This summer, as the South wing of Barrows comes down, the stage is set for construction of the new Oberlin Science Center. Three years and a projected $65 million later, the building which will presumably propel Oberlin College to the forefront in undergraduate science and research will be completed. However, at what cost is this to be attained?

The addition of the Science Center is sure to alter the academic balance within the college. The expanded facilities are certain to attract more natural science majors to the college. Many prospective students will be enticed by not only the improved facilities, but also the influx of research grants and undergraduate research opportunities which accompany such grants. This is not a bad thing by any means; however, it will indisputably change the ratio between students in the natural and social sciences and humanities, and ultimately affect the liberal arts environment on campus.

An argument used in support of the Science Center has been that it will also serve as a common space for students to congregate. However, this argument seems very unlikely for a number of reasons. The idea of students going to hang out in the Science Center on a Friday night is a very strange and somewhat naive concept. Lorain Street also presents a barrier to the Science Center becoming a campus common space. The center is going to be no consolation to those on campus who had hoped for a new student union as the next big construction project.

Judging by the lack of dialogue on campus, plans for the Science Center have gone practically unnoticed by many students. Considering the many changes and financial requirements necessary for completion, this lack of acknowledgment is unacceptable. At a time when financial aid is proving a fiscal challenge, when North campus is sure to be disrupted, when the College launches a capital campaign to help pay for the development, the total lack of dialogue among students is very disturbing. Cutting financial aid affects a majority of students on campus, and capital campaigns are not an everyday occurrence. As such, these should be given utmost consideration by students.

Oberlin's poll position

Even as Oberlin slowly makes its descent down the rankings published by US News and World Report, our institution was given a vote of confidence by Black Enterprise magazine. Climbing to the top of the liberal arts college list, Oberlin seems to reaffirm its liberal history by providing a good environment for African-American students.

Many view these types of polls with skepticism. A brief survey given to an administrator who, understandably, wants her school to look promising, may not reflect the true temperament of the college.

Nevertheless, Oberlin's high ranking on this list will be used as a flag to wave when trying to recruit students of color. If successful, this tool should raise minority enrollment, continuing to increase the comfort level of Oberlin for people of color.

trembles our rage, a publication that detailed racist and classist actions perceived to exist rampantly on campus, was handed out to prospective students and distributed around campus a few years ago. Concern has been expressed about the lower retention rates for African-American students and faculty. Obviously, not everyone feels that we're the best environment for African-American students.

Oberlin certainly does have unique things to offer as an institution: our relatively multicultural past provides a springboard for us to utilize to improve our present status. While tolerance is often selective here, we generally seem to be well-intentioned and genuine in our interest in cultural diversity. Books like African-American alumnus James McBride's The Color of Water have portrayed Oberlin favorably. Our exalted ranking in the Black Enterprise survey will further that positive representation.

Students here have a reputation for being critical, for identifying injustices and working to lessen them. Interestingly, our input was not included in the survey; African-American administrators and faculty were the sources polled by the magazine.

Oberlin is far from perfect, and we have a responsibility to question and pull to make our college the best it can be. We should recognize the honor attached to our place in this poll but not relax our standards or assume that "it's all good." We must also appreciate that we are spending our undergraduate years in an institution that has an extraordinary past and the potential to be even greater in the future.