dormcon judcomm : I have a problem

During your time as a student at MIT, you will undoubtedly experience conflict with classmates, friends, roommates, neighbors and others in the MIT community. DormCon JudComm is an organization that can help you solve many of both intra-dormitory and inter-dormitory residential life conflicts that arise.

There are many ways to address a conflict without filing a formal complaint. Please consider some of the following options before resorting to filing a complaint:

The "Direct Approach"	Discuss your concerns with the person or people who are causing them. In many situations, a respectful and honest discussion may be an important step toward a successful solution. If you do not feel comfortable speaking face to face, consider a letter, phone call or e-mail.
Informal Intervention	If you do not feel comfortable speaking with the person yourself, find a neutral party to accompany you; This third party could be a GRT, housemaster, a member your Dormitory's JudComm, or some other person that both you and the person whom you are in conflict with would feel comfortable speaking with.
Informal Grievance	If your complaint is with a living group as a whole, such as a suite, entry, floor or entire dormitory, you can file a grievance with DormCon JudComm. (see below)
Mediation	Mediation is similar to intervention, but more formal. In a typical mediation session, you and the person with whom you are in conflict would sit down with two trained MIT mediators to discuss the situation and work toward a resolution. Mediation is non-binding, completely voluntary, and entirely confidential. Contact Mediation@MIT for more information.
Formal Complaint	If the above options are unsuccessful or not appropriate for your situation, you may file a formal complaint with DormCon JudComm. (see below)

Filing an informal grievances is a way to express dissatisfaction with a living group as a whole, such as a suite, entry, floor or entire dormitory. No formal action will be taken by the Judicial Committee. Instead, members of the Dormitory Council will act on your behalf to discuss and work toward a resolution to the problem. Unlike the formal complaint process, informal grievances are NOT confidential. In preparing your grievance, be sure to include which living group you are in conflict with and a history of the situation. Grievances can be e-mailed or delivered to the DormCon JudComm Chair. The complainant may withdraw his/her complaint at any time if a resolution is achieved through other means.

Complaints must be written and signed by the complainant. This complaint should include the name of the persons charged, the nature of the charge, the applicable MIT policy and/or standard that the charge is based on and that the respondent allegedly violated, information relevant to support the charge (such as a chronological/factual description of the incidents in question), the names of the complainant's witnesses and advisor, if any. In addition, the guide Dealing with Harassment at MIT lists the elements of a formal written complaint when the complaint is based on a violation of the MIT policy on harassment. Complaints can be delivered to the DormCon JudComm Chair or The complainant may withdraw his/her grievance at any time if a resolution is achieved through other means. The entire complaint process is confidential.

After a complaint is filed, it goes through a process know as Jurisdictional Review. The Associate Dean for Student Discipline will consult with the Chairs of DormCon JudComm and the COD to determine whether the complaint is appropriate for DormCon JudComm to hear. In general, a complaint will be heard by DormCon JudComm if it meets the following requirements: