Educational Quality Should be Priority

To the Editors:

After reading the memo sent to all students regarding the current financial situation of the College and the need for cutbacks, I felt that I understood the financial constraints and the fact that we have to give somewhere.

However, upon further reflection, I began to wonder why the first place the administration of this educational institution chose to cut was, in fact, education (i.e. internship positions). Surely, quality education is our primary objective and number one priority. Based on this value, internship positions which, by definition, further and support the education of Oberlin students should not be compromised. Surely there are other areas that are not so central to the very foundation and purpose of this institution where we can cut expenses. Internship positions show a dedication on the part of the college to supporting the continued efforts of its alumni to learn and apply what they’ve learned and to supporting a means to applied learning and educational opportunities for current students outside of what faculty can offer.

I am writing especially to plead for the environmental studies intern position. While ALL internship postitions are important and should be maintained, the environmental studies position is especially unique and vital. Seeing as environmental studies is still somewhat of a fledgling department, maintaining an intern provides the energy and time needed to keep the program running and growing. Our intern from this past year has been greatly involved in student advising and research projects, especially with the Living Machine; community outreach and education; and general aid to the running of the program in terms of paperwork and maintenance. Clearly a program that is in such high demand and still just getting off the ground needs the energy, enthusiasm, knowledge, outreach (to both students and community) skills, and time that an intern can provide.

I implore you to reconsider the administration’s allocation of budget cuts and to reaffirm the commitment of Oberlin College to education first and foremost. We students are here to learn and value every venue in which we can do so. Interns provide so many learning opportunities outside of typical offerings. Interns are accessible and easily approachable to the students and allow professors to focus on what they do best. Clearly, maintaining intern positions at Oberlin College is an investment in the educational quality and value of this institution. Thank you for your time and continuing efforts to listen and respond to student needs.

–Sarah Darley
College sophomore