Student Facilities Survey –Final Results - April 30, 2010, 3:00 p.m.
From March 30 – April 30 Oakton students were invited to complete an on-line survey giving their perceptions of
the College’s physical facilities. The site drew 747 visits, and 399 students completed the survey. This report
provides tabulations of their responses. Two questions asking students to give open-ended responses to questions
regarding the buildings and exterior spaces are sorted based on the campus the respondents usually attend. All openended responses are provided exactly as students entered them; we did not correct grammar, spelling, punctuation,
etc.
For questions contact the Office of Research, x1894.
Dear Student: Oakton is in the process of conducting an extensive study of our physical facilities so we can
determine what additions and/or remodeling is needed to update our campuses and make spaces better for learning,
teaching and student life. We've hired Legat and Associates, an experienced architectural firm, to guide the study.
We need your help. You know a lot about how our campuses work for students. As we plan our projects we want
to include your input to help us make good decisions. Please take a few minutes to complete this survey and give us
your ideas. To encourage your participation, we are holding a raffle. Five respondents will be selected to receive
$50 gift cards at a local store. To enter the raffle you will need to supply your name and contact information. If you
prefer, you can answer the survey anonymously-we have no way to track your answers back to you. Even if you
enter the raffle, we will not use your name when we report survey results. Thank you. Most gratefully, Neha
Shafizadah, President, Student Government Association Georgiy Gorelik, Student Representative to Facilities
Master Plan Steering Committee
Q.1
Q.2
Q.3
Q.4
1
5.
Thinking of the campus where you take most of your courses, how would you describe the physical facilities at
that campus; for example, classrooms, labs, halls, stairways, entrances, offices, cafeteria, washrooms?
See Appendix 1
Thinking of the campus where you take most of your courses, how would you describe the grounds; for
example, landscaping, sidewalks, signs, outdoor lighting?
6.
See Appendix 2
Q.7
Q.8
Q.9
Q.10
.
2
Q 11 Please think about the regular classrooms in which you take your Oakton courses. What grade would you
give to each characteristic of the space? A grade of ‘A' is the highest grade and a grade of ‘F' is the lowest.
Top number is the
count of respondents
selecting the option.
Bottom % is percent
of the total
respondents selecting
the option.
A
B
C
D
F
N/A
Lighting
181
46%
123
32%
57
15%
18
5%
1
0%
10
3%
Technology
129
33%
134
34%
83
21%
25
6%
5
1%
13
3%
Desks/tables
71
18%
116
30%
114
29%
51
13%
26
7%
12
3%
Chairs
68
18%
94
24%
117
30%
69
18%
27
7%
12
3%
Amount of space
81
21%
107
28%
107
28%
53
14%
27
7%
11
3%
Places to put coats,
bags, books
39
10%
57
15%
109
28%
100
26%
68
17%
17
4%
Noise control
81
21%
135
35%
119
31%
29
7%
12
3%
13
3%
Ability to view
white board or
screens
122
31%
146
38%
78
20%
20
5%
9
2%
13
3%
Cleanliness
153
39%
137
35%
66
17%
16
4%
6
2%
11
3%
General comfort
80
21%
162
42%
104
27%
26
7%
7
2%
11
3%
3
12
.
Now please think about the computer labs you usually use at Oakton. What grade would you give to each
characteristic of the labs? A grade of ‘A' is the highest grade and a grade of ‘F' is the lowest.
Top number is the
count of respondents
selecting the option.
Bottom % is percent
of the total
respondents selecting
the option.
A
B
C
D
F
N/A
Lighting
200
52%
99
26%
46
12%
13
3%
1
0%
28
7%
Computers
160
41%
117
30%
59
15%
19
5%
4
1%
28
7%
Printers
160
41%
119
31%
59
15%
13
3%
4
1%
32
8%
Other equipment
115
30%
103
27%
77
20%
15
4%
3
1%
69
18%
Tables
157
41%
109
28%
66
17%
18
5%
2
1%
32
8%
Chairs
157
41%
111
29%
59
15%
24
6%
6
2%
28
7%
Amount of space
115
30%
103
27%
89
23%
41
11%
8
2%
27
7%
Places to put coats,
bags, books
53
14%
77
20%
107
28%
72
19%
40
10%
34
9%
Noise control
95
25%
124
33%
90
24%
33
9%
10
3%
29
8%
Ability to view
white board or
screens
120
32%
96
25%
76
20%
12
3%
3
1%
70
19%
Cleanliness
181
48%
107
28%
52
14%
7
2%
3
1%
27
7%
General comfort
130
34%
140
37%
71
19%
10
3%
3
1%
26
7%
4
13
.
Now think about other labs, studios or other spaces in which you take courses at Oakton (e.g., science labs,
art studios, health program labs). What grade would you give to each characteristic of these spaces? A
grade of ‘A' is the highest grade and a grade of ‘F' is the lowest.
Top number is the
count of respondents
selecting the option.
Bottom % is percent
of the total
respondents selecting
the option.
A
B
C
D
F
N/A
Lighting
148
39%
97
25%
55
14%
20
5%
7
2%
54
14%
Computers
87
23%
97
26%
52
14%
23
6%
9
2%
111
29%
Other equipment
103
27%
98
26%
74
19%
29
8%
13
3%
63
17%
Desks/tables
101
27%
102
27%
71
19%
29
8%
19
5%
57
15%
Chairs
82
22%
85
22%
89
23%
46
12%
23
6%
56
15%
Amount of space
98
26%
88
23%
76
20%
28
7%
34
9%
54
14%
Places to put coats,
bags, books
51
13%
80
21%
91
24%
59
15%
44
12%
57
15%
Noise control
97
26%
106
28%
88
23%
17
4%
13
3%
58
15%
Ability to view
white board or
screens
107
28%
95
25%
83
22%
23
6%
12
3%
63
16%
Cleanliness
132
35%
97
26%
69
18%
17
4%
9
2%
54
14%
General comfort
92
24%
122
32%
77
20%
20
5%
15
4%
55
14%
5
14
.
Please think about other spaces at Oakton and tell us how adequate, convenient and comfortable these spaces
are. Adequate space means we have enough space of this sort. Convenient means you can get to the space
and it's easy to use. Comfort refers to such things as furniture, lighting, sound, etc. Again use a grade of A,
B, C, D or F, with A being the highest grade and F being the lowest one.
Top number is the
count of respondents
selecting the option.
Bottom % is percent
of the total
respondents selecting
the option.
A
B
C
D
F
N/A
Cafeteria adequate
space
105
27%
131
34%
95
24%
24
6%
9
2%
24
6%
Cafeteria
convenience
109
28%
135
35%
85
22%
22
6%
14
4%
23
6%
Cafeteria
comfortable
96
25%
119
31%
104
27%
29
8%
14
4%
24
6%
Library adequate
space
142
37%
128
33%
63
16%
19
5%
10
3%
24
6%
Library
convenience
157
41%
130
34%
56
15%
16
4%
3
1%
23
6%
Library comfort
149
39%
126
33%
63
16%
20
5%
3
1%
25
6%
Places to meet
faculty adequate
space
76
20%
128
33%
93
24%
40
10%
10
3%
37
10%
Places to meet
faculty
convenience
83
22%
124
33%
95
25%
34
9%
8
2%
35
9%
Places to meet
faculty comfort
77
20%
133
35%
86
23%
36
10%
11
3%
35
9%
Cyber cafes
adequate space
61
16%
87
23%
77
20%
41
11%
32
8%
79
21%
Cyber cafes
convenience
80
21%
95
25%
76
20%
34
9%
16
4%
78
21%
Cyber cafes
comfort
73
19%
100
26%
77
20%
29
8%
25
7%
78
20%
Places to study
with others
adequate space
66
18%
113
30%
91
24%
45
12%
18
5%
40
11%
Places to study
with others
convenience
73
19%
108
29%
102
27%
41
11%
16
4%
38
10%
Places to study
with others
comfort
71
19%
113
30%
109
28%
38
10%
13
3%
39
10%
Student lounges or
other places
adequate space
80
21%
109
28%
103
27%
36
9%
17
4%
38
10%
6
Top number is the
count of respondents
selecting the option.
Bottom % is percent of
the total respondents
selecting the option.
A
B
C
D
F
N/A
Student lounges or
other places
convenience
88
23%
120
31%
88
23%
33
9%
17
4%
38
10%
Student lounges or
other places
comfort
90
24%
114
30%
87
23%
30
8%
18
5%
38
10%
Places to hang
out/play adequate
space
64
17%
82
22%
98
26%
52
14%
22
6%
61
16%
Places to hang
out/play
convenience
73
19%
80
21%
102
27%
43
11%
22
6%
61
16%
Places to hang
out/play comfort
72
19%
86
22%
99
26%
45
12%
20
5%
62
16%
7
Note: Q15 data recalculated to delete responses prior to directions being corrected.
Q. 15 We are interested in your opinions
about many aspects of Oakton's buildings
and grounds. Please tell us whether you
agree or disagree with each of the following
statements, where 5 = Strongly agree and 1
= Strongly disagree. Think about the
campus (Des Plaines or Skokie) where you
generally spend your time at Oakton.
I am able to access the internet from many
spaces in the building.
I am able to get cell phone reception in
many spaces in the building
There are enough places for me to sit down
and use my computer.
Furniture in public spaces (e.g., cafeteria,
student lounges, hallways) is comfortable.
There is enough lighting in public spaces
(e.g., cafeteria, student lounges, hallways).
Washrooms are clean, well-lit, and have
enough places to put books, backpacks, etc.
Entrances and exits to the building are well
marked.
Strongly
Agree
5
4
3
2
Strongly
Disagree
1
104
96
69
37
29
28
29%
26%
19%
10%
8%
8%
39
35
53
63
156
17
11%
10%
15%
17%
43%
5%
61
90
95
44
30
39
17%
25%
26%
12%
8%
11%
63
110
112
47
19
9
18%
31%
31%
13%
5%
3%
129
106
89
24
11
3
36%
29%
25%
7%
3%
1%
83
113
90
42
30
4
23%
31%
25%
12%
8%
1%
155
129
51
21
3
2
43%
36%
14%
6%
1%
1%
8
NA
It is easy to find your way around the
campus (e.g., campus maps are adequate,
rooms are logically numbered).
121
120
67
36
15
2
34%
33%
19%
10%
4%
1%
9
Outside spaces are attractive and well
maintained.
Parking lots are well-lit.
There are enough parking spaces on campus.
Parking is too far away from the building.
I feel safe in the parking lot.
I feel safe inside the building.
The building is easily accessible for people
with physical handicaps.
Outdoor spaces for student activities or
handing out are important to me.
Strongly
Agree
5
4
3
2
Strongly
Disagree
1
159
124
55
15
4
2
44%
35%
15%
4%
1%
1%
102
118
71
34
18
16
28%
33%
20%
9%
5%
4%
72
99
70
62
43
12
20%
28%
20%
17%
12%
3%
69
72
97
49
55
18
19%
20%
27%
14%
15%
5%
108
118
85
27
13
9
30%
33%
24%
8%
4%
3%
186
117
42
9
5
2
52%
32%
12%
2%
1%
1%
101
95
55
18
9
76
29%
27%
16%
5%
3%
21%
114
76
83
24
26
35
32%
21%
23%
7%
7%
10%
10
NA
16.
Please use this space to give us your ideas about how we can improve Oakton’s buildings and grounds to
make them more modern, appealing, comfortable and better for learning and teaching.
See Appendix 3
17. What is your gender?
Female
262
67%
Male
128
33%
Other
2
1%
Total
392
100%
22 or less
192
49%
23-24
36
9%
25-39
98
25%
40 or older
67
17%
Total
393
100%
18. What is your age?
19. Are you involved in any of these student activities or organizations at Oakton? Check all that apply.
Student government
11
6%
Athletics (intercollegiate)
11
6%
Athletics (intramural)
5
3%
Student organizations or clubs
112
57%
Performing arts (theater, music)
13
7%
Other, please specify
70
36%
113
29%
1-19 hours per week
97
25%
20-34 hours per week
117
30%
35 or more hours per week
65
17%
Total
392
100%
20. How many hours per week do you typically work outside the home?
I am not currently employed outside the home
11
Appendix 1
Question 5: Thinking of the campus where you take most of your courses, how would you describe
the physical facilities at that campus; for example, classrooms, labs, halls, stairways, entrances,
offices, cafeteria, washrooms?
Des Plaines
I am happy that the classrooms, the wahsrooms and the halls are clean.
well kept
Washrooms could be a little more cleaner, other than that everything else is fine.
I think skokie campus is much more clean, but library is too small to study.
I've been taking most of my classes at des plaines for the past 2 semesters and I would have to say that I am pretty
satisfied with the classrooms, halls, stairsways and other facilities. It is a little busier at that campus which is why
sometimes it is hard to get appointments in time. Apart from that, the facilities are satisfying.
The facilities are enough to assist at the des plaines campus. The information desk, publics safety, labs are clean and
organized. Bathrooms are not clean sometimes, but otherwise everything else is good.
i think in general the classrooms are great. most of the school is very clean and i like coming here.
there needs to be more CNS/Cisco available lab time-most likely another classroom.My only complaint is that there is
no food service for those taking evening classes.Everything else if fine
All facilities are very cool and comfortable
also sharp. Check closer and often the coin machines.
Very clean and clutter-free, easy to get around
oksy but I think some of the stuff needs to be updated. Like the weight room
I think classrooms size enough because classes are not a huge. In my opinion, cafeteria and computer labs are not
work well because it is too small to cover all the Oakton students.
The campus itself if great. Great outdoors and classrooms, but the hallways seem very dull and dark. Art work around
the campus is very nice, but the dark tiles make it very unwelcoming. Bathrooms are very clean and tidy, and so are
the classrooms. Parking seems to be a big issue as well and Oakton should take into consideration of expanding it or
building a garage. On the east side of school, the north-most speed bump is too high and causes damage to some
vehicles. Pressure should be increased in several drink water fountains. The prices of foods and drinks at the cafeteria
are pretty steep. Overlooking these small inconveninces, the overall atmosphere of the campus is comfortable.
Decent
clean, kept and overall attractive
DP and Skokie campus, both are pretty awsm. Skokie classrooms are better than DP.. but overall its great to be part of
Oakton Community College :)
Physical facilities at Campus were reasonably good. Classrooms are small which is good for paying attention to the
subject. Labs are very well structured. Stairways are great. Entrances are decent, cafeteria is excellent. Washrooms are
decent. But parking lot is awful on weekdays.
Cafe and washrooms are neat and clean.
Computer labs are great, but crowded.
RHC Computer lab is too noisy for serious work. Most offices seem crowded.
Most classrooms need remodeling.
should make it eaiser to get around campus but otherwise good
12
I think they are a little outdated. The classrooms should carry emergency supplies for students such as staplers.
Some of the classrooms are too small, students are cramped in. On the most part the campus is nice and clean.
Classrooms are too hot at times its bothers my asthma alot once the spring and summer weather hits. At the DP
campus there are alot of desk with gum on them. The food in the cafer is too high for it to be a low quality of food that
serves the same meals often.
Everything is alright.
i believe the skokie campus is much more modern and newer than the DP campus. I take most of my classes at DP and
I notice that the carpeting smells like mildew, there is an old, dusty smell to it that is very irritating. The DP campus is
also very dark. I believe both campuses are very clean.
Hallways are dark and gloomy like a dungeon. No phone reception. Labs and washrooms are outdated. Not enough
basketball courts or other recreational facilities.
Clean and good learning enviornment.
Good working order. Access up and down the stairways if difficult when carrying alot of books.
The facilities could use another elevator or ramp to the 2nd floor. I personally have knee issues and it is hard to go up
and down stairs. I usually come in the east entrance and have to walk a good distance in order to get to the elevator,
so I usually end up taking the stairs. Both faculty and students with and with disabilities could use a ramp.
The campus is pretty clean and the classes are a good size. The only thing that could be better is the temperature at the
DP campus. It is always hot.
good
Good
Alot of the rooms do need to be redone. A good example if any renovations are going to be done would be to look at
the Skokie campus! Dry erase boards would be nice for the teachers and so would be technology like what is found at
skokie!
all just right except the labs and some washrooms- need some updating
Entrances, offices, and washrooms are nice. labs are functional and decent. Halls and stairways are too dark and
classrooms are very dull, no life whatsoever such as the blinds and the seats are very tiny.
I am usually in the computer area classrooms. The classrooms are nicely set up
with 3 computers to a table.
It is good to have space around you to work at. Some of the stairways could use to be painted.
Most of the facilities are above average, from what i have seen or heard from other students attending other public
higher education insitution. However, there are classrooms that are very small, the ones with a sit and a desk
combined. I attended one class where every student was practially elbow to elbow, taking notes was hard and
annoying.
everything seems to be in order, clean
some washrooms are really good, but some of them are really old. Classes are OK. Labs need to be redesigned.
cafeteria is good, but expensive.
Classrooms: the desks are terrible, the squeak and some of the desk-chairs the desk part falls easily
Washrooms: overall they're nice except the ones by the bio labs and rooms
Clean, not cluttered, nice looking
Try to keep clean. But feel uncomfortable with tables becasue of gums under the tables. There are classes have enough
space for students, but there are some that are small for students. For example, three students in one table.
The Desplaines campus is very open and beautiful. The forest is gorgeous. Most class rooms are roomy enough, but
some of the Division 3 rooms can be pretty cramped.
very convenient.
13
I believe the facilities to be a bit out of date. For example, the hallways are a bit dreary and could be spruced up a bit
to make the campus more bright and modern. There could be more natural lighting!
They are very good and accomodate us well for the most part.
everything seems to be clean!
classrooms
Readily available and convenient but needs a more creative and brighter atmosphere.
Not enough computers available in the computer labs. Many times you'll need a comuter for actual course work and
about 1/2 of the people are just on facebook, youtube, etc. Also, the library computers are only for research, which
helps, but there are only 12 computers, which don't have the proper software if you need to type up a paper from the
research you've gathered.
good!!
Oakton's physical facilities are quiet good and convinient. Some classrooms are small and in some of them you can't
see the board very well. Overall, I like that the campus is always cleen and that's what's the most important.
Facilities are clean, well-maintained. Very nice campus.
all things considered, i think the facilities are in good shape
good
everything it well organized. it is easy to get around and usually really clean.
They're all clean. Only problem is that computer labs are too far when you're taking a class in the 1100 & 2100 rooms.
mostly okay. some are dark & depressing
all of the facilites at the Des Plaines campus at Oakton are up to standards as they are clean and neat.
Not bad, but a little dark in places.
washrooms need upgrading and need to be kept cleaner. cafeteria needs a bigger and healthier array of food.
The elevators are old and out of order a lot! Washrooms could use a refresh. All in all, very clean and organized.
classrooms are small sometimes for the class. washrooms can be cleaner.
The way I will describe the physical facilities is full with students and has so much room for the stuends to socialize.
I really hate the classroom without doors simply bacause it just makes me depress and want to fall asleep...cafeteria is
certainly too small since its always crowded...everyth else is fine
They are build sturdily. I feel it could survive anything.
clean
Spacious, comfortable and clean
Mostly pretty nice. Some of the washrooms need an update but everything is generally pretty clean. I like the open
space outside in the atrium or patio. There is a general feeling of being in a warm space, like a den. I think it's the
bricks. Generally, nice. The upstairs is pretty confusing though. It's a maze to get through. I see lots of lost people
up there.
Washrooms need a little more cleaning and the overall classroom space is great. I prefer table in the clasrroms iver the
desks but whichever is okay.
Some washrooms smell bad. Ceramics studio is VERY crowded.
All of the place mentioned above are average..but i think that is good enough...
i think wahsrooms need to be taken care of...other than that labrooms need some work too..
Most of the campus is clean. Compared to older university's, the campus looks modern. Free parking is great.
Computer labs seem up to date.
14
Clean and nice.
Clean, well furnished.
Pretty fair for the most part. some bathrooms could use some elbow grease.
The classrooms and labs are up-to-date, the stairways, entrances and washrooms are clean and tidy.
Good working condition.
it is well planned out
There is alot of available computers for students.
clean. nothing is broken.
good
There are some classrooms too dark.
old fashioned. strong.
all are good the cafeteria is a little expensive though.
nice chairs in my marketing class.
Classrooms are clasified by numbered halls, which makes it easy for the students to identify where their classes will
be held. Stairs are located in differents points at the campus (plenty of them), as well as washrooms. Offices are easy
to find. In general, the campus is designed for the best convinience of the students.
For the most part are fine. You can tell the main building is getting older.
everything is pretty convenient. bathrooms everywhere, and very clean.
Washrooms near science department are old and unsanitary. They smell bad and ocasionally have small pool of water
on the floor (leak, perhaps?)
As for classrooms, Most classes seem "suffocating" (Both that a classroom is not being used to its full potential--due
to overcrowded students or inefficient arrangement of school furnitures-- and that there are no windows (or if there are
some, they are very small) in some classrooms.
Overall the Des Plaines campus has a poor indoor lighting, hence, making the campus seem dark and gloomy.
there all well clean
good
old, run down, tired looking, out of date
classrooms are nice for the most part but some classes have water leacking from the top.
Mostly good, but some classrooms are cramped and some desks are tippy. Second floor washrooms are not very nice.
Signs are too small and hard to find.
i think it is nice, also clean
All locations are clean nice and a relaxing to do studying its never too loud which is a good thing
small, washrooms need to be cleaner
Labs are horrible, the pipes as well as most of the equipment are rusted and in terrible condition. The halls are dimly
lit as well as the carpet makes for a very dusty and non-clean environment. The washrooms need to made cleaner and
more maintained. Cafeteria is way to small and it should be made bigger to accommodate for everyone who purchases
meals.
Everything is pretty dated compared to other community colleges like Harper.
15
Most of the places are good, except the washrooms specially the mens washroom near 2600 computer lab it gets
flooded everynow and then and they fix it and again it gets flooded after 15 days.. no permanent solution. About the
Classroom i take speech class its SPE 103 and the classroom gets fulled and when the instructor tries to show
something on projector we have to squeeze and adjust the chairs and tables and then we can concentrate which breaks
the momentum of the class. They should schedule the class according to the no. of attendance. Also i will like to add a
new one; at Des plaines campus i cannot access my cellphone once i entered the builidin i know at school we should
switch off the cellphone but there might be emergencey like shooting in the college or something you never know and
cellphone is the best way to reach because if you are in a class say SPEECH class where there is no computer you
cannot access the email and you will never know the situation if any emergency has happened other than fire
emergencey..
The concrete work outside is showing it's age at the DP campus. The art labs are 1/2 the sq. ft. space other community
colleges and we have twice the # of students. The conclusion is obvious!
This semester I am taking a CAB class. The computers are excellent and so is the lab staff, who are able to asnwer all
of my questions. I also think that the washrooms are in very good shape and kept well cleaned. i also like that the
lights are based on a motion detection system, saving energy when not being used.
normal school rooms and facilities
Positive.
Classrooms can get crowded when there is a full class. Desks are small and really close to eachother. Washrooms are
usually nice and clean, labs are always clean, but do get crowded really fast. Overall a clean school.
Neat and Tidy! Always maintained. Very comfortable enviroment.
rooms are too far from each other.
Classrooms, hallways, and cafeteria.
nice
Fine
Large, clean, well kept.
very good
excellent - though a little far from the entrance. Wish there were more entrances in the building / stairways, etc
Welcoming and clean!
For me, I am satisfy with Oakton building.
Classrooms are appropriately placed and sized, but often too warm with no cellular phone coverage--which poses a
problem during emergencies.
Halls and stairways are easy to access, although some second floor hallways are too narrow and can become
overcrowded during the day. Please consider adding a study area near the 2100 rooms to help relieve this
overcrowding.
There are plenty of entrances on campus, but most are inaccessible by students who use the parking lots.
Some of the halls look dark and small. Bio lab is small and cramp. Most classrooms are nice and have a lot of out door
light.
Everything is very clean. Good environment.
Good. However, I think it would be better if all classrooms had tables & chairs rather than chair-desks.
I thought the the washrooms had too many stalls than needed. The computer labs need more stations therefore a larger
room or additional rooms
Mostly I do not have any complaints for the campus facilities. However, some of the men's restroom seem tilted.
very nicely organized and neat, very well built
16
For the most part, common and thoughtfully placed. My only real complaint is washrooms. When I am in certain parts
of the building, Particularly near the 1100 area, I can never seem to find one. I usually end up running across half the
campus to find a bathroom.
Everything looks tiered and old. Most of the common areas are very dirty(cyber cafe,stairways).
I'd like to see SEAT COVERS available in the restrooms instead of having to use available lengths of toilet paper
(which is costlier).
SIGNAGE in washrooms in necessary to remind women NOT to throw sanitary products into the toilet which OFTEN
plug our limited bathroom stalls.
More effective RODENT extermination is necessary thoughout campus. I have spotted mice running in the hallway
near the IT and have found mouse droppings near desk areas where I work.
Some of the classrooms are so small and I believe there should be another lab room or more science's room. As I walk
down the halls or the stairways, its seem dull at the Des Plaines's Campus. I guess there should be a better lighting or
change of brighter color on the wall.
Classrooms could be larger. Labs are fine, but prepared slides leave something to be desired - hard to locate
specimens, washed out because of age, and therefore difficult to use.
comfortable, fashion,
very nice
Deppressing and cold classrooms, windows do not open to allow resh air to circulate when weather permits.
Bathrooms dirty and gross. Everything else is okay average, nothing sticks ot in my mind.
There are enough classrooms and they are decent sized. Just wish, we had an extra learning center and a computer lab.
Halls,stairways, entrances, offices, cafeteria, washrooms are mostly cleaned and are perfect sized.
Classrooms are well suited to class size and have more than sufficient technology and equipment. Very impressive.
Computer labs are very accessible. Hallways and bathrooms are always well stocked and clean. Plus, the soap in the
bathrooms smells amazing!
I would rate them 6 out of 10. The classrooms could be much better being that they are so plain. The desks(the ones
that open up and close down)need to be better so that they don't drop your books when you put your arm on them. The
bathrooms need to be fixed and cleaned. A few of the upstairs stalls are bad and the doors don't stay closed.
The Ceramics Studio is extremely inadequate!People work on top of any surface, no matter how difficult. Very
limited space for work to dry, which it must do. Work is affected by others having to use such a congested space;
broken, misplaced, etc. Equipment is very dated and makeshift. Because the equipment is old, it is being repaired,
but doesn't meet the student's needs. A few new additions are not enough.
Some washrooms are new and others are in poor repair. In fairness, I'll evaluate that which I know.
Clean, maybe some bathrooms need to be updated
They are pretty good and big, but the ceramic lab is not big enough to work on, we need more tables and other things
for firing.
Classroom (actually studio) is VERY cramped, much more space is needed for the number of students enrolled. Not
enough storage space or working space either. Cables are snaking along the floor in many instances creating a hazard.
Long turn-around time due to insufficient number of kilns. Work gets broken due to insufficient shelf space (for
drying). We often have to abandon projects due to space limitations. I would say that the space should be at least
tripled. Our glazing area is laughably small as well.
They're all good. Usually clean, but I hate the fact that a lot of people smoke while I am coming inside the campus.
1980's styled school. Nice museum and theater. Clean and kept up well. Good size cafeteria. Plenty of washrooms.
Large open halls.
It is pleasant and clean. My classes are in a studio, which is cramped and over crowded. You need to get to class very
early to get space to work in.
17
The classrooms are really good, they are big and the classes are small. I like the cafeteria because I can find a lot of
food and is really nice to spend time there. The halls are clean and really big and the school is beautiful. I really like
the way this school is.
The cafeteria and the classroom are big. I wish it had more washrooms and stairways. It would be great if it had more
parking.
I am taking an Art class and I strongly believe that the art facility should be much bigger so the students taking that
class can have room to build their art. Please there is a lot of talented students that need space and the material to make
their art work. Also need more computer labs in the facility.
One of the classroom is next to the women and men bathroom. Sometime it hard to listen to the teacher because
everybody keep opening and closing the door. And if you close the door it get stuffy in the classroom.
Parking is convenient; ceramics studio is very small
I would say the facilities are ok. But I am taking a Ceramics class and I have to say that my classroom is so small. We
don't have any areas to work. There is always 6 people working in one table and there is so hard to find space for
projects and ceramics vases. Ceramics studio needs extra room and space. It would be wonderful to have better
facilities.
I think everything is pretty well set up for the exception of the ceramics department. It is way to small, you can barely
move and people's art work is constantly getting damaged due lack of space.
Is much better than skokie campus
The buildings are attractive. The art collection is remarkable. The Koenline Gallery is very attractive and a real asset.
The library seems spacious enough; I can't comment on the colleciton. It's quiet and comfortable. The cafeteria seems
to be mostly vending machines. The classrooms are adequate, halls wie enough and the washrooms a little dated.
Everything could use some sprucing up; seems a little worn.
All the facities are in good condition except the chemistry labs, a lot of the equipment is old and doesn't work
properly.
class room kinda small but like that... halls are fine.. some stairways scary... and some bathroom bad... entrances ok
but far from parking but that is normal. cafe not open long enough I get there and it is closing maybe keep open 30
minutes longer would help...
Everything is good. There needs to be no changes.
I'm a graphic arts students. The facility is inadequate and makes it more difficult to learn.
1)My 3-D drawing class is not vented properly. Nor can you clean your tools without plugging up the sink. There is
not even soap in the upstairs lab soap dispensers. Trying to see a demonstration on the proper way to use the Kiln is
impossible when everyone is in attendance because the kiln room is the size of a closet and you can't fit in the room.
There's not even enough coat hooks. But thanks to the instructor I understand how to apply dimensional drawing to
my other classes.
There are no current books available on throwing pottery or other useful arts. Or on the current artists.
In my figure drawing class there's no place to hang up drawings for proper critiques. From time to time because the
room is shared we can not use the proper stage for the models and I have had to help move furniture around--tables--to
create a makeshift table.
The room next to the graphics computer lab sounds like an aircraft taking off when the blowers on and you can hardly
hear the instructor.
The Photography lab is not vented properly. The smell can make you sick. And it was out of appropriate hand
cleaning solution to prevent yellowing fingers. Not to mention not enough tongs.
The Library does not have current books on just about any art subject.
In Graphic Arts their are about 5 major periodicals. The ones available that I have seen only goes up to the decade of
the 90s. Graphic Arts students need to see current "annuals" and examples. I went looking for the Graphis Annual. or
The Art Directors Show of New York and there is no
such current annuals in the Library. The half price book store on Touhy has a better selection of Graphic Art books.
18
And to add insult to injury the Men's bathroom across from the Cadaver room is constantly flooding.
The ceramics room needs to be expanded, there are more and more studnets coming in and not enough room for
everyone. Also, the kilms that we have dont allow for the expanded amount of students.
Classrooms - small & uninspirational.
Hallways - boring.
Washrooms - old.
Generally dark and gloomy campus compared to Skokie.
classrooms are preety nice. Smart board are sometimes irritating as none of the professors use it, rarely they use it.
Mostly projector and board is used. Library restroom should be modified. All other stuff, i think it's nice.
cafeteria is a strange shape with poor lightening on one side and in the upstairs balcony.
I would take most of my classes at des plaines campus. the des plaines campus is so comfotable. eventhough, the
skokie campus has new building and new architech I fill isolated when i go to that campus. May be because Des
plaines campus is near to my home or may be something else. one another thing is, availability of food. The cafeteria
is closed most of the time and in weekend which makes me to drive outside of campus for food and there is hardly
some food restaurant near to skokie campus.
well it is time schedule and other things that makes me to take classes at skokie campus. labs and well suitable and
equipped at des plaiens campus than skokie. staiway at skokie campus is somewhat dangerous because of steel
material. offices and hard to find at skokie where at des plaines campuse is so easy to find with direction presented
everywhere. only washrooms are good at skokie campus compare to des plaines campus. computer lab is good too at
skokie campus.
The ceramics room where I take my classes is always very cramped for space
washrooms should be cleaned more often.
The classrooms often have so many seats you can barely get in and out of the chair without knocking something down.
The ceramics room in particular does not have the sufficient shelving for the advanced students or any students.
Students often break other people's artwork because everything is so cramped. There is not enough tables so one can
work in peace. There are not enough wheels to accommodate the students that would like to work on them. To walk
around the ceramics room one must walk around tiptoeing and making sure not to bump into anything. When a
student wants to work outside of class it is hard to find the time when there is enough space. There is just not enough
space in the ceramics room.
It is ok...I only have a problem with the cafeteria. Sometimes, the tables are a bit messy. Everything else is fine with
me.
Ceramics Studio- very cramped. No room to store works in progress; 4 students per table allows little room for
working. Surprised it was a smaller area than my community house.
A lot of the classrooms are a good size for the amount of students in them. The ones that need to expained is the art
department classrooms. Painting Drawing and ceramics. When there are 25+ students in the classrooms its too
crowded and students run out of space to store there work. As an example in ceramics there is not a lot of room to
store pieces that are being worked on and they get bumped and even broke. Its happened to everyone at one point.
the Ceramics studio is too small. It is a great place to work, but in the past few years has gotten very crowded.
Generally the total space is adequate in total and in good condition, including classrooms, access between classrooms
and admin space. I study primarily in the Ceramics studio which does not have adequate space for the # of students.
It is often difficult to find individual work space at the wheel, table and glazing areas. The # of kilns is also limited,
making turnaround time long and diversity of skills learning inadequate.
clean, orderly.well marked
Classrooms are clean but somewhat overcrowed with the desks.
Washrrooms, halls and stairways are very clean and cared for. Labs are orginized and very accessible.
adequate, in most cases. Offices are to decentralized and scattered. poor directions to locations of various facilities
such as audioriums and rooms. there does not appear to be a cohesive plan.
19
fine
Things are pretty organized.
I would love to see the ceramics studio and art facilities in general expanded. Space is very limited particularly in the
ceramic studio.
I am currently enrolled in the Ceramic Arts program. Overall space of the Ceramic Studio is in needed of reevaluation as far as the lab and working spaces. Access, etc is adequate.
They are spacious enough for the amount of students that are there at the time, but Oakton has many students and I'm
sure not all the students hang out in the cafeteria during their free time because they might say it gets too crowded,
because it does.
For the most part the Des Plaines campus is very clean and adding the hand sanitizer dispensers around the campus
was a very good idea. The classrooms are pretty good, except some classrooms have really small desks which makes it
hard to take a test, especially when the top of the desk moves. The labs are great and has everything that I need to
study, like the models that are provided. The cafeteria is always clean and the food is good.
Very cramped and in need a huge renovation/ update to provide more space.
classrooms - They are fine.
Labs - They are fine.
entrances - A lot of people still smoke by the doors. I hate it when i walk passed them and have to hold my breath. It is
so inconsiderate.
Halls - Clean.
Stairways - Clean.
Offices - Organized.
Cafeteria - N/A
Washrooms - Floors will sometimes be wet around the toilets. Garbage sometimes overflows because of overusage of
paper towels. Hand blow dryers might be more green and it would save trees and money from buying paper towels to
restock it. Installing only hand blow dryers in all the bathrooms should be considered. There will also be less garbage
that way.
Good
Very nice
classroom so crowded, need more wheels, need more tables - space for work, space for tools, for personal belongings,
space for storing pieces not dry, bigger glazing room, more shelves for allready fired pieces, need more kilms, basics and for different technicks like wood firing, soda/salt etc. I won few awards because I work in my house It was
no place in classroom This crowded studio is not save for ceramic pieces. Some are broke because is no space, Wheels
are occupied and sometimes I'm drivong back home because is no space for workin on wheel and no table space. Also
I'm waiting long time for firing sometimes for small pieces weeks, for bigger pieces weeks. Room for glazes are small
and becuase of this not save. I tought of changing place but teachers are so good that I skeeped this. ai'm dreaming of
bigger studio and better equiped with kilms and wheels..
physical facilities is too tight, not enough room to do the work. We often are on top of each other. Material storage is
too limited and often time compreoised because someone else want your space. This is espcially critical in the ceramic
lab. Open table space is also insuficient when all student for class are present. Washroom are often not clean by the
afternoon. Entrances are good, caferia is ok.
There are good.
Ceramic Studio - there are not enough pottery wheels. Only about ten students can go on a wheel at once and in an
average Ceramics class, there are 20 kids. There is not enough table space for students to properly work on their
ceramic projects (in and out of class). There is not enough studio space for teachers to demonstrate projects. The
studio only has two kilns which cannot run at the same time. This takes up blocks of time where students could be
finishing their work but have to wait for the kiln room to be ready to fire. Definitely should have more kiln space and
kilns for that matter. I attended another college before coming to OCC and they had at least fifteen pottery wheels and
ten kilns.
20
some class rooms are very tight. to many kids in a small area. the art labs could use some more space.
It is always busy,somethimes I can't find a place to read and concentrate, even in the library.
amazing
nice, clean, easy to concentrate in
The physical facilities are very nice. Everything is renovated and ship-shape. The high quality of the facilities tells an
outsider that Oakton is a very well kept school.
Very clean and organized.
extremely clean and a pleasant study environment
classrooms are good.
In good condition
They're all good.
older
The classrooms and hallways are very neat. One cannot see a speck of dust. However, in some areas the paint has
scaled and the carpeting is tarnished. Some classrooms lack certain necessities that would make the lives of teachers
and students more comfortable. All that set aside this school produces a great learning environment.
the are all clean and nice
well furnished and clean although a bit dark.
At the Des Plaines campus, the physical bulding and classrooms are a bit older and feel gloomy. The lighting mixed
with carpet and paint colors don't give me a sense of wanting to learn. Maybe if the lighting was a little better.
Overall the campus is fine to me. I don't really spend anytime there except in the classroom I am using that to me is
the most important part of any school.
Classrooms are good size, but crowded. Bathrooms are nice. Not bad at all
Dated. They look like they haven't been renovatd or updated in a long time.
they are in good shape, and maintance well. some of the washrooms needs to be clean more offten, but this is studets
foult because they do not care where they put paper or soap, or if they spill water they are not going to clean after
themselves.
some of the classrooms have one person tables with chairs attached, it is very uncomfortable especialy for taking notes
or drowing something in the notebook like for example in bio132 people must drow pituitary gland - no space for
craions, in some classromms there is only one board to write on, some teachers needs more space.
the ceramics lab is very crowded and not well designed, there is a need for better space.
Fine
All areas of the campus are kept very clean and washrooms and stairwells are always easy accessable
Everything is generally ok. I think the only thing is the parking lots. They aren't really the best.
I take painting and ceramic both facilities are too small, lockers are very old,washrooms need a GOOD cleaning, the
same thing as far as the floors in the painting room,garbage cans in the cafeteria are very dirty too . On top there is a
paper dispenser in the GYM WASHROOM, which is in a danger spot I have hit myself twice. I went to see the nurse,
I complained in the Gym facility because I also do exercise there.I went to Public Safety they told me that was not
their department, I wanted to talk to the Dean on a Thursday they told me he would come back on Monday, and then
on Monday they gave me a card to E- MAIL him. I'm still suffering from a light headache. I could not find anybody
to pay attention to me. I started attending Oakton in 1983 I love Oakton but I think these things really need to be
addressed. Thank you for your attention.
everything is beautiful, especially the des plaines campus.
Neat. Well taken care off. I would say maybe a little boring looking and outdated on the tech. But no major complains.
very clean classrooms and organized
They are always clean.
21
Very spacious, clean, and comfortable. The signs directing you to your destination whether it be classrooms or offices
like Advising and Counceling is easy to read and follow. Even the directions to get to the 1600, 2600, and the 3rd
floor. One thing I would love to see changed about Oakton are the desks. They are just too small and your stuff keep
sliding or falling off of them, especially if you mistakenly put your arm in the wrong place.
The campus is actually pretty clean. The only place I would suggest should get more attention is the bathrooms.
DP campus is well equipped and much better compared to RHC.
Relatively clean. Halogen lighting causes tiredness.
fine
i think they are in good shape. always clean and easy to get around.
Classrooms are large, most have windows which is nice. Numerous student lounges and computer labs. The facilities
are usually kept very clean. There are a bunch of new LCD TVs in the halls now, although I'm not really sure why
considering they never do anything besides display an Oakton logo.
Clean, modern, useful, accessible, aesthetically pleasing, and comfortable
always clean,classrooms have everything needed
In some cases rather antiquated and dated, but otherwise mostly in great condition.
Describing about the classrooms, they need a renovation. They seem pretty old. Washrooms are excellent and clean
too.
Most of the facilities are well maintained.
Clean - Designed well
Decent.
At Des Plaines -- Labs are large and complete with plenty tools, classrooms are never far from break/ free work rooms
(which is pretty nice). 2 floor cafeteria setup is cool but more seating could be useful. Stairways and entrances are
everywhere and all in good condition.
Out dated and dirty. The carpet smells really bad when there has been a lot of rain.
A little run down
Very clean and well maintained.
It's a college-like setting: hallways are kind of dark, but things are well laid out. I would like an entrance to the library
on the second floor.
clean, organized.
Clean,and big
i think every thing is very well modeled keeping in mind the student population ..
Ceramic studio is very cramped. There isn't enough work space or shelf space. We are lacking equipment as well.
The wash room are clean but it would be nice to have seat guards.
classrooms vary from too big to too tight for the number of student in them. the class upstairs are small for the number
of students attending. labs are convenient, washrooms are ok but need to be cleaned more often.
The ceramics studio is cramped and lacking in facilities as compared to other community colleges in our area. The
halls and offices seem ok.
i take most of my classes in the newer rooms and i really like it, a lot of green and new stuff.
I am glad with everything
The classrooms are really good, but I think they are really small. The entrances and the office are really clean and they
are easy to find. I really like the cafeteria bicause is big and it has a lot of space to hang out with friends.
Pretty good overall, but the desks in the classrooms really need improvement. In one of my rooms, half the desks don't
have tables attached to them anymore--just the metal arm underneath.
The bathrooms on the upper floor need to be renovated a bit, the rest is fine.
22
Sometimes cafeteria is not clean. Entrances, offices, classrooms look okay most of the time.
nice
they are very nice. I really enjoy my classes at oakton.
Accessible, clean, effective.
Decent. Although there is usually too much smoking near the doors (of Lot C).
The rooms offer a great place to learn while being able to hear the teachers clearly. The school is facilities are kept
clean with rarely any problems.
they're really stuffy, we can't even open windows cause they're bolted down. It gets uncomortable
Not all bathrooms accessible need elevator near div 1. Doors to courtyards not accessible.
The classrooms are ok, the washrooms can be changed they are to old near the 2100.
pretty good and clean but outdated some of the stuff
They are nice and spatious, very obtainable.
Washrooms could be more clean. Classroom chairs with desks need replacing
Facilities seem generally clean and uncluttered.
Fairly descent shape.
The lab/class room at Skokie is very, very hot. It is suffocating, stressful and torturing to concentrate, focus, and listen.
The room is P150 in the Main building. The class is 4 hours long and not to say the weekend classes. The instructors
are also very tired to even teach. Please correct this matter immediately.
Acceptable. The washrooms could use some updating, new stall dividers with working locks, etc.
Nothing to complain about
As to my classrooms, it's pretty much easy to learn because my classes are small. I only have one class at night and it
is really packed in there. The washrooms are very sanitary and always have close bathrooms near by everywhere.
the campus is clean, the rooms can be a bit small depending on class size. The elevators are slow but easy to find.
Some of the classrooms are small and it is hard for students to get up and move around the table.
Really great facilities, everything is new and taken care of. It really is a beautiful campus
well organized classrooms, the labs are big and there is always a space for me when walking in there=]
i think all of it is fine.
clean and
I think the facilities are good.
Good
could be modernized
Very clean
Broken desks in room 2139
The facilities are generally well maintained; clean and well lit.
The facilities are great! Clean, clear instructions.
all are clean well light, classrooms could sometimes use more space when class are full and especially to be able to sit
comfortably with books and jackets and backpacks
Some classrooms are small and should be dedicated to larger ones. Bathrooms on first level are small as well. Bigger
workout rooms
clean, well kept, washrooms are always well stocked
The classrooms and bathrooms are well organized and always clean. I think that the whole campus provides a nice
atmosphere and it is easy to locate classrooms and find offices.
23
classrooms, labs, halls
Clean, Roomy, Organized, accessable,
Adequate
good
Everything is up to par; facility is clean.
Some of the classrooms tend to be a little bit small, the classrooms with single chair seem to be a problem as tehy are
small with limited work space. The halls are okay except the color for the carpet i believe needs to be changed or
atleast made up of a non carpet flooring which would be easier to clean and avoid stains. Everything else seems to be
just fine.
alright, some refurbishment needed
D Building. well lit, spacious hallways, Clean cafeteria. Nice Building.
This semester the washrooms have not been cleaned as well or as often as before.
Lab equipment is not always in good working oredr or is broaken.
Skokie
the classrooms are very neat, everything seems very well organized
small but warm
RHC is very clean! Sometimes I find the rooms cluttered with exra chiars, tables, and equipment. I have attributed
this to modification being made in various classrooms. The hallways need to be kept clear for the students tht get
around in wheelchairs. I have found the library needs dusting, agin this may be due to renovztions in adjacent areas.
Many classrooms are lit up by sun light, which is gorgeous. Science labs are modern and serve students' needs. Hall
ways are spacious enough. Offices are easy to find. Washrooms are clean and modern. Cafeteria is still quite small for
the total population of students.
all physical facilities are generally clean and promote learning
Well everything is fine except the fact that we donot have fitness center.
there all good i just wish the ladys washroom was a little cleaner
facilities are ok. cafeteria could be improved.
i think skokie campus is best for me because it near by my work, school and i like this campus
i like the campus and its facilities.
At skokie the classes are nice. but at des plaines the classes are a little older.
Most classrooms are comfortable, halls are not too crowded, many accessible stairways, and convenient entrances to
the building.
Actually, I dont have any problem with it. I think that they try to maintain halls, classrooms, etc. neat and clean most
of the time. the bathroom though, i think needs more attention for napkins and clean toilets.
washroom, hall stairways and cafeteria are very clean.
Everything is very clean and the staff is very friendly.
They are ok.
ok
Functional. Most things work just as intended. Some things don't seem to work great or function as perfectly as
planned. For example waste bins in the bathrooms tend to overflow by the evenings. Paper towels run out. But the rest
of the building seems to be in an appropriate state.
I guess the Des plaines campus should be renovated just like the one at Skokie.
Most of the facilities are fine. One of the upstairs ladies washrooms has had a broken sink since last fall.
24
Moderately well kept
classrooms:it is good.
office:it is good too.
A lot nicer than DP
Everything is clean except for the washrooms, which are rather dreadful.
need more space at the cafeteria
They are very filthy. There is dust above everything, certain hallways that do not see alot of foot traffic have used gum
etc on the floor. Looks like bathrooms are never cleaned. I work as a student employee and I without direction from
anyone cleaned the entire front office because it was covered with layers of dust. You can tell that things when they
are cleaned they are not moved out of the way. It seems that people just clean around things and not THROUGHLY
CLEAN THEM
Clean.
The classrooms are adequately furnished and proper equipments available in each class according. The hallways are
nice but very long. The stairways look like someone had a funeral there, so it's needs to be facilitated in an appealing
way.
The physical facilities are good. specially from the time that they fix the registration and combined it with the other
offices.
theyre nice and nice facilities.
adequate
The campus needs to be cleaned better. The bathrooms are filthy. And so are the staircases.
In my opinion, the Ray Hartstein campus is a welcoming, well lit environment. The offices and class rooms are very
easy to find. I would prefer that there was another computer lab at the opposite end of the campus, which would allow
more computers to be accessed during peak hours. The washrooms are very well maintained. Unfortunately, the
cafeteria is usually closed when I feel the need to purchase food, and I find that this is the case with most students on
campus.
Clean, neat, and organized
The Skokie campus is always clean & well-lit. The classrooms and labs are in good or new condition. The building
and building facility is well-kept and clean.
i spend most of my time in the manufacturing wing. for classes such as "cnc" and "plc" for me the layout is perfect
the chairs are very unconfertable. Even in computer labs.
Great, always clean. Easy to find everything.
I have 2 classes at DP and 2 at Skokie. I like the Skokie classrooms better because of the newer non-chalk boards, but
DP is nice because there's wifi in all the classrooms. I like the computer lab at Skokie better as well. Cafeteria at DP
is much better. Washrooms are equal at both. They both seem to be equally clean. Skokie has more places just to sit
and work that's not the library. The lounges at DP are not inspiring and I hate siting in the main hallway where all the
chairs are- too crowded and loud. Skokie has more nooks- like under the atrium. The desks at DP seem to be more
wobbly.
classrooms are sufficient (number and size), labs are current (compared to Des Plaines campus labs, from what I've
heard), halls, stairways and entrances are functional, cafeteria is functional and sufficient, washrooms are clean and
functional.
Need better tables and Chairs in some of the classrooms.
everything else is fine
clean and organized, nice enviournment and safe
I believe the campus works fine for its purpose, maybe add a small place to shoot hoops either indoors or outdoors and
add some more outlets in the cafeteria so folks can plug in their computers.
25
The Skokie campus was just redone so it's very nice. There is one staircase facing South (I think, the front parking lot)
that is metal and is a little odd. It's difficult for larger groups of people to walk upstairs since they are diagonal and
thin. That seemed to be a waste of space.
The entrances are very nice. Some of the classrooms haven't been finished, so one wall would be just cement.
The washrooms are clean and practical.
The signs are GREAT at Skokie. I still don't know my way around the building and they are incredibly helpful.
In one of my classrooms, the desks are horrible. There is a little portion to write on (and very few lefty desks) and it
slants downward. Our papers and materials always fall off!
In Skokie campus, classrooms, lab rooms they're a perfect sized rooms.
Skokie is very clean. Nicer classrooms than Des Plaines.
Clean and spacious
I take most of my classes at the Skokie Campus, I feel that the the campus is way smaller than the Des Plaines one.
The Skokie campus has a really nice computer lab, I feel that the cafetria where students get their food is smaller and
should be bigger. The class rooms seem fine to me, I feel that the stairway near the computer lab should be redesigned. The washrooms are nice in the Skokie campus but should be remodeled in the Des Plaines campus.
pretty good mostly cafe need open later.
We need more room and i think that the claasrooms should be bigger
in a very good condition
Very open and lots of windows giving you the feeling of outside in the building, I feel safe and comfitable.
Everything looks good. Except the bathrooms, they could use updating.
Everything is good. The services are good. i like the computer lab and library too. I like to study there(library).
I personally think all the physical facilities at the campus are fine.
class room, cafeteria,washrooms halls,entrances.
The classrooms and labs are good but i wish there were more washrooms and a bigger, and more beautiful cafe and
better lounges(by windows or with better lighting)
Neat and sufficient for studies. The only complaint is on the cafeteria which is too small here in Skokie and closes
way too early!! The one in Des PLaines is big and sufficient but on Friday closes way too early so I have no way to
have lunch around my Fri classes :(
Cafeteria's could be open later for those student whom take later classes
Everything is pretty good, I'd say the only thing would be that the bathrooms are usually a little dirty.
I take my classes in Des Plaines Campus. The labs, stairways, entrances and washroom are very nice and clean.
They're clean, easy to navigate, and wonderfully decorated.
Alright, though cafeteria is not very well stocked with dining options. The seating area seems quite big, but the
corresponding serving area is too small.
Small and Comfortable.
They are very clean spacious. They are never packed its very easy to get to class.
Washroom at Skokie is great, but not much, while Desplain is not so great, but plenty.
Classroom at Skokie more space, not D.P. Labs at D.P are great,not Skokie. Halls at Skokie is better, full of lights, and
space; while at D.P, it is dim, and smaller, and crowded. Otherwise, it is pretty similar.
Facility is well organized.
Cafeteria is closed when I'm there. Washrooms are standard. Library is much too small.
26
fine facilities
The campus at Skokie is very neat/clean and appears to be in good physical condition.
Good, not great. Would like a place in the ladies room where one can change. Not enough facilities for art classes.
The only issue I have with the physical facility is the women's washroom.The women's washroom is one of the most
disgusting that I have seen. Every time I use the bathroom, there is an issue with the stall that I choose. It could be
out of toilet paper, or just dirty. I always say to myself that the people that use the bathroom are some of the nastiest
people. I don't think that it is checked often enough. There is hardly ever any papertowel available.
I would describe the physcail facilities as accesible but could be improved. Alot of the classrooms do not provide
adequate space for someone who is larger in size to sit comfortably. Also, given there are only 3 elevators within the
Skokie building, I feel there should be two more in order to better serve those who need the elevator most. Parking is a
huge issue, especially depending on the time classes are. I generally have to leave 1 hour prior to class in order to get a
parking space.
The cafeteria is a bit rundown but the rest of the school is in pretty decent shape. The bathrooms aren't disgusting to
use, the hallways are clean, quiet and seem newly renovated.
The building is always clean and tidy.
The campus is small, wide, and intimate
none
It's uncomfortable to sit in the mini-desk seats at school for the length of a class (anywhere from an hour and fifteen
minutes to an hour and fifty). Also, by being left-handed, I'm automatically limited as to where I can sit, which means
that sometimes I have to choose between being able to write and being able to see the board. I'm taking my first
Oakton science course next semester, so I can't comment on labs, except that they look good from the outside.
The halls are fine, same with the stairs. The entrances are pretty convenient (wish I could say the same for parking),
and the offices are a little confusing. I had a teacher last semester who sits in the same cubicle as a teacher from this
semester, so I can't just leave something for my teachers in their offices because I have no idea who's going to get it,
whether it will remain where I leave it until my teacher gets to see it, or sometimes if I've even got the right "cube."
The washrooms can be frustrating because I've had a lot of experiences in the ladies' room with pee on the seats. I
don't know how or why women (who are supposed to be sitting down) MISS the toilet. Things have been better this
semester though; I don't know if the washrooms are being cleaned more frequently, or if the repeat offenders have
since taken potty training courses. Otherwise, the bathrooms are usually clean and I rarely find a stall that's out of
toilet paper (a nice switch from my high school, and greatly appreciated)!
The cafeteria is... not my favorite place. Every time I even think about eating at school, the first thing that comes to
my mind is how ripped off I feel every time I buy something from Sodexo@OCC. Let me put it this way: my high
school sold the exact same milk cartons (half-pints?) for 40 cents. I could get two at my high school for the one at
Oakton (.95) and still have 15 cents left over! The stuff in the "spinning vending machine" is completely unreliable usually expired - and the lunch staff say, "sorry, all I can do is offer you this sheet. Fill it out and Sodexo will give
you your money back." As outrageous as prices are, when I buy something, I expect that a) it will be unexpired/safe
for consumption, and b) that, if it isn't good, there will at least be a replacement. I shouldn't have to go out of my way
for a refund when all I want is a drink. The grill is pretty cool (if asked my opinion on the meat and veggies, I'd tell
people that my school makes REAL FOOD - which is definitely above and beyond what people expect from a school
cafeteria, so thanks). The egg sandwiches are kind of gross though; they're usually burned and all the cheese has
melted onto the paper, leaving none on the sandwich. Other than that, the food is pretty limited... it's either junk food,
packaged breakfast food, or sushi.
Excellent. Minor wear-and-tear on walls, etc, nothing out of the ordinary.
The cafetaria and bathrooms are clean, but the carpets are not so clean and neither are the stairs, the gray big stairs are
awkward and really weird to walk through at the skokie campus
I like to think that everything is nearby. Exepct some of the classes that I am in.
all great except for the cleanliness of the washrooms
27
Very clean
the cafeteria closes too early
clean, updated, bright
Classroom is perfect for my class subject, which located in the corner quiet section of the building.
Nice pretty clean campus.
Parking lot is inconvenient, too far away from entrances. The chairs with attached table tops are uncomfortable,
especially for long classes.
The physical facilities of the RHC campus is in very good condition. The classrooms are still great, using the long
tables in most classes instead of separate desks' which actually, in my opinion, take up more space. The labs are in
good condition as well. The halls and stairways are good as well, but the only staircase that I have a problem with is
the one near the art classes. Since they're on an angle, I always feel like I'm going to fall down the stairs. The
entrances are easily accessible all over the building which goes perfectly with the parking. The newly designed
enrollment office is neat and cool, but it seems like they're a little too crowded concerning the fact that they help
hundreds of students. The offices of the counselors are nicely placed all over the enrollment center which is nice. The
other offices of teachers are comfortable and look very nice. The cafeteria could use a little more room, maybe
improving the space of the cafeteria would cause more students to come in and check it out, maybe providing more
and newer foods. The washrooms are still in good condition compared to other schools, so nothing really needs to be
changed on that.
they are awesome
its good.
On-line or other
It's very clean and visually appealing. Restrooms though are a bit untidy at times but still tolerable. I understand that
control over student's behavior are limited and facilities staff might be undermanned.
As a distance learner, I visit campus for exams, counseling services, and occasional orientation/project meeting. Have
visited both campuses, and both seem very up-to-date and aesthetically pleasing.
cramped
Cafeteria is too exspensive. Sometimes the men's washrooms are dirty. The washrooms should be cleaned more
frequently especially in late morning.
The DP Campus is bigger, but I don't care about these things, just where they have my classes.
classrooms, labs, halls, stairways, entrances, offices, cafeteria, are clean all the times. However, washrooms
sometimes are not very clean.
28
Appendix 2
Question 6: Thinking of the campus where you take most of your courses, how would you
describe the grounds; for example, landscaping, sidewalks, signs, outdoor lighting?
Des Plaines
I dont't like some classrooms in Desplaines because sunlight cannot get into the rooms. That causes the classrooms to
be dull and makes students sleepy.
nicely maintained
Landscaping is nice, sidewalks are clean, and signs are visible.
Everyting is perfect except restroom in skokie campus is hard to find.
I love the grounds and landscaping at the des plaines campus! the main reason I take most of my classes there is
because of the lighting!
They are good.
there is enough parking, the grounds are very nice. i love the pond!
Fine
Everything is in good condition.
It looks great!
Signs are really great and easy for getting around and it's very clear where people are and are not allowed to smoke,
the lighting on the parking lots could be a little brighter at night to make me feel safer walking to my car in the dark,
plenty of wide sidewalks, great landscaping - makes the whole atmosphere really great
they are ok
fine
Excellent
pleasant
well-maintained, lighting cozy
DP campus is more beautiful than Skokie campus because of its huge space and wonderful lake and trees.. Love DP's
surroundings...
Sidewalks are usually clean in the morning, but there are lot of cigarettes just outside the entrane which kind of
irritating. Signs are usually very good. Outdoor lighting is decent.
Outside landscaping is beautiful. Most of the grounds are very clean.
very pretty should make the exit better though and easier to see people coming in and out of the turns so there are less
car crashes tough
The sidewalks are nice and signs. I like the landscaping but hopefully more flowers.
It is adequate.
everything is fine
Alright
29
i am concerned when my night classes end at DP and i have to walk in the parking lot alone and its so dark.
Sometimes the parking lot is COMPLETELY pitch black. I would feel more comfortable if there is a security guard
always in the parking lot
The landscaping and sidewalks look nice; the problem is on the inside of the building.
Nice looking and good lighting.
Good upkeep.
lighting is not great for evening classes. Could be brighter and public safety could be patrolling in the evenings. The
grounds as well are pretty drab, and the outside seating could be updated. In additon, providing another area away
from the building for smokers would be great, as typically non-smokers have to walk through the smoke when
entering the building, as most people do not adhere to the smoking policy.
Nice. The DP campus is really nice.
good
Very nice
Des Plaines has a beautiful campus and so does Skokie!
all grounds just right,no need to update any
Everything outside has a wonderful presence.
The lanscaping seems well maintained. The lighting seems ok. I think a little more lighting in the parking lot could
be helpful.
I believe they are good condition..
im not too sure about lighting but i always see somebody working on landscaping. the sidewalks and signs are
adequate.
need more trees and flowers.
they're great
could use more flowers, but still beautiful landscape
Landscaping, sidewalks, signs, and outdoor lighting are in good condition.
Very pretty. I love seeing all of the flowers that bloom in the summer. I love to see the trees covered with snow, too.
We need more playgrounds.
The landscaping is good, I believe that smoking designations should be moved further from the entrances because
and non smoking student has to inhale it when they enter campus and it is very unattractive for the school.
Everything is good.
looks good to me!
very peaceful.
The landscaping is nice but could use more colorful flowers...I think more work could be done within the building to
add a more pleasant atmosphere.
There are signs that say do not smoke here, yet many students still smoke there. Its kind of annoying.
OK!!
I also have positive comments about the grounds. It's very easy to get around because everything's marked and the
lighting is very good.
Set in a forest preserve, the campus is beautiful in the summer. It is well lit, landscaping is attractive.
no complaints whatsoever
30
good
the grounds are perfectly fine. i dont mind what they look like as long as there is not garbage everywhere.
The outdoor grounds at DP are lovely -- the woods, the fields, the pond. The buildings and signage are not
offensively unattractive, but I wouldn't say they seem particularly inviting or beautiful.
N/A. I don't pay that much attention to the grounds.
okay.
all of the grounds are well kept and there are enough signs and outdoor lighting
I love the forest preserve surrounding the campus. Signage is pretty understandable.
nice well kept
Very attractive campus!
landscaping,sidewalks and outdoor lighting is not attractive. could be done much better.
The grounds are perfect because Oakton takes care of their outdoors.
They are fine as far as im concerned
Very spacious, places to sit everywhere, the signs are very clear but its hard to find your classes when you first get
there. Outdoor lighting is very good unless you are at the back of the parking lot.
very pretty!
Clean, maintained, beautiful. Some great art surrounds the campus.
Pretty nice for a community college. Love the patio.
Landscaping and outdoor maitenece is okay. I think there should be more lights outside in the parking lots because it
gets pretty dark for poeple who take night classes.
Beautiful grounds, very well kept.
They are beautiful and are in perfect condition
Didn't notice anything very good or bad about the grounds. The pound is nice.
The landscaping and sidewalks are in good condition and the lighting is adequate. But that metal rusty flower thing
is as ugly and depressing as anything I have seen (Its outside the entrance with that 70's shag carpet thing on the
wall). Its like walking past a car wreck every day.
Great
very good, i would like to see a smoking section of the school that has a roof...
Landscaping is beautiful! Signs are very helpful.
nice
it is good
The landscaping is very nice with the trees and forests.
some parts are well lit up outside. but i do like the art things outside.
good
The pond in the Des Plains campus emit the odor in summer.
They are well maintained.
very simple easy to find all in all great
well landscaping i can't say much because i started in winter taking classes.
31
Sings do need to be more colorful and vivid. However, landscaping is very well done.
Lighting in the parking lots could be a lot better. Leave between 9:00-10:00pm and you don't feel safe. The
landscaping is great.
the lake looks really pretty and so does the forest.
Sidewalks, signs, outdoor lighting seem pretty decent. More gardens and benches would be nice.
In addition, the ground level of the soccer field is very low. It is flooded everytime it rains.
all great..
good
Flowers are always nice and a beautiful addition in the spring. Love the courtyards for outdoor eating/hanging out.
Signage is poor. Outdoor lighting, not great.
i think the lighting should be little more specially in the parking lot
no problems
Nice
very nice all the time
clean
The outdoor sidewalks are littered with cigarette butts as well as the outdoor lighting in the evening is scarce which
makes for a difficult time trying to relocate your car. The signs need to be updated and the information on them needs
to be kept-up to date.
Its pretty dark in the parking lot at night, needs more lights.
it works fine..
Great landscape sidwalks OK...
I love walking from the parking lot to the Des Plaines building so I see the lake and some of the trees. However,
there are places in the parking lot that could use repaving. Also, I take a class at night and find that the lighting is
good when I walk out after my class. One thing that could be improved is a sidewalk extension somewhere in the
parking lot to give pedestrians better access to their cars, without having to fear being run-over.
pleasant landscape
Positive.
landscaping is beautiful, sidewalks a little uneven and cracked in some places but overall good. Lighting could be
better in the parking lots.
Very Clean, beautiful landscaping and nice to take a stroll in.
its okay
Indoor lightening, few widonws.
exelent, GO GREEN !!!
Fine
Well lit with nice side walks.
very good
Nice
It looks okay to me.
I love the naturalist feeling of the campus and the incorporation of trees on the Des Plaines campus. The landscape is
always maintained, but there is a lack of flowers and plants that could improve the grounds. The signs and outdoor
lighting are great.
most landscaping is beautiful especially the ring of trees.
32
Very clean and well kept grounds.
Beautiful.
landscaping is relaxing especially during the spring.
They are fine. I appreciate the trees and plants we have around the campus and its sidewalks.
very pretty landscaping, love the outside patio with the chairs, great lounging area.
Nice, I suppose. So long as they are clean, I don't really notice or care.
I have no complain about them.
Very natural and inviting. However, we could use more Emergency Phones & blue light posts throughout our big
parking lots.
The windows needs to be wide more.
Outdoor lighting in parking lot could be brighter. I take most of my classes during the time that the cafeterias are not
serving food and I have noticed that there are never any forks or napkins in the bins above the microwaves. Hard to
eat a micro meal without a utensil.
clean,
very good
Better than the actual classrooms!
Landscaping,sidewalks, signs, outdoor lighting are really effective and in great condition.
The lighting and signs are more than adequate. The landscaping is gorgeous. The forest preserve is always well
maintained and the grounds look beautiful all year long. The staff that oversees that aspect of the school property are
remarkable, as our campus is really a beatiful place to take classes.
The grounds are ok.
All are pleasant and seem adequate, except the amount of parking with the influx of more students.
Good
Good.
The grounds are quite nice, nicer than most with interesting nature areas and sculptures. Sidewalks and lighting are
good as well.
They're beautiful.
Natural landscaping all around the campus. Nice butterfly gardens. Very wooded. On a flood plain.
Outdoor lighting needs to be updated for security.
Things are well landscaped and well marked. I am rarely there at night, so I cannot speak about lighting.
I like the landscapings, we have a beautiful view during the entire year. The outdoor lightning is good and the signs
around and inside the campus are really easy to follow.
The landscaping is great. The outdoor lighting could be better at night.
I believe that the smoking zones should be more farther away from the building. I also think that there should be
more flowers around the school so it can look more alive.
The landscaping sidewalks and signs are great. Expect when you are walking to the building some of the young adult
driving to fast somebody is going to get hit one of these days.
fine; always clean
I think the landscape is very pleasant. The sidewalks, as well as the signs are all good. There could be a little more
lighting in some areas but not enough to complain about.
Is much better than skokie campus
33
Attractive.
The grounds are spacious and beautiful, a lovely setting. One of Oakton's biggest pluses.
Well maintained
the land scape is so so. maybe have a place for smokers.. so many smoke and just throw the butts on the grounds...
looks nasty and bad smelling... i feel for the person who has to clean this up..
Beautiful. We have the oakton forest and lake.
Unlike the interior facilities--it's a very pleasant outside environment.
It would be nice to have a little more parking room. Whne the semester first starts your have to search like crazy to
find a place to park. It would be nice to have a few extra rows of parking to allow for the extra studnets that come at t
he beginning of the semesters.
Really like the drive into the forest preserve though.
nice
nice landscaping with the lake on one side and pond on the other. lightening seems fine.
overall, des plaiens campus i would choose for my further classes. it is so convenient and environment friendly
campus.
big parking lot is one advantage.
I don't think the signs are very clear, but the grounds are gorgeous
I don't like that the smoking area is basically in fron of the entrance I use. Could't you move the spot to the opposite
site of that entrance- not in line from where people come from the parking lot?
clean
There is no sidewalk to walk to school to from golf or a bike path for that matter.
Lighting could be improved on and signs also.
Beautiful- I love the landscaping and the surrounding area. I'm not here at night so I don't know about the lighting.
The grounds are in good shape, i see workers out there everyday picking up trash, cutting the grass there always
doing something. I really like the wasy the Des Plaines campus looks.
fine
Grounds are in good condition and adequately lighted
clean, nice landscaping, well kept
I think it is very clean and refreshing to see such a nice landscape and clean grounds.
central court is attractively landscaped and encourages people to use it -- somewhat inviting
very pretty with lots of interesting artwork
very helpful
The grounds, sidewalks and landscaping is just fine, however, lighting could be signifigantly better.
Very good
They're good.
The Des Plaines campus overall is very nice. The lake outside by the Central Entrance/Exit is very nice especially
with the fountains. The landscaping is nice and neat. Sidewalks could be a little cleaner in the smoking area, although
the smokers should be responsible for the cigarettes they use.
The landscaping is very nice, and is well tended. It looks as though a lot of thought and time went into planting and
maintaining flowers, plants, and trees. Sidewalks are always salted and shoveled, and there is adequate outdoor
lighting.
34
Landscaping is pretty around campus. Maybe if there were more flowers that are bright and were arranged nicely
would be a nice addition. It would certanily cheer me up everytime I walk onto campus because in a way it brings
peace to my head. It's calming.
- There should be more lighting in the parking lots because when I have class at night it's really hard to find my car.
(Esp. Parking lot A)
very nice
Clean and tidy
We need a light outside of the Ceramics Studio.
Grounds are wonderful and very pleasant to walk and navigate. Parking space are sometimes hard to find. Lighting is
also very good.
Very enjoyable landscape, signs are beautiful, in some places there is a lot of outdoor lighting.
More lights outside of studios, exits/entrances, and in parking lots. Fix the road and parking lot of A. Perhaps, more
flowers or shrubbery around the building's entrances and parking lots. Making it more athetically appealing.
could have more lights
The landscaping in both campuses are weak and really need to have more landscapes.
great
very beautiful- tons of trees and a pretty lake make it a very nice place to be around
The grounds are very attractive. When the weather permits, I sit outside in the courtyard that faces the pond. The
sidewalks are in good condition and there are enough lights for people to see at night.
Landscape could use much more flowers! Other than that, everything is perfect!
awesome lighting, really clean campus
landscaping is always done nice, and the snow in the winter time is always shoveled.
Peaceful
Campus is really nice. The forest preserve and the pond are amazing.
good
The grounds in the Des Plaines campus are magnificent. Because it stands in the middle of a woodland are, the trees,
grass, and nature cove the entrances to the campus. It is a pleasure to see the planted and wild landscape, and an
occasional wild life crossing. This campus is exceptionally extraordinary in the spring.
all well kept
okey. they are large enough but inside the building look a bit darker. maybe it needs bright colours.
The grounds are good. The sidewalks and landscape are wonderful. If I had more time, I would defintily walk the
campus more.
good. more lighting in parking lot at night.
Adequate
it is exellent, i never had any problem with ligjting or sidwelaks. We deffinitly needs sidewalt and bicycle road from
Golf rd. many of the studets walk from golf rd for example or bicycle because of the surves it is sometimes
dengerouse for them, because cars might not see them.
the campus is nicely landscaped, the patio outside the room could be improved to provide more workable space.
Fine, parking lot can be a little dark
35
All grounds areas appear very well maintained
The landscaping is aesthetically pleasing, sidewalks are accessable. One thing I would probably change is smoking
areas. I think there could be a few more.
I don't have any complaint, very nice
the landscape is terrific.
Again decent, Clean, and well taken care off. Could use more benches outside at the entrance facing the student
parking zone.
very nice and clean grass is always cut the different art pieces around the school are nice
There needs to be more out door lighting.
The landscaping is beautiful at Des Plaines campus. I especially like the pond and how during the warm weather it is
filled with duck and the path that you can stroll along and destress.
Landscaping I cannot complain. Although I would like to have more seating areas outdoors especially now that the
weather is getting pretty nice. The parking lot could also use a bit more lighting.
DP is much better than RHC
Beautiful scenery.
fine
i come in thru the central rd entrance, and everything from that entrance seems good. the pond and grass always
looks really good. someitmes i go thru the main entrace and it all looks the same good!
Green grass, a lake, sculptures and other art created by students, surrounded by a forest... Oakton's actually a very
nice looking campus. My only complaint is that Golf Rd. and Central Rd. don't have sidewalks leading up to the
school, but I don't think Oakton has any power over that.
Clean, modern, and aesthetically pleasing
I have no complains
Excellent, well kept and maintained, no problems.
They all are acceptable. Don't need much improvement.
The outdoor facilities are well kept. Parking lots have adequate lighting. Campus security frequently patrols the
parking lots and roads.
Excellent although I would like to see more diversity in the landscaping.
Littered.
All 4 aspects of the grounds at the Des Plaines campus are why I chose all my classes to be there. The landscaping,
sidewalks, signs, lighting are all gorgeous.
The landscaping is really nice, but the parking lot and the sidewalks are in need of some repair.
Upkept and presentable
Beautiful landscaping.
Love the landscaping. I appreciate the landscapers, the people that are in the parking lot at 7am cleaning the cigarette
butts (and trash, etc.).
good. need more lightening in the parking lot.
Good
all good
Everything is ok.
very good landscaping and parking spaces.
The grounds are lovely.
36
i love the landscaping and driving to school every morning through the golf entrance
I am glad with everything
The landscaping is really nice, but I think that the school should be better with more places outside the building to
hang out with friends.
The grounds are beautiful. Unfortunately there are a lot of smokers crowding around entrances so it's almost
impossible to enter or exit without breathing smoke.
It is pretty good.
I think the signs are very helpful in finding your classes. Everything else is fine.
good
evrything seems very nice to me.
Effective signs, good sidewalks, fair landscaping(could use a little more interesting design and less dirt/grass patches
in areas), and good/effective outdoor lighting.
Good.
The outside of the Des Plaines campus is beautiful for a community college and is kept very nice.
By the D parking lot the area by the doors is covered with cigarette butts, and the scupltures outside are really worn
down and rusted.
PLANTS NICE LOOKING
The signs can be reenforced more, too many people go over the speed limit and lot a road rage.
pretty good
great
Good
Clean and well-kept. I regularily see workers cleaning trash and mowing lawns.
Fairly dscent conditions.
The campuses are very clean, organized and maintained.
Fine.
Nice and relaxing especially by the lake.
Very clean and cut landscaping, the sidewalks may be filled up with cigarettes buds at times.
Taken good care of
The signs and directions around the parking lot would be more helpful for new students and visitors.
beautiful, scenic
The landscaping is nice, the little lake and all the grass area is something that I believe all of us enjoy on a sunny
day=]
i think everything is fine.
more snow removal and salting at night
I think the grounds are good.
Good
Nice...thats what i thought the first time i came to this campus..now its ok needs somthing fresh
37
Landscape is beautiful.
Smoking areas need to be well enforced
Things are well maintained, and well lit.
I love the landscaping
Landscape is always well taken care of, flowers and shrubs always alive and thriving
Parking area could use renovation
love the native landscaping and proximity to woods. Sculptures and butterfluy garden are great
At the Des Plaines Campus I really like the outside landscaping that includes flowers and trees and a little place to
study and enjoy the sunlight. There are plenty of sidewalks and a lot of parking spaces.
sidewalking
Neat, picturesque, maintained, sufficient
Nice
nice
The outdoor parking lighting in parking lot d is kind of dim.
The landscaping is bueatiful except in the parking lot there tends to be areas that acumulate alot of gravel and rocks.
great campus, terrible parking lot, in need of better designated smoking areas
Landscaping is good, Sidewalks look a little old. Outdoor lighting is fine. Lake is Beautiful.
Landscaping is very well done and maintained.
Skokie
its pretty good
well consrtucted
The rear parking lot needs to be restipred, more lighting, speed bumps. My car has been hit twice, I think by
neighborhood kids riding in the lot on school holidays. Perhaps more bushes along Mulford would discourage kids
from using the lot for bilkes, skateboards.
the parking lot is spacious and quite pretty with trees, plants, and other wildlife. There are plenty of sidewalks, with
helpful sign for direction.
landscaping is very nice and makes the campus look a lot better
I like this campus that is why i m here.
everythings good
landscaping could be better. more greenery
skokie campus because u get phone service if there is any emgerary they can contant there family memeber
everything is good all around
I like the grounds at des plaines and i see people hanging around there which is pretty cool. i dont see anyone
hanging out at skokie.
The landscaping could use a little more work as far as grooming. The sidewalks are big and allow many students to
pass through. There is enough outdoor lightning into the building.
38
It's all good to me.
really nice landscaping and sidewalks
The outdoor lighting is great but in the parking lot to many students drive way to fast and some don't stop at the stop
signs. Maybe it would help to put some speed limit signs up.
Not that great
good
The outside lighting isn't poor although a little brighter wouldn't hurt (anything besides the budget). The sidewalks
are always fine. Signage seems to be clear.
Talking about landscaing, i feel that the Des plaines campus is much better comapred to what we have in Skokie.
good
Well kept
the ground is clean most time of the day. sign is clear.
Nice
Very nice.
There is trash in certain places at the RHC campus. All one has to do is look down.
Clean.
Landscaping is quite awesome, properly maintained!
I think it is really Good.
theyre nice.
great condition
Lighting should be doubled checked.
As far as sidewalks, signs and outdoor lighting is concerned, everything at the RH campus is on par. However, I find
the landscaping is a bit dull at the Ray Hartstein campus. I feel that more flowers and trees need to be planted in
order to make this campus seem more welcoming.
Clean
The overall grounds are well-kept. Only concern is sometimes late at night as classes are let out close to 9:30 or
9:45pm some of the parking lot lights are out.
superior- it is a beautiful campus
there should be more Public saftey, making rounds, more public saftey phones in parking lot.(skokie campus)
Great. No complaints
Landscaping at DP is better than Skokie. There's not too much at Skokie. DP's parking lots could use more lights or
brighter lights at night. DP also has no bike racks! Which is strange- please install!
grounds of Skokie campus are appropriate (for a community college), in that landscaping is maintained, and not
overbearing (flowers, etc); signs and outdoor lighting are sufficient
Fine
Everything for the most part is okay and everything is usually on and working.
Perfect, plenty of outdoor lighting and simple landscaping.
I haven't been there at night so I don't know about outdoor lighting. Everything else is great. There are plenty of
sidewalks to cut through, and the landscaping will look even better as it says nicer outside.
perfect
39
Kind of plain, not as nice as Des Plaines.
Clean and plenty of parking
The skokie campus has good side walks and good landscaping,signs and outdoor lighting.
it can improve little bit more for skokie it's little dull. it seems like a drag to go to class. it should be exciting to go to
class instead off a drag.
it great
in a very good condition
Everything is good, should have a water fountain by the Architecture lab, and shouls have better signs.
looks good.
Good also. I have noticed that Oakton's workers are very concerned about serving the college. For instance, cleaning
the snow as soon as possible in winter.
Landscaping is attractive, enough room for sidewalkers, clear and exact signs, outside lighting is just about fine [it's
not too bright nor too dark].
landscaping is fine.
The outside grounds are great but i wish the outdoor lounges weren't next to the smoking area
Nice.
skokie and desplaines are great
Good
Everything good.
They're all in very good shape.
Some of the driveways should be repaved. There are a lot of pot holes. Everything else is sufficient.
PEaceful campus
Extremly clean . It always looks like new.
D.P has nicer landscaping. It has a beautiful outside landscape.
Ground could use more horticulture, gardening green effect and sitting benches in the back. Also, smoking should
not be designated right at the doors where people are smoking in the back as students are going in and out.
Could use some more outdoor lighting.
nice landscaping
Outdoor lighting is good, when I have been there in the evenings. The sidewalks have always been cleared in the
winter months. Appears neat.
Very good.
Clean, well patrolled
The grounds are decent. There are no problems that I have with any of the landscaping, sidwalks, signs, or outdoor
lighting besides the curved way on the right of the buliding that is not signed as one way or both or with enough
room for two veichles.
There isn't anywhere nice to hangout outside or sit outside...especially if you're a non-smoker and don't feel like
sitting in a bunch of cigarette smoke. The sidewalks and signs are in good shape.
The grounds are always kept up and look nice.
its very bright lots of light which is good
none
40
All of the above are fine. I like the two little ponds out back. I heard frogs out there in August when I went to pick
up my books. It's a nice place to be. The signs inside can be a little confusing; I've had to help a number of people
find their way around, especially in the "A-" and "P-halls." I went to Niles North High School, which put 1510 in the
room next to 1590, so I know how to deal with bad numbering. I've never been on campus after dark, but lighting is
good on the inside during the day.
Sidewalks and plants are well-kept and maintained, but pedestrian access from Niles Avenue is lacking
Lighting is good, but the place looks brownish because of the glass tint and makes it feel mellow
I think that everything is really good. To me its seems pretty organized.
all great
Well lit and clean look.
no problem
pleasant, maintained
Lighting is fine, no windows so that helps pay attention to the instructor. Table is too small.
It's pretty nice in the Skokie one but the DES plaines campus looks even better due to the fact it has a large pond in
the back. Looks pretty neat to me.
I like the design of the RHC campus, good parking, but definitely could use more if there is room to improve. The
landscaping is decent and the sidewalks are still in tact with good cement, not too many cracks all over. Signs are
good, as well as the outdoor lighting.
they are awesome
awesome
On-line or other
Always visually appealing and clean.
up-to-date and aesthetically pleasing.
scraggly
I usually do not walk around the outside of the campuses. I stay inside of Oakton 99% of the time I am on Oakton
property.
Nothing.
Very good, specially at night there is light everywhere in the parking lot.
41
Appendix 3
16. Please use this space to give us your ideas about how we can improve Oakton’s buildings and
grounds to make them more modern, appealing, comfortable and better for learning and
teaching.
Some classrooms in Des Plaines campus should get some more sunlights so that the classrooms are bright; student
can be more focused on lectures.
they are very well kept
more computers, more free food and more festivals
Get rid of the pointless grass/land between the parking and the building.
At RHC too many neighborhood kids are using the cyber cafes in the evening. Is it prudent to let unsupervised
children use the facilities?
I think Oakton needs to work more on its learning environment. I understand that Oakton has a lot of activities
going on, but the problem is that people barely know about them. Oakton should also work on trying to get
students to unite and not feel afraid to talk to eachother. Ever since I've come here i haven't a lot of social
interaction between students from different backgrounds.
allow more space for students to just hango ut with comfortable chairs and tables
Add combat sports facility that offers classes for Mixed Martial Arts and Boxing. More WIFI hotspots.
I guess we need fitness center.
more computer labs could be nice or create more "access points" for the internet in more places could be very
comfortable.
nothing to say
more greenery. extra space to study. could use more comfortable chairs
i think everything is good
make more room in the computer lab where we could have more computers and then we can print it too
make it more appealing by having more resources for students
An improvement would to add more newer signs that instruct new students around the building along with new
desks in some classes. Seats in the science room should be more comfortable.
Better control over how fast people drive in the parking lot. More quiet study areas.
I strongly suggest just a little better mainteinance in all the steel attachements outside in the back door (in
particular) Des Plains.
Have more coputers in the cyber cafes
Stop Working about the building and concern yourselt with teachers who are teaching Bio/chem/math some who
does not speak very good english. Which makes it very hard to understand. Why don't we do a survey about that
instead of worrying about the grounds.
Using brighter colors throughout the campus would bring prettier and more interesting visual aspects within the
building, I think the campus outside is really beautiful and inviting
Not sure. Everyone needs something different. An idea I had for learning would be to have webcams in the
classrooms that would automatically record the class and allow a student who missed a day to log in to their
MyOakton account and view the class of any given day. Or even just to review that day. The technology is really
very readily accessible and isn't prohibitively expensive. I recently missed a class due to a religious holiday and
42
wish I could see the teacher perform a few of the problems before the next exam.
I think first Oakton has to move bigger space!!
If possible there should have a regular soccer field and also a cricket field at the Desplaines campus
Please regularly check washrooms to make sure sinks are working and that there is adequate toilet paper and paper
towels especially for night classes.
See #5
Increase parking and lighting, get computers that are quicker to start up or do not have computer lab people shut
the computers down all the time, but have them wait until the end of the day because it takes too long for the
computers to start up.
Some classrooms are too small for large classes and some smartboards are not working accurately.
No suggestions.. Oakton is the BEST!!!
Parking lot should be near to allow park near college. We are walking mile to reach to car in order to get parking.
Clean cigarettes from floor outside entrance regularly.
it is very useful and helpful to make a gym and fitness center in Skokie campus. personally, i think it is good to
make a space for table tennis, like in a separate room instead in the cafeteria. i think lots of people will like that,
not only table tennis players
More Graphic desighn Classes At RHC
The architecture and buildings themselves is/are lovely.
The question re. parking is difficult to answer. Does "parking too far away from the building" denote an A or an F.
Whatever... parking or lack of it and/or availability of short-term parking is an issue. Most parking is WAY too far
away from the building to facilitate or encourage someone to visit the campus.
ehance parking and make the exit more visuble to golf so there are lss crashes in inclimnet weather when people
are in a hurry
I think they just need new decor and a lil update
Add some tables that are comfortable for actual studying. We, as students are the reason this college continues to
do such fine work. Isn't it time that our vote and our voice was actually heard. They say that everything is done in
the best interest of the student. What is done for the student coming back from personl loss and/or tragedy? Thank
you
More benches outside, better signs to direct students.
None.
Got none!
-new carpeting at DP -Brighter parking lot -Better desks, we need more table space in class for our notebook not
just the small side desk. -the art classes and pottery classes' studio is so small. there is not enough seats for
everyone. i gotta go to class an hour early. its like a fight to get a seat.
More lighting inside DP campus, more room for activities, make cell phone reception better, and update the labs
and washrooms.
Make more areas to use computers.
More parking, Easier access to up stairs classrooms, Better parking lot lighting, better snow removal.
Flowers in the spring and summer, more places to sit outdoors with surrounding environment nice to look at.
Smoking away from building, strictly adhered to.
more places to keep coatsand bags.
I have no ideas about it,Sorry
43
Just like I said before if you just duplicate what you did at Skokie over at Des Plaines then everything would be
close to perfect. You can never be completely perfect because everyone has different preferences. Just long tables
instead of chairs with really small desks with gum underneath them, new paint, dry erase boards instead of chalk
boards, new technology. Again just take a look at the Skokie campus!
cleaner washrooms, upfront information desk, straight forward directions where is the info desk
the school needs to have a more modern brighter look with metal and brighter colors. It is far to dim lighted and
dull with browns and Grey. With a better look for all facilities and areas I am sure students would spend more time
on campus.
More cleaning and re stock supplies like paper towels and toilet paper. Place more than one paper towel dispenser
in washrooms and more than one garbage can.
The bathrooms needs to be updated.
Parking for evening classes this last semester have been very far. In the winter it is quite a walk to the building. I
dont mind walking, but in the snow and cold I don't care for it.
I would like to see more electrical outlets near lounging areas to plug in my laptop and do homework/browse the
web between classes. It would also be ideal to have more spaces in bathrooms to safely and securely place books,
backpacks, and other belongings.
adding more colorful painting along hallways. Better seats in the classroom and maybe hooks or a coat hanger to
hang up jackets in classrooms.
in the skokie campus - another computer lab on the first floor with all of the necessary programs.
Main compalint students usually have, including myslef, is students cafeteria (DP campus). While we understand
not much can be done in terms of space, the quality of the service should improve. Personally, i never but anything
except from coffee in cafeteria because food is expensive as well as unhealthy. Cafeteria should be modernized. I
would suggest a coffe shop to be included. Also what Oakton needs is a school spirit, there is tons of studends,
including me, that don't participate in activities, clubs for the reason that it's not promoted enough and are not seen
attractive, worth attending by students. Unfortunatelly Oakton do not have a school spirit, but that could improve
with more activies, school events etc. As it comes to academics, some teachers are great, I have learned so much
from them, and they inspired me to look at the world in different prospectives, and to open my mind. However,
some teacher unfortunatelly are not even close to the standard of teaching in college. I would recommend
department heads of academic divisions to make visits once in a while to the classrooms to evaluate how the class
is conducted.
some of the rooms have terrible seating, very small and in close proximity to the next person. it is hard to get in
and out.
need more better technology.
Wifi at Skokie in all the classrooms! Better lighting in the DP parking lot. By the way, more frequent shuttle times
between Skokie and DP would be great- at a minimum, add one more in the late afternoon- and how about
incorporating the fee into student fees so we don't have to buy tickets? The outdoor space at Skokie ok, but it's
always overcrowded by smokers, which means if you don't smoke, you don't get to use it at all, and no one seems
to enforce the no smoking rule within 15 feet of the building. Bike racks at DP are desperately needed. Skokie has
3 and I have yet to see one at DP.
More parking would be nice, perhaps closer parking, too.
Need better tables and Chairs in some of the classrooms because there small(not enough space to put books) and
uncomfortable. Computers take a lot of time to load your profile.offer more classes at Skokie campus(science,
math) especially in the summer.
There can be more areas made to study that are comfortabl.e
easier to find way around, open windows, flowers outside, fitness center
Not comfortable with Cycber Space becasue there are students who brings food and loud. For the library, need
44
space where students can talk. (there are few of the group study room in first floor).
The computers should be updated. Hardly anyone can get reception via phone or laptop. There aren't really any
recreation/ game areas except the cybercafe. Some rooms should have more space.
Sometimes I get so much stress beacuse some noisy's going on the cafeteria. I think we should know ourselves.
I think more areas to hang out or to study are needed. Some more seating outside would be nice. The seats in
classrooms and the cafe could be more comfortable. Cellphone reception is horrible throughtout the building.
Hold more events that appeal to the students that make them want to stay on the grounds like open mic nights.
Make more places within the school that students can just hang out at besides the cafeteria...where there's games or
other activities that appeal to the students. Des Plaines campus is very dark inside which makes the atmosphere
less appealing...more windows should be put in or artwork to liven up the space. Skokie campus has good lighting
but not enough hang out spaces or study spaces. If they can both combine the pros and cons of each campus...it
would be a definite advantage.
Again, maybe add a small place to shoot hoops either indoors or outdoors and add some more outlets in the
cafeteria so folks can plug in their computers.
Overall itz good.. But plz make sure places like libraries have alwayz a quite atmosphere.
More quiet study lounges with couches and tables would be nice.
understanding the limitations involved in this, i feel that the professors deserve larger offices. every time i need to
meet with one, there is usually only one chair jammed in between two different piles of paperwork, or there is
barely enough room for their desk and an additional chair. on top of it, they are excellent professors. again though,
i understand the limitations of this comment.
i would say to add some more tables and chairs ourside maybe in the main entrances.
Clean the bathrooms more frequently, and get more comfortable chairs for classrooms (especially for 3-hour
seminar classes).
I feel that in class rooms that we need more space for our personal items such as coats and backpacks. This is more
so during the winter.
Places for single seating in the cafeteria, so one person does not take up a whole table or have to awkwardly share
one.
Everything seems pretty good, except the bathrooms don't have enough spaces to put my books. I have to put them
on the sink ledge where it's always wet.
Better confernce rooms for students to meet with teachers. Perhaps lockers which can be rented for a small fee for
students.
The signal for Oakton's WiFi is very weak unless I am by the Cafe, Library or on the East side of the building.
Trying to get a cell signal is almost non existent. I like most of the students have responsibilities outside of Oakton
and I am always worried I might miss a call from my daycare provider or mother. Which also leads to a safety
aspect, with the violent incidents happening at other colleges how are we supposed to get a text message or
anything if something is happening at the facility if we can not get a signal. Parking at the school is the worst,
especially if you have a class after 9 or 10. Enrollment is at an all time in most cases students get to school 30 mins
early to stalk other students going to their cars. As for physical handicaps if their classes are not on the east side of
the building it is harder for then to get around. Even students that have injured themselves have a hard time getting
around the west side of the building.
The parking is absolutley HORRIBLE! especially around 9:30 A.M. People drive like maniacs and there are never
any close spots open. (Especially in D-lot)
Move the smoking sections further away from the entrances. All other aspects are great.
Put more lighting in the parking lots. Have a different variety of tutors in the tutor labs everyday.
just do some basic works.
45
give smokers a place of their own instead of making us stand in the cold,wet, and windy outside..
I just really think that the computer labs in the Des Plaines campus should be lit better... I really like the one in the
Skokie campus. I also think there should be more elevators in the Des Plaines campus, especially on the west side
of the building.
more spacing, more areas to hangout and bigger spaces to study
Better cell phone reception.
bigger WIFI range, and cell phone signals
nothing
I there were a place I can wash my hands, not in a bathroom, instead of using liquid sanitizer.
New flooring, painted walls, new furniture!
have some places outside for activites, build little rooms outside for smoking, and have more activites later in the
day
Parking lot is too far away from facility. Especially in the winter, it is complicated to walk 5 minutes to get to a
warm place.
The Skokie campus is starting to look better, but the cafeteria is hardly ever open.
Bathrooms are not very clean after first thing in the morning. Bathrooms need to be updated and automatic flush
toilets are too sensitive. They continue to flush and waste water.
need to improve the ability to attain cell phone reception
1) Desks in library need to be cleaned more often. They seem to be cleaned once a week or so. However, it is
crucial that they are clean because many students use them throughout the day. 2) Like the Skokie campus, bigger
windows need to be installed. -> Improves the atmosphere of the campus to be more fresh and live 3) There is
ultimately one space for students to hang out: cafeteria. Student lounges are rather quiet and there are really no
other place to socialize. It would be nice to have thematic places. i.e.) Sunflower South- Located near the sourth
side of the building. Resembles greenhouse because it is mainly built with large windows to let the natural light in.
Outside, sunflowers are planted. I understand that such an installment will cost a lot of money; however, I believe
something like this will not only increase the school spirit but also bring a good reputation for Oakton for having a
beautiful campus.
yes
I don't hang out on campus after class, so I'm not sure how to improve the building/grounds
Walks @ DP have tripping hazards. Skokie needs landscaping @ east end. Art studio in RHC way too small with
inadequate storage.
it would be nice if they would fix the leacking water in some rooms.
More furniture ex.couches the reception is not always good so if there is anyway to improve that issue it would be
a big help
more couches
Increase the wireless internet range as well as somehow increase the cellphone reception inside the building. Most
students are working and would like to receive phone calls from work or other important calls from employers and
family members in case of an emergency.
I feel in the Skokie campus the parking can be improved to fit more cars near the front enternances.
like have rooms that you can hang out that you can play vidoe games in room or have pool table for some fun like
in cafe something like that.
We can build a fitness room for students who likes to work out and i think we need to have a track for running.
Schedule the classes according to the enrollment of the students. If it is more than 15 students it should be an
46
average class where and comfortable for the students. There are some classes specially in the fall which are very
compact and it gets very hot inside and no ventillation. The restrooms should be clean and no flooded. May put
more computers in the computer lab because sometimes the lab gets filled at the bussy hours and no place to sit.
Building is OK and grounds are very nice. Ceramics studio is a joke it is so small. Highschools have more space.
See above comments
none
Must get comfirtable chairs with good desks. Student lounges should have more comfirtable sofas, must have a
room for meditation and a gym.
More parking spaces. Maybe a garage parking?
more outdoor seating areas with tables. An outdoor cafe??
We should add more color and change the brown tiles! It makes the building very dark and boring. If we add bright
color tiles there will be more brightness and a good feeling. But Oakton is a great place and a very nice community
college. It makes me always feel comfortable and welcomed! Thank You!
-More space for students to quietly study and do homework, other than computer labs and cafeteria. Also, the
quality and comfort levels of chairs and tables in some classes are really low.
GO GREEN !!!
I believe that Oakton needs to be quiet. Sometimes I hear people laughing and yelling in the corridors and near
classes. I also suggest that we need more computers in the library. In fact, there are only 6 computers in the library,
and i beleive that we need more than 6 since they are more convenient than the computers in the lab(faster to log in
and more convenient printers in the libraries)
Provide more quiet room for studetns to study.
Parking lot need improvement regarding sewer system. It is flooded so easily.
Improve cell phone reception. Replace personal desks in classrooms with tables. Add more places to hang out
other than outside and in the cafeteria. Quit blasting the heat--when it's cold outside and everyone is dressed
warmly we don't need the building to be 80 degrees. Students know if they are cold they can put on a sweater but if
they are too hot this can be uncomfortable and distracting.
-need computer lab at different part of the building not just one part of the building( toward parking lot C). -need
quiet space for alone study not just the library.(ie. study hall ) -cafeteria: need space between cash register and
dinning table.
The outside area is well kept but it could be better. There should be things that can attract people's eyes.
Create hiking trails in the forest surrounding the Des Plaines campus. Provide signs with maps through out the trail
to help guide people. Make sure the trail(s) are part of security's patrol route.
have a computer lab on the west wing of the building (des plaines)
Many of these are great at Oakton. However, I would like more comfortable chairs.
if you can provide laptops for rental that would be nice and some more lounge chairs in the library as well :)
as an art student of drawing 1 class I already wrote letter concerning safty,air ventilation.
Make the lounges more open, and spacious. Make the lounge chairs outdoor and cafe tablesnmore comfortable.
Give more printers in the computer labs and more space to put bags and books by the computers. Arrange the
projecter screens of classrooms in a better way sp everyone can see the screen. Make cafe and lounges a bit more
comfortable by having plants or art work.
I say it is pretty good. Obviously you want to keep upgrading technology, but the place is fine as is otherwise. So
long as the place isn't a cesspool, I am fine with looks and lighting. The only issue I have is that perhaps there
should be a few maps up for students to see because I am getting tired of being asked directions when the campus
47
is not actually that big.
More outside area would be great with comfortable furniture.The parking lot should be covered(it is Chicago)no
one wants to clean their car every day of the winter and then in the summer it gets too hot. Lighter colors in the
building will make the inside looks more open and appealing. Computers in the library will be great. Nicer Yoga
room for the winter and outside yoga space for the summer will be great.
Build an amphitheater style area outside or bleacher style for outdoor teaching. Provide bike racks at each entrance
for us to ride our bikes and promote being 'green'
The only things which create discomfort to me as a student are the cafeteria, especially in Skokie, and the lack of
adequate space to use my own laptop. Also the wifi to use my laptop in both campuses isn't strong enough.
Make Des Plaines's campus more modern kinda like Skokie's Campus, where there are a lot of open windows for
better lighting. Replace floor tile with better one, like you can make Oakton'sn sign on the floor ground
somewhere.
Are there places to study in groups? If there are places other than the cafeteria, then I don't know about them - how
about you post that information around the school. Please make the toilets stop flushing when I am sitting on them!
more comfortable seats, more computer acess and more place to get reception
the plastic chairs are uncomfortable and the lab stools are really uncomfortable -computer speed is laughable
really, the amount of time it takes computers to load etc. is a bit of a joke. -reception is not that great in the
builiding. -the tutoring center has plenty of tutors but when it comes to higher math (i.e.) mat 251+ I think you are
severely lacking. In other words all the math tutors have a decent grasp on that kind on math but there is no one
who really knows the stuff. It is ver frustrating because I am in an online math class and I frequently go in to the
tutoring center with a quetion on calc 2 and I dont get an answer...
Skokie building could be bigger with more sport or workout area.
The classrooms all need to have window that open; all the windows are locked. Classrooms are musty and muggy,
reused air is circulated throughout the classrooms.Our brains need fresh air circulating to think. Most important for
health reasons and sanitation.. Open up the windows so we can breath fresh air please?
I would only suggest that if there is a way to incrase cell phone reception that would help. I have tmobile and do
not ever get any service on campus. Also, more spaces for students to hold a study group with a reasonably low
noise level would be helpful. If more study group spaces do exist then it would only be a matter of advertising
those spaces to the students more.
There needs to be more actual study rooms where their specific purpose is just to study without inturruption from
groups of people, open hallways, and people who just want to hang out.
There needs to be an elevator near the near the science and health careers office. There are elevators on the other
sides of the building besides the wing where the nurses office and etc is.
I am primarily concerned with the Ceramics Studio. I believe there is accessible space to expand the facility. Inside
the building, I think there could be brighter, more pleasant light. The washrooms all need to be updated. The one
on the main level, west end is in grave need of repair and remodel.
Des Plaines is surrounded by forest and ponds, but there's no green space to sit.
Add new computers,more space and supplies in the labs specially ceramic lab.
I think there should be much more space available for the various art classes. I don't use anything else so I have no
opinion on other spaces.
I think everything is very nice and appealing. I don't know how to make it look better.
OCC has to physically grow to keep up with the growing student body. I am mostly in the Ceramics studio and
know how desperately we need more room. We have over 40 new students this semester and it's almost impossible
to work in the room anymore. You come in on weekends instead to get your work done. There's also not enough
kilns to get all the work done efficiently. I am aware that we have far less in terms of space and equipment than
any other community college in the Northern Illinois area. To keep this program viable for the future, something
48
would need to be done. As for the outside: I would like to see some more outdoor lighting from all of the main
doors to the parking lots. There's areas of darkness between the lights. Some emergency boxes strategically placed
would be nice. A walking/running/biking path would be appreciated along the property.
The ceramics studio is the smallest/worst of all local community colleges. We can only fire 1 kiln at a time. we
only have 1 electric kiln, compared to 6-7 at other schools. We have only 10 potter's wheels, compared to an
average of 24 at other schools. We have very limited space at work tables, and shelving to store work, with no
space to add more. The number of ceramics students skyrocketed this semester,with no improvements to, or
expansion of facilities.
I think that could be a really good idea to have more places outside the building where the students could hang out
with friends and study or just relax.
Update the computers
Need MORE computer labs. Also make More room for the art students.
N/A
I enjoy studying ceramics at OCC and come 3 times a week (2 weekday evenings and Sunday). But often I choose
not to attend during my scheduled class time because the studio is overcrowded. Considering the size and
reputation of the college and the amount of students taking ceramics/3D design, the facilities are woefully
inadequate. It would be wonderful to have additional studio space, storage, wheels, tables, and kilns. (Right now
the ancient tv set and stand are pushed against the wedging table whose canvas cover is very ripped. And garbage
cans often obstruct pathways. Please consider doubling the current space (which compared to other community
colleges and their lesser enrollments is more 2x, 3x and 4x the space of OCC) and/or adding 2nd studio at the
Skokie campus.
Well, I love Art classes and Ceramics is my favorite. But I am discourage by the fact that sometimes there isn't
enough room for me to do my work. It is too crowded at the studio and my ceramic projects don't have a place to
be. I believe Oakton can improved those instalations and get more equipment so students can work better and
efficient during there projects. It would be useful to fix that studio.
I really enjoy the artwork inside and outside the campus, I would suggest more of that.
Need more computer terminals with internet access. Lighting needs to be improved in some areas (most notably in
the Des Plaines campus cafeteria, and Des Plaines campus computer labs). The Des Plaines computer labs are
particularly dark, and the room partitions sometimes confuse people. Signs should be posted right next to the door
that would allow people to know when classes are in session for that computer space and when it would be
available for open use. The furniture in the cafeteria, while adequate and comfortable, could also benefit from
some updating. The couches are outdated, and the cafeteria tables/chairs look overly corporate when it should feel
more collegiate.
You can use comfortable chair in front of the door where bus stop is and want different clubs to come there and
talk to people which they do in the skokie campus.
Nothing. I have notice i never get cell phone reciption at the Des Plains campus.
I have been in a classroom too small for the enrollment, and number of tables; if there were a need to exit quickly
it would be difficult. Better signs for the location of bathrooms.
I've had art classes outside and there is no comfortable place to sit or put sketchbooks or canvases and other
equpment (brushes, paints, water, etc.) I've wound up standing along low walls for a surface. At least some
benches around campus would be comfortable, useful and give people a place to admire the environment.
Update chemistry and physics labs, clean the cyber cafe (especially the keyboards)
keep the smokers away from door ways
Please add fitness center at Skokie Campus. Alot of student could use the access to a workout facility to help keep
the weight under control and to keep fit and in shape.
I would go to the leading graphic art firms and advertising agencies and client corporations and get donations to
build a separate wing or building for graphic arts that would be state of the Art. Every year I would host a fund
49
raiser. I would also look for endowments to bring in famous artists to speak. I would also create more practical arts
courses. Example,Cartooning, fashion design. I would create a separate wing for the library...big enough to have
conference rooms, computer terminals, and study areas. I would create a video study area where on line courses
can be held and video instruction can be seen without a hassle.
More ventilation in classrooms. C140 gets warm and stale.
Make more spaces in the parking lot.. Actually fine people for driving too fast in the parking lot (too many reckless
drivers at oakton).
Make desks and chairs ergonomic and more comfortalbe. Brighten up the space in general, it feels dark and old.
More classrooms.
Please open computer labs 7:00 am instead of 7:30am. students have sometimes class starts 7:00 or 7:30. what can
they do if they can not use computers or can not print something?
Class rooms with rows of desks that have the lift up writing surface are very crowded and uncomfortable. Class
rooms with long tables for 3 students each are very nice. No classrooms have coat racks or even a place for
umbrellas. Professors offices are tiny and inadequate for more than one student at a time. They are all interior with
no windows and they are very crowded. Bath rooms could use coat hooks!!! I have never located the upstairs
computer lab in a year and a half. I always go to the downstairs lab. I know it's off in that weirdly angled wing to
the south, but the one time I went looking for it I couldn't find it.
make some arrangement regarding cafeteria timing at skokie campus. when i go to skokie campus for my classes i
always get hungrya and when i go near cafeteria it always closed. either i have to stay hungry or go our and drive
couple miles in search of food. student posting board should be well organized.
For anyone with mobility issues, the parking lots are extremely far from the entrances and this should be improved.
I would improve lighting and signs. The Ceramic studio needs more space and equipment desperately, the classes
are getting larger and larger and there's no space to work without feeling cramped. We don't have enough wheels.
There's no good "class" space for lecture/demonstrations.
The art department is really big in students but small in space it just does not add up. Giving the ceramics room
more space to put wheels more kilns will help the learning environment of artists and the creative.
Make all or if not most of the offices more ergonimically friendly. Make class rooms more spacious to move
around.
Pleas get some more space for the Ceramics Arts program. The space itself is wonderful with the wall of windows,
but way too tiny for the number of students using it.
There is always a little work that needs to be done but i think that the grounds are very well kept.
I would like to have more room in the ceramics studio. Its a hobby of mine, and there is no way I can do it
anywhere else. The studio is getting way too crowded.
clean bathrooms
Increase the size and capability of the Ceramics Studio to accommodate existing (and possibly increased # of)
student workspace. Also add kilns that allow more throughput and diversity of application eg.a soda or
woodburning kiln (outdoors possibly to assure adequate ventilation)
There should be more TV in the lounge areas. I think it would be more appealing to the student to spend time there
and enjoy free time.
I use ceramics and art facilities and classrooms which are very inadequate in terms of equipment and space. The
instructors are both terrific...but as a student trying to work on assignments and creative projects is almost
impossible. We are literally working elbow to elbow in terms of availble work space. The limited number of kilms-essentially only 1 bisque and one high fire operational -- means we sometimes wait a week of more for some
pieces to be fired. With the limited number of wheels we students sometimes must literally "wait in line" for use of
a wheel. After working to complete a piece there is the search for a place for it to dry...shelf space is hard to come
by. Many advanced students are making large pieces...storage space, kilm space, shelves for finished items as they
come out of the kilm...never even adequate. Trying to glaze pieces in the available space is laughable...in reality
50
only one person can do this comfortably...frequently the space is croweded with 6,7,8 people trying to work at
once...results are mixed. Attempting to see audio visuals...is a joke. There is no space for projector and screen to be
placed comfortably for students to see and critique the materials being shown..yet this exposure to source material
should be part of the learning process in this discipline. My solution has been to come in on weekends when space
and quiet are possible and considerably more can be accomplished than during normal class times.
the handicap doors open one at a time so it takes longer to get in or out of the building theres no reason you
shouldn't be able to open one right after another
I have a problem with people smoking near the entrance to the building. I have even noticed security smoking right
by the door.
Grounds appear to be well mainained and adequate for the facility. Bathrooms could us a good clean up. The
ceramic studio does not always get cleaned.
It would be nice if there was more space around the building for students to just hang out in. Perhaps more benches
or another little outdoor cafeteria sitting where the sun isn't obstructed because the one that is outdoors at the Des
Plaines campus is too hidden from the sun because of the building surrounding it.
I think a separate place just to hang out besides the cafeteria would be nice. A lot of other colleges just have a hang
out room where there are tvs, fooz ball table and games. Some of the classrooms need to get better desk because
there are those individual chairs that the desk is attached to and its hard to take notes when the desk moves.
I work and am a student in the ceramics studio, and from seeing other community colleges and universities- the
space provided is very small and cramped. Enrollment in the program is up significantly, finding a place to sit and
work is a challenge. The working table spaces needs to be enlarged by at least three times what it is currently.
There is little to no space to store your work when it is drying (which is essential to working with clay), and there
is little else to store other things needed in ceramics (like tools, containers, and glazes). The clay mixing room is
too small to hold all the ingredients needed to make even the basic amount of clay needed for a typical class. The
glaze mixing space is very small and crowded, making it hard to work and find all the things needed. This can be
very dangerous with the amount of toxic elements in the air if the space is not properly ventilated. The area where
the potter’s wheels are is way too small to work in comfortably with other people around. The amount of
equipment based on the number of students is terrible. There is only 1 electric kiln (when 4 or 5 are needed to keep
up with the volume of work produced), often times work gets backed up for weeks, making it hard on the teachers
to plan for mid terms and final exams. Other community colleges in the area have an average of 6, while Oakton
has 1. There is only 1 gas kiln that can be fired at a time, which also slows down the amount of work that can be
produced in a given time frame. Recently the kiln was just rebuilt due to over usage, costing the department a lot of
money. If there were more kilns, this wouldn’t happen, saving the school time and conserving vast amounts of
energy. The gas kiln Oakton has is a regular reduction kiln, while other schools in the area (Lake County
Community College, and Wabaunsee Community College) have a wood kiln, several soda/ salt kilns and up to
three times the amount of gas kilns. There really limits the work that can be produced in the studio. If the ceramics
department had more types of kilns, and more kilns in general, it would really make Oakton a competitive
contender within the art community. More/better kilns would entice students to come to Oakton and work there,
which would in turn bring more revenue to the school (and even attracted out of district students). Adding more
kilns and kiln space is essential to the growth of the art program at Oakton. As an employee in the studio, it is hard
to keep up with the demand for clay and glaze. Having a larger clay mixing room, with more clay mixers would
allow for a better turn over of clay so students are able to have more to work with. The typical amount that is used
in a day is about 100 pounds of clay. If it were possible to make more, it would be much easier and safer for
employees and teachers. The glaze mixing area is very small for the amount of glaze that needs to be made for the
general running of the studio. There are 14 regular studio glazes, with 6 other glazes the studio provides which
need to be made on a weekly basis. Attempting to make the glaze in such a confined space is dangerous and poses
several future health hazards. As an employee I am expected to make the glazes, however if anyone else is back
there working on a glaze, it makes this impossible. Some of the advanced ceramics classes are given assignments
to mix glazes, and if they are trying to complete the assignment while I am working back there,
The wifi reception on the west part of the building is horrible. The bathrooms are never fully clean, and many
classrooms have poor lighting.
Nicer chairs. with a small cushion
51
n/a
Smoking areas should be more attractive but not at every entrance for the students to smoke. As they infrindge on
those of us that need to go in and out of the buildings. There should also be more survalence cameras to keep
vandals out.
Not to be allow for staff and faculty member to park in the student designated parking lot. For example A and D
for Des Plaines campus.
n/a
More comfortable and more functional is better than the modernism but bot functional.
indoor smoking areas
they seem fine to me.
I don't think non-smoking students, or students and faculty in general, should have to walk through the HUGE
groups of students smoking outside the building to get into Oakton or out to their cars. I also don't find it fair that
the only way to sit outside, is if you're with the smokers. As it gets nicer out, I would really like to spend time
studying outside...but why should I have to give up my health and comfort to sit with students that are smoking?
No improvements are necessary. The campus is already at a high quality.
More nature! :) Benches and so on!
none, its beautiful!
Make them more modorn
Add more flowers around the garden areas maybe.
na
Some of Oakton’s laboratory equipment can get updated. Some chairs NEED to become more comfortable
(especially in chemistry and biology laboratories). The biggest issue is the single person desks, the once that
always make your books slide down and make a horrible sound every time you sit down. These desks have to go
because there is no room to sit, a person is constantly conscious of their arms, and the chair is very uncomfortable.
Other than that the grounds are perfect, maybe a little more lighting could be used. That set aside both campuses
make me feel safe and comfortable.
we need lights at the soccer field for night games.I propose that we open a drive through car wash on campus
operated by student to provide extra income and jobs for students.Just think about the amount of cars on campus
daily and if we actually get revenue from 20% of that traffic i think the amount of money could be a big help to the
budget.
maybe you can apply more bright colours on the old walls.
Updating. Tables instead of desks with folding surfaces in classrooms.
i do not have cell phone reception in the building, bit i thinks this is not oakton foalt, it is my network. the rest is
perfect, parking is crauded but if somone comes 2 min before the class it is not oakton fault that there is no parking
space or it is far away, exericesses never hurt anyone. police is always on parking lot so i feel very safe
give the art dept. more room especially the ceramic studio
I have nothing to add
Need more computer labs at DP campus
Parking lots & smoking grounds
So far I am concerned painting and ceramics rooms ae too small they need improvement.
everything is exactly the way it needs to be.
Parking area's safiness.
52
Better tech and computers. More benches outside and areas where students can hang. A more modern and
attractive design inside.
You could offer more places for students to hang out in between classed. You could get more places for students to
grab snacks between classes.
Get rid of the individual desk/chair and put more desk tops where you can seat two people.
Change lighting away from yellow light for better focus and less draining.
Don't waste money on aesthetics... Many geniuses throughout history made due with much less comfortable
settings...
i think the art outside its good and appeals to everyone who comes in for the first time. maybe more.
I spend most of my time working in the library, so I don't get to see much of campus, but in classrooms that have
individual desks, there is not nearly enough desk space. Also, in the music classrooms, the desks are falling apart
and many don't even have the desk part on the chair anymore. Other than that I've never really had an issue with
Oakton's facilities, although I wonder about the purchase of the new TV's and segway for the public safety
department.
Build another parking lot of expand the ones that is available for the students to use.
A conservatory would add educational benefit and additional meditation or quiet areas
more benches outside in front of building
More windows.
More books in the library and more seating in the cafeteria are the only two improvements I would make.
new chairs that the padding isn't falling apart, and tables that don't wobble every time you set a book down.
Replace the single person chair/desk combinations with ones that are more comfortable and provide more desk
space.
none
Computer Upgrades, Location for students to hang out and chat, as opposed to the many places there are to
QUIETLY study.
To repeat from above: I would like an entrance to the library on the second floor.
--------make the cafeteria somehow more fancy .. and need more space for cafeteria ... in the park by the lake there should
be some kind of fun stuff so the students can spend more time specially in summer ..
The Ceramic studio is very small. There isn't enough room to work. You don't really have your own work space
everyone is ontop of each other. I've seen a student us a step ladder as a table because there was simply no room
for her to work. And there isn't enough shelf space, everything is ontop of each other and as a result many projects
get damaged. Also, we don't have enough kilms. Since we don't have enough kilms many of our projects are just
collecting dust, waiting to be fired. Over all we absolutely need a bigger studio to solve all these issues. All the
students and professors would greatly appreciate it.
there needs to be more security gaurds on campus and in the parking lots. put some color on the walls of the
campus because they are dull.
The ceramics studio space and facilities have potential if there were more space alloted. Please consider the
limitations the programs currently have with the limited space right now.
more areas outdoor to sit and meet as classes, outdoor classroom space would be amazing.
We need more places to sit with friends and study or just hang out outside the building. The classrooms sometimes
are really dark and is really difficult to see clear what is in the board. Some classrooms are really small and we
don't have space to put our jackets in the winter. Lockers could be really appropiate and they are really necessary.
53
Elevator by the 1600 rooms is ridiculously slow. Also see suggestions in previous responses
I would suggest putting more tables and chairs in the student lounge for students to use for studying.
None at this time...
More flowers, less students smoking in areas where people are coming and going, keeping tables and chairs out
most of the year- all seasons except dead of winter people want to able to spend sometime outside when they have
time.
chairs and nicer desk, library could be bigger, teachers could have nicer bigger offices where students could meet
them
Adding a pedestrian crossing to the Niles Road/Early Childhood Education entrance
Simply better outside hang-out areas and more interest/art on the walls or ground.
For the computer labs; Apple technology is a better way for art students and business majors to work. Also the out
side can use some shade areas out in the field, maybe a few hammocks.
EASE add a fitness center, PLEASE PLEASE and add a place for friends to just hang out, make it chill with wi-fi
and sofas and next time please make a cyber cafe which does not reside under dirty stairs, this isnt supposed to be
zeldas dungeon
Re-open the windows! It gets really warm in the spring, and we want to let in FRESH air! Have more people clean
up the area by the doors! Enforce the 15 feet rule!
You are doing a good job with one building
decrease the amount of smokers smoking near the door, decrease the amount of "gang members" showing hand
signs and remove students from the classroom that disrupts the class.
More areas for designated smoking. I'm not a smoker.
Lazy Boy couches with masage features
have more space in classrooms.
More open labs time.
To me everyhthing is very comfortable on anywhere I go.
put a router on the third floor so those classrooms can get wireless internet
Maybe more on the landscaping will be a good idea, some beautiful flowers=] It would also be nice if we can have
service everywhere in the building=]
i think everything is fine
the skokie campus does not need remodeling
Better cell phone coverage.
Dont Build on a flood plane
Oakton's RHC is a very nice campus as far as building grounds and the interior. The only flaw I can think of would
be that the stair cases are quite slippery in instances of rain or snowy weather.
Truly I think it is a wonderful campus. Some of the lounge furniture needs to be either cleaned or replaced.
The Stokie campus needs a fitness center, furthermorethe cafeteria there is a little bit small to, and close way too
early.
more space in bathrooms for books
better technology for use of communication out of class
diagonal parking would allow more parking. Don't have smoking areas at the main entrances, not a good first
54
impression!!
I like the Oakton Campus but I think they could add a few more spaces to sit and do homework.
Maybe a middle entrance in the Skokie campus near the parking lot. That way I could get in the building faster and
leave faster.
make few little parks outside of the buildings
It would be nice to have more tables outside the front of the building to study, read, etc.. the courtyard is nice, but I
also like the scenery outside the building.
Sometimes the Des Plains classes in the first floor are very good, specially the computer science class and the
computer lab.
Places to sit outside during warm weather at the des plaines campus would be nice.
New types of floor for the 2nd and 3rd floors(wood, Tile floors instead of carpets), tables for classrooms instead of
little squeaky chairs, replace the wooden benches outside with a better bench and add more benches so people can
sit instead of standing. more ash trays 15 feet away from all entrances so that people do not trash the floor.
take into consideration the rest of us smokers, and whats with this attendance taking garbage, so that if we are 5-10
minutes late we can fail. Isnt it enough that we pay to take these classes?
Install cell phone towers on campus to provide better signal (t-mobile) plant gardens around campus for color,
install more comfortable benches outside near entrances for students gatherings, or waiting for rides.get new chairs
for classes and public areas( Library, Cafeteria, Etc.
We need more room in the ceramics studio.
I would suggested maybe deep carpet cleaning, if this isn't done usually, around the building. Other than that,
everything is in shape and in very good condition. It is still modern compared to other colleges such as Wright
College. It's appealing because it has light brick color, as well as lots of lighting in most of the rooms. As far as I'm
concerning, I am very comfortable and I like learning at Oakton. If we had more space to expand, that would be
great, if not it's not so much of a big deal.
it's already good enough
its all good
55