Panel Addresses Blocking Strategies

Less than 10 students attended a panel on strategies for the blocking process held last night in Yenching Auditorium and organized by the Conflict Resolution Center (CRC), a new student group devoted to conflict mediation.

Panelists included five student mediators and Douglas Stone, a former Harvard proctor and the author of Difficult Conversations, a book on negotiation and conflict resolution.

"Blocking issues were a big deal when I was a proctor, and they always will be," he said. "Students need to be clear, open, early and honest in their blocking conversations."

Panelists emphasized that blocking and rooming issues can be a problem for all students, regardless of rooming situations.

"Blocking was one of the most stressful times of the year for me, and there wasn't any place to go with questions about how to deal," said Elizabeth C. Tippett '02, CRC co-chair.

"Students don't like to admit that they may have a blocking problem," said Preston B. Golson '02, a CRC mediator.

Panelists recommended a series of guidelines for first-years to improve the blocking process, including being honest and open, avoiding laying blame and holding blocking conversations when a proctor is available.

Organizers of the panel said they were disappointed by the small turnout. They pointed to a lack of publicity and the distance of Yenching from the Yard to explain the lack of attendees.

"I don't think the small showing is due to lack of need," said SungLim Shin, a Bureau of Study Counsel staff member and an adviser to CRC. "It's because of competing prorities, time and location."

CRC, which offers nightly phone and drop-in services, is expecting increased business this week as the Mar. 16 blocking deadline draws closer.

"By putting the rooming conversation off, it becomes a problem," Shin said. "I think CRC can be very important in starting that conversation."