UMASS Boston: A Guide€¦ · Web viewUMass Boston – McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies. Program Information & Guide to University Resources . Spring 2013

UMASS Boston: A Guide

PAGE

The Graduate Programs in

Conflict Resolution Student Handbook

Department of Conflict Resolution, Human Security, and Global Governance

UMass Boston – McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies

Program Information & Guide to University Resources

Spring 2013

Graduate Programs in Conflict Resolution

Department of Conflict Resolutions, Human Security, and Global Governance

John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies

University of Massachusetts Boston

WELCOME!

A word of explanation as regards the Graduate Programs in Conflict Resolution and the University, the College, and the Department of which they are a part:

Founded in 1986, the Graduate Programs in Conflict Resolution at UMass Boston are among the first to offer graduate programs in the critical areas of conflict resolution, conflict management, and international conflict resolution, and continue to have a solid reputation as among the best. The flexible inter-disciplinary curriculum, with a variety of choices of concentrations and dual-specializations in the Graduate Certificate, and the opportunities in the Master of Arts to pursue concentrations on topics of student interest, build on a strong foundation of core courses and allow students to take advantage of elective offerings in other graduate programs at UMass Boston.

The University of Massachusetts Boston is one of the five campuses in the University of Massachusetts public university system. It is “a research university with a teaching soul”, and is nationally recognized as a model of excellence for urban universities.

The college of which we are a part, the John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies, is a world class academic and research center. It offers a wide range of graduate degree programs in public policy, public affairs, international relations, conflict resolution, and gerontology. In addition to its academic programs, the McCormack Graduate School is comprised of several centers and institutes of focused research.

Our department, the Department of Conflict Resolution, Human Security, and Global Governance currently houses three graduate programs: Conflict Resolution, the International Relations master’s program, and the new Global Governance and Human Security PhD program. This program creates a new option for students who wish to continue for a PhD.

Our faculty and staff continue to grow. The full-time faculty consists of respected researchers and practitioners who combine theory and practical experience in a variety of settings; and the part-time faculty, drawn from the Boston area’s rich academic and professional ranks, provide specialized-focus courses.

This student handbook includes

policies and procedures established by the Graduate Programs in Conflict Resolution

in conjunction with UMass Boston requirements.

ALL STUDENTS SHOULD BE FAMILIAR WITH UMASS BOSTON ACADEMIC POLICIES AND WITH THIS STUDENT HANDBOOK.

For university policies, please refer to the UMass Boston website, especially http://www.umb.edu/registrar/academic_policies/

and the Graduate Admissions FAQs at http://www.umb.edu/academics/graduate/info_for_graduate_students/faqs

In the event that University requirements conflict with those specified by the Program, University requirements must be followed. Note that rules and procedures pertaining to the code of student conduct, statement of confidentiality of academic records, resolution of problems, human subjects’ protection, faculty conduct, and student governance have not been reproduced here.

ALL STUDENTS SHOULD BE FAMILIAR WITH THE PROGRAM AND DEPARTMENT WEBSITES

Please bookmark the UMass Boston Graduate Programs in Conflict Resolution web site, www.conflict.umb.edu and the CRHSGG department page at www.crhsgg.umb.edu. These pages and the links from them are the source of up-to-the-minute information on department and program events, class schedules, room assignments, and the like, along with information on degree requirements and policies specific to our programs. Time-sensitive information will be sent to you via our email distribution lists, from the [email protected] emailbox.

We will continue to revise and update this handbook and welcome any comments, criticisms, or suggested improvements.

The Graduate Programs in Conflict Resolution

Student Handbook

Academic Program Information

Conflict Resolution Colloquium Series

An important part of the Conflict Resolution program is the interaction with faculty and fellow students which takes place outside of the classroom. Program colloquia provide an opportunity to discuss issues and share viewpoints.

Colloquia are scheduled monthly.

Attendance at 5 of the 8 colloquia offered during the academic year is a graduation requirement for all students in both the Master’s and Certificate programs.

All students are strongly encouraged to attend.

We make the assumption [for these purposes only] that a Certificate program is one year, so a total of 5 attendances are required over the course of study, however long it takes a student to complete the program

Programs of Study for the Master of Arts

Courses for the Master of Arts

36 credits total plus attendance at Program Colloquia

Master’s Project Option: required courses [15 credits total]

ConRes 621: Negotiation

3 credits

ConRes 623: Introductory Theory

3 credits

ConRes 635: Research Methods in Dispute Resolution3 credits

ConRes 693: Final Project and Workshop(two semesters)6 credits

Balance of 21 credits (7 elective courses):

Minimum of 12 credits (4 courses) within the Conflict Resolution programs Maximum of 9 credits (3 courses) from other departments

Master’s Thesis Option: required courses [15 credits total]


3 credits


3 credits

ConRes 635: Research Methods in Dispute Resolution3 credits

ConRes 693: Final Project and Workshop(one semester)3 credits

ConRes 699: Master’s Thesis in Conflict Resolution

3 credits



Integrated Seminar Option: required courses [9 credits total]


3 credits


3 credits

ConRes 694: Integrative Seminar

3 credits



Colloquia: Attendance at 5 of the 8 colloquia offered during the academic year.

________________________________________________________________________

Courses by Semester

The ConRes 621: Negotiation, ConRes 623: Introductory Theory, and ConRes 690: Mediation Internship courses are typically offered both in fall and spring semesters.

Statute of Limitations Policy

Earning a master's degree signifies mastery of one's chosen discipline. Rather than being merely a collection of courses, a graduate degree requires intense commitment to scholarship and practice within a specific period of time. Such focus and coherence is lost if the degree is not completed within in a reasonable time period. Therefore, each program requires that students complete their course of study within designated time limits, known as the Statute of Limitations.

The Statute of Limitations for the Conflict Resolution Master’s program is 5 years. If you fail to complete the program within that time limit, you will be subject to dismissal. In exceptional cases, an extension of the time limit may be recommended by the graduate program director and granted by the Dean of Graduate Studies. In such cases, you must submit a request to the graduate program director with a letter of explanation accompanied by a detailed schedule for completion. A letter from your graduate program director concurring with the request must be submitted to the Dean of Graduate Studies with your request.

Continuous Registration/Program Fee

Each degree-seeking graduate student must maintain continuous registration until the degree sought by the student has been formally awarded. If in any semester, for any reason, the student does not register for course, thesis or dissertation credits, he/she may maintain continuous registration by registering for the program fee (CAS 600). Currently the program fee is $209.50, which will be billed by the Bursar. Students are responsible for contacting the Associate Director prior to the start of each semester in order to register for the Program Fee. Failure to do so will result in administrative withdrawal from the university, so that students must be readmitted and pay all owed program fees plus additional processing fees.

Courses in other Departments at UMass Boston

Master’s students are able to take graduate courses in other departments at UMass Boston to fulfill elective requirements. Prior approval of the department is required. (Courses offered by other programs within the department do not need prior approval.) You must show that the course in question is related to your specific conflict resolution interest or the topic of your master’s project or master’s thesis. You must submit a copy of the course syllabus [including reading list and assignments] along with your request for approval.

Keep in mind that other departments have their own requirements, and not all courses they offer will be open to students from outside their major. You will need to obtain any needed approvals from the instructor and department in question.

Courses taken at other Universities

UMass Boston will accept up to 6 transfer credits for graduate-level courses taken at other colleges or universities, if you obtained a grade B or better in the course, and if the credits have not been used in fulfillment of requirements for another degree. An official transcript from the college or university offering the course, verifying successful completion and your grade, is required.

You must obtain department approval in order for these credits to be accepted towards your degree.

To obtain department approval, you must show that the course in question is related to your specific conflict resolution interest or the topic of your Masters Project. You must submit a copy of the course syllabus [including reading list and assignments] along with your request for approval. It is strongly recommended that you obtain prior approval before enrolling in any course at another college or university.

The Master's Project

The Master's Project course runs a full calendar year. The course begins in May and continues to April of the following year. You must begin the Master's Project seminar at the beginning of the cycle; you cannot pick up this class in mid-cycle.

You must register for a total of six credits for the MP. You can do this one of three ways:

1)Fall semester

3 credits

Spring semester3 credits

Total: 6 credits

2) Fall semester

6 credits

3)Spring semester6 credits

Regardless of which registration option you choose, you must begin the Master's Project seminar in May preceding the Fall semester in which you register/are participating in the seminar.

Basic Time Line: SAMPLE

Please note: the dates shown here are approximate; actual dates will be announced each year.

ActionDue Date

[months prior to graduation on May 30]

Identify & confirm faculty advisor

October 1

[8 months prior]

Submit draft proposal [3-5 pgs.]

October 1

[8 months prior]

Complete proposal including methods and preliminary literature review [min.5 pgs.]

Nov 1

[7 months prior]

IRB Proposal Submitted (if required)

Nov 15

[6.5 months prior]

Submit evaluator info for Advisor & GPD approval

February 1

[4 months prior]

Submit complete MP draft to advisor

March 1

[3 months prior]

Submit final MP to advisor [with required revisions]

April 15

[1.5 months prior]

MP sent to evaluator by dept. for review

April 15

[1.5 months prior]

MP approved by evaluator

May 1- May 12

Submit to Dept Office:

2 printed copies of abstract and final MP [in binder, 3-hole punched or otherwise bound] plus electronic copy with 2 separate electronic files: abstract and full paper

May 12

Borrowing Past Master’s Projects from Slomoff Browser’s Library:

An link to the index of the completed Master’s Projects authored by program alumni is available on the Conflict Resolution Program student resources page at http://www.umb.edu/academics/mgs/crhsgg/student_resources/CRresources/ The MPs are available in .pdf, as well as in bound paper copy, from the Benjamin and Sylvia Slomoff Browsers’ Library. Students may request a .pdf copy, or sign out the hard copy for two weeks at a time using the MP sign-out binder in the Browsers’ Library. For access to the library and more information, please contact the program coordinators, email [email protected] or call 617-287-7489.

Sample Topics:

The personalized master's project maximizes each student's potential for expanded learning and effectiveness in conflict resolution. Topics have included:

Defining the One-State Solution: The Swiss Governing Structure as a Possible Model by Rima Mahmoud

Provincial Reconstruction Teams, Social Change and the Ontological Impact in Afghanistan by Jamie Kirsch

Analysis of Conflict in a Medical Office and Design of a Conflict Resolution System by Vicki Samuels

Assessing the Need for an Ombudsman Office at a Scientific Institute by Lisa Chuda Witzler

Evangelical Christians and the Gay Community: A Case for Dialogue between Parties in Intractable Rights and Values Conflict by Jerry Fletcher

Sulha (Traditional Arab Dispute Resolution) and Israel's Formal Legal System: How Do They Coexist? by Doron Pely

Restorative Justice and Culture: A Case Study of the Nickel Mines Amish by Teresa Ralicki

Forced Assimilation and Conflict: A Case Study of the Muslim Uyghurs of China by Robin Escobar

From Where We Stand: Understanding Conflicts and Conflict Resolution Environments by Angela N. Khaminwa

The Conflict Resolution Skills of Academically Successful Inner City High School Students by Sarah Woodside

Program of Study: Masters Program with MP option

Worksheet

Required Courses:

Semester Taken

621: Negotiation ______________

623: Introductory Theory

______________

635: Research Methods in Dispute Resolution

______________

693 Master's Project (6 credits)

______________

PLUS 7 elective courses (21 credits):

Minimum of 4 Elective Courses: 12 credits within the Conflict Resolution Program

__________________________________

______________

__________________________________

______________

__________________________________

______________

__________________________________

______________

Maximum of 3 Elective Courses: 9 credits from other departments

__________________________________

______________

__________________________________

______________

__________________________________

______________

Attendance at Colloquium Series each semester, minimum of 5 per academic year

_______________

______________

_______________

______________

_______________

______________

_______________

______________

_______________

______________

Program of Study: Master’s Program with Master’s Thesis option

Worksheet

Required Courses:

Semester Taken

621: Negotiation ______________


______________

635: Research Methods in Dispute Resolution

______________

693 Final Project and Workshop (3 credits)

______________

699 Master's Thesis (3 credits)

______________



__________________________________

______________

__________________________________

______________

__________________________________

______________

__________________________________

______________


__________________________________

______________

__________________________________

______________

__________________________________

______________

Attendance at Colloquium Series each semester, minimum of 5 per academic year

_______________

______________

_______________

______________

_______________

______________

_______________

______________

_______________

______________

Program of Study: Masters Program with Integrative Seminar Option Worksheet

Required Courses:

Semester Taken

621: Negotiation ______________


______________

694: Integrative Seminar

______________



__________________________________

______________

__________________________________

______________

__________________________________

______________

__________________________________

______________

__________________________________

______________


__________________________________

______________

__________________________________

______________

__________________________________

______________

__________________________________

______________

Attendance at DisRes Colloquium Series each semester, minimum of 4 semesters

_______________

______________

_______________

______________

_______________

______________

_______________

______________

_______________

______________

Programs of Study for the Graduate Certificate

Courses for the Graduate Certificate

Certificate Options: 12 credits required

Graduate Certificate in Conflict Resolution and Management:

ConRes 621: Negotiation [3 credits]

ConRes 623: Theories of Conflict Resolution [3 credits]

PLUS: 6 additional credits of the students choosing, taken within the department

Graduate Certificate in Mediation



ConRes 690: Mediation Internship [6 credits]

Graduate Certificate in Organizational Conflict:



PLUS 2 courses [6 credits] in organizational conflict taken within the department

Graduate Certificate in International Conflict:



PLUS 2 courses [6 credits] in international conflict taken within the department

Dual Specialization Options: 18 credits required

Graduate Certificate in Mediation and Organizational Conflict




PLUS 2 courses [6 credits] in organizational conflict taken within the department

Graduate Certificate in Mediation and International Conflict:




PLUS 2 courses [6 credits] in international conflict taken within the department

Colloquia: Attendance at 5 of the 7 colloquia offered during the academic year is a graduation requirement for all students in the Certificate program.

Continuous Registration/Program Fee

Each degree-seeking graduate student must maintain continuous registration until the degree sought by the student has been formally awarded. If in any semester, for any reason, the student does not register for course, thesis or dissertation credits, he/she may maintain continuous registration by registering for the program fee (CAS 600). Currently the program fee is $209.50, which will be billed by the Bursar. Students are responsible for contacting the Associate Director prior to the start of each semester in order to register for the Program Fee. Failure to do so will result in administrative withdrawal from the university, so that students must be readmitted and pay all owed program fees plus additional processing fees.

Requirements for Matriculated Certificate Students

Applying for Admission to the Master’s Program

Students enrolled in the graduate Certificate program may be admitted to the Master’s Program upon application and acceptance by the program admissions committee.

Certificate students may submit an application for admission to the Master’s program after they have completed at least one semester as a matriculated student.

Admission decisions will not be acted upon until the student has completed [and received grades for] 3 courses in the Conflict Resolution program.

Upon admission to the Masters program, students must commit to taking a minimum of six (6) credits per semester.

Applications for admission to the Masters Program must be submitted no later than June 1st for admission for the upcoming Fall term or December 1st for admission for the upcoming Spring term.

Graduate Programs in Conflict Resolution

UMass Boston– McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies

___________________________________________________________________

Application for Admission to Master’s Program from Certificate Program

Name __________________________________________________________________

ID # ___________________________________________________________________

Date you entered Certificate Program _________________________________________

Did you take class(es) as a non-degree student prior to admission? ____________

Conflict Resolution Classes completed [include current semester]:

Course

Date Taken

Instructor

Grade

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Attach an essay [300 words minimum, 500 words maximum] describing your reasons for wanting to participate in the MA program.

Please put your name, ID number, and date on each page of your essay.

_________________________________________

__________________

Signature

Date

Program of Study: Graduate Certificate Program Worksheet

Mediation

Required Courses:

Semester Taken

621: Negotiation ______________

623: Theory

______________

690: Mediation Internship (6 credits)

______________

12 Credit Graduate Certificate

Required Courses:

Semester Taken

621: Negotiation ______________

623: Theory

______________

PLUS 2 elective courses (6 credits) to meet the requirements of the

Program of Study

__________________________________

______________

__________________________________

______________

18 Credit Dual Specialization Graduate Certificate

Required Courses:

Semester Taken

621: Negotiation ______________

623: Theory ______________

690: Mediation Internship (6 credits)

______________

PLUS 2 elective courses (6 credits) to meet the requirements of the

Program of Study

__________________________________

______________

__________________________________

______________

Also Required:

Attendance at DisRes Colloquium Series each semester; minimum of five (5) total

_______________

______________

_______________

______________

_______________

______________

_______________

______________

_______________

______________

Conflict Resolution Program Resources

Refer to the program and department web resource pages at http://www.umb.edu/academics/mgs/crhsgg/student_resources/CRresources/ and

http://www.umb.edu/academics/mgs/crhsgg/student_resources/

Examples:

Benjamin and Sylvia Slomoff Browsers’ Library

Located in the department office (W-4-128A)the Benjamin and Sylvia Slomoff Browser’s Library contains conflict resolution journals and books as well as faculty publications and the collection of Master’s Projects completed by Conflict Resolution MA alums from 1997-present. The indexes for MPs, Journals, NIDR materials and books are available for review on the program website resources page. Many documents are available in .pdf and can be readily emailed upon request. Sign-out sheets are available. Please stop by the office or contact the Program Coordinator at [email protected], 617-287-7489 for access to the collections.

Events and Conferences

The Conflict Resolution Programs sponsor a biennial conflict studies conference, an annual spring banquet, as well as the Colloquium Series, a monthly series of lectures/workshops each semester. Information about these and any additional events will be disseminated via the student e-list and posted on the program website.

The next conference is scheduled for October 31 to November 1, 2014 and student groups will be very actively involved in the process. This conference provides students with the opportunity to interact with eminent scholars and practitioners of conflict resolution and analysis, and builds community in the field. See http://www.umb.edu/academics/mgs/crhsgg/conflict_studies_conference for details on previous conferences and to watch for information on the 10th biennial conference, Conflict Studies: The New Generation of Ideas.

Graduate Student Assembly

Dispute Resolution Student Council is the Graduate Student Assembly (GSA) Recognized Professional Associations (RPA) established by Conflict Resolution Program graduate students. The GSA sponsors RPAs to enrich the quality of graduate education and life at UMass Boston. RPAs receive a fixed amount of funding per year. Once approved and activated, organizations can submit proposals for additional funds to host special events. All RPAs are open to all graduate students.

Visit the Graduate Student Assembly on website http://gsaumb.wordpress.com/ for information on the grant and professional development opportunities they offer. Funding is available through the GSA to further research and attend conferences.

Conflict Resolution Program Communications

During the year, we will both email students and post events on the Department and Programs websites. We will also publish a monthly newsletter.

We have expanded the use of social networking tools. Presently the department has a FACEBOOK fan page and a TWITTER #tag.

“Like” our page: www.facebook.com/conresglobal

Follow us on Twitter! @conresglobal

Conflict Resolution Website

The program website (http://www.umb.edu/academics/mgs/crhsgg/grad/conflict_resolution ) is the primary location where program information is disseminated. There are pages that list class schedules, announcements, news and events, resources, department events, as well as details of the upcoming Conflict Studies Conference. Please bookmark this site.

Be sure to check the web sites News, Events and Jobs and Internships listings regularly for updated postings.

Student E-list

Most program information is now disseminated via a student e-mail list. We will automatically enroll you in the Student E-list, using both your personal and UMB email address as applicable. It is important that you set your UMB email to forward to your personal email if you have one, check your email frequently, and make sure we have your current email address.

Contact Information

Contact information at UMass Boston is in three separate databases, which do not

“talk” to each other. Please keep the department database up to date with your

current e-mail, mailing address, and phone number(s) by emailing any changes to

[email protected] or call 617.287.7489. You will also want to contact the Registrar’s

Office ([email protected] 617.287.6200) with the new information, and use your

WISER access to keep your personal contact information up to date in that

database.

Bulletin Boards

Program news, job opportunities, and conference and event information will also be posted on the program bulletin boards in the hallways adjacent to Roni Lipton’s office (W-4-107) and the department office (W-4-128A).

Registration for Courses

All UMass Boston students will need to use WISER, UMass Boston’s web-based, self service system, for various tasks such as registering for courses, adding or dropping courses, and for checking on their grades. WISER can be used for many other activities as well such as updating and maintaining their personal, academic and financial information at the University.

UMass Boston’s WISER website is at

http://www.umb.edu/it/getting_services/wiser/

Students may register for the upcoming semester during the last half of the previous semester. You will receive a mailing from the Registrar’s office advising when and how to register.

What information you will need in order to register

· Your early access period -- the time in which you register (contained on your "invitation to register" mailed from the Registrar)

· Your student ID number

· Your Password

· The term code and the schedule number of each course section for which you wish to register. You should also be aware of the number of credits for each course.

Find log-in information and links to additional resources and WISER Help for Students at http://www.umb.edu/it/getting_services/wiser/wiser_help_for_students/ .

Contact the Help Desk at 617-287-5220, send an email to [email protected] , or visit the IT Service Desk in the Healey Library on the 3rd floor (Walk-in Hours: 8:00am to 5:00pm EST), for additional WISER assistance.

Fellowships and Grants

There is a Listing of Internships/Fellowships compiled by the department, as well as Current Postings of Jobs/Internships which are posted as received, on the Student Resources page at http://www.umb.edu/academics/mgs/crhsgg/student_resources/

Also, Graduate Students of Conflict Resolution are eligible to apply for the Fulbright and Marshall Fellowships.

Fulbright Fellowship: www.fulbrightonline.org The Fulbright Program provides funds for students, scholars, and professionals to undertake graduate study, advanced research, university teaching, and teaching in elementary and secondary schools abroad.

Marshall Fellowship: www.marshallscholarship.org

The objectives of the Marshall Scholarships are outlined as follows:

· To enable intellectually distinguished young Americans, their country's future leaders, to study in the UK.

· To help scholars gain an understanding and appreciation of contemporary Britain.

· To contribute to the advancement of knowledge in science, technology, the humanities and social sciences and the creative arts at Britain's centers of academic excellence.

· To motivate scholars to act as ambassadors from the USA to the UK and vice versa throughout their lives thus strengthening British American understanding.

· To promote the personal and academic fulfillment of each scholar.

Visit the websites: register, indicating your intention to apply; download guides and forms.

The UMass Boston Graduate Student Assembly (GSA) sponsors grant programs for graduate students. The Spayne Masters Thesis/Project Grant (for work leading to a Master's thesis) is a competitive grant awarded to assist students in defraying research expenses. Up to two grants of $1000 (maximum) are awarded each fall and spring semester by a committee of UMass graduate students, faculty and staff. Professional Development Grants are available to reimburse matriculated graduate students who attend or present their research at conferences and professional meetings related to their field of study. For more information on these grant programs, please visit the GSA website at: http://www.gsa.umb.edu/programs.htm Program details along with program guidelines and application requirements can be downloaded.

Documents

UMASS Boston: A Guide€¦ · Web viewUMass Boston – McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies. Program Information & Guide to University Resources . Spring 2013