New student handbook full of information

Book is a result of summer project and is the collaboration of many

Last week, Oberlin students received copies of the new student handbook, a book designed as a guide to the workings of the college and its community.

The handbook includes a daily planner which contains facts about the College on every other page, and the calendar on the other pages. The information is extensive; it covers topics from athletic events calendars to listings of student clubs to explanations of how each branch of the college administration works.

Also listed are facts about the surrounding community such as how to get to the nearest mall and where to go in Cleveland.

Not every student has taken the time to read the handbook cover to cover. First-year Jessica Freidman said, "I really just thumbed through it. I have enough trouble trying to keep up with my reading already."

The handbook was edited by sophomore Theodore Haley Jennings III. Jennings worked over the summer on the project and is happy with the results.

He said that a need for a guide detailing rules and regulations was identified by the College but that the book turned out to be a lot more.

"We had a great deal of autonomy over what the book would look like because no such book has ever existed at Oberlin," Jennings said.

Dean of Student Life and Services Charlene Cole-Newkirk, who was instrumental in the compilation of the book, said that she was "quite pleased" with the results. "The handbook can be improved and we will continue to improve it in future years," she said.

Jennings said that nine administrators advised on the informational content of the book as it went through a number of revisions. He said that although the guidebook was thoroughly researched, errors have been found, and he feels the book should continue to be improved each year.

"There are still several mistakes, but the majority of the contextual information is correct," he said.

Overall Jennings says that he feels the goal of creating a student friendly Oberlin reference guide was fulfilled. "It was very hard work, but I'm glad I was able to provide a service to the students," Jennings said.