Oakton provides services to assist students in making appropriate academic and career plans, enriching their Oakton experience through co-curricular activities, and addressing other issues.
Academic Advising and Educational Planning
The Office of Advising, Transitions, and Student Success (OATSS) supports students throughout their academic journey at Oakton, from orientation to graduation. All new students are assigned an academic advisor in their first semester and are encouraged to meet with them each semester.
Advisors help students align their academic and career goals with one of Oakton’s eight Areas of Interest. After selecting an area, advisors collaborate with students to create a personalized educational plan to guide them toward transferring, earning a degree or certificate, or entering the workforce. Plans are flexible and should be reviewed each semester. Advisors also connect students to campus resources, assist with academic concerns and support the transfer process.
For undecided students, the process begins by meeting with the Career Coach in Academic Affairs/Workforce Development to explore majors. Once students have reviewed their options, they return to academic advisors for educational planning.
Advising appointments may be self-scheduled via myOakton, using the Advising card; detailed instructions can be found at www.oakton.edu/advising. Students requiring additional support may email OATSS at advising@oakton.edu or contact the Enrollment Center, room 1860 (Des Plaines) or room A100 (Skokie), 847.635.1700.
Career Services
Career Services supports students in exploring Oakton programs of study, clarifying career goals, and developing skills needed to prepare for employment and professional growth. Services include career exploration, job search preparation, résumé and interview support, career events and workshops, and individualized coaching sessions. Students and alumni may also connect with local employers by accessing job listings and posting their résumés on Oakton's Online Job Board at www.collegecentral.com/oakton.
For additional information, contact Career Services in Academic Affairs/Workforce Development. Offices are located in Room 2500 (Des Plaines) and Room B100 (Skokie). Phone numbers: 847.635.1735 (Des Plaines) and 847.635.1700 (Skokie). Learn more at www.oakton.edu/academics/academic-services/career-services.
Student Employment
The Student Employment office coordinates Oakton's on-campus student employment program, which provides job opportunities that enhance student learning, persistence and professional development. The program helps students gain practical work experience, develop transferable career skills, and receive financial support to help offset educational expenses.
For additional information, contact Student Employment Services in Room 2901 (Des Plaines) or Room A100 (Skokie). Phone numbers: 847.635.1735 (Des Plaines) and 847.635.1700 (Skokie). Learn more at www.oakton.edu/academics/academic-services/career-services.
Personal Counseling
Personal counselors are available to assist with non-academic concerns and personal development issues which impact students’ personal and educational goals. Short-term counseling is available for Oakton students struggling with a wide array of adjustment issues, transition problems and mental health concerns. Referral information can be offered for students who need long-term counseling, support or services not available at Oakton. For more information, call Counseling Services at 847.635.1744 or visit www.oakton.edu/life-at-oakton/health-and-wellness/counseling.php.
Student Veterans' Services
Academic advisors in the Office of Advising, Transitions and Student Success are available to assist student veterans as they transition into the college system. Advisors guide student veterans in academic planning and progress, the financial aid process and information about veterans' services available throughout Oakton’s district.
Appointments may be made with an advisor through the Enrollment Center in room 1860 (Des Plaines) or room A100 (Skokie) or by calling 847.635.1700. For more information, visit www.oakton.edu/advising.
New Student Onboarding
The orientation experience at Oakton is driven by academic goals and varies based on whether a student identifies as degree-seeking, certificate-seeking, or visiting. For degree-seeking students, onboarding to Oakton will include an online orientation program and an Advising and Registration Workshop (ARW). At the workshop, students learn about campus resources and involvement opportunities, meet with an academic advisor and register for classes.
New students receive information on how to complete the online orientation and/or register for a workshop once placement in reading, writing, and math has been completed. For information about specific onboarding steps, students should review the Admission Checklist found in the New Student Portal.
Students requiring support may email advising@oakton.edu or contact the Enrollment Center, room 1860 (Des Plaines) or room A100 (Skokie), 847.635.1700.
TRIO Student Support Services
The TRIO Student Support Services program is dedicated to enhancing the college experience at Oakton. TRIO helps students persist in their educational goals and transfer to four-year institutions by fostering close student/advisor relationships in a supportive community. Services include academic advising, transfer assistance, financial aid assistance, activities and events. To participate in TRIO, students must meet the eligibility criteria: be a first-generation college student; demonstrate financial need; and/or have a documented learning or physical disability. TRIO Student Support Services is funded by the U.S. Department of Education.
For more information, email trio@oakton.edu, call 847.635.1265, or visit TRIO in the Des Plaines or Skokie Learning Commons, room 1406 (Des Plaines) or room A221 (Skokie). Read more about TRIO at www.oakton.edu/academics/academic-services/trio.