said.
In seven years of national completion, MTSU students have received high recognition. They have taken first place, second place, third place and seventh place over the years.
The mediation team is for "anyone that is interested in law but, litigation does not necessarily appeal to them," said Ashley George, a senior political science major.
Tthe department of political science, sponsors the MTSU student mediation association but membership is open to all students.
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