The Residential Life staff handles conflict management on a daily basis.

We are equipped to assist with everything from roommate / suitemate conflicts to problem with significant others. Our goal is to help you work through conflict in a responsible way and to help you feel empowered by the way in which you went about solving your problem or conflict. Too often, however, we are finding that students are searching for a "quick-fix" to problems. Or you are attempting to deal with the problem and contacting your resources within Residential Life as a final resort.

Here then are some suggestions for how to help you manage conflict so we can work together to create a positive experience here at Hopkins:

• Conflict is inevitable in relationships.
  It is a normal part of life.
• Plan how to approach the person you have a conflict with. You may want to practice this conversation with a friend before actually having the conversation.
• Sometimes students think it is easier to terminate a relationship rather than trying to work through the conflict.
• However, it can be rewarding, and builds invaluable interpersonal skills, to work through the problem.
• We encourage you to speak with a member of the Residential Life staff about your concerns early on.
• It is important for you to know that we are here to help you with through the conflict, and not just here to move someone "immediately."

We encourage you to work through the problem yourself. You have a great support system in the Residential Life staff.

Roommate Bill of Rights

1. The right to study free from undue interference in one's own room
2. The right to expect that a roommate will respect one's personal belongings
3. The right to a clean environment in which to live
4. The right to free access to one's room and facilities without the pressure from a roommate
5. The right to privacy
6. The right to be free from fear of intimidation, physical and / or emotional harm
7. The right to be free from peer pressure or ridicule if one's lifestyle choices differ from one's roommate

General Principles for Resolution of Roommate Conflict

• Talk it out.
• Try to understand each others feelings, motivation, and view of the situation.
• Don't make assumptions that you will know his/her behavior or what he/she is thinking.
• Go to your roommate first!
  Complaining about your roommate to others can easily turn to gossip and will only make matters worse. Besides you've solved nothing.
• Direct communication is effective communication.
• No two people are the same.
• Talk about your differences, and work at understanding and compromising with each other.
• Respect can be there if you want it.
• Fearof hurting each other,or being misunderstood, often prevents roommate from talking.
• In actuality, there is more potential for hurt and misunderstanding when roommates do not talk.
• Do not expect miracles overnight.
• The same type of problem may continue.
• Be willing to be patient and continue to confront and compromise.