AU Family A publication for families of Aurora University undergraduate students
Dear Friends, After successful summer student orientation programs, our thoughts are turning toward the beginning of the fall semester and a new academic year at Aurora University. At present, construction crews are putting the final touches on our new engineering facilities in Stephens Hall. Public spaces within the building are being updated also. A year from now, we will launch the classroom, laboratory and office renovation stage of the project. Meanwhile all is in readiness for the Spartan Athletic Park to open this fall on schedule and on budget. Spartan student-athletes will have a new softball stadium and a soccer/lacrosse/football stadium, replete with state-ofthe-art locker rooms and fan amenities. We’ve been saving for this project over the last 17 years and soon will launch the fundraising campaign necessary to add a new baseball stadium to the facility a year from now.
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to parents and students. Nor do we amortize borrowing debt through tuition increases. Our goal is to provide students with a vibrant and safe learning environment with the resources necessary to support a high-quality 21st century undergraduate experience. We fulfill this promise by ensuring that every Aurora University investment is made with student learning in mind and by differentiating carefully between “needs” and “wants.” As we anticipate the opening of a new academic year, we look forward to showcasing our new facilities and the outstanding new faculty colleagues who will join us for the 2017–2018 academic year. I hope to see you soon on campus.
Rebecca L. Sherrick, PhD President
As we continue to improve our campuses, we do so in a fiscally responsible way. We do not pass such costs on
Campus soon to become home away from home First-year students will descend upon campus for Welcome Weekend beginning Thursday, August 24. Returning and transfer resident students will begin moving into the residence halls a couple days later. The campus will be bustling with activities in anticipation for the first day of classes on Monday, August 28.
THE CLASS OF
2021 AT A GLANCE
770+
57:43
29
prospective first-year students
female-to-male student ratio
states represented
Arts add to overall educational experience As many students experience at Aurora University, learning is not confined to the classroom. Perhaps the most visible example of experiential learning is the way arts play a role on campus. “The arts allow opportunities for students to think about their lives and about all life,” says Lisa Fredenburgh, chair of the music department. “Whether a student is an artist or an observer, our presentations invite them to explore and react. The arts also provide an opportunity for students to collaborate with their peers and mentors.
“We invite all students to participate in the music program whether they have experience or are new to singing or playing an instrument,” said Fredenburgh. “The music department purposely creates a friendly environment that supports students as they learn to become better musicians. We love to see them excel and do all we can to make that happen.” Opportunities for learning and expression are also available within the theatre department. “Putting on a play is quite literally impossible if one looks at what needs to happen on paper,” said Stacy Parker Joyce, assistant professor of theatre. “But together, we make it happen and the process of doing can be life-changing. Also, it is a great way to meet new people and get involved in the AU community.” This year, students will present “Twelfth Night,” considered by many to be one of Shakespeare’s most beautiful and funny comedies, and “Into the Woods,” a modern classic.
Students performed in and built the set for “Little Shop of Horrors” presented last spring in Perry Theatre.
Parker encourages students to be involved with the productions. “There are performance and crew opportunities for students of various experience levels, and the beauty of getting involved in a university production is that teaching is inherently part of the rehearsal process,” she said. “Also, it is fun. The AU theatre department functions as a family, and it is a great opportunity to learn and grow while having a great time.”
Athletics part of a well-rounded education Approximately 40 percent of the student body has a role in the AU athletic program, complemented by students majoring in areas such as athletic training, exercise science, physical education and sport management. Such campuswide involvement is leading to the anticipation of an exciting 2017–2018 sports season. “Summer has been very busy for us with the construction of the new softball and soccer/lacrosse/football stadiums at Spartan Athletic Park,” said Jim Hamad, athletic director. “Additionally, we are expanding the user capacity in our weight room by 40 percent by bringing in new training equipment and redesigning the layout. Also, we’re preparing for the inaugural seasons of women’s hockey and men’s volleyball.”
While student-athletes will soon begin training and practice, Hamad points out that there are opportunities for other students to be involved in athletics. “Most of our programs also employ students to work as team managers and some even serve as student coaches,” he said. “Other opportunities exist for students who want to be involved in intercollegiate athletics that do not involve wearing a uniform.” In many ways, AU Athletics adds to the overall education of students. “We help well-rounded young men and women prepare to succeed after graduation,” said Hamad. “Qualities like hard work, attention to detail, time management and teamwork are also assets sought by employers and other organizations. As professionals in higher education, we are empowered to develop students and we take that job responsibility very seriously.”
Safety, support services create positive experiences Students are the priority at Aurora University, which means establishing a safe environment to learn and offering services to enhance their education and prepare them for the future. CAMPUS SAFETY To ensure a well-rounded college education, students need a safe place to study, socialize and experience campus life. Aurora University Campus Public Safety achieves this goal through partnerships with faculty, staff, students and neighbors. “We work with students to ensure they are mindful of their surroundings and form relationships so they feel comfortable coming to us if they see something unusual or out of place,” said Chief Joe Brankin, director of Campus Public Safety. “Faculty and staff members are trained in the Alert Lockdown Inform Counter Evacuate (ALICE) program, which emphasizes preparation to more proactively handle an aggressive threat. We also communicate with campus neighbors and let them know we are a resource should there be an incident near their homes.” Campus safety efforts include: Classroom Security Classrooms and labs are equipped with deadbolt locks. Maps are located in every room and include a floor plan highlighting building information and emergency exits. Code Blue Emergency Phone System Ten Code Blue emergency call boxes are located across campus. Calls go directly to Campus Public Safety dispatch with the push of a button. Emergency Text Messaging Emergency text messaging alerts subscribers to canceled classes or closed offices due to bad weather or a critical situation on campus. Students are automatically enrolled. Family members can subscribe at aurora.edu/alerts. Alerts are also posted at aurora.edu.
ACADEMICS Learning is more than reading books and memorizing facts, according to Julie Hall, Academic Support Center director. “In college, students will move from ‘memorization’ as their standard method of learning to critically thinking and expanding how to learn,” she said. “An essential component of this process takes place in the classroom.” Hall reminds students that if they don’t attend class, they can’t ask questions, learn from their peers and demonstrate to the professor their level of understanding of the course content. “Preparing for, participating in and attending class keeps students in the driver’s seat of their own learning and cannot be overstated,” she added. Campus academic support services include: Academic Support Center | aurora.edu/asc The center provides free instructional services and professional writing support to students as well as mathematics, science and course-based peer tutoring. Career Services | aurora.edu/career This office coordinates on-campus student employment and helps students explore careers and majors, write resumes, prepare for interviews, and apply to jobs and internships. Counseling Center | aurora.edu/counseling The center provides a safe place to talk through personal matters with professionally licensed clinicians, including psychologists and social workers. Crouse Center for Student Success aurora.edu/crousecenter Academic advisors guide and mentor students as they plan, build and complete their bachelor’s degree.
Residence Life Staff A full-time residence hall director resides in each building, and resident assistants — intensely trained student staff members — live on each floor. These support systems are responsible for assisting and acting as resources for residents.
Disability Resource Office | aurora.edu/dro The office creates learning environments that are accessible, equitable and inclusive and empower students to participate in every aspect of academic and campus life.
Safety Escort For any reason, Campus Public Safety will escort students 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Wellness Center | aurora.edu/wellness The center provides free nursing services and promotes health, wellness and preventive care for students.
Campus Connections CONTACTS
SPECIAL UPCOMING DATES
Campus Public Safety 630-844-6140 | cpsafety@aurora.edu
August 24–27 | Welcome Weekend: First-year Student Orientation
Office of Financial Aid 630-844-6190 | finaid@aurora.edu
August 28 | Classes Begin
Office of Residence Life 630-844-5446 | reslife@aurora.edu
September 4 | Labor Day (no classes) October 20–22 | Fall Weekend (no classes)
Office of Student Accounts 630-844-5470 | student.accts@aurora.edu
November 22–26 | Thanksgiving Holiday (no classes)
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@au_spartans
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Follow Student Life: Lora de Lacey, Vice President for Student Life @LoradeLacey Sammy Spartan (AU mascot) @AUSammySpartan
AU Family
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A publication for families of Aurora University
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SUMMER 2017