Week 4: Center for Intercultural Engagement

Ready, Set, Oberlin! A week-by-week guide to prepare for your arrival

Issue #4

Center for Intercultural Engagement (CIE)

Students Studying

CIE Welcome Letter

Welcome, Class of 2027! The Center for Intercultural Engagement (CIE) houses several offices you may find helpful during your Oberlin journey. The Multicultural Resource Commons (MRC), the Office for Disability and Access (ODA), the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life (ORSL), and International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) offer welcoming spaces designed to create a spirit of inclusion and belonging on campus. Whether you identify with one, all, or none of our support areas, we would love to get to know you as you make this exciting transition. 

Be on the lookout for events and opportunities posted in the daily Campus Digest and promoted on social media (Instagram) and our website. Programs and services are free! Whether you join a Dialogue Group, participate in the Executive Functioning Tutoring Program, attend a social event, or just want a place to hang out, stop by one of our spaces. 

  • The MRC Lounge (Room 212) and main office (Room 202), as well as ISSS (Room 208) are located on the second floor of Wilder.  
  • ODA is currently housing in Mudd Center (Library), 2nd floor, but will be moving some time in the Fall 2023 semester to its beautifully renovated new home on the 1st floor of Wilder. 
  • By Fall 2023, OSD will return to its former home in Lewis House at 68 South Professor Street.  

Remember this–If you make connections and build relationships early on, you’ll reap the benefits during the rest of your college experience!

See you soon!

Mark D. Sapara 

Assistant Vice President and Dean for Intercultural Engagement

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)

International Student and Scholar Services serves as the hub of international support on campus, assisting with immigration advising and providing programs designed to help transition to U.S. academic life.

Combined with international faculty and staff, Oberlin's international students and scholars are integral to our global campus. Over 10% of Oberlin students come from outside the U.S., representing over 55 countries.

All new F-1 and J-1 students attend the international student orientation starting with arrival on August 24. Permanent residents, dual citizens, U.S. citizens living abroad, and others in the US with different immigration statuses are also welcome to request to attend by emailing isss.oberlin.edu. 

ISSS Office Space

Multicultural Resource Commons (MRC)

The Multicultural Resource Commons (MRC) is an office that strives to serve students from marginalized and underrepresented social identities.

We collaborate with faculty and staff across campus to create programming and events that provide opportunities for healing, growth, and action. 

In addition to our MRC programming, we support student leaders of affinity groups and clubs related to marginalized student populations. 

MRC Office Space

Office of Disability & Access (ODA)

The Office for Disability & Access (ODA) provides resources, education, and direct services to students with disabilities to guide a welcoming and inclusive environment at Oberlin College & Conservatory. The ODA is also the proud home of the peer-driven Executive Functioning Tutoring Program, which is open to all students! 

More than 25% of Oberlin students are registered with ODA, and the office works with students with diverse backgrounds and disability experiences! 

Big changes are happening with the Office for Disability & Access. We look forward to making Wilder Hall our permanent home in Fall 2023. In the meantime, the ODA is located in the Mudd Center, Room 205.  Please come by to see us! Contact us at 440-775-5588 or ODA@oberlin.edu 

Get Connected by clicking the link to the "Meet with Staff" button on the Office for Disability & Access website!

Office of Religious and Spiritual Life (ORSL)

The  Office of Religious and Spiritual Life (ORSL) is a multifaith resource center that supports students in their theistic and non-theistic exploration and expressions on campus and in the larger community. Core to its mission, OSD invites students to engage in dialogue across differences through Barefoot Dialogue, ON TOPIC, and other campus initiatives. We are here to provide pastoral care and encouragement throughout your Oberlin journey, especially as you transition to life at Oberlin! Watch for invitations coming your way soon that invite you to:

  • Participate in the start of year Barefoot Dialogue All-Call, a night of dinner & dialogue for first-year students at Tappan Square. 
  • Attend the Fall Multifaith Celebration, a night to celebrate traditions that are familiar and important to you and learn more about your peers' religious and philosophical commitments. 
  • Serve as a representative on the Interfaith Student Council+ (ISC plus) to assist in giving visibility and access to Oberlin's pluralist community. 
  • Stand by friends and classmates at vigils and event markers, offered formally and informally, that speak to significant moments of justice and compassion on campus, nationwide, and in our world.