Office of the President

Dear College Community,

Welcome to the fall semester and the beginning of a new academic year. I hope the summer provided each of you time to recharge, reconnect with family and friends, and enjoy a change of pace. As classes begin today, I want to welcome our new and returning students, faculty, and staff and share my excitement for the year ahead.

Nearly six decades ago, our college was founded on a simple but powerful idea: Education can transform lives and strengthen communities. More than 2,600 students enrolled in our first term, even before COD had a permanent campus. From those remarkable beginnings, College of DuPage has grown into one of the nation’s leading community colleges.

That same spirit continues to define us today.

Every student who enters our classrooms brings aspirations, responsibilities, and hopes for what comes next. Our responsibility is not simply to provide courses and credentials but to create the conditions in which every student can learn, grow, discover new opportunities, and succeed.

This year, we will continue to strengthen student success, advance innovation, deepen our connections with the communities we serve, and prepare our students for a world being reshaped by technology and change. Yet amid that change, the heart of our work remains profoundly human. Education expands opportunity, creates a sense of belonging, and gives people the knowledge and confidence to shape their futures.

To our students, welcome. You are the reason we are here.

To our faculty and staff, thank you for the expertise, care, and commitment you bring to our students and our mission every day.

I look forward to what we will accomplish together and am grateful to begin another year of learning, discovery, and service with you.

Welcome to Fall 2026. I wish each of you a rewarding and successful year.

Warm regards,
Dr. Muddassir Siddiqi
President, College of DuPage

Request Dr. Siddiqi At Your Event

President Siddiqi represents the College at many locations and events both on campus and off campus throughout the year. In order for the College to prepare for these events, please request via email to officeofthepresident@cod.edu (at least six weeks in advance with as much detailed information as possible). A representative from the President’s Office will follow up to notify you if we are able to accommodate your request.