Week 12: Student Health and Wellbeing

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

Issue #12

Student Health and Wellbeing

Students sitting and having a conversation

Welcome from Andrew Oni, Executive Director of Student Health and Wellbeing

Dr. Andrew Oni

Welcome to Oberlin! We are eager to welcome you to this warm, supportive community as you arrive on campus in the fall.

Know that we understand the range of emotions you’re bound to experience as you prepare for and begin your first year of college. Also, know that your health and wellbeing are our top priority. Our small, close-knit community offers many resources designed to nurture your health and wellbeing, allowing you to succeed and thrive academically and personally. We focus on the whole person’s wellness using the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Eight Dimensions of Wellness to support students.

Student Support and Outreach

Student Support and Outreach provides an avenue for faculty, staff, and students to share concerns about students with the goal of linking students with the appropriate support resources. The online Student Support Request form is available to anyone wishing to refer a student who may be struggling emotionally, needs additional support, or exhibits other concerning behavior. Once a support request form is completed, the student needing support will receive an outreach. We assist all students to be successful at Oberlin.

Student Health Services

Medical professionals in Student Health Services provide treatment for illness and injuries, as well as offer preventative care, diagnostic tests, immunizations, reproductive health and more. There is no co-pay for an appointment and all students, regardless of which health insurance they carry, are welcome. Learn more about Student Health Services here.

Student Health Receptionists

Counseling and Psychological Services

Oberlin’s Counseling Center 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, outreach programs, and more. For an in-depth understanding of our Counseling Center and the services it provides, view here.

Student Health and Counseling Entrance

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 students' holistic wellness by using the Eight (8) Dimensions of Wellness to help students successfully overcome the unexpected challenges of college. Learn more about student Health Promotion and Prevention Services 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 that 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 in a diligent and courteous manner. Campus Safety officers regularly patrol campus buildings, residence halls, and grounds by foot, vehicle, and bicycle. Below is a list of some of the services Campus Safety provides. Learn more about Campus Safety here.

Campus Safety Services

  • 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.