Representatives of SRCs of 18 campuses attended a weeklong course on “dialogue, negotiation and mediation” offered by the Diplomatic Academy of DIRCO (Department of International Relations and Cooperation). A number of eminent diplomats and academics spoke to students of their experiences in this respect. CMA was asked to provide training on dialogue and negotiation and allocated the best part of three days to do so (19-21 June, 2016). The training was done in the usual CMA-style, relying on highly participative discussions and simulations, which students have found refreshing and enjoyable. All role-plays and discussions took place in the context of current experiences on campus. The training focused on the core principles and basic skills required to ensure successful dialogue and negotiation such as an appreciation for the role of perceptions, understanding the preconditions to successful dialogue, the importance of focused listening, the distinction between positions, interests and needs of parties, and the importance of the collective search for negotiation outcomes that address the interests and needs of parties.

The participants have assessed this training very positively and recommended i.a. that university management be exposed to similar events.