Center for Student Success
FGIE Resources
Oberlin College and Conservatory has multiple resources on campus to help offset the cost of collegiate expenses and support student success. While most resources are open to all Obies, priority is often given to first-generation and income-eligible students.
BRANCHES
BRANCHES (Bridging Resources and Nurturing Community through Holistic Engagement in STEM) at Oberlin College supports an inclusive community for underrepresented students in STEM. BRANCHES strives to meet the unique needs of underrepresented STEM students by dismantling systemic barriers through vital connections, opportunities, and pathways for success.
https://www.oberlin.edu/clear/branches-community-leaders
Campus Safety Bicycle Program
Need a bike? Each year, Campus Safety collaborates with the offices of Transportation and Energy and Sustainability to collect and redistribute used bicycles on campus for students. Each fall, bikes are handed out to students in need and registered for their safe keeping.
https://www.oberlin.edu/campus-resources/transportation-students/getting-around-campus
CSS Loaner Library
Each year, the Center for Student Success collects textbooks, novels, and other course materials from Obies to create a free library of books for first-generation and income-eligible (FGIE) students. The library is located in Stevenson Hall, and eligible students can request access to the list of materials available each semester.
Dean of Students Laptop Loaner Program
Income-eligible students who need assistance with obtaining a laptop can apply for either a Windows laptop or a MacBook to use while at Oberlin. The request can be made through the services portal once a student is fully enrolled.
https://services.oberlin.edu/support/catalog/items/153
Financial Aid Book Fund
Oberlin College, in conjunction with our Barnes and Noble bookstore, is pleased to be able to provide support for students with high financial need to buy books and supplies through the Oberlin Book Fund Scholarship.
F1RST Things First
"F1RST Things First" is a series of virtual sessions that provide early access to campus resources for admitted first-generation and income-eligible Obies. If you've already submitted your deposit and would like to pre-register for these informative events, please email css@oberlin.edu.
Free Store
The Free Store (located in the basement of Asia House) houses an assortment of free items that are available for anyone to take, including but not limited to clothing, kitchenware, books, accessories, school supplies, crafts, etc. Their aim is to collect and redistribute functional, clean resources thereby reducing waste and offering the items to students in need.
https://www.oberlin.edu/environmental-sustainability/rct/free-store
Library Laptop Loaner Program
The Oberlin College Libraries know that issues with a computer can cause problems with collegiate success - that's why they've developed a laptop loaner program for Obies! Short and long term loans are available for current students.
https://libraries.oberlin.edu/services-amenities/study-spaces-technology/borrow-equipment-amp-tech
PERSIST
PERSIST (PEeRS In STem) seeks to foster a supportive network of underrepresented students in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). We want to help these students cultivate their science identity—the feeling that they belong and can be successful in STEM. This program is currently led by Lisa Ryno, Associate Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Oberlin College.
https://ryno-lab.com/pedagogy/persist/
Professional Clothing Closet
The Career Exploration and Development (CED) office offers free professional clothing to students in need of wardrobe items for interviews, internships, and professional positions (located in the basement of Mudd Center). Have questions? Contact career@oberlin.edu for more information.
SWAY Car Share Funding
Income-eligible students can submit a request for assistance with car rentals on campus. It is suggested to submit the request at least two days before the car is needed for timely approval.
https://services.oberlin.edu/support/catalog/items/182
Winter Term Funding
The 1835 Fund is used to help African American students fund their Winter Term projects. Students can access this funding request through the Services Portal in OberView.
https://services.oberlin.edu/support/catalog/items?category_id=23000079854&isParent=true&level=0