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 working closely with a Career and Transfer Coach in the Career and Transfer Center (CTC) for major exploration. Once students have explored their options, they return to an academic advisor 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 and Transfer Center
The Career and Transfer Center (CTC) is dedicated to guiding students toward achieving their transfer and career aspirations by aligning their academic pursuits and personal growth with their chosen career and transfer pathways.
The CTC team supports students as they explore majors, discover career opportunities, develop job search skills and access transfer resources. A range of services including expos, workshops and personalized coaching sessions are available to students.
In addition, the CTC coordinates the College’s student employee program, which is designed to enhance student learning, persistence and success. Through this program, students gain career skills, work experience and financial assistance toward their educational expenses.
Job seekers can connect with local employers by accessing job listings and posting their résumé on Oakton's Online Job Board at www.collegecentral.com/oakton. For more information, contact the Career and Transfer Center. At the DesPlaines campus, visit room 2901 or call 847.635.1735. At the Skokie Campus, visit room A100 or call 847.635.1700. Read 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 room 2901 (Des Plaines) or room A221(Skokie). Read more about TRIO at www.oakton.edu/academics/academic-services/trio.