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Oakton College unveils new Learning Commons: A modern hub for student success and community engagement

Oakton invites community members to explore the new state-of-the-art resource center.

Oakton College is proud to announce the opening of the Ray Hartstein Campus Learning Commons, 7701 Lincoln Ave., Skokie, a cutting-edge 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 embodies the next step in the evolution of educational spaces, designed to meet the diverse needs of students and community members. The new space centralizes essential services in a single location, including the Library, Learning and Testing centers, 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 necessary for both academic and personal achievement.

“The opening of the Learning Commons marks a significant milestone in our commitment to student-centered learning,” said Joianne L. Smith, Oakton College president. “This facility is more than just a study space; it’s a vibrant hub where students and community members can engage, collaborate and access the resources they need to succeed. We are excited to see how this innovative space will strengthen students’ experience at Oakton and help us build just and thriving communities.”

The hub is poised to become an integral part of student life at Oakton, helping to drive student success and foster a strong sense of community. The space features cutting-edge technology, flexible study spaces and resources designed to facilitate collaboration among students and faculty.

“On behalf of Oakton’s Board of Trustees, I am thrilled to see the opening of 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 our students with the best possible learning environment. The Learning Commons will undoubtedly become a cornerstone of the campus, fostering academic excellence and community engagement.”

The Learning Commons renovation is part of an ongoing series of campus upgrades prescribed in the Facilities Master Plan Update, which was approved by Oakton’s Board of Trustees in 2022. The plan outlines $63 million dollars in upgrades over five years to Oakton’s campuses in Des Plaines and Skokie. The college will soon begin construction on a Learning Commons at Oakton’s Des Plaines campus, which is expected to be completed in 2025.

The college invites the community members to explore the new space and take advantage of the many resources it offers.

For information, visit Oakton’s website.

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