Ceremony Guide for Guests

Aurora University Fall Commencement Ceremonies

Saturday, December 13, 2025
Thornton Gymnasium

Specific ceremony times will be provided in the future.

These ceremonies are for fall 2025 graduation candidates who have completed courses on the main campus of Aurora University, at the University Center of McHenry County College, or online.

Safety and Security

  • For the protection of all graduation candidates and guests, everyone entering the campus will be subject to screening. This will include the use of metal detectors and inspection of bags.
  • Prohibited items include, but are not limited to, firearms, knives, explosives, animals (with the exception of service animals), over-sized bags, alcohol, cigarettes, vaping devices, and illegal drugs.

Electronic Tickets

  • Each participating graduation candidate will receive an email with instructions on how to access their 6 guest tickets on Monday, November 17.
  • Guests can bring tickets in paper or electronic form.
  • Due to limited seating, there are no additional tickets available.
  • Every guest who enters campus must have a ticket, including infants and children.
  • For safety reasons, only guests with tickets are allowed on campus.

Livestream

  • A livestream of the ceremony will be available at aurora.edu/commencement for guests to watch from home.
  • The livestream video will be available for replay after the ceremony.

Parking

  • Parking is available on campus in the parking garage and surface lots. See campus map for reference.
  • Handicap parking will be available in the Dunham lot.

Guest Seating

  • Access to seating begins one hour prior to the ceremony start time.
  • Seating in the gymnasium is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Guests with Disabilities

  • For the hearing impaired, sign language interpreting (ASL) seating is available with one companion seat. Space is limited and must be reserved by Friday, December 5.
  • Wheelchair seating is available with one companion seat. Space is limited and must be reserved by Friday, December 5.
  • Guests should expect to walk distances and stand in lines. It is recommended that guests with limited mobility consider bringing their personal wheelchairs, walkers, or canes.
  • If any part of the ceremony, including seating and parking, presents a barrier to you or a guest, please email commencement@aurora.edu by Friday, December 5.

Guest Conduct

  • Out of respect for each of our graduates and their families, all graduates and their guests are asked to stay until the end of the ceremony.
  • Noisemakers are not permitted.
  • Balloons are not allowed in the gymnasium.

Photography and Video

  • Professional photographers from Dynamic Photo Systems will capture images of all graduates during the ceremony. Each graduate will receive an email with a link to their online gallery where they can purchase prints, digital downloads, frames, and more. Family and friends are encouraged to visit www.mygradpic.com to register their information.
  • Cameras are permitted, but guests are asked to remain in their seats during the ceremony to avoid disruption.

Flowers

  • Fresh flowers will be available for purchase before and after each ceremony.
  • You may pre-order at thecommencementgroup.com/aurora and pick up before the ceremony starts.