Since its inception, Oakton College employees, students and community members have worked tirelessly to change lives and create opportunities for all. In the spirit of access, equity and inclusiveness, the three goals of the institution’s strategic plan, Vision 2023: Building Just and Thriving Communities, are Strengthening Students’ Oakton Experience, Enhancing Workforce Readiness and Community Engagement, and Advancing Racial Equity. As part of our commitment, Oakton supports unique and historically underrepresented community members such as our undocumented and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students and their families. Through the support of the Office of Access, Equity and Diversity, Oakton’s Undocumented and DACA Student Support Group (formerly known as Educational Access Creates Hope or EACH) provides advocacy, training and employee education, identifying and promoting financial resources, and removing barriers to admissions and student success while advancing the following goals:
• Improve awareness of the issues and concerns of Oakton’s undocumented and DACA students and families; • Gain knowledge of Oakton’s policies and practices that affect undocumented and DACA students and families; • Increase understanding of immigration laws that impact undocumented and DACA students and families; • Identify financial resources for undocumented and DACA students and families; • Analyze and monitor the student success data related to undocumented and DACA students; • Partner with local agencies and organizations to help cultivate an open and supportive campus and community environment; • Increase community awareness of Oakton College’s open, supportive practices towards undocumented and DACA students and families.
As we work to fulfill our commitments surrounding student success, we will remain mindful of the needs of our diverse students and community members. This resource guide was designed for employees who work closely with this student population, and more importantly, for all Oakton College community members. We believe we all have a role to play when it comes to student success and the advancement of our institutional goals. It is our hope that everyone can benefit from this resource, whether it be a quick reference guide or a persistent reminder of the needs and obstacles our undocumented and DACA students face every single day. Thank you for being a part of our efforts to institutionalize support for our undocumented and DACA students.
With gratitude, Undocumented and DACA Student Support Group (UDSG) Oakton College
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