Conflict Resolution

We understand that in the course of working closely together, conflict or points of contention may naturally arise between a postdoctoral fellow and members of their lab groups – including the PI or supervisor. Postdoctoral work can also present many challenges to your mental and emotional well-being, such as managing work-life balance and professional relationships, navigating university and community resources, or difficulty with health or immigration/visa issues.

Conflict Resolution

The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs has a conflict resolution specialist, Joel Devonshire, who can assist postdoctoral scholars in resolving a wide range of concerns, conflicts, or well-being needs. Joel provides an informal, confidential, and impartial place for individuals to express concerns, identify steps toward problem resolution, and find other appropriate on- and off-campus resources when needed. Joel can also work with your department or lab group to provide workshops or to facilitate dialogues.

A person sits with hands clasped on their lap while another individual holds a clipboard and takes notes, suggesting a counseling or therapy session.

The Conflict Resolution Specialist Can

  • Listen to you, discuss your concerns, and help you obtain information
  • Identify options for resolving problems and conflicts
  • Answer your questions or refer you to someone who can
  • Explain how university policies and procedures work
  • Help you advocate for the mentoring you desire
  • Coach you on how to handle a problem situation
  • Deliver information or ask questions on your behalf confidentially
  • Refer you to the appropriate office should you wish to file a formal complaint
  • Provide guidance to resolve a problem informally

The Conflict Resolution Specialist Does Not

  • Provide legal advice
  • Determine the guilt of any party in dispute
  • Testify or participate in formal grievance or legal proceedings with respect to confidential communication
  • Conduct formal investigations
  • Keep records of conversations

Examples of Services Provided

  • Discuss how to approach a peer who has made an offensive or insensitive comment
  • Help resolve a dispute with an individual or group
  • Assist in deciding how to approach a person whom you believe is causing a problem
  • Help if you feel that you have been treated unfairly by anyone on campus
  • Assist when you are uncertain about how university policies and procedures apply to your situation
  • Help you determine which university department or office is appropriate to assist you in handling your problem
  • Mediate among parties to resolve a concern
  • Offer workshops and training to departments or campus groups

Get In Touch

Schedule an Appointment

Please note that until June 1, 2025, Joel is only available to meet via Zoom.

To schedule an appointment, you can book an available time by using Joel’s Calendly appointment scheduler. 

This will automatically create a calendar invitation, but your appointment details will not be shared with anybody else.

Ask a Question

To help ensure the confidentiality of all parties involved, if you send an email or leave a voicemail, please do not discuss the details of your concerns.

You can also contact Joel by phone or email to schedule an appointment or ask any questions. Please contact Joel Devonshire at jdev@umich.edu or (734) 647-1381.