ABSTRACT
To avoid discomfort and increased anxiety for any of the conference participants, whether they belong to the victim or wrongdoer group, move parties to separate rooms until everyone has arrived. If people arrive unexpectedly, take them aside to discover their reasons for attending, and to explain the purpose of the conference. Show people where the amenities are. This may prevent later interruptions or discomfort. The script represents a plan to assist students in managing the process of the conference. The conference may be convened as a "show cause" meeting for a final decision about whether or not a student should remain in the school. The conference may be convened as an avenue of appeal against a Board of Trustee decision to exclude a student. There is nothing to be gained at the early stages of the conference in allowing the group to take over the process. Most issues around cultural differences can be ironed out in pre-conference negotiations.
