College is a time of academic and personal growth for students. Most students will need help at various times during their undergraduate years in sorting out the academic, social, or personal challenges that inevitably occur in a highly demanding academic environment. The College provides a number of support services:
Class Deans, who are assigned to each incoming first-year class, are available to help students solve both personal and practical problems, and to help students make sensible and informed decisions about academic and related matters. In emergencies, during evening and weekend hours, students and others can activate the dean-on-call system by calling the Office of Safety and Security.
The Office of Student Academic Services provides academic support, special advising, Learning Assistance courses, and related services to all students. In addition, focused services are directed to first-generation students, low-income students, students with disabilities, and other students typically underrepresented in higher education.
The Counseling Center, 247 West Lorain Street, Suite D, provides psychological support for students as they pursue their academic and personal goals. To this end, the staff of psychologists offers assessment, short-term individual counseling, group therapy, biofeedback, and psychological testing. Referrals for private psychotherapy and psychiatric consultations are also provided.
The Center for Leadership in Health Promotion serves as a student resource center for the campus community on a broad range of health and wellness topics. The center provides programs and services that support students in developing higher levels of self-responsibility, enhancing leadership skills in the field of public health education, and advocating for healthier lifestyle choices.
The Office of Residential Education and Dining Services, the Multicultural Resource Center, and the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life provide support of a more general nature in handling most of the day-to-day challenges and opportunities that may occur on a residential college campus.
Disability Services
Oberlin is committed to complying with Federal Public Law 101-336, Americans with Disabilities Act, effective July 1990, as well as Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act, and eliminating procedural and physical barriers that may discriminate against persons with disabilities in academic, student services, or employment areas. The Oberlin campus is small in area and level in terrain. Most students with disabilities related to mobility will find it reasonably accessible, though not barrier-free.
The Office of Disability Services can assist with the educational needs of students with visual, auditory, or mobility impairments or learning disabilities. The office facilitates access to all programs, services, and activities while encouraging student self-advocacy.
