University Support Services
Oberlin College, nestled in the picturesque town of Oberlin, Ohio, provides a rich tapestry of religious and spiritual resources for its students.
The Oberlin Gospel Choir, led by jazz voice teacher La Tanya Hall, represents everything from the roots of field songs passed on in the oral tradition from Africa, to modern gospel repertoire that incorporates elements of R&B, classical, neo-soul, jazz, and folk. The choir, open to all conservatory and college students, adds a vibrant and soulful dimension to the college's cultural landscape.
For those seeking spiritual guidance, the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life, located within the International Student Lounge on the second floor of Wilder Hall, offers support for diverse faiths. This office likely serves as a hub for students on their faith journeys, connecting them with campus chaplains or religious advisors and providing opportunities to participate in interfaith activities.
Oberlin's commitment to inclusivity is evident in the various prayer and worship spaces available across campus. Fairchild Chapel, primarily used by Christian communities, is open for prayer and meditation from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. The Jewish Student Office, available to all Jewish students, and the Muslim Prayer Room, accessible to all Muslim students, can be found in Wilder Hall.
For the 2025-2026 academic year, Jewish Heritage House will be located in Price House while Johnson House is under renovation. Certified packaged Kosher food items and meals are also available for purchase at DeCafé in the basement of Wilder.
Oberlin's dining services strive to cater to diverse dietary needs, with weekly menus for Heritage, including Certified Kosher cuisine, available on the AVI website. As of August 2024, all chicken on campus (with exceptions) is Halal, and all ground beef at 4th meal at the Rathskeller is Halal.
In addition to these resources, Oberlin hosts events such as resource fairs that include religious and spiritual signature programs and special initiatives, where students can learn about different faith groups and connect with peers and faculty involved in spiritual life. These programs may offer workshops, lectures, and practical experiences in worship and ministry led by various spiritual leaders, fostering engagement across different religious traditions.
Campus Safety provides additional support to religious and spiritual communities for events on campus and can be contacted via the OberView Services Portal or email. Fairchild Chapel can be scheduled for use by students through the Event Management System (EMS) on OberView.
In case of an emergency, students can reach Campus Safety 24/7 at 440-775-8444. The Lewis House and Multifaith Center, home to Multifaith Chaplaincy & Sustained Dialogue, provides program space for multifaith and tradition-specific religious, spiritual, ethical, educational, and dialogue programming and services.
For precise details on Oberlin’s prayer spaces, offices, and specific dietary accommodations, contacting Oberlin’s Office of Campus Ministry or Student Services would be recommended. The broad and inclusive nature of Oberlin’s spiritual offerings supports students from varied religious and spiritual backgrounds.
- Students seeking a balanced lifestyle beyond academics can join the Oberlin Gospel Choir, an eclectic ensemble that delves into various genres, including education-and-self-development areas such as R&B, classical, neo-soul, jazz, and folk.
- For those aiming to nurture their spiritual growth, Oberlin College offers the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life, a hub for diverse faiths, providing education-and-self-development opportunities in the form of interfaith activities, campus chaplains, and religious advisors.
