Harkness

Harkness—often just shortened to Hark—opened in 1950 as a women’s dorm, and in September of 1967, Harkness became the fourth Oberlin housing and dining co-op. Harkness’s intense and often lengthy discussions have led to diverse and unique policies, some more successful than others. In 1979, Harkness became the first Oberlin co-op to use consensus, a decision process that soon spread throughout OSCA. The very next year, Harkness voted for the first time to use anarchy as its system of governance, a decidedly less successful venture. Also in 1979, Harkness created the Contraceptive Co-op, which eventually morphed into today’s Sexual Information Center. In the mid-90’s, Harkness became the first OSCA co-op to have an elected head cook system.

One of the most centrally located co-ops on campus, Harkness shares a lawn with two dorms, Third World Co-op, and the Adam Joseph Lewis Center for Environmental Science; it is located just across the street from Dascomb Hall and King Building. Because of Hark’s location, many members of the co-op, both housing and dining, can be found in the building at all times of day, including the few 3 AM studiers. With a ramp and elevator, Harkness is also one of the most accessible co-ops on campus.

Harkness houses over 50 members. As the largest housing co-op, Harkness is home to many informal events, from concerts of Oberlin and touring bands alike to post-Pizza Night dance parties. There's even a Jellyfish Parade celebrating each full moon!

Harkness also has roughly 80 dining-only members. Harkness serves vegetarian meals, with vegan options at every meal. The Harkness dining room floor tiles proudly display the OSCA logo, a symbol of pride (and common tattoo) for many OSCAns. 

On sunny days, many members eat meals out in “Hark Bowl” (the lawn in front of Harkness), when not participating in discussions. Harkness’s special meals tend to be more extravagant and wackier-themed than those of other co-ops, with a strong dress-up tradition. Between the dining hall in the basement, the common room, the porch and the lawn on Harkness Bowl in front of the building, there are a number of places for people to eat their meals, which gives people many options.