| << Front page | Commentary | April 8, 2005 |
Faculty unity deserves praise
Oberlin College often prides itself on the quality of its students and its facilities, but over the past year, the faculty have not received the recognition that they deserve. Not only have they excelled in their capacity as teachers and as advisors to their students as they always do, but they have publicly proved time and again how instrumental their voice can be to the workings of the College.
This year has certainly provided many opportunities for the faculty to demonstrate their continued commitment and support to the ideals of the College and to the student body. With ongoing changes in planning for Oberlin’s future at the forefront of everyone’s mind, the administration is often the topic of conversation. But the faculty’s role in all areas of the College is at least as important.
The strategic planning process has brought out many differing opinions as to the proposed direction of the College, but the faculty has always been united in its desire to keep high standards of quality education and mentoring for its students. The faculty’s ability to work together as a unit to revise and prune proposed plans for Oberlin’s future has been clearly demonstrated to the entire campus as heated discussion of the strategic plan has pervaded publications and campus forums.
Individual faculty voices have remained strong even in the face of proposed budget cuts across the board. Every department has its own agenda and needs. Every department would be able to use an increased budget well and to the advantage of its own students. But the faculty has put these concerns aside to ensure that all students at Oberlin College receive the benefits and education that they deserve, no matter what department they choose to major in. This unity of purpose has made Oberlin the institution that it is today.
Although they received little recognition, Oberlin College’s faculty should also be acknowledged for the part they have played in the high number of students who won prestigious scholarships this year. Without the unique opportunities to work closely under the guidance of faculty advisors and on the research projects of highly acclaimed professors, Oberlin students would not be nearly as competitive in the scholarship market as they are. The contribution that Oberlin’s faculty makes to student success not only in the undergraduate classroom, but also in future education and work should not go unnoticed.
Major events always seem to bring out the best and the worst in people, and
the Oberlin faculty has proven that during rough times, they can stay strong and
united, continuing to provide the most that they can for their students and the
College as a whole. They have taken on Oberlin’s future without forgetting
about the school’s present, and the impact that they have in shaping
current students on a day to day basis. The College cannot fail to recognize
that so long as the faculty are able to make decisions and contribute to plans
for the future, that they will do their best to ensure that students will
continue to receive an education that meets Oberlin’s standards for the
past, present and future.
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