UF named No. 1 conduct/conflict resolution program in the country

February 15, 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida’s department of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution was awarded the Award of Excellence for an Institution by the Association for Student Conduct Administration, or ASCA, among other top national awards, for this year.

The Award of Excellence for an Institution is the highest honor, recognizing excellence of a university or college’s total conduct program. This honor rewards leadership, outreach, and innovative systems which ultimately foster inclusiveness and an appreciation of differences on campus.

UF’s department of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution is part of the Dean of Students Office in the Division of Student Affairs. The department is responsible for educating students regarding civility and ethical decision making, and facilitating the Student Code of Conduct and Honor Code adjudication processes. In addition, the office offers a wide variety of conflict resolution options. Last year it handled 1,121 cases, 881 Code of Conduct violations, and taught 153 programs and seminars to students on a variety of different ethical decision making topics. The office ensures students receive fair treatment in all hearings.

Assistant Dean of Students Chris Loschiavo, also the director of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution, was awarded the Donald D. Gehring Award from ASCA as well. The award is given annually to one individual who has made exceptional individual contributions throughout his or her career to student conduct administration.

Loschiavo received his law degree from UF in 1998. He currently serves on the board of directors for the ASCA representing Circuits 4 and 11, and is president-elect.

Additionally, the Levin College of Law took home the Innovation Award for its creative collaboration program with Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution. The law school program trains its students to be certified mediators. These students are given training as third party mediators who coordinate structured sessions for peers aimed at resolving a conflict and/or constructing a go-forward or future story for the parties involved.

ASCA has more than 1,700 members in the United States, Canada and internationally, representing more than 700 institutions of higher education.