On July 30, nearly 200 faculty and staff members gathered for the “Conflict Resolution and De-escalation Skills Symposium” at the University of Arizona. This strong turnout showcases a shared commitment to campus safety as a new semester approaches.
The symposium aimed to help employees recognize and manage tense situations. Jessie Semmann, director of the Office of Public Safety’s Threat Assessment and Management Team, highlighted the importance of developing skills to identify and diffuse potential conflicts. Many attendees engage with students and the public, making these skills essential both at work and at home.
“It’s a topic that resonates with everyone,” Semmann noted. “Difficult conversations are an everyday reality. Knowing how to handle them is vital.”
Sessions covered key aspects of conflict resolution. The first part focused on understanding unconscious triggers of conflict, while later sessions introduced practical tools and campus resources. Semmann emphasized the importance of leaving the event with hope and a clear understanding of available support.
Catherine Tornbom, an instructor in the School of Government and Public Policy, demonstrated how our brains react to perceived threats, setting the stage for deeper discussions.
Renee Skau, an associate director in Housing and Residential Life, attended to refresh her skills. She appreciated the BIFF method—brief, informative, friendly, and firm—for managing challenging high-conflict situations. “This will help us handle tricky communications with students and their families,” Skau said.
Elvia Lopez, from the All of Us research program, also found the symposium helpful. “We learned techniques before, but they didn’t work in real situations. This will improve our communication when conflicts arise,” she shared.
As part of broader campus safety efforts, the new SafeCats mobile app offers users quick access to safety resources, allowing them to report concerns directly to the Threat Assessment and Management Team. It’s a vital tool for those on campus, available on both Google Play and the Apple App Store.
Many techniques from the symposium align with ongoing training offered through the university, such as “Spotting Trouble: Understanding Targeted Violence” and “From Conflict to Collaboration: Building Peaceful Relationships.” These programs help participants develop skills for identifying warning signs and fostering better workplace behavior.
In today’s climate, where conflict and tension can often escalate quickly, being equipped to handle these situations is more critical than ever. This symposium not only focused on skill development but also highlighted the importance of community and support in navigating life’s challenges.
For more resources on campus safety, check out the Office of Public Safety.
