In search of the next Dean of Student Life and Services...
We asked people what they would like to see in their ideal dean at Oberlin:
Toshio Mana is a Conservatory senior.
My ideal of a Dean of Student Life is someone who is aware of socio/political issues here at Oberlin - from racial to culture, religious to political, gender to sexuality, disabled to age - and willing to listen and help guide us to a better sense of community. Someone who is human enough to admit mistakes, taking the blame and responsibility, while able to forgive us when we make mistakes. And also someone who is approachable and willing to take action when necessary.
Jibrail Nor is a College sophomore.
We need a dean who will respect me and us, a dean who will do whatever s/he can in terms living space, financial aid and creating an all-around better climate on campus.
Steve Manthe is a Double-Degree junior.
It really has no impact on my life who the Dean of Student Life is because I don't need institutional support or someone who solves problems for me. It doesn't matter who is dean as long as they don't squander money.
Junior Porter works in the Snack Bar.
We need somebody like Dean Cole. She was a good dean. She tried to help blacks get fair benefits and stuff. The new dean needs to make sure workers can get a union. If they did that, we could have better pay and benefits without worrying. I'm not sure if it's up to Marriot or Oberlin College.
Sarah Stein Greenberg is a college sophomore.
I envision a Dean of Students as a person whose primary goal is to facilitate improvement in the quality of student life. At a place like Oberlin, where many different people have strong agendas and personal visions, the dean must function as the lynchpin within a complex and multi-directional department. This requires creativity and a sense of balance, as well as an appreciation for variety and diversity of thought. Ultimately, a dean must be able to guide the evolution of many different projects and programs into a coherent product: the Student Life Department. Listening and giving credibility to the voiced concerns and solutions that come from students is one of the most essential components of this job. It is my belief that students often hold the key.
Justin Page is a college senior.
I believe that perfection in any bureaucracy is measured by its invisibility. That is to say, the more freedom that they allow, the better. If they are needed, it should be as a facilitator and mediator. We are adults. If we cannot solve our own problems now, we may become dependent upon help from above, which will help no one. This is the time to become independent citizens who do not need the help of deans or any other authority figure to take the place of personal responsibility and initiative.
