Ceremony Guide for Guests

Aurora University Fall Commencement Ceremonies

Saturday, December 14, 2024
Thornton Gymnasium

9 a.m. – College of Education and Social Work, College of Health and Sciences
12:30 p.m. – College of Liberal Arts and Business, School of Nursing

Fall 2024 graduation candidates from Aurora, AU Online, and University Center.

Safety and Security

  • For the protection of all graduation candidates and guests, everyone entering the campus will be subject to screening. This will include the use of metal detectors and inspection of bags.
  • Prohibited items include, but are not limited to, firearms, knives, explosives, animals (with the exception of service animals), over-sized bags, alcohol, cigarettes, vaping devices, and illegal drugs.

Electronic Tickets

  • Each participating graduation candidate will receive an email with instructions on how to access their 6 guest tickets on Monday, November 11.
  • Guests can bring tickets in paper or electronic form.
  • Due to limited seating, there are no additional tickets available.
  • Every guest who enters campus must have a ticket, including infants and children.
  • For safety reasons, only guests with tickets are allowed on campus.

Livestream

  • A livestream of the ceremony will be available at aurora.edu/commencement for guests to watch from home.
  • The livestream video will be available for replay after the ceremony.

Parking

  • Parking is available on campus in the parking garage and surface lots. See campus map for reference.
  • Handicap parking will be available in the Dunham lot.

Guest Seating

  • Access to seating begins one hour prior to the ceremony start time.
  • Seating in the gymnasium is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Guests with Disabilities

  • For the hearing impaired, sign language interpreting (ASL) seating is available with one companion seat. Space is limited and must be reserved by Friday, December 6.
  • Wheelchair seating is available with one companion seat. Space is limited and must be reserved by Friday, December 6.
  • Guests should expect to walk distances and stand in lines. It is recommended that guests with limited mobility consider bringing their personal wheelchairs, walkers, or canes.
  • If any part of the ceremony, including seating and parking, presents a barrier to you or a guest, please email commencement@aurora.edu by Friday, December 6.

Guest Conduct

  • Out of respect for each of our graduates and their families, all graduates and their guests are asked to stay until the end of the ceremony.
  • Noisemakers are not permitted.
  • Balloons are not allowed in the gymnasium.

Photography and Video

  • Professional photographers from Dynamic Photo Systems will capture images of all graduates during the ceremony. Each graduate will receive an email with a link to their online gallery where they can purchase prints, digital downloads, frames, and more. Family and friends are encouraged to visit www.mygradpic.com to register their information.
  • Cameras are permitted, but guests are asked to remain in their seats during the ceremony to avoid disruption.

Flowers

  • Fresh flowers will be available for purchase before and after each ceremony.
  • You may pre-order at thecommencementgroup.com/aurora and pick up before the ceremony starts.