Letter to Prospective Chinese Students and Families

Dear Prospective Students and Families,

I hope this message finds you well. My name is Josh Whitson, and I serve as the Associate Dean for Intercultural Engagement at Oberlin College & Conservatory. I oversee International Student and Scholar Services, assisting with immigration processes and international student support. As we navigate the current political climate, I understand you may have some concerns as you prepare to attend Oberlin. Therefore, I am reaching out to address concerns regarding new legislation in Ohio that you have become aware of from an alert from China’s Ministry of Education on April 9, 2025.

Please note that Ohio Senate Bill 1 only has implications for public institutions. As Oberlin is a private institution, it does not apply to our work.  The bill only regulates gifts and partnerships between academic institutions and does not impact admission, attendance, or scholarships for Chinese citizens. 

At Oberlin, we deeply value the contributions of our Chinese students and scholars, and our commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic community remains unwavering. We recognize the importance of international collaboration and the rich perspectives that students from China bring to our campus. We continue to welcome applications from Chinese students and are dedicated to supporting your academic and personal growth.

We understand that navigating international education can be challenging, especially amid evolving policies. Please be assured that Oberlin is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and enriching environment for all our students. Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Warm regards,

Josh Whitson (He/Him)
Associate Dean for Intercultural Engagement
jwhitson@oberlin.edu
+1 (440) 775-5430