Lone Star College-Montgomery is launching a 40-hour Basic Mediation Training course this fall, with the first offering September 14-18 (Monday-Friday) from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., and the second offering October 8-17 on consecutive Thursdays and Fridays from 2-8 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. The cost of the training is $249 plus books. Brodrick W. Hill will facilitate both sessions.

The Basic Mediation Training course meets the standards of the Texas Mediators Trainers Roundtable, which establishes and communicates the best practices for mediation training and trainers to promote the highest degree of professionalism, integrity, creativity, and quality of mediation in Texas.

“In the course, you will learn about how to become a mediator,” said Hill. “Mediators are professionals who provide an impartial third-party view to disputes that range from legal settlements to political arguments. They work outside the court system to help parties reach an agreement. Completing the 40-hour Basic Mediation course, volunteering as a mediator, beginning the credential process with Texas Mediation Credentialing Association, and networking are steps to a career as a mediator.”
 
The course is a highly interactive introduction for those interested in becoming volunteer and professional mediators; however, the skills developed are transferable to any profession dealing with people.

The topics covered include the history of mediation, Alternative Dispute Resolution legislation in Texas, conflict resolution theory, mediation theory and practice, mediation process and techniques, self-awareness, and ethics.

Hill retired from Chevron Corporation after 30 years of service. His last assignment was as manager, global office of ombudsman. He was instrumental in developing and implementing the Chevron Problem Resolution process, which included the global office of ombudsman, a 24-hour hotline service, and the four-step employee problem resolution process known as Steps to Employee Problem Solution (STEPS).
 
He is considered to be a subject matter expert in the field of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and conflict resolution. Hill is a member of the Association for Conflict Resolution, and the Texas Association of Mediators. He is a past Texas Mediator Credentialing Association - Credentialed Distinguished Mediator, and board member of the International Association of Ombudsman. He has more than 19 years experience in the field of employment mediation, and has been a guest lecturer at a number of ADR conferences.

For more information, contact Stephen Koszewski, program manager, at (936) 271-6044 or stephen.koszewski@LoneStar.edu.

LSC-Montgomery is located at 3200 College Park Drive, one-half mile west of Interstate 45, between Conroe and The Woodlands. For more information about the college, call (936) 273-7000, or visit www.LoneStar.edu/montgomery.
 
Lone Star College System consists of five colleges including LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Montgomery, LSC-North Harris, and LSC-Tomball, six centers, LSC-University Center, LSC-University Park, Lone Star Corporate College, and LSC-Online. With more than 51,000 students in credit classes last fall, LSCS is the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and third largest community college system in Texas. To learn more visit LoneStar.edu.