Administrative Shuffling Continues in Res Life

Director of Residential Life and Services Kim LaFond took over for Interim Director Yeworkwha Belachew on July 10. LaFond was previously the coordinator of Judicial Affairs in New York University¹s Office of Residential Life.

LaFond said, ³Back in April when I came for my interview, I felt that the job would be a way for me to advance my career. After being here for just two short months, Oberlin College will not only help me with my professional development, but I love being in the town of Oberlin.²

LaFond added, ³Oberlin College has an excellent reputation.²

LaFond was fortunate to be able to get a head start over the summer. He said, ³It was nice to take the summer and ease into the job. Now that students are back on campus, the place has come alive with lots of activity. I feel that I am back into the swing of things.²

In addition to refurbishing dorms, replacing the mattresses in East Hall and painting Burton Hall, LaFond familiarized himself with the Oberlin bureaucracy. Though it is often difficult to pick one¹s way through the administration, LaFond said, ³This is a very welcoming place. I also learned that small colleges have a fair amount of red tape.²

The new director of Res Life seems genuinely concerned about offering his help to students. One of the most pressing issues that LaFond acknowledged is the Campus Dining Service. Reflecting many students¹ anxiety that Sodhexo-Marriot, the provider for CDS, invests funds in private prisons, LaFond has organized a year-long process that allows students to voice their concerns.

He said, ³We just hired a consultant and he¹s going to be like a sponge, meeting with students and administrators and getting opinions. He¹ll be here at the end of September for two and a half days.²

In February, competing dining services will submit bids to be the official Campus Dining Service. Throughout the process, LaFond stresses that student input, often in the form of focus groups, will be paramount. LaFond said, ³It¹s going to be a big process, but there¹ll be input from the College community all along the way.² LaFond hopes that the process will be completed by April.

Though LaFond has been at his post for about two months, he keeps abreast of many campus issues. Already aware of the controversial trend of declaring a same-sex domestic partnership to get off board, LaFond prefers to take a bottom-line financial approach.

He said, ³If we take that [same-sex domestic partnership] into the formula, it does have an impact on financial planning. Everyone has to realize that it has an impact on whatever dining service is going to be on campus for next fall and spring.²

Dean of Students Peter Goldsmith said, ³He¹s a wonderfully thoughtful person with a great sense of humor.² LaFond, who is also an associate dean of students, works closely with Goldsmith to ensure the continuity of the two offices.

LaFond knows that one of the strengths of Res Life is that the services are there for the taking, on an individual basis. He said, ³Res Life should complement the academic experience.

³We go beyond supplying a bed. We supply a comfortable communityŠbut it should be whatever you want it to be. It¹s your home.²