Definitions

For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings: (1) “Mediation” is an informal process in which a neutral person, referred to as a mediator, conducts discussions among the parties designed to enable them to reach a mutually acceptable agreement on all or any part of the issues in dispute. (2) “Administrative settlement conference” is a mediation conducted by a Hearing Officer who will not otherwise be involved in the proceeding. (3) “Non-binding arbitration” is a process, other than arbitrations held pursuant to § 252 of the Federal Telecommunications Act, in which a neutral person or a panel, called an arbitrator or an arbitration panel, considers the facts and arguments presented by the parties and makes a decision which is non-binding. (4) “Summary proceeding” is a proceeding wherein the parties present their evidence, if any, solely by affidavits and their arguments solely by written briefs, unless the Commission, either on motion of a party or on its own motion, determines that oral argument would assist in the expeditious disposition of the matters at issue. (5) “Administrative dispute resolution procedure” is a mediation, administrative settlement conference, non-binding arbitration or summary proceeding as provided in these rules.