The Resident Assistant may help in mediating resident disputes and in maintaining communication between the RSSP, the Smyth-Fernwald Office, the Residents Association and residents.

This is the most delicate part of the RA’s job. Helping residents solve their own disputes is most effective for lasting peace and mutual respect among neighbors. Here are some suggestions for residents to deal with problems that may arise:

• Talk to the person(s) involved. Try not to approach this as a confrontation, but as a courteous attempt to solve a problem. Explain what is bothering you. Do not be surprised if they are unaware that their behavior was disturbing you. Engage in a discussion to find workable options.
• It is helpful if both parties offer and receive suggestions at this stage. Remember that this problem is occurring in the context of an ongoing relationship with your neighbor.
• It is to everyone’s advantage to work out an acceptable solution so that you can continue to live together harmoniously. With this in mind, please try to respond helpfully if one of your neighbors approaches you with a complaint.
• Remember that people have varying tolerances and something that seems perfectly reasonable to you may be unbearable to someone else. With good will on both sides, a compromise can possibly be reached.

If talking to your neighbors does not resolve the problem or if you do not feel comfortable approaching them with your concerns, call the Resident Assistant. The RA will attempt to mediate by facilitating your communication with the neighbor.

However, the RA will not force or impose a solution; she will help you arrive at a livable arrangement with your neighbor. In some cases, such as if you feel a change in policy is called for, it may also be appropriate to bring the matter up at a Residents Association meeting.

If these measures still do not achieve a resolution, the Resident Assistant will ask the Program Director of Residential & Family Living for UVA, Pepper Black, at the Housing Office to intervene. She can be reached at 526-8505 ext.12 or e-mailed at fullmoon@uclink4.berkeley.edu.
 

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Smyth Fernwald is a unit of the Office of Student Development