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. Participation is mandatory for all incoming freshmen.
This page includes the full Welcome Weekend schedule. Please note that details are subject to change. Check back regularly for updates.
Transfer students, please RSVP for Saturday’s events using your MyAU account. 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. |
Welcome! Get officially welcomed by our amazing campus leaders. The Spartan spirit starts now. |
| 2:30–3:15 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
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| 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! |
| 9–9:40 a.m. |
School Spirit Session and Minute to Win It Games Start your morning with Spartan pride! Get energized with a fun school spirit session where you’ll learn AU chants, traditions, and what it means to be part of our community. Then jump into quick Minute to Win It games that will get you moving, laughing, and working with your team. It's the perfect way to kick off the day! |
| 9:40–9:55 a.m. |
Academic Preparedness Learn how to navigate your classes, build relationships with faculty, and understand what sets AU academics apart from other institutions. |
| 10–10:50 a.m. |
Freshmen — First Year Experience and Spartan Connections Get ready to dive into your first week at AU! Learn what to expect during opening week and take the Spartan Connections quiz to connect with your mentor on campus. This quick activity helps match you with the right guide so you have support and connections from day one. |
| 10–10:50 a.m. |
Transfers — A-Book, Title IX, Behavior Intervention Team, Campus Public Safety |
| 11 a.m.–1:15 p.m. |
Rotations
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| 1:15–3:20 p.m. |
Rotations
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| 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) Get ready for an evening of laughter as comedian LeClerc Andre wraps up day two of Welcome Weekend. |
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. |