The Facilities Department offers a full range of services related to the College facilities, grounds, and safety. We coordinate and work in the following areas:
As stewards of campus facilities, we strive for an attractive campus that creates a positive and lasting impression while preserving and enhancing the integrity of the natural landscape
The grounds staff aspire to the highest level of expertise. We maintain high standards of personal and professional conduct and provide the best services possible. We are responosible for the a variety of areas, including:
Groundskeepers are available Monday - Friday, with limited weekend services available.
Office Hours: 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Phone: 847.635.2617
For more information contact Johnnie Dattolo, grounds supervisor, at 847.635.2617 or jdattolo@oakton.edu.
The quality of the learning environment is an essential part of our students' success and retention. A warm, clean, and healthy environment allows our students, faculty, and staff the opportunity to focus on the academic well being of our student population. The environment we provide and maintain has a direct impact on the overall feel of the campuses; the physical representation of the campus culture, values, goals, and direction. Our goal is to maintain the overall quality of our campuses, while striving to find new, innovative, more efficient ways to increase the service we provide.
Custodians are scheduled 24 hours per day (Monday - Friday), with limited weekend service.
Office Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.The Maintenance and HVAC departments handle the daily maintenance of building facilities and equipment located on both Des Plaines and Skokie campuses.
The staff provide support for the operation and maintenance of the college.
Maintenance technicians are available:
Monday - Friday, with limited weekend service
Office Hours: 6:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
847.635.1780 (Des Plaines)
847.635.1480 (Skokie)
For more information contact:
Richard Schwass, senior manager of campus facilities and construction
847.635.1783
rschwass@oakton.edu
Steve Martin, building maintenance supervisor (Des Plaines)
847.635.1610
smartin@oakton.edu
Larry Wilson, building maintenance supervisor (Skokie)
847.635.1475
lwilson@oakton.edu
Richard Soto, chief HVAC mechanic
847.635.1748
rsoto@oakton.edu
These departments also provide ongoing support for College events. Please contact the Facilities office for all facilities-related needs.
Requests for services can be submitted online by using the SchoolDude system available to employees through myOakton.
The Facilities department is the key office for Oakton's Facilities Master Plan.
The Facilities Master Plan for 2017-2022 (PDF) (16 MB) reviews current facilities conditions and assesses the built environment needs of the college for the present and well into the future.
The guiding principles of the plan are to be student-centered, support student learning and instruction, be financially responsible, be environmentally sustainable, and create environments that are flexible and adaptable with a sense of place that is welcoming and inviting. Renovations should embrace advanced technology and address deferred maintenance needs at both campuses. The plan is guided by the Vision, Mission, and Values of Oakton College and has been developed in accordance with the Illinois Community College Board, which requires all community colleges to update their campus master plan every five years.Guided by the Master Plan Steering Committee, Student Government Association, and the architectural team, updating the master plan was a collaborative, college-wide effort. A campus utilization study helped inform decision-making with pertinent data regarding the current use of facilities.
Steering committee meetings began on Sept. 22, 2016, and the Master Plan was published at the end of 2017. The board approved the plan based on two presentations, one in May (PDF) (12 MB) and one in June Master Plan (PDF) (1 MB). Renovations proposed by the plan are expected to continue over the next five years.
The Master Plan for 2017-2022 (PDF (16 MB) builds upon the $68.5 million five-year Facilities Master Plan adopted in December 2010 and will include the following projects.
The monument signs at the Des Plaines campus were demolished and rebuilt in the summer of 2017 to provide clear identification at both campus entrances. The signs reinforce the identity of Oakton College. View the Monument Signage presentation (PDF) (5 MB) to the Board of Trustees, January 2017.
The west end of campus was largely vacated with the completion of the Lee Science and Health Careers Center. The renovation of this space will include instructional spaces, administrative offices, and facilities for Counseling and the Health Center. A new elevator will also be added to ensure safe access to all floors of the west end.
Student Street connects the enrollment center to the student center, cafeteria, and West End, creating a continuous path through the Des Plaines campus. The street had not been updated since the campus opened in 1978. The project allows for new flooring, lighting, fixtures, and furniture. This project began in May 2017 and is expected to be completed in phases. View the concept designs in the Student Street presentation (PDF) (8 MB) to the Board of Trustees, January 2017.
Oakton has beautiful grounds at both the Des Plaines and Skokie campuses. The 2017-2022 Master Plan addresses site enhancements by identifying landscape zones and recommending infrastructure updates. Natural areas will be restored with native, non-invasive species to enhance the aesthetics and maintain a healthy environment.