Honors at Oakton offers a small college experience within the context of a large community college. We bring together bright, motivated students and talented faculty members in academically exciting courses, while fostering a community of mutual growth and respect. This digital handbook serves as a comprehensive guide to the courses, learning opportunities, advising, and co-curricular events available to Honors students at Oakton.
Some Basic Questions
What does the Honors Program do?
The short answer: We offer Honors courses and Honors advising. We are driven by our own love of learning, and we work to support students in the discovery and realization of their highest academic potential.
Why join the Honors Program? What are the benefits?
You will benefit from the Honors Program by taking advantage of the coursework, leadership opportunities, and advising support offered within the program. We welcome all levels of participation!
Honors courses look good on your transcript, but what really matters is your academic growth. No matter where life takes you, the creativity, independence of thought, and academic discipline you develop as an Honors student will allow you to make the most of your education.
Do I have to pay any membership fees, attend meetings, or register for any specific courses?
No obligations or fees are connected with membership in Oakton’s Honors Program; membership grants you eligibility to take Honors courses and receive Honors advising.
Who is eligible to join the Honors Program?
The Honors Program is designed to serve students who plan to seek a B.A. or B.S. degree at a transfer undergraduate institution. Read more about the criteria that qualify students for automatic admission here. However, we understand that test scores and GPAs do not adequately represent the academic potential for every student and encourage all interested students to request an appointment or email us at honors@oakton.edu to learn more.
Please read Test Optional and Test Free? — Honors Student Handbook (oaktonhonors.com) to learn more about how racial inequities are and have been exacerbated through the college admissions process.
More questions?
View our full FAQ. Most answers to questions about the Honors Program are found there. You can also email honors@oakton.edu.
Honors + ________
Oakton hosts several student offices and initiatives dedicated to supporting your education and building a college community that more fully represents ALL Oakton students. Although not exhaustive, this list includes several college resources, coordinators, and advisors you should know about in addition to the Honors Program.
Oakton is an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution. Oakton contacts include Dear Aunaetitrakul, Senior Program Manager, COMPASS and Stacey Vanada, Academic Advisor.
¡ANDALE! supports the personal, emotional, social, academic, and career development of its Latino/a/x students.
Janeen Jackson, Equity Coordinator for B.L.A.C.K. Student Success.
Advisor for the Building Lasting African Culture and Knowledge (B.L.A.C.K.) Student Union
Read more here: Oakton Community College celebrates Black History Month | Des Plaines, IL Patch
Educational Access Creates Hope (EACH) supports undocumented and DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) students and their families through advocacy, training, and employee education, identifying and promoting financial resources and removing barriers to admissions and student success.
The LGBTQ+ Working Group
Emory Williams Academy for Black Men. Email: oabm@oakton.edu.
Oakton Community College’s STEM Scholars Program and scholarship are designed for students with demonstrated financial need pursuing a degree or career in a STEM field, especially students of color, female and LGBTQIA students.
TRIO Student Support Services works closely with students to ensure that those who are first-generation, identified as low-income, and/or have a disability reach their full academic potential.
The Center for Campus Inclusion and Diversity gathers together a huge array of programming, resources, and opportunities to connect with other students.
Find or organize a student club that speaks to you: Student Clubs - Oakton Community College.