Marks speaks at dean candidate forum

Ethnic studies, cultural diversity discussed

Robert Marks, one of three candidates for the position of Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, was available for student questioning on Tuesday at a forum attended by three students. He discussed the implementation of ethnic studies, the cultural diversity requirement, the formation of an international studies major, social activism and the importance of arts in a college education.

Marks, a professor of Chinese history, has spent 19 years employed at Wittier College. For the past six years Marks has been the dean of Faculty and the chief academic advisor at Witter College.

Prior to the forum he spent three days in Oberlin learning about Oberlin College and making himself available for questioning about the role he would play as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Oberlin.

Marks was asked his feelings on the implementation of ethnic studies into the college curriculum, specifically those of Asian-Americans. He responded by referring to Oberlin's tradition of having a diverse faculty and student body.

Marks said he felt that the best way to diversify the college would be to primarily work with faculty selection in the next 10 years as many of the college professors retire. He said that he would be willing to work with the faculty governing structure and committees to accommodate requests for specific faculty, as well as taking into account the student majors committees at the departmental level.

The cultural diversity requirement was also discussed. Several students felt that this requirement focused on diversity outside of the U.S. rather than diversity in our country.

Marks said he felt that opportunities for students to learn about both types of diversity would be beneficial to students, but that it was important for students to balance their course load so that they develop a method of learning which allows them to continue learning throughout their lives.

The bachelors degree, Marks said, is a way to prepare the mind for future knowledge, because the information students learn in school will soon become dated.

Marks said that he would also be involved in helping structure an international studies major program at Oberlin. He said that every student should have the opportunity to study abroad for at least one semester.

He said he felt that this experience has educational benefits as well as career benefits. He said that since the U.S. is no longer the major power in the world, it is important to understand how other people organize their lives.

Marks was also asked how he would respond to the strong tradition of social activism which is a part of the Oberlin community. He said that he feels service and activism play an important role in education and that he would support the tradition. "Service is important in my life," he said. He also mentioned creating a "connected curriculum" which would not only link disciplines and careers, but also social service projects with course material.

Lastly, Marks was asked how he would balance student interests while making administrative decisions. He said that this is a challenge for any administrator, but that he works to balance the information which he receives and tries to accommodate all of the voices in the college community. He acknowledged that he works primarily with faculty, but that he would work to find the commonality in the diversity of the college.