Roommate Conflict Mediation
If you are struggling with living with your roommate, we encourage you to communicate the issues to them and work through them together.
Use the resource on this page to help you. You can click the image to download or print a copy.
If you are unable to resolve the conflict on your own, your Residence Life Team is here to help. Please approach a Resident Advisor, Front Desk Representative or stop by the Residence Life Department in the Back Lobby to receive support with resolving the issue. You can also email us.
The Roommate Mediation Process
Step One: Talk to Your Roommate
The first step anytime you have a concern with your roommate is to talk to them directly. It is important to use respectful language, avoid the temptation to assume the worst about them, and keep an open mind to possible solutions.
Step Two: Talk to Your Resident Advisor
The first thing your RA will ask is whether or not you have discussed your concerns with your roommate directly so be sure to do complete step one first! Your RA can provide you some tips on how to approach the situation if that would be helpful for you, too.
If talking to your roommate directly doesn’t work, the next step is to loop in your RA who can help the two of you revisit and revise your roommate contract. They can also help create a comfortable place for the two of you to discuss the situation.
Step Three: Roommate Mediation with Residence Life Management Team
If you have talked to your roommate directly and your RA has supported but issues are still happening – don’t panic! Sometimes it can take a few tries to sort things out. You should schedule a meeting with your Residence Life Coordinator or contact them via email to initiate a roommate mediation: Meet Residence Life!
You can expect the following from a roommate mediation:
- Both students will be expected to participate in the mediation process respectfully and with an open mind.
- The Residence Life Coordinator may meet with both roommates separately before a mediation to develop a better understanding of each person’s perspectives.
- One or more meetings will take place where you and your roommate will meet together with the Residence Life Coordinator to work through the presenting concerns.
Click here to learn more about your responsibilities as a roommate