Oakton's new enrollment, careers centers impress visitors

More than 40 area private and public high school counselors, teachers, and employees had the opportunity to tour the new Oakton Community College Enrollment Center and the Margaret Burke Lee Science and Health Careers Center during the college's annual high school counselor's workshop and luncheon in December. These facilities have greatly increased the size and educational capabilities of the Des Plaines campus.

"Local high school counselors are the most important audience, because if they are impressed by what they see, they will share that excitement with hundreds of the high school students," said Michele Brown, Oakton director of Student Recruitment and Outreach.

In 2015, Oakton celebrated the opening of the Lee Center, 1600 E. Golf Road. Named after Oakton's recently retired president, the 93,000-square foot architectural masterpiece in glass and steel reflects the natural and artistic beauty of the Des Plaines campus. The building is home to the college's anatomy, biology, chemistry, earth science, medical laboratory technology, nursing, physical therapy assistant, physiology and physics programs. It showcases cutting-edge educational design such as the re-creation of an entire hospital wing for nursing and physical therapy students to learn and practice patient care.

"What a beautiful facility," said Dean of College Counseling for Niles Township High Schools Jerry Pope shortly after exploring the building. "The Lee Center is extremely user friendly because it offers a very relaxed environment for students to congregate and study."

Niles North High School College and Career Counselor Allegra Giulietti-Schmitt echoed Pope's sentiments. "The building is impressive at capturing the beautiful scenery of the Des Plaines campus and looks more like a facility you would see at a four-year college. In addition, the Lee Center provides more of a collaborative learning experience as the professors' offices are close to student study areas. This adds to the character of the building as professors are very accessible."

Niles West High School College Career Counselor Daniel Gin added, "Since the building is designated for science and health career programs it offers a fresh take on education as those students have similar mindsets."

In addition, visitors were "wowed" by their stop at the Enrollment Center at the Des Plaines campus. Opened in the fall of 2014, the new Enrollment Center, located near the busiest entrance at the college, provides integrated student services for admission, advising and counseling, financial aid, registration and records functions. The center combines renovated facilities and new construction to offer a convenient, welcoming environment for current and prospective students and community members. The center's purpose is to create a positive first impression that will enhance early connections for students to Oakton.

"The Enrollment Center is great for students because it's one stop shopping where they can get everything done in a single location," said Gin.

"Students don't like the run around. The Enrollment Center is a place where they can get all their questions answered without wasting time," added Giulietti-Schmitt.

Michele Brown believes the workshop and luncheon will benefit the college in the long run. "We hope with this visit that counselors will be even more confident to refer students to Oakton to get the education and support they need," she said. "We've received so much positive feedback from counselors who are excited to pass on what they saw and learned today to their students."