How to have tough conversations: TMU launches conflict resolution program
Struggling to navigate difficult conversations? You’re not alone. TMU is launching a new Student Conflict Resolution training program to help students learn practical skills for handling disagreements with empathy and respect.
Tanya (Toni) De Mello, vice-president, equity and community inclusion, says conflict resolution is a skill that anyone can learn. She shares four key strategies to get started: clarifying your goals before speaking, leading with curiosity, using “I” statements and knowing when to pause. You can read more about these tips below.
What is the program?
The free certificate program runs over three days in March (7, 8 and 14). It’s designed for upper-year students who want to build leadership and mediation skills.
Run by the Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion (OVPECI), the training covers:
- Mediation skills like de-escalation and active listening
- How to facilitate respectful dialogue
- Ways to support peers through challenging conversations
Why this matters
“We want our students to be able to disagree well,” says De Mello. “We’re looking for student leaders who want to make a real impact on our campus culture. Our long-term goal is to create a team of student leaders who can help their peers navigate conflict and lead difficult conversations in a constructive and open way.”
“Conflict resolution training advances our shared commitment to a safe and respectful campus, but it also offers benefits that extend well beyond university life, further equipping our students for their futures,” says TMU President Mohamed Lachemi.
Who should apply
This certificate program is ideal for upper-year students in leadership, peer support or advocacy roles, or who want to deepen those skills.
You must attend all three sessions on campus to receive your certificate.
The full-day training sessions will take place on campus on:
- Saturday, March 7, 2026
- Sunday, March 8, 2026
- Saturday, March 14, 2026
How to apply
The program is sponsored by the Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion and offered free for registered TMU students. Applications close February 18, 2026.
Visit the OVPECI website to apply or learn more.
Faculty and staff can also recommend students who show leadership potential.
The initiative is part of a broader mandate to foster belonging on campus. The Community Building Working Group offers specialized sessions for the TMU community, such as the "Difficult Conversations" and "Conflict Resolution Skills" training sessions to foster a culture of conflict resilience.
Four tips to have better difficult conversations
Want to start to learn how to disagree better? “How you approach the conversation can make a real difference,” says De Mello.
Here are some tips on how to navigate difficult conversations:
1. Get clear on what matters to you
Before you speak, ask yourself: What do I want from this conversation? Do I want to be heard, to understand someone else, to set a boundary, or to find a solution? You don’t need the perfect words – just clarity about your goal. Then ask yourself: is what I am doing helping me to get there?
2. Lead with curiosity, not assumptions
It is easy to assume you know why someone said or did something. Listen fully. Stay open to being surprised. Everyone wants to be heard and understood. You can even check if you understood correctly – people will tell you very quickly when you got it wrong.
3. Speak from your own experience
Use “I” statements to share how something affected you, rather than blaming the other person. This keeps the focus on your experience and prevents escalation. You can be honest and respectful at the same time. Instead of saying: You left me out, you might say: I felt excluded.
4. Know when to pause or step away
Not every conversation needs to be resolved in one sitting. If emotions run high or the discussion feels stuck, it is okay to pause. Taking space can be a sign of emotional awareness, not avoidance. Tell the other person you are needing more time and find a way to come back together later, where you can pick up where you left off or start fresh.