Oakton invites members of the community to explore its new state-of-the-art resource center.
Oakton College leaders, from left, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Ileo Lott, Dean of Libraries Jacob Jeremiah, Trustee Benjamin Salzberg, President Joanne L. Smith, Board of Trustees Chair Marie Lynn Toussaint, Dean of Access, Equity and Diversity Liana Cuellar, Trustee Gayle Bush, Vice President for Student Affairs Carl Brooks and Trustee William Stafford cut the ribbon on Aug. 27 to celebrate the opening of the Ray Hartstein Campus Learning Commons.
Provided by Oakton College
Oakton College is proud to announce the opening of the Ray Hartstein Campus Learning Commons (7701 Lincoln Ave., Skokie), a state-of-the-art facility designed to support student success through collaboration, innovation and integrated academic services. College and community leaders celebrated the occasion with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting on Aug. 27.
The Learning Commons represents the next step in the evolution of educational spaces designed to meet the diverse needs of students and community members. The new space brings together essential services in one location, including the library, learning and testing center, access and disability resource center, TRIO student support services, and technology support. This one-stop hub ensures students have access to the resources and support they need for both academic and personal fulfillment.
“The opening of the Learning Commons marks an important milestone in our commitment to student-centered learning,” said Oakton College President Joanne L. Smith. “This facility is more than just a study space; it is a vibrant hub where students and community members can interact, collaborate, and access the resources they need to succeed. We look forward to seeing how this innovative space will enhance students' experiences at Oakton and help build an equitable and vibrant community.”
The hub will be an integral part of Oakton student life, helping to promote student success and foster a strong sense of community. The space will feature cutting-edge technology, flexible learning spaces and resources designed to foster student and faculty collaboration.
“On behalf of the Oakton Board of Trustees, we are excited to open the Ray Hartstein Campus Learning Commons,” said Marie Lynn Toussaint, Chair of the Oakton College Board of Trustees. “This new facility is a testament to Oakton's dedication to providing the best possible learning environment for our students. The Learning Commons will undoubtedly become a cornerstone of our campus, fostering academic excellence and community engagement.”
The Learning Commons renovation is part of a series of ongoing campus upgrades outlined in the Facilities Master Plan Update approved by Oakton University's Board of Trustees in 2022. The plan calls for five-year, $63 million upgrades to Oakton University's Des Plaines and Skokie campuses. The university will soon begin construction of the Learning Commons on Oakton University's Des Plaines campus, with completion scheduled for 2025.
The university invites members of the community to explore the new space and take advantage of the many resources it offers.
For more information, visit Oakton's website.