James Madison University and Lanterns Mediation proudly introduce a transformative training and certification program designed to equip students, professionals, and community leaders with tools to navigate conflict in today’s complex world.

Mediation in the Digital Age (MIDA) offers practical, real-world strategies for resolving disputes across personal, organizational, and community settings. This flexible microlearning program blends resilience-informed communication, ethics-driven practice, and next-generation tools—including AI-assisted reflection and agreement design.

Whether you’re launching a career in mediation or expanding your leadership skill set, MIDA provides a clear pathway—offering stackable microcredentials aligned with Virginia’s court certification standards, plus advanced training in areas not available elsewhere in the Commonwealth: Community Mediation. Workplace Mediation. Education Mediation.

The pilot for basic certification - Foundations in Mediation Practice - includes live and online sessions designed to support working professionals.

Foundations in Mediation Practice

This course is the entry point to professional mediation certification and provides practical, real-world skills for resolving conflict in personal, organizational, and community contexts.

Participants will gain:

• Core conflict resolution skills aligned with the standards and guidelines established by the Supreme Court of Virginia
• Resilience-informed practices that support clarity, composure, and sound decision-making under pressure
• AI-integrated tools for self-reflection, communication planning, and agreement drafting
• Inclusive, adaptable approaches designed to foster dialogue across diverse ideological perspectives, ensure ADA accessibility, and support constructive engagement across ideological and cultural divides,
• Hybrid delivery format, combining live online instruction with in-person skill-building intensives designed for working professionals

Upon completion, learners earn a stackable Foundations certification that prepares them for advanced training and aligns with court-recognized mediation pathways in Virginia.

Instructor-led in-person and online sessions. You will receive an orientation email the Monday before class starts.

Withdrawal/Refund Policy: You may cancel your registration up to one week prior to the program start date and receive a refund of course registration fees, less a $25 administrative fee. Cancellations and refunds after the two week deadline are processed at the discretion of the department. To withdrawal from this course you must send a request in writing to cpdtraining@jmu.edu or by mail. For more information, please visit Policies & Notices.