Start your AU journey with purpose. Aurora University’s Finding Your Purpose: The Freshman Experience is designed to help every new Spartan navigate their first year with confidence. Through hands-on learning, mentorship, and community connections, you’ll discover campus resources, develop essential skills, and form relationships that support your academic success, career goals, and personal growth.
SOAR: Summer Orientation and Registration
Get excited for your AU journey! At SOAR, you’ll:
- Meet peers, mentors, advisors, and staff.
- Plan your first semester with personalized guidance.
- Learn about resources to support your success.
SOAR also includes enhanced support for first-generation students, making sure every Spartan feels welcome from day one.
AU: Fuel Your Future
AU: Fuel Your Future is your summer bridge to success. You’ll:
- Get familiar with your upcoming coursework before the semester begins.
- Build study skills and explore campus resources.
- Connect with classmates before the semester starts.
Led by the Office of Orientation, this program helps you feel confident, connected, and ready to start the year strong.
Welcome Week
Kick off your first semester with energy and connection. Welcome Week offers:
- Interactive sessions and activities with new student mentors.
- Social events for both commuter and residential students.
- Opportunities to explore campus life and make lasting friends.
By the end of this extended orientation, you’ll feel right at home.
First Year Seminar (FYS)
Part of AU’s Core Cirriculum, FYS helps you shape your future through a shared first-year course designed to support your transition to college. You'll:
- Build a strong academic foundation.
- Connect with classmates, campus resources, and the AU community.
Spartan Connections
Find your people and your place at AU. Through Spartan Connections, you’ll:
- Partner with a faculty or staff mentor in a small student group.
- Meet twice each semester and stay in touch monthly.
- Gain guidance, encouragement, and access to resources.
This year-long mentorship program builds community and helps you make the most of your first year.
Proactive Advising
Stay on track for spring semester and beyond:
- Meet one-on-one with advisors to register for spring classes and review your academic timeline.
- Learn how to search for class times for spring and future semesters.
- Connect with advisors, peers, and campus resources to support your academic and personal success.
Your first year is the foundation for everything that follows. With Finding Your Purpose: The Freshman Experience, you won’t just start college, you’ll start strong, supported, and ready to make the most of every opportunity at AU.
