Four people share a laugh on a brisk fall day on campus.
Photo credit: Jonathan Clark ’25

Division of Student Affairs

The Division of Student Affairs is committed to a vision of diversity and inclusion that fosters the academic and personal growth of Oberlin students.

Staff in the Division of Student Affairs does this by creating a more seamless connection between curricular and cocurricular experiences; advising and mentoring that is focused on the development of life skills and interpersonal growth; and building and bridging intellectual and personal communities.

The chief administrative office within the division is the Office of the Dean of Students, which oversees and handles the day-to-day functions of 12 student-focused offices. These offices encompass five main areas: academic support, safety and wellness, residential life, diversity and inclusion, and student leadership and involvement.

The division also collaborates with other campus offices that provide a range of student academic and support services.

Quick Links

Live, Eat, Thrive

We believe when students live and eat together in common spaces, it will build a stronger community. Having a four-year residential campus means that learning never stops. These offices direct and support all aspects of the residential college experience.

Housing Dining

Services and Programs

Having problems with your roommates? Need a tutor or an academic accommodation? Feeling overwhelemed by coursework and activities? Want to start a club or seek an internship? There’s office for that. Division of Student Life personnel are ready to assist you with whatever concern or need may arise: from financial to medical, academic to social, and much, much more.

 

Academics, Safety, and Wellness

Center for Student Success

The Center for Student Success offers holistic support to all Oberlin students with a special emphasis on first-generation and income-eligible (FGIE) students. Services include individual and group Success Coaching, co-curricular LEAD courses, and the Peer Mentor program for FGIE Obies.

Visit Center for Student Success

black and white illustration of a book with a bookmark.

Student Support and Outreach

Student Support and Outreach offers campus members a confidential forum for sharing concerns about students who may be struggling academically, socially, or exhibiting concerning behavior. Student Support and Outreach uses a collaborative approach to supporting students.

View Student Support and Outreach

black and white illustration of a leaf.

Peer Advising Leaders Program

First-year students have an easier time transitioning to academic and college life if they have a PAL. Peer Advising Leaders (PALs) support newcomers throughout their first semester at Oberlin.

Discover PALs

illustration of a handshake.

SOAR

Sophomore Opportunities and Academic Resources or SOAR helps second-year students declare a major, create a course plan through graduation, explore careers, and plan meaningful experiences during academic breaks.

Discover SOAR

illustration of a black motar board.

Campus Safety

Open 24/7, Campus Safety responds to potential criminal incidents, suspicious activity, requests for assistance, and emergencies. Though not sworn police officers, they work closely with local safety officials to fulfill their responsibilities.

Visit Campus Safety

black and white illustration of a police officer's vest.

Counseling and Psychological Services

Trained counselors give psychological support to students as they pursue academic and personal goals. Counselors offer individual and small group sessions, referrals, outreach programs, and more.

View Counseling and Psychological Services

outline of an circle and trianlge to represent a person.

Student Health Services

Primary care, colds, bruises, sprains, or something more serious can be taken care of by Student Health Services medical professionals. Health care is available to all students regardless of insurance.

Visit Student Health

illustration of a stethescope

Social and Personal Development

Career Development Center

The Career Development Center helps students and recent alumni identify and achieve meaningful career objectives that build upon their Oberlin education and experiences.

Visit Career Development Center

illustration of a black briefcase

Office of Student Leadership and Involvement

Through the Office of Student Leadership and Involvement, staff, and student leaders design activities that address the social, cultural, educational, spiritual, and recreational needs of the college community.

Explore Office of Student Leadership and Involvement

black silhouette of the heads and shoulders of two people

Clubs and Organizations

Oberlin has roughly 175 students clubs and organizations—from hip-hop to folk, from poetry slam to a cappella, from tumbling to yoga, and from animal rights to energy justice. Join a club or start your own.

Browse Clubs

black and white illustration of a soccer ball.

Conference Services

Conferences Services coordinates and supports an array of local, regional, and national conferences as well as social events, receptions, and weddings. Conference Services can arrange for housing, dining, and rental of campus facilities.

Browse Conference Services

black and white illustration of an open book.

Campus Inclusion

Oberlin College recognizes and actively supports the distinctive cultural identities, religious practices, and histories of individuals and groups, while encouraging them to transcend these familiar boundaries through encounters with those whose experiences and perspectives are different from their own.

Center for Intercultural Engagement
students at table during lunch eating and drinking.

Administration and Policies

The Office of the Dean of Students oversees academic integrity, monitors student conduct and community standards, coordinates large-scale social activities and trips, and supports students with a range of needs.

Student Conduct Initiatives Honor Code

Each of Oberlin’s residence halls and Program Houses have common areas and comfy lounges for students to socialize, plan events, and or study. These spaces allow students to nurture friendships and build community in their home away from home.

group of students sitting in lounge area talking and laughing.
Students relax in the lounge area of Afrikan Heritage House.
Photo credit: John Seyfried