At Oakton College, we recognize diversity, equity, and inclusion as foundational principles that affirm the inherent value and belonging of every individual within our community. We are committed to fostering an environment where students and employees are supported through intentional strategies and evidence-based practices that promote their academic, professional, and personal success.
As an institution dedicated to continuous improvement, we acknowledge that achieving these objectives is an ongoing process. While we may encounter challenges along the way, Oakton remains committed to authentically reflecting and serving the diverse identities and experiences of our community. Through this work, we strive to create an inclusive and equitable environment where all individuals are empowered to contribute and thrive.
Oakton College is dedicated to fostering an environment of equity, inclusion, and non-discrimination. Our commitment is reflected in programs and initiatives designed to ensure every member of our community can succeed and feel a sense of belonging.
These programs are open to all and fully comply with federal and state non-discrimination laws. Oakton College does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, disability, or any other protected characteristic, nor do we offer special benefits or preferential treatment based on any protected characteristic. This is outlined in our Non-Discrimination Policy 1100.
Diversity and Equity Within Institutional Leadership
Oakton places great value on embracing diversity and advancing equity. Oakton sets and pursues annual affirmative action goals that reflect the diversity of the Oakton district and the college’s enrollment profile. The College prides itself in building a remarkably diverse executive leadership staff, which is attributed to the College’s commitment from the top and an infused commitment to diversity and equity within the institution's mission and strategic goals.
"Like all students, the AAPI student population should feel supported in all the ways necessary for success. But their needs are often overlooked. Our goal is to identify strategies and establish a long-term framework that supports AAPI students at Oakton."
Dear Aunaetitrakul
Senior Program Manager, COMPASS
"When students have a sense of belonging and take on leadership positions at Oakton, they grow in ways that positively impact their communities. We strive to create an inclusive environment where you feel welcome and gain the confidence to take on any challenge."
Gabby O’Connor
Department Assistant, Student Life
Student Engagement, Retention, and Success Programs
The OAED, a sub-division within Student Affairs, partners with faculty, staff, and students to fulfill the access and equity goals and mission of the College. It aims to create an open and accepting climate and supports the retention and success of diverse students. By offering an array of academic, cultural, social, and outreach programs, training, and services to the entire college community, we become more diverse and inclusive, which, in turn, will positively influence student success.
In support of Oakton's mission, the vision of the OAED is to create an inclusive and accepting campus free of bias, hate, and inequities where employees and other stakeholders work together to impart positive change within our campus community, and students are provided an open, receptive environment that optimizes their chances to be successful towards achieving their goals.
The AANAPISI program provides federal funding for colleges and universities and works to improve the availability and quality of higher education for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) college students.
The ¡ANDALE! organization at Oakton supports Latino/a/x students through workshops, academic support, study groups, mentoring, leadership skill development, multicultural events, and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) support.
Organization supports Latino/a/x students through workshops, academic support, study groups, mentoring, leadership skill development, multicultural events, and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) support.
The B.L.A.C.K. Student Success Program provides educational experiences and programs to address the needs and concerns of Black students in higher education.
Contact: 847.376.7796
The center provides support, educational experiences, and interactive learning opportunities. It represents the needs and concerns of historically underserved student identities and helps them access opportunities through programs, services and resources related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
These opportunities include roundtable discussions, critical conversations, webcasts, workshops, special events, and self-care resources such as the Caring Closet.
Contact: 847.635.1687
SLCI provides inclusive programs and services to enhance the college experience for all of Oakton’s diverse students by providing 40 plus student organizations and clubs, the Emerging Leaders Student Leadership Program, the Student Government Association (SGA), and the Student Activities Programming Boards.
Contact: 847.635.1815
Over thirty co-curricular programs help to fulfill the college’s Equity Matters strategic commitment by providing a rich diversity of student organizations. Faculty, staff, and administrators serve as advisors. Students and employees can access diverse learning experiences through their participation in dynamic and distinctive cultural experiences provided by the Black Student Union, Hillel, the Mongolian Club, or many more.
The mission of TRIO Student Support Services is to provide comprehensive support empowering eligible students to overcome academic, economic, and social barriers to their education. TRIO staff foster close, supportive student/advisor relationships, and assist students with educational goals at Oakton. TRIO services include:
Course selection advising
Tutoring assistance
Transfer assistance
Multicultural activities
College visits
Financial aid guidance
To participate, students must be U.S. citizens or have permanent residency and meet one of the following criteria: be a first-generation college student (neither parent has a four-year college degree); demonstrate financial need; or have a documented disability.
TRIO Student Support Services is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. For more information, visit Room 2901 (2nd floor of the Enrollment Center) in Des Plaines or Room A135 in Skokie.
The ADRC provides accommodations and services to students with documented disabilities. To determine eligibility, complete an intake appointment and submit the appropriate documentation. Once these steps are completed, accommodations and services may be requests. Be sure to submit requests at least four weeks prior to the anticipated need, and you must apply for accommodations on a semester-by-semester basis. For more information, visit the ADRC page.
Oakton’s Caring Closet, located in Room 1430 (Des Plaines) and Room A130 (Skokie), is a space where Oakton students can access nonperishable food and self-care items, such as soap and deodorant, at no cost. Access items by completing an online shopping sheet (requires login) or stopping by the Caring Closet when the campus is open. You'll be notified when items are available at the designated time and location. An Oakton ID is required for pick-up. All information is private.
If you or a guest are in need of a room for lactation, or if you need a moment to get away to reflect, meditate, or pray, you can reserve the spaces below on each campus. Reservations are for 30-minute blocks of time.
To reserve space on the Des Plaines campus, contact the Office of Student Affairs at 847.635.1739 during business hours. Employees can contact Human Resources at 847.635.1675 during business hours to reserve either space. Public Safety should be called after hours at 847.635.1880.
On the Skokie campus, students, employees and guests can reserve a room by contacting the Division of Business and Career Technologies office at 847.635.1910.
Lactation Rooms 2556, Des Plaines Campus B209 and B217, Skokie Campus
Meditation/Prayer Room 2148, Des Plaines Campus, 190, Skokie Campus
Our language allies help us serve students and their families who may not speak English as their first language. Visit Oakton Equity Channel on myOakton (My.Oakton.edu > Resources by Area > Student Affairs > Language Allies) to find out who is currently on the list and what languages they speak.
The language labs provide support to students taking courses in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Urdu, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Russian, Spanish, and English as a Second Language (ESL).
Services provided include multimedia PCs with Internet access, a library of ESL audio materials with books, modern language and ESL software, and DVDs. Limited modern language tutoring is available for enrolled language students. The labs also offer ESL and various modern language conversation groups each semester. Lab personnel can assist with lab equipment and the selection of appropriate materials.
Lab Usage
The labs are designed to be used primarily by students enrolled in Oakton credit courses, and offer priority access to teachers and students in these classes. On a space-available basis, students enrolled in Alliance for Lifelong Learning (ALL) courses or interested in using the labs’ materials and facilities may be accommodated.
The labs operate according to the Oakton academic calendar. During breaks between semesters, lab hours may vary. View the lab web page for more info. Contact:
Summer Hours: Monday - Thursday, 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Closed Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (Note: Hours may change between semesters.)
Oakton recognizes the need for a welcoming campus where members of the diverse LGBTQIA2+ community are respected, valued, and supported. This mission is achieved through educational and informative training opportunities, services and resources, and Title IX compliance.
The LGBTQIA2+ Advisory Council at Oakton is dedicated to the College’s anti-bias values and works to institutionalize policy that advocates for the LGBTQIA2+ community. Examples of this work are to provide gender-inclusive restrooms, SafeZone trainings and more inclusive classroom instruction.
Gender Identity Recognition: Oakton College will treat students in such a way that is consistent with their gender identity when they or their parent(s) or guardian(s) notify the college that they will assert a gender identity different from the previous representation or records.
The College employs the following procedures:
Gender Identity Consideration: Oakton College considers a student’s gender identity as the student’s sex for purposes of enforcing the law.
Gender Identity Based Harassment: Asserts that harassment based on gender identity, transgender status, or gender transition is a form of sexual harassment. An educational entity’s failure to address such harassment may create a hostile environment which would result in a violation of applicable laws/guidance.
Oakton College does not require students to use facilities that are inconsistent with their gender identity, or to use individual user facilities if other students are not required to do so. There are eight gender inclusive restrooms at the Des Plaines campus, including four restrooms on the first floor, 1470, 1914, 1915, 1916, and four restrooms on the second floor, 2914, 2915, 2916, and 2214. There is one gender-inclusive restroom at the Skokie campus, Room A181.
Our mission is to support undocumented and DACA students and their families through advocacy, training, and employee education. We identify and promote financial resources and remove barriers to admissions and student success.
