Conflict Resolution and De-Escalation Skills Symposium

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Open to U of A faculty and staff

Conflict Resolution and De-escalation Skills Symposium

July 30, 2025, 8:15 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

The Commons, Room 105 

 

Register for Symposium

Overview

When workplace conflict arises, it’s natural to seek a clear set of steps to follow. But real-world situations are complex—and effective conflict resolution requires more than a simple script. This full-day symposium invites you to explore the psychology behind conflict, develop practical tools for navigating tense interactions, and strengthen your confidence when addressing challenges with students, colleagues, and the public.

Through engaging presentations and discussions, attendees will learn how to:

  • understand the roots of interpersonal conflict.
  • stay grounded and manage their mindset.
  • approach digital communication challenges.
  • build confidence to apply knowledge in the moment.
  • access and utilize campus support resources.

This event is open to all faculty and staff, and is especially relevant for frontline, administrative, and student-facing roles. Participants will hear from experts in law enforcement, mental health and higher education, and will return to their workplace better equipped to respond to conflict with clarity, confidence and care.

This symposium is hosted by the Office of Public Safety.

With questions about access or to request any disability-related accommodations for this event, please contact Kirsten Rushkin, krath@arizona.edu. 

Cost:

Registration for the symposium is $25. Payment will be collected through departmental internal billing. Please confirm attendance with your supervisor, and be prepared to submit an account number during your registration. Ask your supervisor and/or business office if you need help identifying an account number.

 

Sessions

TimeSession
8:45 - 9:45 a.m.

Neuroscience of Conflict

Description coming soon.

10 - 11 a.m.

Stoicism: Managing Yourself First

Learn how Stoic principles can help professionals stay grounded and composed when facing crisis or
emotionally charged interactions.

Presenter: Sgt. Joseph Berriman, UAPD; SWAT, Team supervisor - Crisis Negotiation Team 

Noon - 1:15 p.m.

Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My! Conflict in the Digital World

In the 21st century, conflict is no longer just an "in-person" problem. Instead, conflicts have moved into
the digital sphere including via email, messaging and social media. In this session, participants will learn
to identify why digital conflict can be so difficult to manage and strategies for de-escalating conflict in
the electronic world.

Presenter: Jessie Semmann, PhD, director, Threat Assessment and Management Team

1:30 - 2:45 p.m.

Challenging Behaviors to Crisis Intervention: Build Your Knowledge,
Build Your Confidence

Addressing challenging behaviors, wherever they happen, can feel overwhelming. How can someone
who doesn’t deal with difficult behaviors very often recognize the difference between a challenging
behavior and a crisis…and then know what to do? The goal of this session is to help participants build
their knowledge and confidence in addressing challenging behaviors and crisis situations with the use
of existing U of A resources. 

Presenters:

  • Patti Norris, LPC, crisis network manager, U of A Crisis Mobile Team
  • Det. John Guetersloh, Mental Health Support Team (MHST) officer,
    University of Arizona Police Department
  • Gabrielle Miller, EdD, assistant vice provost, Student Success & Bartlett Family Executive Director,
    Strategic Alternative Learning Techniques (SALT) Center
  • Roxana Samaniego, PhD, clinical director, SALT Center
3 - 4:30 p.m.

Beyond the Symposium: Understanding Available Campus Resources for
Managing Conflict and Promoting Wellness

In this session, participants will hear from various campus leaders about how to access or request conflict
resolution trainings, mental health intervention trainings, and direct assistance when facing employment
related conflicts. Includes Q&A. Moderated by Eric Kazmierczak, deputy chief safety officer.

Presenters:

  • Jessie Semmann, PhD, director, Threat Assessment and Management Team
  • Aaron Barnes, director, Counseling & Psychological Services
  • Jenna Elmer, HR director, College of Medicine - Tucson
  • Chrissy Lieberman, dean of students
  • Gabrielle Miller, EdD, assistant vice provost, Student Success & Bartlett Family Executive Director,
    Strategic Alternative Learning Techniques (SALT) Center
  • Andrea Romero, vice provost, Faculty Affairs

 

Complete Schedule

TimeSession
8:30 - 8:45 a.m.Welcome
8:45 - 9:45 a.m.Neuroscience of Conflict
9:45 - 10 a.m.Break
10 - 11 a.m.Stoicism: Managing Yourself First
11 a.m. - NoonLunch
Noon - 1:15 p.m.Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My! Conflict in the Digital World
1:15 - 1:30 p.m.Break
1:30 - 2:45 p.m.Challenging Behaviors to Crisis Intervention: Build Your Knowledge,
Build Your Confidence
3 - 4:30 p.m.Beyond the Symposium: Understanding Available Campus Resources for
Managing Conflict and Promoting Wellness

Online Trainings (available in EDGE Learning)

Spotting Trouble: Understanding Targeted Violence

From Conflict to Collaboration: Building Peaceful Relationships