Undocumented and DACA Student Support at Oakton

At Oakton, we value, honor and celebrate the diversity of our community, and as an Undocumented or DACA student, you are an essential part of it. We understand the unique challenges you may face in higher education and are here to support you every step of the way. Please note, Oakton does not require proof of citizenship for enrollment.

Through the Office of Access, Equity and Diversity (AED), we offer a wide range of services and resources to ensure your success and well-being throughout your college journey.

  • Diversity and Equity Support: Access tailored programs and initiatives designed to empower you academically and personally.
  • The Caring Closet: Find free nonperishable food and personal care items, such as soap and deodorant, available to students in need.
  • Undocumented and DACA Student Support Group (UDSG): Reach out to Undocumented Student Resource Liaisons (Christian Kim, Janeen Jackson, and Tamara Trejo) with questions about campus support and assistance. For more information, email oaedsupport@oakton.edu
  • Wellness Center: We’re here to support our Undocumented and DACA students with resources to help you stay healthy, balanced, and focused on achieving your dreams.
  • Advocacy and Assistance Resources: Resources to support students, faculty, and the community framing the topic of immigration issues and policies in the United States.
  • Campus Safety: Information about Oakton College’s campus safety services, resources and emergency procedures.

Guidance on Immigration-Related Enforcement

Oakton College is committed to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community.

Employees, students, and visitors are encouraged to immediately contact the Oakton College Police Department if U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents:

  • seek to enter campus facilities,
  • are present on campus,
  • or attempt to engage in nonconsensual interactions with any employee, student or other member of the Oakton community.
To contact Oakton College Police:
  • Dial extension 1888 from any campus phone.
  • Call 847.635.1888 from a cell phone or off campus. Cell phone callers must be prepared to provide their exact campus and building location.

In the event that Campus Dispatch cannot be reached, callers should dial 9-1-1 to connect with the local municipality’s emergency services.

FAQ


Can Oakton College prevent federal immigration enforcement officers from coming on campus?
As a public college, Oakton College welcomes the public to a significant portion of its campus. However, access is restricted or limited in areas due to privacy concerns, operational needs or safety considerations. Federal immigration enforcement officers are subject to these same access restrictions and must adhere to Oakton protocols when entering non-public spaces.

Will Oakton College Police Department assist ICE agents?
No, Oakton College Police Department will not assist with immigration enforcement unless presented with a federal criminal warrant or otherwise required by federal law. Oakton Police will assess and verify the legitimacy of warrants and credentials.

Will Oakton College disclose my immigration status to ICE agents?
No, FERPA (a federal student privacy law) protects student information, including immigration and citizenship status.

Can Oakton College provide legal advice regarding immigration matters?
No. Oakton College cannot provide legal advice. Students seeking immigration-related legal guidance are encouraged to consult a qualified immigration attorney or a trusted legal services organization. Please refer to the list of external resources available for support and assistance.

Undocumented and DACA Student Resource Guide

DACA Interactive Brochure

Apply to Attend Oakton

Get more details on how to apply as an Undocumented or DACA student.

Applying as an Undocumented/DACA Student at Oakton

Financial Assistance 

An aerial photo of the Oakton Des Plaines campus.Oakton College is dedicated to making higher education affordable for everyone. As an Undocumented or DACA student in Illinois, you are eligible for in-district tuition rates and can access various scholarships.

In 2011, Illinois led the way with the passage of the Illinois Dream Act, establishing the Illinois Dream Fund to provide private scholarships for Undocumented and DACA students. Scholarships through this fund have been awarded since 2013.

FAFSA Eligibility

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form that determines your eligibility for federal financial aid programs, including grants, work-study, and loans. However, to complete the FAFSA, you must meet one of the following criteria. U.S. citizenship or Permanent Resident status (U.S. citizens and LPR students are eligible even if their parents are undocumented).

  • Eligible non-citizenship status as determined through G-845
  • Conditional Resident status
  • Asylum/Refugee status
  • Cuban-Haitian Entrant status
  • Conditional Entrant status
  • Battered Immigrant (qualified alien) status (VAWA)
If you are an Undocumented student who does not meet these requirements, you should not submit the FAFSA. Eligible undocumented students who are disqualified from federal financial aid may apply for state financial aid through the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid.
For more information email us at financialaid@oakton.edu or call 847.635.1700.

Scholarships

Regardless of citizenship status, Oakton encourages all students to explore scholarship opportunities. The Financial Aid Department manages a wide range of scholarships funded by generous donors to the Oakton Educational Foundation. Each scholarship has unique criteria, which may include:
  • Program of study
  • Credential intentions
  • Enrollment status (e.g., full-time or part-time).
  • Academic achievement or GPA.
For more information, visit Oakton Scholarships, email the Office of Student Financial Assistance at scholarships@oakton.edu or call 847.635.1700.

More College Resources

Advising 

The Office of Advising, Transitions, and Student Success (OATSS) is dedicated to helping you identify your educational needs so you may achieve your academic goals. Services include:

  • Course selection recommendations and schedule planning
  • Academic progress support and monitoring
  • Certificate, degree completion and transfer planning

For additional information, visit Advising at Oakton, email Advising Services at advising@oakton.edu or call 847.635.1700.

Transferring Foreign Credits to Oakton

Students who have earned college credits at a foreign college or university may be eligible to transfer those credits to Oakton. 

For more information, visit Transferring Foreign Credits to Oakton.