Fall Welcome Weekend
Welcome to Aurora University! We’re so glad you’re here.
Welcome Weekend 2025 takes place Friday, August 22–Sunday, August 24, with classes beginning Monday, August 25. All incoming freshmen will participate on Friday and Saturday, while transfer students are invited to join us on Saturday, August 23.
This page includes the full Welcome Weekend schedule. Please note that details are subject to change. Check back regularly for updates.
If you have questions, contact the Office of Orientation at orientation@aurora.edu.
Welcome Weekend 2025 Schedule
Friday, August 22 | Saturday, August 23 | Sunday, August 24
Friday, August 22
| 9 a.m.–Noon |
Freshman and Transfer New Student Move-In Move-in day is here! Get settled into your new home away from home, meet your RA, and start making connections that will last a lifetime. |
| 12:30–1:30 p.m. |
Lunch (Freshman Residents and Families) Fuel up with lunch while enjoying time with your family and meeting other new Spartans. |
| 1:30–2:15 p.m. |
Welcome Weekend Check-In (Residents and Commuters) Pick up your Welcome Weekend materials and get the scoop on all the exciting things planned just for you. |
| 2:15–2:30 p.m. |
New Student Mentor Meeting Meet with your New Student Mentor and the other students in your group. |
| 3:15–4:45 p.m. |
Rotations
|
| 5–6 p.m. |
New Student Convocation This is it — the official start of your Spartan journey! Join university leaders and faculty in a celebratory ceremony marking your transition into college life. Expect inspiration, tradition, and a warm Aurora University welcome. |
| 6–9 p.m. |
Freshmen Fest: Inflatables and Food Trucks (Optional) Enjoy a festive evening of food trucks, giant inflatables, games, and music. It's your first college party — and yes, it's as fun as it sounds! |
Saturday, August 23
| 8–8:45 a.m. |
Continental Breakfast (Residents Only) Start your day right with a light breakfast and coffee — because orientation adventures are better when you're well-fed. |
| 8:15–9 a.m. |
Transfer Student Check-In Welcome, transfer Spartans! Check in and get ready to dive into your new campus community. |
| 8:30–9 a.m. |
Freshman Student Check-In Join us for day two of Welcome Weekend to continue discovering what life is like at AU! |
| 9–9:50 a.m. |
Opening Session: Academic Preparedness Learn how to navigate your classes, build relationships with faculty, and understand what sets AU academics apart from other institutions. |
| 10–11 a.m. |
Freshmen — Group Meet-Up with IDS 1150 Instructor Connect with your instructor and peers, break the ice, and get ready to thrive in your first-year seminar! Transfers — Understanding Campus Finances Understanding your finances on campus and how you're paying for college is essential to your success. Learn more during this session with our Financial Aid and Student Accounts teams. |
| 11 a.m.–1:15 p.m. |
Rotations
|
| 1:15–3:20 p.m. |
Rotations
|
| 3:10–5 p.m. |
Block Party Celebrate your second day on campus with music, games, snacks, and high energy. |
| 5–6:30 p.m. |
Dinner (Optional) Wind down over dinner with new friends and share your favorite moments of the day. |
| 7–8:30 p.m. |
Entertainment (Optional) Check back for details soon! |
Sunday, August 24
| 10 a.m.–Noon |
Walk Your Schedule (Optional) Explore campus at your own pace and find your classrooms before classes begin. Confidence starts with knowing where you’re going! |
| 12:30–4:30 p.m. |
Residence Hall Building Meetings (Mandatory for Residents) Meet members of our Residential Services Team and understand the importance of community on campus. |