National Conflict Resolution Day 2025
National Conflict Resolution Day is the annual event of VCU's Office of the Ombudsperson which seeks to "promote awareness of mediation, arbitration, conciliation and other creative, peaceful means of resolving conflict."
Thursday, October 16, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Theme: "Navigating Difficult Situations in a Moving Landscape"
2025 Keynote Address
Mark E. Rubin, Esq., The McCammon Group
Mark Rubin is a mediator and facilitator with over 32 years of experience in helping parties resolve disputes in a wide variety of subject areas. Utilizing his legal, legislative advocacy and government experience, he now concentrates on facilitating public policy issues.
Learn more about Mark Rubin >>
9:00 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.
Welcome/Introductions
William E. King, University Ombudsperson
NCRD History at VCU
Kathleen M. Rudasill, Interim Senior Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs
VCU Proclamation
Beverly J. Warren, Interim Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
9:15 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
VCU’s Commitment
Amy J. Armstrong, Associate Professor, VCU College of Health Professions
9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Keynote: “Navigating Difficult Situation – Back to Basics”
Keynote Speaker: Mark E. Rubin, Esq., The McCammon Group
10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Small Group Table Discussions
Facilitators: Whitney Brown, Director of Human Resources; Archana Pathak, Assistant Vice Provost, Faculty Affairs; Valerie Robnolt, Associate Professor, Reading Program Coordinator; Jeffrey Wilson, Professor, Educational Leadership
11:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Closing Remarks/Acknowledgements/Thank you
About the VCU Office of the Ombudsperson
VCU's Ombudsperson provides confidential, neutral and informal dispute resolution services for VCU's faculty, staff, postdoctoral trainees and students. The office is available to assist VCU employees and students who seek guidance with the resolution of academic or administrative issues and disputes.