2021 Aurora University
FAC T B O O K
aurora.edu aurorauniversity @aurorau @aurorauniversity aurorauniversity aurorauniversity aurorauniversity
2021 Aurora University Factbook
TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter 1
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AT A GLANCE
3
Chapter 2
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HISTORY
9
Chapter 3
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STUDENT BODY PROFILE
Chapter 4
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THE UNDERGRADUATE EXPERIENCE
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Chapter 5
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ADULT AND GRADUATE STUDIES
28
Chapter 6
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TUITION AND FINANCIAL AID
31
Chapter 7
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SPARTAN ATHLETICS
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Chapter 8
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GEORGE WILLIAMS COLLEGE
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Chapter 9
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EDUCATIONAL CENTERS
38
Chapter 10
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FINANCES
39
Chapter 11
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KEY UNIVERSITY CONTACTS
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AURORA UNIVERSITY
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At a Glance AT AURORA UNIVERSITY, WE COMBINE THE WIDE RANGE OF
programs expected at a larger university with the personal attention of a small college. Our award-winning faculty members are accessible, our partnerships with the community provide hands-on learning opportunities and internships, and our academic and support programs are designed to help students succeed. At Aurora University, students discover what matters and build their lives around it. MISSION STATEMENT
Aurora University is an inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of learning. As a teaching-centered institution, we encourage undergraduate and graduate students to discover what it takes to build meaningful and examined lives. Our singular goal is to empower our students to achieve lasting personal and professional success. CORE VALUES
Aurora University draws upon the rich legacies of Aurora College and George Williams College to welcome learners to our campuses in Illinois and Wisconsin. Here all become members of an inclusive educational community dedicated to the development of mind, body, and spirit. Today, as in the past, we prize the twin virtues of character and scholarship and affirm our commitment to the values of integrity, citizenship, continuous learning, and excellence. Integrity: Aurora University adheres to the highest standards of integrity in every aspect of institutional practice and operation. Through this proven dedication to honesty, fairness, and ethical conduct, we lead by example and inspire our students to do the same.
AT A GLANCE
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Citizenship: Aurora University exercises the rights and
responsibilities of citizenship in an inclusive educational community, founded upon the principles of mutual respect and open discourse. We live within our means and manage our resources wisely and responsibly, while sustaining an environment that fosters teamwork and promotes services to others. We serve the needs of the Fox River Valley, McHenry County (Illinois), Walworth County (Wisconsin), and online learners by offering myriad educational and cultural opportunities to our students and the community-at-large. Continuous Learning: Aurora University works and lives as a
nonprofit organization dedicated to continuous learning. We help students achieve their full potential. Excellence: Aurora University pursues excellence by embracing quality as a way of community life.
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LOCATION
Aurora University’s main campus is located in the heart of the Fox River Valley in Aurora, Illinois. Aurora is Illinois’ second most populous city and home to a wide variety of thriving businesses and corporations, healthcare facilities, and social service organizations. Nestled in a residential neighborhood, with easy access to downtown Chicago just 45 miles away, AU’s location offers the best of both worlds: the cultural attractions and internship opportunities of the city and the benefits of suburban living. Aurora University also operates the following: AU Online | ONLINE.AURORA.EDU
AU Online offers undergraduate transfer, graduate, and endorsement programs. George Williams College | WILLIAMS BAY, WISCONSIN
On the shores of Geneva Lake Offering traditional undergraduate programs, George Williams College is also home to the Music by the Lake summer festival. Orchard Center | AURORA, ILLINOIS
Located four miles from the main campus, with easy access to I-88 Various Aurora University classes are held at this location during the day and evenings. Orchard Center is also home to the School of Social Work and AU Online. Woodstock Center | WOODSTOCK, ILLINOIS
Located in the heart of McHenry County Woodstock Center offers undergraduate transfer, graduate, and endorsement programs in evening and weekend formats. Spartan Athletic Park | AURORA, ILLINOIS
The state-of-the-art Spartan Athletic Park is located on an 80-acre site less than a mile from the university’s main campus in Aurora. The complex houses championship-quality venues for softball, soccer, football, and lacrosse as well as a combined academic and indoor athletic facility.
AT A GLANCE
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TYPE OF INSTITUTION
AU is a four-year, nonprofit, independent, liberal arts, coeducational university. The institution provides residential, commuter, full-time, and part-time programs. Courses are offered in a face-to-face format, as well as online. ACCREDITATION
The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to grant bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. ACADEMIC YEAR
AU divides its academic year into two semesters: late August to mid-December and mid-January to early May. The university also offers Travel in May and Study in May courses, as well as a summer term. Adult and graduate courses operate mainly in eight-week modules. ENROLLMENT
There are approximately 6,200 degree-seeking students on the Illinois and Wisconsin campuses, as well as enrolled through AU Online. STUDENT-FACULTY RATIO
20 to 1 (fall 2020) RETENTION RATE
78% (fall 2019 to fall 2020) SIX-YEAR GRADUATION RATE
58% (fall 2014 cohort) HOUSING
Six residence halls accommodate more than 600 students. UNDERGRADUATE MAJORS
AU offers undergraduate programs including those in arts and sciences, business, criminal justice, education, health science, nursing, and social work.
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GRADUATE PROGRAMS
AU offers a wide variety of master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as endorsements. Areas of study include athletic training, business, criminal justice, education, exercise science, mathematics, public administration, and social work. SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID
Need-based and merit-based scholarships and financial aid packages are available. Approximately 98% of undergraduate students receive assistance as of 2019–2020. TUITION FOR 2021–2022
$13,200 per semester (full time) ROOM AND BOARD FOR 2021–2022
$5,980 per semester (average) ATHLETICS
There are 24 NCAA Division III teams competing in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference, the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association, and the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin.
AT A GLANCE
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AURORA UNIVERSITY
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History AURORA UNIVERSITY TRACES ITS ORIGIN TO THE 1893
founding of a seminary in the small town of Mendota, Illinois. Though established initially to prepare graduates for ministry, the institution soon adopted a broader mission and moved to a new campus on the western edge of the nearby community of Aurora. With this change came a different name and a growing enrollment. When World War II ended, the campus population swelled again as veterans enrolled in the college’s innovative evening degree program. The 1970s and 1980s saw an expansion of curricular offerings in a number of professional fields and the awarding of advanced degrees in select disciplines. These changes culminated in the 1985 decision to rechristen the institution Aurora University. HISTORY OF GEORGE WILLIAMS COLLEGE
The roots of George Williams College run deep in the YMCA movement of the 19th century. In 1884, American YMCA leaders gathered on the shores of Geneva Lake in Williams Bay, Wisconsin, to attend a summer training program. Two years later, the camp was incorporated and the first parcel of the current Williams Bay campus was purchased. Since that time, College Camp has been a source of inspiration, recreation, education, and renewal for thousands of guests and students. In 1992, Aurora University and George Williams College traditions blended when the two institutions entered into an affiliation agreement that paved the way for a merger eight years later. AU AND GWC: A NEW ERA
Today, Aurora University is a private, independent, comprehensive institution with an enrollment of approximately 6,200 students. Aurora University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to award degrees at the baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral levels. On the Aurora campus, AU offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. HISTORY
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Undergraduate students are active in a wide range of on- and off-campus learning experiences. Students participate in more than 60 musical, literary, religious, social, professional, and service organizations and play active roles in campus governance, as well as compete in 24 NCAA Division III athletic teams. At AU, the educational needs of students are served best through the formation of strategic partnerships. Such collaborations also enhance the well-being of the communities around the campuses. Aurora University draws upon the rich legacies and distinctive traditions of Aurora College and George Williams College. This history has helped shape Aurora University, which will continue to build upon its important past to help influence the future. FROM MENDOTA COLLEGE TO AURORA UNIVERSITY
1893 After more than a year of planning by the Western Advent Christian Publication Association, Mendota Seminary opened on January 9, 1893. Just six months later, the name was changed to Mendota College. The seminary opened with three students and grew to 31 students at the end of winter term. Advent Christian women created The Helper’s Union, an 1894 organization designed to contribute food, linens, rugs, furniture, and funds for decorating as needed. They were also influential in raising funds for Mendota College’s Bible Training Department. 1899 Mendota College received its own charter after broadening its programs into a traditional liberal arts curriculum. 1900 Mendota College played its first football game against East Side High School in Mendota, Illinois. 1911 Groundbreaking for a new campus in Aurora took place on May 31, 1911. The institution changed its name and formally incorporated as Aurora College in October.
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1912 C lasses at Aurora College began on April 4, 1912. The campus consisted of Eckhart Hall, Wilkinson Hall, and Davis Hall. The Tin Can Jimmie Club was formed to raise funds for the college endowment. 1913 The men’s basketball team completed its first season with a final record of eight wins and four losses. 1922 The first constitution of the Students’ Association of Aurora College was written. It established a Finance Committee, an Athletics Committee, and a Committee on Societies. 1929 The fall 1929 football team was the first to be called the Spartans. They played on Patterson Field, which was built by students five years earlier. The team had a season record of four wins and three losses. 1930 The Illinois Department of Public Instruction authorized Aurora College to train elementary and secondary school teachers, marking the beginning of one of the institution’s most successful and longest-standing academic programs. 1947 I n an effort to serve veterans returning from World War II, Aurora College introduced an innovative evening program. The flexible schedules allowed former soldiers to earn a college degree while working full-time jobs.
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1955 Campus facilities took a major step forward with the construction of an addition to Davis and Memorial Halls, which was dedicated on December 3, 1955. This was soon followed by the construction and dedication of Jenks Hall in 1957. These new spaces allowed the university to meet the growing demand for on-campus housing. 1959
Snell Field, a new home for baseball, was dedicated in memory of Coach Percy Snell, the first coach hired by Aurora College. Snell had been the sole coach for all athletics programs for many years. The field hosted baseball games on the southwest corner of campus for nearly 50 years.
1962 Academic offerings were enriched with the opening of the Stephens Hall of Science and the Charles B. Phillips Library. 1967 A new carillon system was purchased, thanks to a generous gift from Kentucky Fried Chicken founder Col. Harland Sanders. 1970 Two new buildings were dedicated: Watkins Hall, a residence hall, and Alumni Hall, which replaced the long-standing Quonset huts that had been used for the college’s athletics programs. 1972 The last bachelor’s degree in theology was awarded, reflecting Aurora College’s independence from any particular religious denomination. Faith and service programs continued to flourish at the college. 1978 The women’s basketball team completed its first season. Recognizing the importance of the arts, the college opened Perry Theatre, adjacent to Stephens Hall. 1981 Two new building additions were made: A new dining facility was attached to Alumni Hall, and a new laboratory wing was added to Stephens Hall. 1982 Aurora College joined the NCAA. Since that time, the Spartans have appeared in more than 150 NCAA Division III tournaments.
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1985 After decades of growth and expansion of academic programs, the institution changed its name from Aurora College to Aurora University. Graduate programs in education and business were offered. 1986 George Williams College, located in Downers Grove, Illinois, closed its doors and transferred its social work and leisure and environmental resources administration programs to Aurora University. The football program was reinstated after a 32-year hiatus. 1989 D unham Hall was dedicated, funded at the time by the largest single donation in the history of the university, from Martha (Dunham) Schingoethe. 1990 The Schingoethe Center for Native American Cultures, which houses the Schingoethe collection of more than 6,000 pieces of Native American arts, artifacts, and related materials, opened. 1992 Aurora University entered into an affiliation agreement with George Williams College to continue the legacy of its programs and the YMCA College Camp at the Williams Bay, Wisconsin, campus. 1997 The Williams Bay campus of George Williams College began a period of expansion and renovation, with the acquisition of 91 additional acres of land and a number of enhancements to existing facilities. 2000 Aurora University and George Williams College formally merged. The university launched the Doctor of Education degree, the first doctoral program in the institution’s history.
HISTORY
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2001
Music by the Lake, a successful summer performing arts festival from the mid-20th century, was re-established at GWC.
T he Wackerlin Center for Faith and Action was established, thanks to a generous bequest from Helena Zentmyer Wackerlin, a 1918 alumna of Aurora College.
2003 Aurora University received a $10 million federal grant to create the Institute for Collaboration. 2006 The university established the Celebrating Arts and Ideas series, a cultural enrichment program for the enjoyment of Fox River Valley community members. Aurora University became a charter member of the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference.
The Roger and Marilyn Parolini Music Center was renovated with the support of a generous gift from alumni Roger and Marilyn Parolini.
2007 In what would become a hallmark of the undergraduate experience, the university established the Crouse Center for Student Success (now known as the Crouse Center for Academic Advising), which ensures that students are maximizing their educational opportunities at AU.
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2008 At GWC, the new Ferro Pavilion was completed in time for the eighth season of Music by the Lake. In Aurora, Vago Field was completed and continues to serve Spartan student-athletes. 2009 AU began offering graduate courses at the Woodstock Center in Woodstock, Illinois. 2010 A new addition to Alumni Hall was built, providing new, state-of-the-art facilities for the nursing and social work programs. In Crimi Auditorium, the pipe organ, Opus 119, was installed, heralding the importance of the arts at AU. 2011 Men’s lacrosse played its first varsity season in the Midwest Lacrosse Conference. 2012 A new residence hall, Centennial Hall, located between the Institute for Collaboration and Watkins Hall, welcomed students for the spring semester.
AU Online begins offering undergraduate and graduate programs.
2013 Women’s lacrosse began its first season as an NCAA team, playing in the Midwest Women’s Lacrosse Conference. 2014 The John C. Dunham STEM Partnership School on the Aurora campus opened. The school serves third- through eighth-grade students from area school districts. Men’s hockey made its debut as an NCAA Division III team in the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association. The team played two previous seasons in the American Collegiate Hockey Association. The Aurora University Orchard Center — a facility four miles from the Aurora main campus that includes classrooms, a computer lab, a lounge, and both faculty and administrative offices — opened to accommodate demand for the university’s undergraduate, graduate, and adult degree completion programs. 2015
The Hill Welcome Center and Schingoethe Center building opened.
HISTORY
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2016
The renovated Lowrey Hall and the new Thomas R. and Shirley Klein Scott Library were dedicated on the GWC campus. Lowrey houses a two-story library, science labs, and classrooms.
2017
Construction began on Spartan Athletic Park, an 80-acre facility that includes tournament-quality softball, lacrosse, soccer, and football competition spaces with plans for additional sports facilities.
2018
The dining facilities in Alumni Hall were renovated and expanded. The dining hall includes all new kitchen equipment, furniture, flooring, and a new raised patio.
Men’s volleyball and women’s hockey made their debut.
The Ingalls Building, an icon of the GWC campus since 1925, was transformed into the Chapel. 2019 The first class of MBA and MPA Plus One students graduated, earning their master’s degree in one year following their undergraduate experience.
Students, alumni, faculty, and staff concluded a yearlong celebration in honor of Aurora University’s 125th birthday.
2020
On-campus parking was vastly improved with the addition of the new 500-space, four-story parking garage.
Students enjoyed new acoustically controlled band and vocal performance spaces in the expanded Roger and Marilyn Parolini Music Center.
2021
The Kimberly and James Hill Center for Student Success opened, a place where students receive counsel, guidance, and inspiration to discover their path in work and life.
The natural landscape of the GWC lakefront was restored. AU men’s and women’s wrestling programs began competition, becoming the 23rd and 24th collegiate sports. Pathways Autism Initiative launched, helping students with autism reach their potential in their studies and in their careers.
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PRESIDENTS OF AURORA UNIVERSITY
1911–1933
ORRIN ROE JENKS, DD
1933–1962
THEODORE P. STEPHENS, DD
1962–1973
JAMES E. CRIMI
1974–1978
LLOYD RICHARDSON, EDD
1978–1988
ALAN STONE, DMIN
1988–2000
THOMAS ZARLE, PHD
2000–present
REBECCA L. SHERRICK, PHD
HISTORY
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Student Body Profile INSTITUTIONAL ENROLLMENT 2020
6,265 Total matriculated students 4,158 Undergraduate students 2,107 Graduate students FRESHMAN CLASS OF 2020
2,965 Freshman applicants 2,489 Freshmen admitted 84% Admit rate 796 First-time, degree-seeking freshmen entering TOTAL UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT BODY PROFILE (2020)
Gender 66% Women 34% Men Ethnicity 44% White, non-Hispanic
36% Hispanic/Latino 6% Black or African-American 14% Other
Demographics 10% Out-of-state residents 91% Live off campus or commute 9% Live on campus
DEGREES AWARDED BY AU, JULY 1, 2019–JUNE 30, 2020
985 Bachelor’s degrees 810 Master’s degrees 40 Doctoral degrees
STUDENT PROFILE
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The Undergraduate Experience THE AURORA UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATE EXPERIENCE IS
centered around the university’s core values of integrity, citizenship, continuous learning, and excellence. Through the university’s interdisciplinary general education offerings and elective choices, students experience a range of perspectives and disciplines to become well-rounded individuals. These experiences complement the in-depth work students do within their majors and minors and enhance their on-campus extracurricular activities. Taken together, the undergraduate curriculum prepares responsible citizens who discover and reflect, communicate effectively, and think critically. TRANSFORMATIVE FACULTY
AU students benefit from a student-faculty ratio of 20:1, which ensures that students get to know their professors — and that the faculty get to know them and their learning styles. AU faculty members are award-winning scholars who are dedicated to helping students succeed. MINORITY-SERVING INSTITUTION
Aurora University prizes diversity and inclusion with a long history of providing education access to students traditionally underrepresented in higher education. In fact, we are recognized by the United States government as a Minority-Serving Institution (MSI). This means we celebrate diversity and serve as a national model for private universities. To better serve our minority students, the Office of Black Student Initiatives and Office of Latino/a Student Initiatives were created to provide a welcoming space for students, advocate for equality, serve as sources of culturally inspired programming, and act as liaisons with other campus resources.
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STUDENT SUPPORT
Aurora University offers support services and extracurricular experiences designed to help students get the most out of college and to engage them in examining new perspectives. First Year Experience Program
Aurora University’s First Year Experience (FYE) program is designed to facilitate a first year student’s transition into college. It is the point where new AU students will begin the process of discovering what matters. The program is focused on guiding students to identify their strengths, interests, and values; orienting students to college life at AU; engaging students in campus activities; and assisting students in the development of essential academic, college, and life skills. The program is comprised of guided workshops, journaling activities, self-assessments, and participation in various campus events.
Exercise Science (BS)/ MAJORS Athletic Training (MS) Accounting (BS) Finance (BS) Actuarial Science (BS) Graphic Design (BA) Autism Studies (BA) Health Science (BS) Biology (BS) Healthcare Biology/Secondary Administration (BS) Education (BS) Business Administration (BA) History (BA) History/Secondary Chemistry (BS) Education (BA) Chemistry/Secondary Human-Animal Studies (BS) Education (BS) Marketing (BS) Communication (BA) Mathematics (BS) Computer Science (BS) Mathematics/Secondary Criminal Justice (BA) Education (BS) Cybersecurity (BS) Music (BA) Early Childhood Musical Theatre (BA) Special Education with Nursing (BSN) Bilingual/ESL (BA) Elementary Education (BA) Parks and Recreation Leadership (BS) English (BA) Physical Education K–12 English/Secondary Teaching Licensure (BA) Education (BA) Political Science and Environmental Studies Public Policy (BA) and Sustainability (BS)
Psychology (BA) Social Work (BSW) Sociology (BA) Spanish (BA) Special Education with ESL/ Bilingual (BA) Sport Management (BA) Theatre (BA) Therapeutic Recreation (BS)
PRE-PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS Pre-Chiropractic Pre-Dentistry Pre-Law Pre-Medicine Pre-Occupational Therapy Pre-Optometry Pre-Pharmacy Pre-Physical Therapy Pre-Physician’s Assistant Pre-Podiatry Pre-Veterinary Medicine EXPERIENCE
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Crouse Center for Academic Advising
The Crouse Center for Academic Advising offers advising and mentoring services to support students as they plan, build, and complete bachelor’s degrees that reflect their distinctive strengths and aspirations. Throughout their time at AU, students work with academic advisors to explore and choose majors, select courses to fulfill their academic goals, and develop and follow a four-year graduation plan. Kimberly and James Hill Center for Student Success
The Hill Center for Student Success prepares students for meaningful and successful careers and lives through vocational exploration and career development. Career Services advisors support students as they explore and develop their distinctive strengths and aspirations, and then guide them as they transition to the workplace, graduate or professional school, or to service. Programs offered at the center include resume and job search workshops, individual appointments, and career conversations with alumni and employers. Charles B. Phillips Library
The Charles B. Phillips Library houses a collection of more than 15,000 print books specifically curated to support the curriculum. Electronic resources include 170,000 ebooks and an online catalog networked with 80 academic and research libraries in the state. More than 60 indexes and online databases provide current students, faculty, and staff with access to 10,000 unique journal titles and 70,000 streaming media titles. Professional librarians are available for research assistance to all students during all open hours. Phillips Library is open 97 hours a week, seven days a week, when classes are in session and offers a variety of services to the campus community, including a computer lab and laptops available for checkout, online chat assistance, and special events throughout the year.
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Academic Support Center
The Academic Support Center fosters academic growth through engagement in the learning process. The goal of the center is to enable students to build on their own abilities and skills to maximize their academic potential. The center provides free services, available to all university students from undergraduates to doctoral candidates. Mathematics, science, and coursebased peer tutoring are available for undergraduate students. Comprehensive professional writing support is available for students at all levels. Disability Resource Office
Aurora University is committed to compliance with all applicable federal laws regarding reasonable accommodation to address environmental barriers. The goal of the Disability Resource Office is to create learning environments that are accessible, equitable, and inclusive in order to empower students to participate in every aspect of campus life. Counseling and Psychological Services
Counseling and Psychological Services is a free resource to help students address emotional, interpersonal, and mental health concerns. To support this effort, Aurora University offers TimelyCare, a telehealth program that provides students access to immediate teletherapy services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, as well as ongoing therapy services. All counseling staff, whether on campus or through the TimelyCare program, are licensed clinicians in their respective fields. Pathways Program
Aurora University’s Pathways program for college students with autism is a multi-faceted program designed to help students with autism reach their potential in their studies and in their careers. The Pathways program is designed to provide the services students on the autism spectrum need in order to prepare for, attend, and succeed in college. The Pathways Journey is comprised of three options, including Pathways Summer Camps for high school students, Pathways College Connections for high school and transfer students, and the Pathways Collegiate Program.
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Spartan Safety
Aurora University operates a 24/7 campus police department with sworn officers. It is dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of the entire university. Additionally, AU maintains an active Emergency Management Office responsible for coordinating all activities necessary to prepare for and respond to life-safety emergencies. The university has a mass emergency notification system that communicates urgent messages across text, email, Facebook, and Twitter platforms. Students are automatically enrolled, but family members are also encouraged to sign up at aurora.edu/alerts. Other safety-related services at AU include code blue emergency call boxes, patrols, safety escorts, and campuswide training, including fire, severe weather/tornado, and active shooter drills. DISTINCTIVE OPPORTUNITIES
Student Life
Aurora University offers a wide array of student organizations, leadership opportunities, cultural excursions, concerts, lectures and performances, and intramural athletics. Student life organizations and activities create a campus culture where students feel included, involved, and connected and where they have opportunities to explore new interests and follow their passions. Students also have opportunities to participate in choirs and ensembles, theatre productions, and art exhibitions. Additionally, AU fields 24 NCAA Division III athletic teams.
EXPERIENCE
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International Programs and Travel
Travel in May and Summer programs offer students opportunities to participate in for-credit, faculty-led travel/study trips to destinations in the United States and abroad. Recent domestic and international destinations for faculty-led travel courses have included Colorado, Austria, Costa Rica, England, France, Greece, Italy, and Puerto Rico. In addition to offering students the opportunity to learn firsthand about various cultures and ways of living, many trips also include a service component. Completing coursework in May or summer allows AU students to focus on one particular aspect of the curriculum for the term. Wackerlin Center for Faith and Action
The Wackerlin Center is the hub for campus ministries and community service. The center provides a sanctuary where students can explore questions of faith and meaning, celebrate diversity, and gather together to improve the world. The center sponsors programming throughout the year that builds on the university’s faith-based roots while reflecting today’s diverse student body. The Wackerlin Center oversees campus ministries and faith-based programming, organizes community service opportunities for students and houses Libby’s Place, the on-campus food pantry. The work of the Wackerlin Center complements the efforts of other AU departments to better support a student’s vocational journey. The center’s building is a unique design located in a natural setting. The retreat-like space provides members of the AU community an ideal area to contemplate and discuss issues of faith, responsibility, and leadership. The Labyrinth, located outside of the building, serves as both a symbol of life’s journey and a tool for members of the AU community to use for purposes of meditation, reflection, and vocational exploration.
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Adult and Graduate Studies AURORA UNIVERSITY OFFERS UNDERGRADUATE TRANSFER,
master’s, and doctoral programs through the Center for Graduate Studies, Woodstock Center, and AU Online. Undergraduate transfer programs are designed for students who have several years of life experience and some previous college coursework. Transfer credit from other regionally accredited institutions is accepted. Aurora University also offers master’s degree programs in several areas and doctoral degrees in education and social work, as well as endorsements and certificates in a wide variety of fields. Graduate programs are offered on a full- and part-time basis, with classes during the day and in the evenings. Many online options are also available.
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WOODSTOCK CENTER UNDERGRADUATE TRANSFER PROGRAMS Business Management (BA) Elementary Education (BA) Social Work (BSW)
AU ONLINE UNDERGRADUATE TRANSFER PROGRAMS Business Administration (BA) Business Management (BA) Communication (BA) Criminal Justice (BA) Cybersecurity (BS) General Studies (BA) Psychology (BA) Social Work (BSW)
POST-BACCALAUREATE PROGRAM
Teacher Residency — Woodstock Center
ACCELERATED DEGREE COMPLETION PROGRAM Business Management (BA)
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
Plus One Programs Master of Arts in Teaching Content Areas: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Environmental Science, Economics, Geography, History, Mathematics, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology and Anthropology Master of Business Administration Tracks: Business Management, Digital Marketing, Healthcare, and Sport Management Master of Science in Criminal Justice Concentrations: Leadership and Administration and Psychology and the Law Master of Science in Exercise Science School of Arts and Sciences Master of Science in Mathematics School of Education Director of Special Education Endorsement Special Education Endorsement (LBS 1) Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction: Teaching Diverse Learners Master of Arts in Educational Leadership with Principal Endorsement Master of Arts in Educational Technology Technology Specialist Endorsement Master of Arts in Reading Instruction Reading Teacher Endorsement School of Health Science Master of Science in Athletic Training
School of Social Work Co-occurring Substance Use and Mental Health Disorder Professional (CODP I) Graduate Addictions Certification (CADC) Post-MSW Illinois Educator’s License with School Social Work Endorsement Master of Social Work Tracks: Addictions, Child Welfare, FaithBased, Forensic Social Work, Gerontology, Health Care, Leadership Administration, and School Social Work Doctor of Social Work
AU ONLINE GRADUATE PROGRAMS
Master of Arts in Mathematics Education Master of Business Administration Master of Public Administration Master of Science in Digital Marketing and Design Master of Science in Exercise Science Master of Social Work Tracks: Child Welfare, Faith-Based, Forensic Social Work, Gerontology, Health Care, Leadership Administration, and School Social Work Post-MSW Illinois Educator’s License with School Social Work Endorsement Dual Master of Social Work/Master of Business Administration Dual Master of Social Work/Master of Public Administration Doctor of Education EdD Advanced Standing Instructional Leadership: Coaching and Mentoring
WOODSTOCK CENTER GRADUATE PROGRAMS
Co-occurring Substance Use and Mental Health Disorder Professional (CODP I) Director of Special Education Endorsement Special Education Endorsement (LBS 1) ESL/Bilingual Endorsement Graduate Addictions Certificate (CADC) Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction: Teaching Diverse Learners Master of Arts in Educational Leadership with Principal Endorsement Master of Arts in Educational Technology Technology Specialist Endorsement Master of Arts in Reading Instruction Reading Teacher Endorsement Master of Social Work Tracks: Addictions and Child Welfare EXPERIENCE
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Tuition and Financial Aid 2021–2022 TUITION
Full time (12–17 semester hours): $13,200 per semester Part time (1–11 semester hours): $425 per semester hour 2021–2022 ROOM AND BOARD
Average room and board (based on an average double occupancy and residential weekly meal plan): $11,960 per year 2021–2022 GRADUATE TUITION
Graduate tuition ranges from $485 to $650 per semester hour, depending on the program. For more information about tuition and fees, visit aurora.edu/tuition. 2021–2022 AU ONLINE TUITION (PER SEMESTER HOUR)
Undergraduate Programs: $425 Graduate Programs: $565 Master of Social Work: $600 Doctor of Education: $650 Financial Aid
More than 98% of AU undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid, including scholarships and grants. Need-based financial aid is based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). AU awarded more than $35 million in overall institutional scholarships and grants in 2019–2020.
FINANCIAL AID
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Spartan Athletics AURORA UNIVERSITY FIELDS 24 NCAA DIVISION III
intercollegiate athletic teams, which play in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference, the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association, and the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin. The Spartans boast a winning tradition with 75 conference championships in recent years and 98 appearances in NCAA tournaments. AU student-athletes excel on the field, in the classroom, and in the community. AURORA UNIVERSITY HISTORY OF CHAMPIONS
Conference Championships
since 1982 (173) NCAA Appearances
since 1982 (157)
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Men
Women
88
85
Men
Women
83
74
Championships by Sport
Baseball
Women’s Basketball
CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS (24)
CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS (8)
2021 | 2012 | 2006 | 2005 | 2002 | 2001 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997 | 1995 | 1994 | 1993 1992 | 1991 | 1990 | 1989 | 1988 | 1987 1986 | 1985 | 1984 | 1978 | 1974
2002–03 | 2001–02 | 2000–01 | 1995–96 1994–95 | 1993–94 | 1992–93 | 1988–89 NCAA APPEARANCES (4)
2003–04 | 2001–02 | 1994–95 | 1993–94
NCAA APPEARANCES (23)
2021 | 2019 | 2018 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2002 | 2000 | 1999 1998 | 1997 | 1996 | 1995 | 1994 | 1993 1992 | 1991 | 1990 | 1989 | 1987
Men’s Basketball CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS (22)
2017–18 | 2014–15 | 2012–13 | 2009–10 2008–09 | 2007–08 | 2006–07 | 2004–05 2003–04 | 1997–98 | 1996–97 | 1993–94 1988–89 | 1987–88 | 1985–86 | 1984–85 1983–84 | 1982–83 | 1979–80 | 1972–73 1971–72 | 1970–71 NCAA APPEARANCES (11)
2018-19 | 2017–18 | 2012–13 | 2009–10 2008–09 | 2007–08 | 2006–07 | 2004–05 2002–03 | 2000–01 | 1997–98
Men’s Cross Country CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS (7)
2020 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2013 | 2012 | 2006
Women’s Cross Country CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS (7)
2016 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2008 2006 | 2005 INDIVIDUAL NCAA APPEARANCES (4)
2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013
Football CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS (8)
2020 | 2019 | 2016 | 2008 | 2004 | 2000 1999 | 1998 NCAA APPEARANCES (5)
2019 | 2008 | 2004 | 2000 | 1992
SPARTAN ATHLETICS
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Men’s Golf
Men’s Outdoor Track and Field
CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS (10)
CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS (5)
2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2009 | 2006 1992 | 1990 | 1984 | 1974
2019 | 2018 | 2015 | 2014 | 2006
NCAA APPEARANCES (4)
2021 | 2019 | 2018 | 2010
2019 | 2018 (2) | 2017 (4) | 2016 (5) 2015 (3) | 2010 | 2009 (2) | 2008 | 2007
Women’s Golf
Women’s Outdoor Track and Field
CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS (8)
CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS (9)
2019 | 2018 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2008 2007 | 2006
2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 2013 | 2012 | 2006
NCAA APPEARANCES (5)
INDIVIDUAL NCAA APPEARANCES (19)
2019–20 | 2018–19 | 2016–17 | 2015–16 2014–15
2021 | 2019 | 2018 (2) | 2017 (5) | 2016 (3) 2015 (6) | 2014
Men’s Indoor Track and Field
Men’s Soccer
CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS (4)
CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS (12)
2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2007
2004 | 1997 | 1990 | 1985 | 1979 | 1978 1977 | 1976 | 1975 | 1973 | 1971 | 1970
INDIVIDUAL NCAA APPEARANCES (13)
INDIVIDUAL NCAA APPEARANCES (20)
2019 | 2018 | 2017 (3) | 2016 | 2015 | 2012 2010 (2) | 2009 (3)
NCAA APPEARANCE (1)
Women’s Indoor Track and Field
Women’s Soccer
CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS (9)
CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS (16)
2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 2014 | 2013 | 2011
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2003 | 2002 2000 | 1999 | 1997 | 1996
INDIVIDUAL NCAA APPEARANCES (9)
2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 (3) | 2016 (2) 2015
Men’s Lacrosse
2006
NCAA APPEARANCES (11)
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2002 | 2001
CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS (6)
Softball
2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013
CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS (24)
NCAA APPEARANCES (6)
2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013
Women’s Lacrosse
2021 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2009 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 1997 1993 | 1991 | 1990 | 1989 | 1986 | 1985 | 1983 1982 | 1981 | 1980 | 1979 | 1978
CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP (1)
NCAA APPEARANCES (17)
2021
2016 | 2015 | 2013 | 2010 | 2008 | 2006 2005 | 1995 | 1994 | 1993 | 1992 | 1991 1990 | 1988 | 1986 | 1985 | 1982
NCAA APPEARANCE (1)
2021
34 AURORA UNIVERSITY
Men’s Tennis
Women’s Volleyball
CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS (5)
CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS (6)
2000 | 1996 | 1995 | 1994 | 1981
2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2006 | 1996 | 1977
Women’s Tennis CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS (3)
NCAA APPEARANCES (3)
2019 | 2018 | 2017
1995 | 1994 | 1981
SPARTAN ATHLETICS
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George Williams College LOCATED ON 137 ACRES ON THE SHORES
MAJORS of Geneva Lake in Williams Bay, Wisconsin, Business Management (BA) the George Williams College campus offers Environmental Science and traditional undergraduate degrees. Sustainability (BS) The roots of George Williams College Nursing (BSN) run deep in the YMCA movement of the Psychology (BA) 19th century. In 1884, American YMCA Social Work (BSW) leaders gathered on the shores of Geneva Undecided Lake in Williams Bay to attend a summer training program. Two years later, the camp was incorporated, and the first parcel of the current Williams Bay campus was purchased. Since that time, College Camp has been a source of inspiration, recreation, education, and renewal for thousands of guests and students. In 1992, Aurora University and George Williams College traditions blended when the two institutions entered into an affiliation agreement that paved the way for a merger eight years later. Today, George Williams College operates as a campus of Aurora University and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission through AU. The college serves undergraduate students who are invited to participate in student life activities and also have the option of living on campus. George Williams College is also home to Music by the Lake, a summer music festival that has, in recent years, included performers such as The Beach Boys, Lyle Lovett, Straight No Chaser, Three Dog Night, Bruce Hornsby, Nathan Gunn, and the Chicago Philharmonic. Summer concerts are staged in the Ferro Pavilion and feature a wide range of styles, such as big band, family, contemporary, classical, and classic rock entertainment.
GWC
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Educational Centers AURORA UNIVERSITY ORCHARD CENTER OPENED IN 2014, THE AURORA UNIVERSITY ORCHARD CENTER,
located four miles from the main Aurora campus, offers additional classroom, office, and study space for students enrolled in AU programs. The center offers both day and evening classes and is conveniently located off I-88. The location is home to the School of Social Work and AU Online. AURORA UNIVERSITY WOODSTOCK CENTER THE AURORA UNIVERSITY WOODSTOCK CENTER, LOCATED IN
downtown Woodstock, Illinois, serves northern Illinois with evening and weekend courses. The center offers undergraduate transfer, graduate, and endorsement programs centered around the lives of busy adults. AURORA UNIVERSITY ONLINE THROUGH AURORA UNIVERSITY ONLINE PROGRAMS, STUDENTS
can earn an AU degree or endorsement from experienced faculty members in a convenient and flexible format. AU Online offers courses year-round in eight-week modules or 16-week semesters. Throughout each program, students are encouraged to share their knowledge, experiences, opinions, and ideas with classmates and faculty members through an interactive online classroom.
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Finances
AURORA UNIVERSITY IS COMMITTED TO FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
and to ensuring that its financial resources are invested wisely in its mission and its students. 2019–2020 FINANCIAL POSITION
Revenue
et student tuition and fees: $80,127,010 N Government grants and contracts: $4,870,938 Gifts and private grants: $1,617,996 Endowment and investment income: $1,977,823 Auxiliary enterprises, net: $6,303,600 Other: $1,532,656
Expenses
Instruction: $32,388,885 Public service and research: $2,208,484 Academic support: $11,706,759 Auxiliary enterprises: $9,237,993 Institutional support: $18,202,562 Student support: $15,888,778
FINANCIAL POSITION
2020 Assets
C ash and short-term investments: $27,605,388 Net receivables: $2,751,792 Long-term investments, at market: $37,547,911 Prepaid expenses and deferred charges: $1,923,557 Property, plant, and equipment: $152,531,274 Total assets: $222,359,922
FINANCES
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Key University Contacts LOCATIONS
OFFICES AND DEPARTMENTS
Aurora University General Inquiries 630-892-6431
Academic Support Center 630-844-5520 asc@aurora.edu
George Williams College 262-245-5531 GWCadmission@aurora.edu
Admission 630-844-5533 admission@aurora.edu
Orchard Center 630-947-8955 AUadmission@aurora.edu
Alumni Relations 630-844-5482 alumni@aurora.edu
Woodstock Center 815-337-6051 WCadmission@aurora.edu
Athletics 630-844-5110 athletics@aurora.edu
AU Online 888-688-1147 onlineinfo@aurora.edu
Bookstore 630-844-5524 bookstore@aurora.edu Campus Public Safety 630-844-6140 (nonemergency) cpsafety@aurora.edu Career Services 630-844-5403 career@aurora.edu Charles B. Phillips Library 630-844-5437 library@aurora.edu
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Counseling and Psychological Services 630-844-4932 Crouse Center for Academic Advising 630-844-6870 Development 866-448-3428 development@aurora.edu Disability Resources Office 630-844-5454 disabilityresources@aurora.edu Financial Aid 630-844-6190 finaid@aurora.edu Graduate Studies 630-947-8955 AUadmission@aurora.edu Health Services 630-844-5434
Information Technology Services 630-844-5790 itshelp@aurora.edu Registrar’s Office 630-844-5462 registrar@aurora.edu Residence Life 630-844-7881 reslife@aurora.edu Schingoethe Center 630-844-7843 museum@aurora.edu Student Accounts 630-844-5470 student.accts@aurora.edu Student Activities 630-844-6510 studentactivities@aurora.edu Student Life 630-844-5446
Human Resources 630-844-5493 hr@aurora.edu
KEY CONTACTS
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