At Oakton College, we are defined by our mission, vision and values.
It's who we are. Though we have evolved since the college began in 1969, we always strive to stay true to our founding ideals and have them guide us as we move forward into the future.
Oakton is the community's college. By providing access to quality education throughout a lifetime, we empower and transform our students in the diverse communities we serve.
Dedicated to teaching and learning, Oakton is a student-centered college known for academic rigor and high standards. Through exemplary teaching that relies on innovation and collaboration with our community partners, our students learn to think critically, solve problems, and to be ethical global citizens who shape the world. We are committed to diversity, cultural competence, and achieving equity in student outcomes.
Our values are built around a focus on Oakton students.
Ratified by the Board of Trustees on March 21, 2017 and reaffirmed annually, most recently on September 19, 2023.
Oakton is an anti-racist, inclusive, transparent institution; invested in and accountable to the communities we serve. We are committed to transforming all curricula, policies, structures and practices to dismantle and eliminate racism and other forms of oppression so all members of our community thrive. Through reflection, empowerment, and accountability to anti-racist people of color, we model the socially just and equitable transformation that we want to see in the world.
Approved by the Board of Trustees on March 15, 2022.
Oakton is the community’s college. We recognize that our community embodies a network of historical connections and contemporary relationships with Native peoples, families, students, and alumni. We continue to live and work on the traditional homelands stolen from many different Native peoples, including but not limited to the Bodéwadomi (Potawatomi), Ojibwe (Chippewa), Odawaa (Ottawa), Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo), Mamaceqtaw (Menominee), Myaamiaki (Miami), Thakiwaki (Sac and Fox) and Hoocągra (Ho-Chunk) nations.
Others have settled and cared for this land from time immemorial. The land of our Des Plaines campus nurtured a large Potawatomi settlement along the Des Plaines River. This was a site of trade, travel, and gathering for many Native people. With the lush forests and vibrant river, these communities flourished in this beautiful land of biodiversity and reciprocity. These lands are still home to many Native people of many nations.
Approved by the Board of Trustees on December 13, 2022.
Oakton College is committed to recognizing the neurodiversity of our community and developing equitable policies and procedures to enhance the Oakton experience for all students, employees, and community members.
Approved by the Board of Trustees on August 15, 2023.