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We are currently offering the following classes. Please see the left sidebar for registration and payment information.
Training For Mediator Certification
Basic Mediation Skills
May 21-23, 2021
Friday, May 21, at 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Sat-Sun, May 22 & 23, at 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Trainer: Pamela Struss, PhD
Location: Zoom — You must have reliable internet service with both video and audio capabilities
Registration deadline: Wednesday, May 12, 2021
Fee: $495, plus $32 cost of book you must purchase before the course
This 20-hour class introduces the concepts and purposes of mediation and teaches the elements and skills needed to meet the initial requirement of eventually becoming a mediator certified in basic mediation skills. Successful completion of this class enables a person to take other required mediation trainings, including Family Mediation Skills.
Dr. Struss brings extensive experience teaching and practicing mediation and currently serves as president of the Virginia Mediation Network. She received her doctoral degree in Conflict Analysis and Resolution and teaches a variety of graduate and undergraduate courses for several universities.
There is a minimum registration requirement of 4 people for this class to be held. If MCC determines that the class cannot be held for any reason, registration fees received will be refunded in full.
Basic Mediation Role Play and Case Observation
To be scheduled.
This 8-hour class may be taken in lieu of observing two mediations with a certified Mentor for General District certification. Participants gain experience through observing and role-playing typical General District-type cases.
Virginia’s Judicial System
To be scheduled.
This is a 4-hour class and is one of the required courses for Virginia mediator certification.
Family Mediation Skills
To be scheduled.
This 20-hour class introduces the concepts and purposes of mediation as it pertains to family issues, including child custody, co-parenting arrangements, and child support. It teaches the elements and skills needed to meet the initial requirement of eventually becoming a mediator certified in family mediation skills and is required for certification at the J&DR court level. Successful completion of this course enables a person to take other required mediation trainings eventually leading to a class covering Circuit Court Family mediation.
There is a minimum registration requirement of 4 people for this class to be held. If MCC determines that the class cannot be held for any reason, registration fees received will be refunded in full.
Domestic Violence and Mediation
To be scheduled.
This 8-hour course, required for certification at the J&DR and Circuit Court Family levels, addresses domestic violence and how to screen for and handle it in the mediation context. Participants will learn how to identify domestic abuse and how the dynamics of an abusive relationship can affect mediation as well as safety steps to take for both mediators and clients.
Continuing Mediator Education (CME)
Presentations and workshops approved by DRS for CME credit are periodically scheduled on topics relevant to mediation and mediator education.
Note: If you pay by check for any class and it is returned for insufficient funds, a $30 fee is owed in addition to the full class fee. If you must cancel attending a class 5 or more business days prior to the class start date and have paid your tuition in full, your tuition will be returned by check less a 15% class materials and administrative charge. Please give us notice of cancellation by e-mail or in writing and include the amount that was paid, when it was paid, the attendees’ USPO mailing address and phone number. Please, no phone or voice mail cancellations as they will not be accepted. Cancellations within 5 business days prior to the class start shall result in no refund, but the fee payment by the attendee may be held over to the next time the course is offered by MCC. A business day consists of the period between 9 am and 4 pm, Monday through Friday, except holidays, when MCC is open for business. Communications received during a business day, but after 4 pm, regarding class attendance shall be considered as being received the next business day when MCC is open for business. MCC may have to cancel a class if paid registrations do not meet the minimum necessary, and MCC will e-mail attendees if such cancellation occurs. Paid fees will be refunded in full if MCC has to cancel the class. Please call the office at 434-977-2926 between Monday and Thursday and between 9 am and 3 pm if you have questions.