Message from the Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students
Karen C. Goff Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students
Dear Colleagues,
As we reflect on the past year, I am filled with immense pride in the progress we’ve made in enhancing the student experience within the Division of Student Affairs. The 2023-24 academic year marks a pivotal moment in our three-year journey of reimagining our work—a journey that has been both challenging and deeply rewarding. From the start, our vision has been clear: to place the student experience at the heart of everything we do. This past year, we’ve seen the rewards of that commitment, as our departments launched initiatives that have not only fostered a stronger sense of belonging, but enriched the holistic educational journey of our students.
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Student Affairs Leadership Team (SALT) and their staff for their unwavering dedication to our students. Their creativity and innovative spirit have been the driving force behind our collective achievements. Together, we have intentionally created an environment where students can learn, grow, and thrive.
As we look to the future, I am excited to continue this work with the same passion and determination that have propelled us forward. Here’s to another year of making a meaningful impact in the lives of our students!
Karen C. Goff She/Her/Hers Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students
CAMPUS SAFETY
The student experience includes learning safe practices that can be used on campus and for life after Oberlin. This learning environment is achieved through the cooperation of the entire community and through a variety of programs, communications, and preparedness and response measures, all of which encourage a culture of campus safety.
SAFETY FIRST
Student Affairs centered its management of campus protests with a balance between freedom of expression and the safety and well-being of the campus community. Consistent with the student speech and demonstrations guide, Campus Safety provided the necessary personnel and resources to minimize disruptions and to support a safe campus environment. Through their working relationships and communication with students, Campus Safety engaged in conversations with students about their organized gatherings.
Campus Safety supported 76 special events and coordinated safety plans and guidelines for a wide range of offices and organizations. Several larger events included detailed logistical planning from Campus Safety to ensure a secure environment for all participants. This included managing crowds, coordinating entrances and exits, and responding to emergencies. As a result, no major incidents occurred during the sponsored events.
Top events:
eStudent move-in
eConnect Cleveland
eHomecoming
eParents and Family Weekend
eCommencement
eJazz Boot Camp
eBonner Foundation Summer Leadership Institute
STAYING SAFE ON CAMPUS
Students played a key role in helping create a safer campus through their participation in Campus Safety-sponsored educational outreach programs, including:
Photo: Graduates and Campus Safety
Photo: Campus Safety Office
eCampus Safe-Tea, an interactive meeting for students on how to stay safe
eCampus Safety 101, a welcome program to equip new students with knowledge and strategies to make informed decisions and identify the resources to help protect themselves and others
eBuilding Trust in Diverse Communities, an open dialogue facilitated by student leaders and Campus Safety supervisors
CRISIS INTERVENTION
TRAINING (CIT)
Given the increasing importance of emergency support, all campus safety officers received crisis intervention training to provide immediate help to students when a crisis occurs or threat of harm arises. The evidence-based training includes individual-centered and trauma-informed approaches to help make an effective impact across campus.
TECHNOLOGY
Recognizing that technology plays an increasing role in keeping campus safe and secure, Campus Safety made technology enhancements one of its highest priorities.
CAMPUS SAFETY STATS
This included finalizing the implementation of the ObieAlert app system that will be used to communicate with students and employees during campus emergencies.
Photo: Crisis Intervention Training
CAREER EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT
Photo: Ashby Business Scholars
The Office of Career Exploration and Development continued to serve students of all majors and academic backgrounds through programming. Students learned to identify their unique qualities and amass professional experiences for their career journeys.
STUDENT SUPPORT
Over 303 students participated in their career starts through funded internships and experiential learning programs coordinated by the Office of Career Exploration and Development. The aggregate disbursement for Internship+, summer funding, and professional development was $961,744.
INTERNSHIP+
The inaugural year of the Internship+ program concluded by providing funding for internships, research experiences, performances, and other preprofessional employment did not cover their living expenses.
Highlighted Internship+ summer experiences included:
eAcademic immersion programs at Shakespeare in Italy, Middlebury Language Schools (Italian language full immersion), and University of California Santa Barbara (Languages and Literature)
eInternship placements at Goldman Sachs, Columbia Records (Sony Music Entertainment), Morningstar Inc., and Cedars- Sinai Medical Center
Photo: Welcome Week
eResearch through the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship, the Galway Archaeological Field School, the University of California, Berkeley, Language and Language and Cognitive Development Lab, and the Johns Hopkins Medicine Multiple Sclerosis Precision Medicine Center of Excellence
eAspen Music Festival and School, Orford Music Academy, Bowdoin International Music Festival, and Tafelmusik Baroque Summer Institute
ASHBY BUSINESS SCHOLARS
Fourteen students were chosen to participate in the Ashby Business Scholars program, and 86% received an internship, a fellowship, or employment. The participants expressed satisfaction with the support they received and their success in networking,
developing short-term goals, and gaining experience. The 20th Year of Excellence was commemorated with a prestigious reception held at the Ford Foundation in New York City, attended by a distinguished gathering of 60 guests.
WINTER TERM
Micro-Internship Program
Micro-internships provided students short-term, project-based professional experiences aligned with the academic and career interest during the 2024 Winter Term.
eAlumni, parents, and friends of Oberlin hosted 123 micro-internships—a 28% increase from 2023.
e In all, 143 students received sponsorship for Winter Term micro-internships—a 41% increase from 2023.
LSAT PREPARATION
A pilot program prepared 11 students for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). This program offered a structured and comprehensive approach to LSAT preparation, including practice tests, study resources, and workshops led by experienced instructors.
EMPLOYER OUTREACH
The Employer, Alumni, and Parents Team was significantly helpful in fostering relationships with 289 organizations and professionals. The team secures internships and job opportunities for students, ensuring they have access to high-quality real-world experiences. The team’s efforts are instrumental in creating a supportive network that enhances students’ career readiness and success.
OTHER STUDENT RESOURCES
eCED launched a professional clothing closet to provide free, accessible business attire.
eCED debuted an Iris Air photo booth that provides students with free, high-quality portraits for their Linkedin profiles and other professional materials.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
eLatinx Women in NASA Career Panel, featuring three career paths and representation in Photo: Career Exploration and Development
STEM in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, engaged over 50 attendees
eCollaborated with EnviroAlums, presenting four career panels ranging from environmental justice to urban sustainability
eObiewood career panel featuring five alumni working in the entertainment industry
ePartnered with Oberlin Pre-Health Initiative (student organization) presented an MD/ PhD career panel, medical school panel, and healthcare careers workshop
e40 faculty/staff members from across campus participated as coaches in the senior launch experience, engaging over 600 students through correspondence and interaction
eMargaret Holen, lecturer at Princeton University and previous Goldman Sachs partner, explored the finance sector and the industry’s evolution
eSterling Brands and Google were represented in a career panel featuring three alumni graduating from Oberlin College into the 2007-2008 financial crisis
eFeatured a career talk on private equity investments in partnership with Boston Consulting Group and Oberlin College Alumni Association
eLaw & Justice Scholars Program
2.0 Inaugural Year.
The Law and Justice Scholars program serves students interested in pursuing careers in; public interest law, social
justice and law-related careers. Each year, the program selects 12 scholars. CED collaborate’s with the program to enhance student’s career readiness and support them in the law school admissions process
eMoot Court Team Inaugural Year. Obies established a Moot Team court affiliated with the American Moot Court Association. The team competed
at the University of Chicago’s invitational tournament and advanced to the quarter finals (ranked No.7) and octo-finals (ranked No. 9).
eInaugural Pre-Law Society Club. The mission of the Pre-Law Society is to foster a supportive and inclusive environment for students interested in law.
Photo: Career Exploration and Development
CENTER FOR INTERCULTURAL ENGAGEMENT
Photo: Culture Fest & Colors of Rhythm
The Center for Intercultural Engagement (CIE) at Oberlin College and Conservatory is dedicated to embracing and celebrating the diverse identities of our students, with a goal of fostering a welcoming environment and a sense of inclusion and belonging.
Bringing together the Office for Disability and Access, International Student and Scholar Services, the Office of Religiou sand Spiritual Life, and the Multicultural Resource Commons, CIE develops inclusive programming that leverages the strengths of each area. With coordinated efforts and resources, students benefit from a seamless enterprise that both separately and collectively celebrates the unique attributes of our students while engaging them on their commonalities.
“
Over 10% of Oberlin students come from outside the U.S., representing 60 countries...
OFFICE FOR DISABILITY AND ACCESS (OPA)
The Office for Disability Access (ODA) maintains a comprehensive record of active students registered each semester, reflecting the evolving landscape of support and inclusivity over the years.
In the fall semesters from 2019 to 2023, the data revealed a steady increase in student registrations with ODA. Starting at 639 in 2019, the number grew to 676 in 2021 and peaked at 755 in 2023.
During the spring semesters, the trend remained robust. Beginning with 632 registrations in 2020, the numbers fluctuated slightly but generally increased, reaching 746 by 2024. This upward trajectory illustrates ongoing efforts by ODA to meet the diverse needs of students across various academic disciplines.
Overall, ODA’s proactive approach in supporting students with disabilites throughout their academic journeys ensures they have equal opportunities to succeed and thrive within the college community.
New Testing Center
More than 25% of Oberlin students are registered with ODA, and the office works with students with diverse backgrounds and disability experiences. ODA provides support services and accommodations to students with disabilities, facilitating their full participation in academic, social, and extracurricular activities.
The newly founded Accommodated Testing Center (ATC) is located in the renovated west wing of Wilder Hall. The ATC provides a quiet, flexible space for students with testing accommodations to complete their exams. The ODA is also the proud home of the peer-driven Executive Functioning Tutoring Program, which is open to all students.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT AND SCHOLAR SERVICES (ISSS)
ISSS serves as the hub of international support on campus, assisting with immigration advising and providing programs designed to help transition to U.S. academic life. Combined with international faculty and staff, Oberlin’s international students and scholars are integral to our global campus.
Orientation
Over 10% of Oberlin students come from outside the U.S., representing over 60 countries. All new students with F-1 and J-1 students attended the international student orientation when they arrived on campus. ISSS celebrated its first International Education Week, which celebrated all aspects of the international community with the entire campus.
We welcomed 71 new international students from 31 countries to campus for International Orientation. This three day program includes airport pickup, campus tours, peer mentor groups, introductions to campus offices and services, and initial immigration processes.
International Education Week
Staff and students participated in Oberlin’s inaugural International Education Week. This annual event is celebrated at colleges and universities across the U.S. and is a cross-divisional collaboration sponsored by ISSS, the International Employee Resource Group (ERG), Program Board, Multicultural Resource Commons (MRC), Center for Engaged Liberal Arts (CELA), the Office of Student Leadership and Involvement, and the language departments.
NAFSA (Association of International Educators)
Josh Whitson, served as the past chair for NAFSA Region VI (Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky) and in a national role as a trainer corps development team member. He presented the session “That’s Not Even in the Regs!” at the Ohio Drive-In Meeting hosted by Ohio Dominican University; served as the lead trainer for the “F-1 Student Advising: Intermediate” core education program workshop at the regional conference in Lexington, KY, and at the annual conference in New Orleans, LA, co-trained the Trainer Corps
Enrichment Workshop “Jazzing Up Your Training Plan” and co-presented the session “Department of State Consular Affairs Current Issues” with the U.S. State Department. Jackie Zubin, served as conference planner apprentice and conference planner for Region VI, was awarded the Dorothy Brickman Award for Outstanding New Professional at the regional conference, and presented the poster “Introducing International Education Week to a University Campus” at the annual conference.
Fulbright
Josh Whitson was one of 14 administrators from higher
education institutions in the U.S. awarded a Fulbright Scholar grant to attend the 2024 Fulbright Taiwan International Education Administrators Seminar. The Fulbright Program aims to expand and strengthen relationships between the people of the U.S. and other nations and promote international understanding and cooperation. During the trip, he was able to connect with Oberlin alums Tonia Pizer ’91, University of California San Diego Global Seminars Coordinator, and Randall Nadeau ’78, Fulbright Taiwan executive director. Bi-khim Hsiao ’93 was also recently elected vice president of Taiwan.
Photo: Lavender graduation ceremony
OFFICE OF RELIGIOUS AND SPIRITUAL LIFE (ORSL)
The Office of Religious and Spiritual Life (ORSL) is dedicated to supporting religious, spiritual, and spiritually curious students on campus and supports students through collaboration with campus partners, providing mentorship in an open, welcoming, and nonjudgmental environment, and creating tailored programming that addresses students’ needs and interests in religious and spiritual life.
New Director
Samia Mansour ’10 was appointed assistant dean and director of the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life. The office reintroduced itself to campus through relationship building with student leaders, campus partners, and community leaders. ORSL also released a newly updated website with campus and community resources and opportunities to get involved. ORSL also launched its social media presence to expand student access to religious literacy. Launched at the start of spring semester, the ORSL Instagram has grown to nearly 200 followers, increasing engagement and reach each month.
Interfaith Student Council
A new iteration of the Interfaith Student Council returned. This 12-member group, representing a diverse tapestry of religious and spiritual communities on campus, including various denominations of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and spiritual but not religiously identified individuals, is a true testament to
inclusivity. The Interfaith Student Council has provided a safe space for members of diverse religious and spiritual communities to come together, fostering collaboration, mutual learning, and future programming. Highlights include celebrating Nowruz, a guided tour of the HIV/AIDS & Christianity exhibit at the Allen Art Museum, and an interfaith chocolate Seder, among other activities.
Partnerships
eListening sessions with Multifaith Chaplaincy around the war in Gaza
eTrans Day of Remembrance Vigil in collaboration with Multicultural Resource Commons (MRC)
eDemystifying Hoodoo program in African Heritage House with student leaders
eEid banquet with Muslim Student Association
eCultivate Compassion Initiative with Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
ePassover food accommodations with AVI, Chabad, and Hillel
eCulture Fest with MRC
ePanel for Adulting Learning Enhancement Across the Disciplines (LEAD) class with Center for Student Success
MULTICULTURAL RESOURCE COMMONS (MRC)
The Office of Multicultural Resource Commons (MRC) strives
to serve students from marginalized and underrepresented social identities and provides opportunities of healing, growth, and action for students, specifically students of color, LGBTQ+ students, and women.
By the Numbers
eMRC hosted 35 events, co-sponsored 31 events, and provided 10 training programs.
e14 of these events utilized Presence, a campus engagement software platform designed to manage students’ involvements.
Highlights
Codified relationships with student affinity groups and clubs that align with the MRC through the Multicultural Council.
Continued to build LGBTQ+ programming for the wider community.
Supported initiatives such as the Brotherhood and Amigos De Apoyo to help with the overall retention of Black and Latino men on campus.
Played a key role in planning and facilitating Posse Scholars events.
Supported undocumented students, trained faculty and staff, and assisted with fundraising efforts to help provide emergency assistance.
Culture Fest
Culture Fest was paired with Colors of Rhythm, and both were huge successes. Nearly a dozen performances took place on the Bandstand at Tappan Square and over 30 attractions (food trucks,
vendors, a bounce house, and free items for the community) were present.
Areas of Growth
Graduation ceremonies continue to expand dramatically year after year. Both Unity Celebration and Lavender Graduation grew by over 40 participants each. Lavender Graduation saw 120 participants (from 80 last year), and Unity Celebration saw 82 (from 40 last year).
Four students attended two LGBTQ+ conferences (TransOhio Symposium & MBLGTACC).
Community Care and Craft Night events were some of our most successful events where students were able to connect with each other in a more informal environment.
Jenny Huang (’19) Lunch and Learn speaker engaged with BIPOC student leaders about her personal journey.
Collaborative events for Black History Month included “Home: Neither Here Nor There,” a panel discussion with first-generation students and staff; a field trip to Detroit to visit the Motown Museum and Charles Wright Museum of African American History, and a discussion with Jesse Ford on hypermasculinity, hip-hop history, and subgenres and recordings.
New Programs
eBlack Queer Group & Queer and Trans People of Color community quilt event
eLGBTQ+ history and pride month (gender affirming cloth-
ing swap, queer trivia, queer care & craft, queering art, intersex speaker Pidgeon Pagonis, and the annual trans resource fair)
eWomen’s history month (trivia night, disordered eating conversation)
eSexual assault awareness month, in partnership with SOSHA (Survivors of Sexual Harm & Allies), POC women’s social, and BIPOC & queer survivor dialogues
eStudent of the year mentorship program, in partnership with Elyria middle school
eDialogue for students with disabilities and faculty, in partnership with ODA and Lemle Teaching Center
eGender & Attraction Initiatives (GAI) and race and ethnicity workshops for student-athletes
Faculty Partnerships
Queering the Rust Belt was a partnership with several academic departments and consisted of two queer authors (one being a current Oberlin faculty member) discussing how their books on being queer in the Rust Belt and in the Midwest intersect.
In collaboration with La Casa and La Alianza Latinx (LAL), the MRC sponsored a Coffee & Conchas event to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.
Partnering with faculty, MRC planned and facilitated UndocuAlly training for faculty and staff.
Photo: International students welcome week
CENTER FOR STUDENT SUCCESS
As the central hub of support on campus, the Center for Student Success (CSS) provides comprehensive, holistic services that complement the academic experience. CSS assists students in maximizing their learning opportunities through success coaching, workshops, cocurricular credit-bearing courses, and leadership programs. All CSS staff utilize the Appreciative Education framework and are trained in CliftonStrengths and other asset-based coaching techniques to facilitate positive student interactions and effective self-growth.
CONNECTION
eExperienced 4,609 total touch points across all services
eEngaged with 50% of the total student body across all services
e1,501 unique students served across all services
eEngaged with 24% of faculty and staff
RECOGNITION
In recognition of its contributions to transforming higher education through outstanding programs and innovative services, CSS received a NASPA (National Association of Student Personnel Administrators)
SUCCESS COACHING
Oberlin’s model is grounded in Appreciative Education and other asset-based approaches. Students work alongside professional coaches to define their success, leverage their strengths, and develop realistic and individualized plans to accomplish their goals.
e92% of respondents reported satisfaction with success coaching
e13% increase in total success coaching appointments
e 33% of the students who utilized success coaching engaged with it two or more times
eCreated a subset of success coaching geared toward sophomore success
Photo: Student orientation
LEARNING ENHANCEMENT ACROSS THE DISCIPLINES (LEAD)
Grounded in experiential learning, the Learning Enhancement Across the Disciplines (LEAD) Program takes a holistic approach to student success. LEAD classes cover learning strategies, wellness, reflective practices, and skills for academic success: promoting resilience, focus, self-efficacy, and leadership.
eIncrease in average class size with 238 students enrolled in LEAD
e 80% reported student satisfaction with LEAD courses
e A self-reported achievement level of 75% or higher in student learning outcomes
e Five new LEAD courses were designed for introduction in the Fall and in alignment with the Presidential Initiative for Racial Equity.
FIRST-GENERATION AND INCOME-ELIGIBLE (FGIE) SERVICES
CSS provides first-generation and
income-eligible students with a variety of programs that introduce and uncover the hidden collegiate curriculum; explore and explain campus and community resources; empower students to design their ideal collegiate experience; and build community on campus.
eConducted an inaugural F1RST-generation week celebration
eIncrease of 5% of unique students served
eImplemented the FGIE peer mentors’ leadership & professional development program
LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT
Learning and development core function employs several student-centered approaches that focus on leveraging and maximizing each student’s natural talents.
e892 completed Clifton Strengths Assessment
eCreated a Clifton Strengths winter term project and student ambassador program
e409 total touch points across all learning and development activitiess.
Photo: Graduation stole ceremony and celebration
MULTIFAITH CHAPLAINCY
In fall 2023, the Multifaith Chaplaincy was established to prioritize confidentia pastoral care and widen accessibility across campus, including one-on-one support to students and members of the faculty and staff. Structured independently while also collaborating with the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life and other departments within Student Affairs, the Multifaith Chaplaincy is committed to people of all religions and no religion, available to offer spiritual counsel on campus wide matters and to do the important work of upholding the dignity of all people.
“ Barefoot facilitators participated in 23 sessions of peer-based consults.
CARE AND SUPPORT
The Chaplaincy witnessed an increase in pastoral care requests across campus, most notably among faculty and staff, including the formation of a new year long group focused on grief and loss,
a circle of students formed in partnership with Counseling and Psychological Services. In addition, the Office of Multifaith Chaplaincy offered programming support for students interested in creating rituals or symbolic moments in response to campus and community needs as well as national and international events.
SUSTAINED DIALOGUE
144 Barefoot Dialogues were offered to groups composed across diverse identities as well as affinity groups, including BIPOC, trans people, Black identity and experience, Jewish identity and experience, international and
multi-language, sexual trauma and harm, land-based experimental, and more. Combined with intensive training at the start of each semester, Barefoot facilitators participated in 23 sessions of peerbased consults.
Responding to student requests, Barefoot hosted five IsraelPalestine dialogues composed of students across a wide spectrum of perspectives. Barefoot facilitators closed the year facilitating Bonner Scholars from 11 colleges and universities across the country in June at the national Student Leadership Institute, facilitating dialogues centered on belonging.
Photo: Barefoot Dialogues
Photo: Lewis House
Residence Life
The Office of Residence Life offers housing and program resources for diverse communities to promote learning, leadership, and respect. This past year, Residence Life implemented an essentialism approach to its work, which resulted in enhancements to the student life experience.
“ Learning goals include engaging in meaningful communities and building support.
NEW HOUSING SOFTWARE
With the implementation of the new housing software platform, students were able to easily select room assignments and placements for the 2024-25 academic year. Thematic communities included first-gen, science and fantasy, substance-free, and noise-reduced floors. The StarRez platform expedites the process for building selection, billing, and report generation. The new system also provided improvements to the management of student dining plans.
RESIDENTIAL CURRICULAR MODEL (RCM)
Residence Life completed its RCM, which is intended to promote a supportive environment that encourages students to become responsible participants in a diverse society. Learning goals include engaging in meaningful communities and building supportive systems. This new model provides shared resources between departments while increasing intentional program engagement and a streamlined service delivery.
Photo: OClipse
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Caldwell & Gregory Laundry installed new laundry machines in all residence halls with a reduced cost model for managing laundry.
AVI Vending installed new vending machines throughout the campus with updated Oberlin branding and reduced prices.
Partnered with a new storage vendor to help students who need to store personal items in a secure, off-campus facility.
SWAK-U, contract with a new partnership that provides students with an opportunity to purchase room furnishings in one central location.
PARTNERSHIPS
Expanded the team approach to improving partnership and programming within and outside of the division of student affairs by identifying events and activities that are focused on mission objectives.
Enhanced programming and events through intentional staff training which included strengthening campus relationships with internal and external offices, skills development, and collaborative approaches.
Enhanced support and leadership for the Language and Identity Thematic Engagement (LITE) communities through collaboration with faculty and department personnel.
Continued partnership development with Oberlin Community Services to improve off-campus student engagement.
DINING SERVICES
AVI Foodsystems focused on creating more
levels of student engagement and increasing its relationships with local purveyors to help create a more wellrounded and represented dining program. Throughout the year, AVI collaborated with various offices and student-run organizations to provide opportunities for the student community to bond together over a meal.
POP-UPS
AVI met students in non traditional dining spaces and events. These events proved successful with a series of pop up experiences including a surprise taco event in the Wilder Bowl unexpected snack breaks in Mudd Library, and a formal dinner series that featured a collaboration with the ’Sco for Valentine’s Day.
Additional outreach included partnering with new local artisans (Mediterra Bakehouse, Toft’s Dairy, and Velvet View Farmstead). Three additional local vendors and an expanded relationship with another provided year-round greens at the dining locations.
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS
eCollected 1,621,550 meal swipes, an increase of 237,343 over the prior year
eCollected $1,223,022 in flex dollars , an increase of $386,053 over the prior year
eCollaborated with the Office of Sustainability and launched postconsumer composting at Talcott
eHelped students donate over $17,000 worth of food purchased with unused flex dollars at the end of the academic year to the local food bank for families in need
STUDENT HEALTH AND WELLBEING
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
eChanged from contract to inhouse student health services
eExtended clinic hours on Thursdays to 7 p.m. for both Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and Student Health Services (SHS).
eCreated a student health and well-being resource guide to help staff and faculty support students who may be struggling emotionally or exhibiting concerning behavior
eConducted dialogue for students, staff, and faculty to discuss what culture of care means at Oberlin.
eContinued to promote personal
hygiene and reproductive health vending machines.
eSexual Information Center (SIC) events were held in collaboration with Lorain County Public Health, Lorain County Family Planning, and Student Health Services (SHS).
MENTAL HEALTH
Oberlin partnered with Uwill, a private, secure, and confidential teletherapy service that offers convenient access to free teletherapy support resources for all Oberlin students, regardless of their location. This additional counseling option offers students greater flexibility and allows Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) to expand its service capacity.
Students can also access over 130 online Uwill wellness programs, including meditation, mindfulness, yoga, sleep hygiene, and self-esteem.
After Uwill launched during the spring semester 225 students registered, and 208 therapy sessions were completed.
A new partnership with Thriving Campus, an online directory that allows students to identify providers for mental health care locally and nationally, also provides 24/7 support with 265 providers registered in Ohio.
ACCESS
CAPS fully implemented its triage system for access to care. The additional time devoted for triage-specific support has reduced the average student wait time from six days in 2022-23 to two days in 2023-24. The average wait time for first-time student appointments utilizing psychiatry services resulted in a reduction of less than two weeks (down from three weeks in the previous year and compared to a 10-12 week wait time in Lorain and Cuyahoga counties).
Photo: Fall season in Oberlin
Student Health and Wellbeing (SHAW), which includes Student Health Services (SHS), Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), and Health Promotion and Prevention Services (HPPS), engaged in a year ofengagement and impact.
AWARENESS OUTREACH
Student Health and Wellbeing (SHAW) increased resource awareness for gender-affirming care through tabling collaborations with the Central Outreach Wellness Center and and Sexual Information Center (SIC).
SHAW participated in the Conservatory’s injury prevention panel by providing insight into common performance-related injuries, health issues, and basic prevention strategies.
Provided breast and testicular cancer screening awareness by meeting one-on-one with students to teach self exams.
Participated in the Survivors of Sexual Harm and Allies (SOSHA) survivor of sexual assault resource fair.
Provided blood pressure checks, heart-healthy nutritional education, and stress management to students during the February heart healthy month.
Services reflects that in AY 2022-23, 1,232 students were served and a total of 3,222 appointments. AY 2023-24 served 1,642 students with a total of 3,050 appointments.
eUnique new patients included 531 students.
eAdministered 449 influenza vaccines to students and 137 influenza vaccines to faculty and staff.
e20 students who were on medical leave applied to return in 2023-24.
SUPPORT GROUPS AND ACTIVITIES
BY THE NUMBERS
eData from Student Health
In response to fostering community support, CAPS and Student Health Promotion & Prevention Services (SHPP) created programs to help students cope with global conflicts. Walk-in hours for impacted students were available and CAPS offered a Mental Health First Aid workshop.
Other support groups included:
eFluiditea: support group for BIPOC LGBTQ+ students
eRecovery group for students in recovery from substance abuse
eStudent grief and loss support circle
eInjury prevention support group for students in the Conservatory
e BIPOC support group
eCognitive processing therapy group for students who have experienced trauma
e Lunch Pals for students seeking connections with peers
eAnxiety therapy group
e Destress Fest during exam preparation week
eQuestion, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) suicide prevention skills training for professionals
STUDENT LEADERSHIP AND INVOLVEMENT
The Office of Student Leadership and Involvement (OSLI) creates a sense of community within the college environment and provides opportunities that support the development of the whole student outside of the classroom.
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
Growing student organizations was a key focus during the year. The division approved 26 new student organization, including the Indigenous Student Council, Men’s Club Volleyball, Video Game Cover Collective, and Pre-Law Society.
During the fall student organization week, over 125 students attended workshops representing 100 student organizations. Trainings included sessions on “GOberlin,” leadership practices, updating policy, Concert Sound’s becoming an inclusive organization, and more.
TRANSPORTATION
Expanded transportation services included the ObieExpress, a shuttle service taking students into the greater Cleveland area. The new service included 1,322 rider to 515 unique riders with an average of over eight riders per trip. The transportation website was restructured to provide new methods of sharing transportation ideas to students.
The EV Car Share (two electric cars) program was implemented in partnership with the Office of Environmental Sustainability. The program has been very successful with 136 drivers utilizing the service in May 2024 alone.
YEOFIT AND RECREATION
YeoFit and Recreation had a very successful year, including:e358 YeoFit classes with
Photo: Connect Cleveland
3261 total attendees, 539 unique attendees, and an average of 9.11 per class. Boxing, spin, and yoga are three of the most popular classes.
Intramurals expanded its offerings with pickleball (2 seasons, 46 participants each), basketball (2 seasons, 60 participants each), cornhole (2 seasons, 16 participants each), bowling (2 seasons, 20 participants each), and softball (1 season, 125 participants).
The College Lanes welcomed new administrative leadership that resulted in 3,045 games and 794 unique bowlers. Open bowling and intramural bowling average 15.46 bowlers per session. The center has also welcomed back several community partners including Kendal and the Keglers league.
STUDENT LEADERSHIP AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
Leadership programming provided students with a myriad of opportunities throughout the year.
Successes have included:
LEAD 220: 13 students completed the for-credit Introduction to Leadership Development course.
The Engage Student Leadership and Dialogue Summit included 55 students who joined Student Affairs in a collaborative conference to develop leadership and dialogue. Highlights included the keynote speaker Kurt Russell (2022 Teacher of the Year), a new mocktail hour for students to practice networking, and partner-
ships with Huntington Bank for financial literacy.
National Society of Leadership and Success: 41 students joined the NSLS this year, bringing the society to 78 inducted members.
OVERALL PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Through the Presence software program, 1,883 events were logged with 50,705 total attendees. This was nearly double the number from last year.
Program highlights include: Solarity Candyland (1142 attendees/May), WOBC Coverband Showcase (464 attendees/November), Drag Ball (365 attendees/March), Taste of Oberlin (549 attendees/ September), and Second City (247 attendees/February).
BY THE NUMBERS
e71 active organizations utilizing Presence software
e1,883 attended events (1,100 the previous year) tracked by Presence
e50,705 total attendees (29,829 the previous year) tracked by Presence
e3,140 unique attendees (3,140 the previous year) tracked by Presence
e26.93 average number of attendees per event (29.83 the previous year) tracked by Presence
Photo: Engage Summit
Photo: New student welcome week
STUDENT AFFAIRS GOALS
1. Administrative Operations: Cultivate a culture of assessment for continuous improvement for program effectiveness, operational efficiency, and business/budget proficiency.
2. Programmatic: Create co-curricular opportunities to enhance student learning, leadership, development, and engagement based on high impact practices.
3. Student Experience: Optimize collaborations across campus to employ institution-wide strategies aimed at improving student retention and persistence.
4. Staff Development: Strengthen staff competencies by providing opportunities for ongoing professional growth and development.
5. JEDI&A (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Access): Model inclusive excellence through intentional incorporation of practices that promote inclusion, diversity, equity and access for both students and staff.
Photo: Division of Student Affairs Retreat 2024
STUDENT AFFAIRS LEADERSHIP TEAM
Thom Julian Associate Dean of Students
Harmony Morel Dean of Student Success
Lori Ebihara Director of Student Affairs, Operations, and Planning
Andrew Oni Executive Director, Student Safety and Well-Being
Karen C. Goff Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students
Anthony Pernell McGee Executive Director, Career Exploration and Development
Mark Zeno Assistant Vice President and Dean of Residential Education/Student Life Auxiliary Services
Photos by Tanya Rosen-Jones’97
