Computer Labs

In keeping with our commitment to providing equity for all students and to assist them in finding success, Oakton has over 1,200 computers available for student use, distributed over 38 computer labs on our Des Plaines and Skokie campuses.

Each campus has open lab facilities with first-come, first-served general use computers, as well as dedicated computer classrooms for instructional purposes. There are also specialized labs dedicated to programs such as Graphic Design or Architecture.

Helping You Connect With the Technology You Need

The computer labs are open to all enrolled Oakton students, including continuing education learners. Each lab is staffed with trained computer professionals who can assist you with general questions and will ensure a supportive working environment for all lab users and the care of the College’s equipment.

If you need assistance with a particular program or application, you may be able to find a tutor. Please see the Learning Center’s tutoring schedule, posted in all open labs, or contact the Learning Center to learn more.

Printers are available as well so you can print hard copies of papers and research materials. Please do not print out e-books or other materials meant to be viewed online. Color printing is available only for computer classes that pay a special lab fee to cover the additional cost of color printing.

Oakton supports students with technology equipment needs. Learn more about how to request a mobile WiFi hotspots and/or Chromebooks.

Lab Hours

Computer lab hours vary by location and from semester to semester. Each lab's hours are posted in that location. If you are unsure, please call ahead.

 

Des Plaines Campus

847.635.2627

Room Day Time
2600s Mon - Thurs 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
2600s Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
2600s Sat/Sun 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Skokie Campus

847.635.1488

Room Day Time
P230s Mon - Thurs 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
P230s Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
P230s Sat/Sun 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Lab Guidelines

While using a lab, please be aware of the following guidelines.

Know and follow our policies. Please read through all policies in the student handbook, including the Technology Use Policy, and let Information Technology personnel know if you have any questions.

Keep the labs clean. Please keep food or drinks outside the lab, and clean up any papers in your area before you leave.

Stay productive. The labs are workplaces, so please speak softly, silence phones and try not to disturb other lab users. Only IT employees should move, repair, reconfigure or modify Oakton’s computer systems.

Protect your work. Unplanned, accidental failures may occur from time to time. Be sure to save your work often and make backups as appropriate so you don't lose any significant progress.

Be responsible. Oakton's labs are for academic purposes. Using them for gambling or pornography is not allowed; gaming and chatting are only allowed in the Cyber Cafés. Material that is obscene, defamatory or in any way violates the College's nondiscrimination and sexual harassment policies will not be allowed in the lab or lab machines. Lab resources are not to be used for commercial purposes (including for-profit use). Use of network resources to harass, offend or annoy other network users is forbidden.

Other Information

Cyber Cafes with print services are available in the first-floor hallway by the cafeteria and 1100s wing in Des Plaines, and next to the cafeteria at Skokie. They are open for currently enrolled students when the college is open.

Specialty software (CAD, Adobe, etc.) is accessible via:

  • LabStats (search for “Student IT Resources and Policies” card in myOakton Experience)
  • Cyber Cafe computer screens marked with "special software installed"

All students are given a quota for printing at the start of each term they are enrolled; select classes that require extensive printing or printing in color (which costs more) have a larger quota.

To see your quote, or to pay for additional printing once you’ve used your quota, please search for the PrintWise card in myOakton Experience.

Faculty and Staff Use

The labs are available to Oakton faculty and staff. Faculty interested in knowing what software is available in each lab can log in to myOakton and consult the computer lab software list.

To reserve a lab, please use the special lab request form, available through myOakton.

We ask all lab users to print responsibly. We strongly encourage faculty to use Oakton’s Copy Center for required print outs, but please don’t require your entire class to print out large quantities of required readings in the lab. It is substantially more expensive to print using a laser printer than a copier.