Learning Commons

An exciting new center is under construction at the entrance to campus that will transform the way Aurora University students learn, collaborate, and connect. Follow the progress in real time with our construction livestream.

Called the Learning Commons, the new building is designed as a central hub of academic life on campus, bringing together the resources students use most in one convenient, welcoming space.

Designed with input from across the AU community, the Learning Commons reflects a practical need: a modern, flexible environment that supports how students learn today. It will replace the aging Phillips Library, which no longer meets the demands of a growing and increasingly tech-connected student body.

Where shelves and stacks once dominated, the Learning Commons will provide a mix of open spaces, study pods, and technology-rich learning environments. Expansive windows, natural light, and open layouts will create an inviting atmosphere and a true sense of place.

Inside the Learning Commons

The three-story, 45,000-square-foot Learning Commons will be nearly double the size of Phillips Library and will feature 8,300 square feet of open seating — about the size of two basketball courts. Step inside and you’ll discover:

• First Floor: A welcoming entry with traditional library resources, a café, and career services, including a dedicated lounge where students and employers can connect.
• Second Floor: An innovative hub with a technology center, maker space, content creation lab, academic support center, and flexible collaboration areas.
• Third Floor: A quiet retreat featuring university archives, study spaces, an expanded testing center, and a scenic terrace overlooking campus.

A Place to Connect

Student support services, including the Academic Support Center and Disability Resource Office, will be easier to access than ever, with extended hours and a range of workshops, tutoring options, and one-on-one assistance available. Whether students need help with a tough assignment, a place to work on a group project, or tools to prepare for a future career, they’ll find it all under one roof.

The Learning Commons is about meeting students where they are — and giving them what they need to succeed, both on campus and beyond. It will also serve as a gathering place where faculty, staff, and employers can easily connect with students, building relationships that support learning and open doors to opportunity.

Follow as the Building Takes Shape

Groundbreaking took place in May 2025 and construction is expected to take 18 months. We invite you to follow along as this new space comes to life and to imagine the moments of learning, connection, and inspiration that will begin with four simple words: “Meet me at the Commons.”

Timeline

May 1, 2025: A symbolic groundbreaking ceremony was held for the Learning Commons, bringing to life a longstanding vision to build a new, modern library and learning center with the goal to create an academic space that reflects our university’s deep commitment to educational excellence.

May 27, 2025: Construction officially began.