Resources

As you begin your Spartan Voyage, watch these short videos designed to equip you with all the tools and knowledge you'll need to thrive from day one. Check back throughout the summer as additional videos are added.

Logging in to Okta
Learn all about Okta — the hub where you will access your email, calendar, Self-Service, Brightspace, and more. Learn how to log in to your account and personalize your account.

Brightspace and Your Spartan Voyage Checklist
Get started on your Spartan Voyage! Learn about Brightspace, a learning management tool you will use throughout college. Access Brightspace as soon as possible to begin completing tasks this summer, including your mathematics placement exam, a pre-registration survey, and photo ID upload. Continue to check Brightspace throughout the summer for additional tasks to complete and resources.

Tour the AU Campus
Come along on a tour of campus! Learn where buildings are located, where to find resources, and the building codes that you will see listed on your course schedule.

Minimum Degree Requirements
Learn about the minimum requirements that make up a bachelor's degree. This includes an overview of credit hours and the three components of general education, major requirements, and electives.

Understanding General Education
You may have heard the term “gen ed,” but what does that mean? As one portion of your minimum degree requirements, general education courses allow you to strengthen your critical thinking skills and experience a range of perspectives. Learn more about general education and how you will complete this part of your degree.

Parking on Campus
Learn how to submit a request for a parking permit, where you can park on campus, and how to avoid violations. 

An Introduction to the Wackerlin Center
The Wackerlin Center for Faith and Action is home to the Office of Latino/a Student Initiatives, the Office of Black Student Initiatives, and the University Chaplain's Office, and provides a variety of quiet spaces, resources, and opportunities.

Knowing Your Student Rights and Responsibilities
This video provides an overview of the Student Code of Conduct, also known as the A-Book. Allison Brady, dean of students, emphasizes the importance of understanding students' rights and responsibilities to ensure a successful and supportive experience at AU, covering topics such as policies, the effects of alcohol and marijuana usage, and the judicial process.

Tips for Your First Day of Classes
Prepare for your first day of classes with these tips from recent Spartan graduate, Mason Brauer '24.

Academic SupportNet: Setting Up an Account
The Academic Support Center offers appointments for writing support, academic coaching, and tutoring services. To make an appointment, you’ll log into Academic SupportNet. Get a head start by setting up an account.

Academic SupportNet: Making an Appointment
Learn how to make an appointment with the Academic Support Center on Academic SupportNet.

Accessing your Aurora University Email
This tutorial explains how to access your Aurora University Outlook email account through Okta. Checking your AU email regularly is crucial to your college success.

Using Outlook Email
Learn the ins and outs of using Outlook, from accessing it through Okta to mastering email management, calendar scheduling, and contact organization—plus, discover essential tips to protect yourself from spam and phishing attacks.

Student Accounts: Adding an Authorized User
Learn how to add an authorized user to your student account, allowing others to view financial information, make payments, and receive notifications. Follow the step-by-step instructions to grant access to additional users by providing their email addresses and completing the required steps on the Aurora University student account portal.

Succeeding as a Spartan Athlete
The AU Athletic Department shares what it means to be a Spartan Athlete. Learn about the advantages of being an athlete, the expectations you need to meet, and the support available to you. You'll also gain insights into NCAA compliance, athletic training, and strength and conditioning resources.

Best Practices for Using Zoom
Understanding the best practices for Zoom meetings is essential for improving communication and professionalism during virtual engagements. Learn how to present yourself in a virtual meeting, actively participate, and reduce technical disruptions.

Quick Handshake Tips
Learn quick tips for using Handshake, an interactive platform that allows students to search for jobs and internships, as well as connect with employers within the Handshake community.

Applying for On-Campus Employment
If you are thinking about working part-time while attending AU, you may want to consider on-campus employment. Watch this tutorial to learn how to search for and apply to on-campus employment opportunities.

Financial Aid: Accessing the Self-Service Checklist
This tutorial guides you through reviewing your financial aid checklist including completing necessary steps, such as submitting your FAFSA and accepting or declining awards.

Financial Aid: Accepting or Declining Loans
Learn how to accept or decline loan offers and fulfill remaining loan requirements. This tutorial shows you how to navigate the Okta portal, find the financial aid section, select your loan preferences, and complete the necessary steps, including entrance counseling and signing the Master Promissory Note.

Using Word in Microsoft Office 365
Learn about Office 365 Word and how it differs from the traditional Microsoft Word application. Discover the benefits of using Office 365 Word, such as automatic saving and collaboration features, and learn how to start a document in OneDrive, add page numbers, use hanging indents, and save or upload documents to OneDrive.