Department of Human Resources

Same Gender Domestic Partner

Same Gender Definition and Recognition

In its policies and practices, Oberlin College does not make distinctions of value among the various forms of domestic relationship. Instead, recognizing that thoughtful people in our community hold differing views on this matter, Oberlin does not discriminate among the various forms which meet the following criteria: cohabitation, long-term emotional commitment, and financial interdependence. The college formulates its policies accordingly in such areas as access to College services and facilities, student housing and dining, and employee benefits.

Domestic partnership is defined: Two unrelated individuals, who share the necessities of life, live together, and have an emotional and financial commitment to one another of an indefinite length. In addition, partners cannot be married to someone else, be under eighteen (18) years of age, have any additional domestic partners, or be related by blood, closer than the criteria for marriage in the State of Ohio allows. Because partners of opposite gender who meet the above criteria have the option to legalize their partnership through marriage, this policy applies only to partners of the same gender.

Children connected to a domestic partnership will be eligible for benefits if they fulfill the same eligibility requirements of children connected to married couples as presently outlined within the College’s benefit plans.

For tax purposes, premiums or parts of premiums for domestic partners will be included in the employee's reported gross income.

Same Gender Declaration and Register

To have your Same Gender Partnership recognized by Oberlin College, you must complete the declaration affidavit registering your same gender partnership. Registration for benefits must take place within the first 30 days of hire or within 30 days of a family status change.

Declaration Form 

Domestic Partner Declaration
To comply with the definition of domestic partnership you must have a valid marriage certificate or meet at least of two (2) of the conditions as follows:

  • Have joint ownership of a bank account;
  • Have joint ownership of a credit card;
  • Have joint ownership of a mortgage or lease;
  • Have mutually granted Durable Power of Attorney; and/or
  • Have an affidavit by a creditor able to testify to the partner's financial interdependence or other proof establishing economic interdependence.