Week 12: Student Health and Well-Being

Issue #12

Student Health and Well-Being

Welcome from Andrew Oni, Executive Director of Student Health and Well-Being

Welcome to Oberlin! It is a privilege and honor to welcome new students to Oberlin each year. Our excitement and eagerness to welcome you to this warm, supportive community as you arrive on campus in the fall is boundless! Change is hard, especially when moving to a new place and joining a new community. As a result of this change, we understand that you will experience a range of emotions as you prepare for and begin your time at Oberlin. Because of this, your health and well-being are our top priorities. Our small, close-knit community offers many resources to nurture your well-being, allowing you to succeed and thrive academically and personally within a culture of care. 

Additionally, Campus Safety understands that your safety is critical to your well-being. We are eager to ensure you feel safe as you join our community in the fall. 

Student Health Services

Medical professionals in Student Health Services provide treatment for illness and injuries and offer preventative care, diagnostic tests, immunizations, reproductive health, and more. No co-pay for an appointment exists, and all students, regardless of their health insurance, are welcome. To ensure compliance, July 15th is the deadline for submitting Medical History and Physical Exam forms and all required vaccinations.  Learn more about Student Health Services here

Counseling and Psychological Services

Oberlin’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)  provides free psychological support, primarily for assessment and short-term counseling. Psychologists and therapists offer individual and small group sessions, crisis support, medication consultation, referrals, and outreach programs. To provide more access to our services, Oberlin College partners with Uwill, a confidential teletherapy service that offers convenient access to free, professional mental health support for all Oberlin students. For an in-depth understanding of our services, check here.

Student Health Promotion and Prevention Services

Oberlin is committed to promoting an environment where all students can thrive. Student Health Promotion and Prevention Services focuses on promoting healthy living using the eight dimensions of wellness. Our goal is to help students successfully overcome the unexpected challenges of college by providing tools for self-agency in promoting health. Learn more about student wellness promotion here.

Campus Safety

The Oberlin College Office of Campus Safety is open 24 hours a day and can be reached at 440-775-8444. The staff consists of non-sworn, unarmed Campus Safety Officers who respond to potential criminal incidents, suspicious activity, requests for assistance, and emergency situations. They work closely with the Oberlin police and fire departments to carry out their responsibilities diligently and courteously.  Campus Safety officers patrol campus buildings, residence halls, and grounds on foot, by vehicle, and by bicycle.  Below is a list of some of the services Campus Safety provides.  Learn more about Campus Safety here.

Campus Safety Services

• Obie Alert:  Our campus emergency mass notification system is enhanced when students download this app. The app will provide additional information during an emergency and also provides information a student might need to have at their disposal, including a virtual walk home with friends or family, or immediate chats to Campus Safety 24/7/365.
• Student Shuttle: Available when classes are in session.  It serves a route around the campus perimeter, with limited off-campus stops. Available 9:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
• Walking Safety Escort Services: Available from dusk to dawn for anyone walking alone on campus.
• Emergency Blue Light Phones: Highly visible "Blue Light" phones are situated in parking lots, high-traffic pedestrian areas, and campus open space locations. The automatic dialing capability provides direct contact with a Campus Safety Communication Officer, coded location of the call origin, and immediate dispatch of a Campus Safety Officer.
• Safe Transaction Zone: Located in the main entrance lobby of the Campus Safety Building, the Safe Transaction Zone is a designated area where people meet to exchange items sold or purchased online, such as Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.
• Vehicle Jump Starts:  If your vehicle will not start due to a dead battery, contact the Campus Safety Office and ask for a jumpstart assist.