Welcome to the Conflict Management Office

Students enjoying warm weather outside Math 1

Who we are

The Conflict Management Office (CMO) offers supportive services that help members of the University of Waterloo community manage conflict and concerns with confidence. We work with students, staff, and faculty to strengthen skills for addressing difficult situations and to support people in navigating University processes when formal resolution is being considered.  

We’re here for you

To connect with our office, please complete our online intake form. The intake form allows you to share some initial information about your situation so that our office can better understand your needs and connect you with the most appropriate support. 

After submitting the intake form, a member of our team will review your submission and contact you to schedule an initial confidential consultation. During this meeting, we will discuss your situation, available options, and services that may be helpful. Submissions are reviewed by a limited number of staff and handled with care and confidentiality. 

Practicing Difficult Conversations with Ovation VR

As part of the VR for Workplace Wellbeing initiative. the Conflict Management Office (CMO), in collaboration with the Staff Excellence Fund, are providing all University of Waterloo staff (full-time, part-time, contract, and student staff) with the opportunity to participate in workshops that explore how virtual reality can support you in preparing for difficult conversations.

Ovation VR uses AI-driven avatars to simulate challenging scenarios such as performance reviews, job interviews, and conflict resolution. By allowing you to practice these interactions and receive feedback, this immersive tool can help you build confidence and reduce workplace stress.

To register, email Lynn Long at l3long@uwaterloo.ca.

Individual consultations are also available if you would like personalized support for a specific situation and want to explore how Ovation VR can help you build confidence beforehand.

Practicing Difficult Conversations with Ovation VR

Winter 2026 Managing Difficult Conversations with Ovation VR schedule

Our New Name

In order to promote clarity on campus, moving forward, our office will simply be known as the Conflict Management Office. 

  • Will your services change? No, we will still offer all of the same services that we have in the past.
  • Can I book an appointment to discuss an issue related to human rights? Yes, we are one of several offices on campus whose staff are knowledgeable in this area.  You can still book an appointment with us to discuss such concerns.

Difficult Conversation Wednesdays

Are you having difficulties with a friend, a classmate, a supervisor, or colleague? Do think you may need to have a difficult conversation?  Are you unsure how to begin?  Do you wish you had someone to listen and provide feedback as you consider your approach?  The staff in the Conflict Management Office are setting aside Wednesday especially for difficult conversations. 

If Wednesdays don’t work for you, we are able to meet other days as well.