Guide for New Students and Families
Below are some common phrases and abbreviations students may hear around campus.
A-BOOK: The A-Book is every student’s guide to AU’s services and policies about conduct and behavior.
ACADEMIC CALENDAR: This calendar for key academic dates, including the last days to add or drop a course, when classes begin and end, and university closings.
ASC: The Academic Support Center provides students with academic coaching, tutoring, and writing support. Appointments can be scheduled through the Academic SupportNet platform.
AU ALERT: AU maintains an emergency messaging system that will notify users of severe weather or other emergency situations affecting campus. Students are automatically subscribed to the emergency alert system using their contact information listed in Self-Service. Parents and friends of the university who want to receive notifications may sign up at aurora.edu/alerts.
AU EMAIL: Every student receives an AU email account, which the university uses as the official mode of communication. Students are expected to check their AU email regularly.
AUSA: AUSA is the Aurora University Students’ Association, the student government body.
BRIGHTSPACE: This online platform is used primarily for academic courses and includes class schedules and course information. Students use Brightspace to submit course assignments.
CPS: Campus Public Safety provides police services and promotes a safe and secure living and learning environment.
CROUSE CENTER: The Crouse Center for Academic Advising provides students with advising and mentoring services.
FYE: First Year Experience is a semester-long program that helps students make a successful transition to college through workshops, self-assessments, and participation in various campus events.
HANDSHAKE: Handshake is a digital platform that students can use to make appointments with academic advising and career services staff members. It can also be used to look for jobs and internships, including on-campus employment.
ITS: Information Technology Services offers one-on-one assistance with technology issues (itshelp@aurora.edu) and provides technology resources and information on its website. ITS also ensures that access to the AU network is available and secure.
LIBBY'S PLACE: Libby’s Place is AU’s on-campus free food pantry available to students. Students in need of food or toiletries may visit the pantry once a week. Online ordering is available.
THE QUAD: The Quad is the outdoor space in the center of campus where commencement ceremonies and many other events are held.
RA: Resident assistants are undergraduates who live and work in the residence halls, helping to create a comfortable, safe, and supportive atmosphere for fellow residents.
SELF-SERVICE: Students use Self-Service, an online portal, to register for classes, view course schedules, access financial aid information, review academic progress, and view final grades.
SPARTAN ATTIC: The Spartan Attic, which offers students a wide selection of free, new and gently used professional clothing and accessories, is located alongside the Career Services office. In addition to suits, dress shirts, dresses, belts, and ties, shoes are also available.
THE SPOT: The Spartan Spot is a place for students to hang out and play ping pong or pool, use computer stations, watch TV, and order grilled menu items and salads.
SYLLABUS, SYLLABI: A syllabus is a specific outline of an academic class in which the professor details course expectations and deadlines.
TIMELYCARE: TimelyCare is AU’s telehealth program available to all students. The program provides 24/7 access to mental telehealth services.
Welcome Weekend: Welcome Weekend is AU’s orientation series designed to assist students in the transition to college. Sessions represent a wide range of topics.
The Academic Support Center (ASC), located in Phillips Library, will enhance your learning beyond the classroom by offering free tutoring, study skills training, and writing assistance. To schedule an appointment, visit Academic SupportNet in Okta.
Campus Life
The Office of Campus Life enriches the AU experience through meaningful interactions and engaging events that foster a welcoming environment. Each week during the semester, students will have the opportunity to attend events on and off campus, during the day and evening. Events include intramurals, comedy shows, trivia, karaoke, bingo, movies, craft nights, and dances. The Office of Campus Life also includes Residence Life and Student Activities at AU.
Campus Public Safety (CPS) provides safety and security services on campus at all times — 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Staffed by sworn police officers, CPS protects the campus through its proactive efforts and responds to any report of possible criminal or otherwise unsafe behavior. In addition to patrolling the campus, CPS officers monitor parking areas, issue student IDs, and offer community education programs.
Career Services staff members are passionate about helping students achieve professional goals after graduation. The office offers a variety of virtual and in-person programs, including workshops, conversations with employers, alumni networking events, interview preparation, on-campus career fairs, and hands-on job search assistance. Staff also assist with graduate school preparation and application.
Crouse Center for Academic Advising
The Crouse Center is home to AU’s centralized academic advising program. Professional staff guide undergraduate students on their academic path from orientation to graduation.
Incoming freshmen are required to meet with their academic advisor a minimum of three times during their first year. Incoming transfer students are required to meet with their academic advisor to register for their first semester at AU.
Through a collaborative effort with AU faculty, staff, and others in the campus community, the goal of the Disability Resource Office (DRO) is to provide an educational experience and environment that are accessible, equitable, and inclusive.
To request academic and/or housing accommodations with the DRO, students must complete a 3-step registration process required to determine reasonable accommodations. Students requesting housing accommodations are also encouraged to review relevant dates that may impact the availability of accommodated spaces.
Information Technology Services
Information Technology Services (ITS) offers one-on-one assistance with technology issues (itshelp@aurora.edu) and provides technology resources and information on its website. ITS also ensures that access to the AU network is available and secure.
- Wi-Fi is available throughout campus.
- Computer labs are located in Dunham Hall, Phillips Library, and John C. Dunham Hall. There also are computers available for general use in the Spartan Spot and at Tru Blu Coffee.
- Printing is free for AU students when using their Okta account. Printers are available in each of the computer labs, in the Spartan Spot, at Tru Blu Coffee in the Hill Center for Student Success, and on the third floor of the Institute for Collaboration. Printers also are available in each of the residence halls.
Financial aid counselors are committed to helping students successfully navigate the financial responsibilities of pursuing a college degree. To ensure a student receives the maximum aid possible, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) should be filed through fafsa.gov each year. Students will need to include AU’s school code (001634) when completing the form; doing so allows AU to receive a student’s FAFSA information.
Financial aid counselors can direct students to outside scholarship opportunities. Throughout the year, the Office of Financial Aid sends emails about additional scholarship opportunities through the university and other sources.
To schedule an appointment with the Office of Financial Aid, visit aurora.edu/finaiddailyappt.
The Student Accounts Office provides several services for students, including receipt of tuition billing, payments, and refunds. Other services include distribution of student worker paychecks, check cashing, and bookstore vouchers.
AU billing statements are electronic; students (and any designated authorized user) receive an email notification when statements are available. The university does not mail billing statements to students or parents. Financial statements are available through Self-Service, which students and authorized users can access.
Phillips Library provides printed and online resources for research and study. Staff librarians are available to assist students with assignments and projects. The library includes a science area with different anatomical models, study rooms, and a computer lab with free printers. A ‘relaxation station’ is available, too, to help students decompress. Laptops, chargers, and digital video cameras are also available for checkout. Through the interlibrary loan system, library staff can access materials and resources not available on-site.
The Wackerlin Center offers spaces and experiences that promote belonging and flourishing, solidarity and service, and reflection and purpose. The center sponsors monthly programs, retreats, and service opportunities, including Spring Break Social Impact Trips.
The following offices are housed in the Wackerlin Center:
Office of Black Student Initiatives supports the experiences of Black students by promoting academic excellence through mentorship and advising, creating programming that promotes cultural awareness, and offering trainings that develop campus cultural competency.
Office of Latino/a Student Initiatives provides students with educational, social, and leadership opportunities. These opportunities promote self-awareness, celebrate the Latino/a experience, and help students develop individual success plans and connect to resources on and off campus.
Wellness Center
The Wellness Center is comprised of two offices:
Health Services provides nursing care and promotes health, wellness, and preventative care for students. Care received in the Wellness Center is nurse-directed and based on physician-approved protocols. Walk-ins are welcome. Appointments are encouraged and can be scheduled via the Spartan Health portal in Okta.
Counseling Services are free and confidential for all AU students. In addition to individual counseling, group and relationship-focused counseling are also available. Staff also offer seminars/workshops on a variety of topics related to mental health and well-being. Counseling staff does not prescribe medication; however, some students may qualify for psychiatric services through TimelyCare.
With more than 50 on-campus organizations to choose from, students have the opportunity to engage in social and professional efforts that help develop leadership skills. Joining student organizations helps students build lifelong friendships and prepare for their professional career after graduation.
Each semester an involvement fair is held to introduce students to campus organizations. Students can create a new organization once 10 or more students demonstrate interest and a full-time staff or faculty member has agreed to serve as the advisor.
The Office of Campus Life enriches the AU experience through meaningful interactions and engaging events that foster a welcoming environment. Each week during the semester, students will have the opportunity to attend events on and off campus, during the day and evening. Events include intramurals, comedy shows, trivia, karaoke, bingo, movies, craft nights, and dances.
AU fields 24 athletic teams and has a rich history and tradition of intercollegiate athletics. Spartan home athletic games are free for fans and do not require a student ID or a ticket. Conference tournaments and NCAA contests hosted by AU may have an NCAA-required admission fee. Admission costs for regular season contests vary by the host institution.
AU's colors are royal blue and white; our mascot is the Spartan, which is represented by Sammy Spartan.
Nearly all AU home athletic contests are streamed live at athletics.aurora.edu with video and stats. When available, away contests streaming options are also linked on the AU Athletics website and team schedule pages.
AU students have an option to work part time on campus in an academic, administrative, or athletic department. Campus employment positions are listed on Handshake, AU’s career portal.
Performing Arts
Students in any major are invited to participate in the AU's music ensembles, applied music lessons, and theatre productions. Through the Music Department, students can join vocal and instrumental ensembles, as well as enroll in applied lessons to learn piano, organ, guitar, wind instruments, strings, and of course, voice are encouraged to take these courses. Through the Theatre Department, students can audition to participate in main stage performances, Theatre Studio Lab productions, and student-driven shows.
Dining at Aurora University is convenient and easy. There are three dining facilities at AU:
TRU BLU DINING: Tru Blu Dining is AU’s all-you-care-to-eat dining facility located in Alumni Hall. Serving as the hub of the campus dining experience, this location features numerous stations, including homestyle menus, soup and salad bars, breakfast nook, and globally inspired cuisine.
TRU BLU COFFEE: Tru Blu Coffee serves a robust menu, including coffee and espresso beverages, teas, and grab-and-go snacks.
SPARTAN SPOT: The Spartan Spot offers a variety of grilled sandwiches and chicken tender combos during lunch hours from its delicious Melt Lab menu, while serving flavorsome and customizable Asian-styled meals like power bowls, K-Ramen, and wings for dinner.
AU offers meal plans tailored to residents, commuters, faculty, and staff. Each plan provides a specified number of meals to use at our residential dining hall and dining points to be used at all other locations. All on-campus residents are required to purchase a meal plan. Students living off-campus are encouraged to purchase a meal plan. For those without a meal plan, all dining venues operate on a cashless system (i.e. credit and debit cards are accepted).
The Office of Residence Life helps to foster community, plans social and educational activities in the residence halls, and provides resource assistance. The primary goal of each Residence Life staff member is to aid residential students in every phase of their adjustment to university life.
Room and board (meal plan) and free laundry facilities are included in the on-campus housing contract. Students living on campus complete a Roommate Agreement, which sets general expectations for students sharing the same residence hall space.
Non-AU friends and family members can visit resident halls as registered guests. See the A-Book for the specific visitation policy.
| Abbreviation | Building Name |
| ALUM | Alumni Hall |
| DUNH | Dunham Hall |
| ECKH | Eckhart Hall |
| HILL | Hill Center for Student Success |
| INST | Institute for Collaboration |
| JCDH | John C. Dunham Hall |
| PARO | Parolini Music Center |
| STPH | Stephens Hall |
| WELC | Hill Welcome Center |