Mediation Service of the University of Fribourg

The Mediation service is available to the entire university community. Its aim is to contribute to the efficient and effective resolution of conflicts in the interest of a good learning, teaching and working climate at the university. This includes prevention, counselling and mediation in conflicts, discrimination, harassment, bullying, direct and indirect violence, etc. The members of the ombudsman's office are independent, in particular vis-à-vis other organes of the university.

Message of the Swiss Rectors against sexual harassment in the Swiss academic environment

Contact

Nathalie Rappo
Secretariat

mediation@unifr.ch

Role and purpose of the mediation service

The mediation service provides neutral and confidential advice. It works towards for amicable settlement and has no decision-making powers. Once contacted by a member of the university community, the mediator meets for an individual interview, advises regarding situations of conflict and is available, with the consent of those involved, to find a solution. If need be, he/ she can make a recommendation.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality is guaranteed. The mediator is bound by official secrecy, both regarding the facts and the identity of the persons concerned. No contact with third parties will be made without the agreement of the applicant.

Making contact

The mediation service can be contacted in writing, by e-mail or by phone. With few exceptions, Walter Stoffel and Astrid Kaptijn are available to academic staff (professors, assistants), while Ariane Linder is available for administrative staff as well as students and doctoral students.

For more details

The mediation service was established by the Senate on 1 February 2020 after a pilot period of two years.

Règlement du 9 décembre 2019 concernant le Service de médiation (Ombudsstelle) de l’Université de Fribourg

The mediators

Prof. Walter A. Stoffel

Walter Stoffel is Professor Emeritus at the Chair of Economic Law and Private International Law at the University of Fribourg. He served as Dean of the Faculty of Law from 1997 to 2000. At the same time, he has devoted himself to numerous responsibilities within and outside of the University.

Contact:

walter.stoffel@unifr.ch

BQC 11 Room 5.129

Curriculum Vitae

Ariane Linder

Ariane Linder has been responsible for the Uni-Social counselling service since 2014. A trained social worker, she has a lot of experience in psycho-social coaching.

Profile and Contact

Prof. Astrid Kaptijn

Prof. Astrid Kaptijn has been Professor of Canon Law at the Faculty of Theology since 2010.
Before her appointment to the University of Fribourg, Kaptijn taught at the Institut Catholique de Paris for 13 years.

Profile and Contact