Dispute system design in action: integrating student peer-mediation at the University of Bologna

Academic communities generate frequent interpersonal conflicts, yet dispute resolution mechanisms within universities often remain fragmented and underutilized. This paper examines how Dispute System Design (DSD) principles can enhance conflict management in academia, with a focus on the University of Bologna. It presents students’ peer mediation as an innovative design choice, analyzes the implementation of the U.d.r. pilot program, and discusses the role of the co-drafted Rules and Code of Ethics. The paper concludes with preliminary reflections drawn from the first pilot case, highlighting the potential of peer mediation to improve access, trust, and conflict competence within universities.