Administration's changes welcome

The second year of President Nancy Dye's administration caused many more waves than the first, and the student-administration relationship was challenged as budget cuts, resignations and more proposals than imaginable were thrown at the College every few weeks.

The changes were both swift and drawn-out, and the administration has taken flak as often as it has received support. From the quick retiring of ex-Chief of Security Richard McDaniel and ex-Vice President of Admissions and Financial Aid Thomas Hayden, to a protracted debate over co-ed rooms, the structure of the College was continually shaken all year long.

The elimination of Hayden's position, as well as Treasurer Charles Tharpe's position, created both an opportunity to save money in a budget which was being trimmed to the quick, as well as increase the new vanguard of people who enter inevitably with a new administration.

McDaniel's resignation came about after accusations of racism swept through the department. A 12-step plan for the improvement of the appearance and function of security was implemented by Dean of Student Life and Services Charlene Cole-Newkirk. Though members of the security staff were upset by the swiftness of change, the department, nevertheless, changed throughout the course of the year, many would say for the better. The new, kinder and gentler face of security became glaringly obvious through the acquisition of new titles and the implementation of new practices. The "Safety and Security" Blazer is a constant sight on campus, as is the appearance of Interim Director Joe DiChristina in places besides behind his desk - a feat rarely attempted by McDaniel.

But there will be no end to the constant changes within the College with the termination of this academic year, for the College's future planning process, which will involve every campus constituency, looks as if it will offer much of the same for next year.

Cole-Newkirk, who found herself, and often placed herself, in the center of nearly any campus issue which had or needed two opposing sides, will continue the practice next year when she seeks to reconfigure dorms, redesign student health, overhaul the Regs Book and restructure Residential Life, etc.

Though many students were scared of her "Mean Dean Charlene" reputation, Cole-Newkirk's attitude was a welcome change compared to former dean Patrick Penn, whose lackadaisical attitude was seen by many as his most positive trait; after all, there were no chants of "Fuck Res. Life" when the administration's controversial and bold actions were slim to none.

But the new administration must also remember that while some rapid changes present an agenda for important new steps forward, others do not. For instance, Cole-Newkirk's revamped Student Life and Services was not without its faults. The sudden action taken in evicting, expelling and suspending students this spring sparked campus-wide debate, uncertainty and mistrust.

The planning process gives Dye's administration a huge chance to make or break its reputation with students. If Dye, Cole-Newkirk and Co. keep to their promise, Oberlin could join the small number of schools who have chosen a new look and feel for their halls instead of the antiquated system which exists here. In doing so, they could also possibly make up for requiring people live in places which look and feel like East and the eternally un-renovated South.

However, if the skeptics are proved correct, and the administration does not negotiate and work to provide what it has promised, the student body will, given the slightest of occasion, quickly and gladly rise up. After all, just because the Student Senate's ploy to blatantly defy the administration failed once does not mean it will fail again if people feel they have half a reason to seek change on their own, change opposed to the administration's carefully plotted ideals.