Aurora University Factbook

4 AURORA UNIVERSITY

5 AURORA UNIVERSITY

at aurora university, we are an inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of learning. We combine the wide range of programs expected at a university with the personal attention of a small college. Our award-winning faculty members are accessible; our partnerships with the community provide hands-on opportunities and internships; and our academic and support programs are designed to help you succeed. At Aurora University, you will discover what matters and build your life around it.

LOCATIONAurora 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, health care facilities and social service organizations. Six school districts also are located, in part, within the city. Nestled in a residential neighborhood, with easy access to downtown Chicago just 40 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 campuses and centers:

George Williams College | williams bay, wisconsin

137 acres on the shores of Geneva Lake. Offering traditional undergraduate, RN to BSN (nursing) degree completion and doctoral social work programs. George Williams College is also home to the Music by the Lake summer festival.

Orchard Center | aurora, illinois

Located five miles from the main campus, with easy access to I-88. Various Aurora University classes are held at this location during the day and in evenings; Orchard Center is also home to the Center for Adult and Graduate Studies.

Woodstock Center | woodstock, illinois

Located in the Challenger Center, in the heart of McHenry County. Offering adult degree completion, graduate and doctoral programs in evening and weekend formats.

1Aurora University At-a-Glance

6 AURORA UNIVERSITY

TYPE OF INSTITUTIONAU is a four-year, nonprofit, independent, liberal arts, co-educational university. AU offers residential, commuter, full-time and part-time programs. Courses are offered in a face-to-face format as well as online.

ACCREDITATIONFully accredited to grant bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association

ACADEMIC YEARTwo semesters, late August to mid-December and mid-January to early May. AU also offers a three-week May Term and summer courses. Adult and graduate courses operate mainly in eight-week modules.

ENROLLMENTApproximately 4,900 degree-seeking students on the Illinois and Wisconsin campuses

STUDENT-FACULTY RATIO15 to 1

HOUSINGSix residence halls accommodate more than 700 on-campus students.

UNDERGRADUATE MAJORSAU offers more than 40 undergraduate majors in arts and sciences, business, criminal justice, education, nursing and social work.

GRADUATE PROGRAMSAU offers a wide variety of master’s and doctoral degrees as well as certificates and endorsements in applied behavior analysis, business, marketing, mathematics, education, nursing, science and social work.

SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AIDNeed-based and merit-based scholarships and financial aid packages are available. Ninety-eight percent of undergraduate students receive aid.

TUITION FOR 2014–2015$10,560 per semester (full time)

ROOM AND BOARD FOR 2014–2015$4,645 per semester (average)

ATHLETICS 21 NCAA Division III teams competing in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference, Midwest Lacrosse Conference, Women’s Midwest Lacrosse Conference and the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association

7 AURORA UNIVERSITY

aurora university traces its origins 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 selected disciplines. These changes culminated in the 1985 decision to rechristen the institution Aurora University.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF GEORGE WILLIAMS COLLEGEThe roots of George Williams College run deep in the YMCA movement of the 19th century. In 1884, leaders from America’s “western” YMCAs 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.

AURORA UNIVERSITY AND GEORGE WILLIAMS COLLEGE: A NEW ERAToday, Aurora University is a private, independent, comprehensive institution with an enrollment of approximately 4,900 students. Aurora University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association to award degrees at the baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral levels. On the Aurora campus, AU offers more than 40 undergraduate academic programs and a wide variety of graduate degrees, certificates and endorsements.

Undergraduate students participate in a wide range of on- and off-campus learning experiences. Students participate in more than 60 musical, literary, religious, social and service organizations and play active roles in campus governance as well as compete in 21 NCAA Division III athletic teams.

2Aurora University History

8 AURORA UNIVERSITY

At AU, we believe that the educational needs of our students are served best through the formation of strategic partnerships with institutions of like vision, mission and values. Such collaborations also enhance the well being of our communities around our campuses.

For example, our innovative collaborations with area corporate, civic, nonprofit, business and education partners fostered the construction of the John C. Dunham STEM Partnership School, which serves elementary and middle school students from area school districts and is staffed via a unique professional model.

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 shape the future.

FROM MENDOTA COLLEGE TO AURORA UNIVERSITY1893 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.

1894 Advent Christian women created The Helper’s Union, an organization designed to contribute food, linens, rugs, furniture and funds for decorating as needed. They were also influential 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.

1912 Classes 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.

9 AURORA UNIVERSITY 9HISTORY

1922 The first constitution of the Students’ Association of Aurora College was written. It established a Finance Committee, 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 In 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.

1955 Campus facilities took a major step forward with the construction of the 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 A new home for baseball, Snell Field, 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.

10 AURORA UNIVERSITY

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, Perry Theatre opened, 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 79 NCAA Division III tournaments.

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 LERA (leisure and environmental resources administration) programs to Aurora University.

The football program was reinstated after a 32-year hiatus.

1989 Dunham Hall was dedicated, funded by the largest single donation in the history of the school, 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 Geneva Lake campus of George Williams College began a period of expansion and renovation, with the acquisition of 91 additional acres of land, the establishment of a new conference center, and a number of enhancements to existing facilities.

2000 Aurora University and George Williams College formally merged. Music by the Lake, a successful summer performing arts festival from the mid-20th century, was re-established at GWC.

The university launched the Doctor of Education degree, the first doctoral program in the institution’s history.

2001 The 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 opened its doors to the community with the establishment of the new Celebrating Arts and Ideas series.

Aurora University became a charter member of the Northern Athletics Conference.

2007 In what would become a hallmark of the undergraduate experience, the university established the Crouse Center for Student Success, which helps students make the most of their time at AU.

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 hosted football and soccer games.

2009 The first AU Honors Program students graduated.

AU began offering graduate courses at the Woodstock Center in Woodstock, Illinois, through a partnership with the Challenger Center.

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 new pipe organ Opus 119 was installed, heralding the importance of the arts at AU.

2011 Men’s lacrosse played their 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.

2013 Women’s lacrosse began its first season as an NCAA team, playing in the Midwest Women’s Lacrosse Conference.

Aurora University began offering degree completion and graduate programs through AU Online.

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.

Construction on The Hill Welcome Center and new Schingoethe Museum building was completed.

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.

PRESIDENTS OF AURORA UNIVERSITY

1911–1933 orrin roe jenks

1933–1962 theodore p. stephens

1962–1973 james e. crimi

1974–1978 lloyd richardson

1978–1988 alan stone

1988–2000 thomas zarle

2000–present rebecca l. sherrick

4,946 total matriculated students3,246 undergraduate students1,700 graduate students

FRESHMAN CLASS OF 20172,536 freshman applicants1,926 freshman admits76% admit rate

700 first-time, degree-seeking freshmen entering

Gender 37% Men 63% Women Ethnicity 20% Hispanic 9% Black or African-American 61% White, non-Hispanic 2% Asian, non-Hispanic 4% Two or more races, non-Hispanic 4% Unknown

Demographics 90% Illinois Residents 10% Out-of-state Residents 25% Live on campus 75% Live off campus

Academic Achievement 35% Top 25 percent of class* 26% ACT composite of 24 and above *Where reported

DEGREES AWARDED BY AU, JULY 1, 2012–JUNE 30, 2013681 Bachelor’s degrees568 Master’s degrees26 Doctoral degrees

3Student Body Profile 2013


the aurora university undergraduate experience is centered around the university’s core values of adhering to the highest standards of integrity, exercising the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, being dedicated to continuous learning, and engaging in the pursuit of excellence. Through the university’s interdisciplinary general education offerings and through elective choices, students experience a range of perspectives and areas of study to become well-rounded individuals. These experiences complement the in-depth work students do within their majors or minors, even as students experience additional personal growth in their campus involvement beyond the curriculum. Taken together, the undergraduate curriculum develops and graduates responsible citizens who discover and reflect, communicate effectively and think critically.

TRANSFORMATIVE FACULTYAU students benefit from a student-faculty ratio of 15:1 and an average class size of 23 students, which ensures that students have opportunities to get to know their professors—and the faculty know their students and their learning styles. AU faculty members are award-winning scholars, with more than 85 percent holding a PhD or highest degree in their field, who are dedicated to helping students succeed.

STRONG PARTNERSHIPSAU leadership believes that student needs are best served through partnerships with like-minded institutions and organizations. For example, the students work with Communities In Schools to mentor and tutor local school

MAJORS AND MINORSAccounting (BA, BS)Actuarial Science (BS)American Culture and

Ethnic Studies*Art (BA)Art History*Athletic Training (BS)Bilingual/ESL*Biology (BA, BS)Business Administration

(BA, BS)Chemistry*Coaching and Youth Sport

Development (BA)Communication (BA)Film Studies*Graphic Design*Multimedia Journalism*Speech Communication*Strategic Communication*Communication Sciences and

Disorders (BS)Computer Science (BS)Creative Writing*Criminal Justice (BA)Disabilities Studies (BA)Elementary Education (BA)English (BA)Finance (BA, BS)Fitness and Health

Promotion (BS)French*Gender Studies*Health Education*Health Science (BS)Allied Health ProgramsPre-DentistryPre-Medicine

4The Undergraduate Experience


children. Social work students collaborate with area social services agencies. Business students complete projects with area businesses that benefit both their learning and the corporation. In 2014, the John C. Dunham STEM Partnership School opened on the AU campus. It serves third through eighth grade students from three area school districts and is staffed through a unique professional development strategy that engages teachers from the partner districts as faculty while they complete AU graduate coursework in STEM fields and become leaders in mathematics and science education.

STUDENT SUPPORTAurora University offers support services and extra-curricular experiences designed to help students get the most out of the college experience, and to engage them in examination of new perspectives.

First-Year ProgramThe first-year program, beginning in the summers with AU4U Registration and Orientation, is designed to ease the transition from high school to college. Students learn to balance the demands of college life, become acquainted with their new campus surroundings and make new friends through advising sessions, topical seminars, mentoring programs and social activities. Students are also paired with a peer advisor—an upper class student who is available throughout the year for guidance and mentoring.

Crouse Center for Student SuccessThe Crouse Center for Student Success offers advising and mentoring services to support students as they plan, build and complete a bachelor’s degree that reflects their talents and aspirations. Each student at Aurora University is assigned an academic advisor based on their major. Students will be introduced to their advisors during AU4U summer orientation and registration, and remain paired with that advisor throughout their time at the university. Academic advising staff are dedicated to the success of students transitioning from high school to college life.

. . .continued

Pre-Veterinary medicineHistory (BA)Homeland Security*International Studies*Marketing (BA, BS)Mathematics (BS)Media Studies (BA)Museum Studies*Music (BA)Nursing (BSN)Philosophy (BA)Physical EducationCoaching*K–12 Teaching Certification (BA)Physiology*Political Science (BA)Pre-Law*Psychology (BA)Religion (BA)Secondary Education

(supplemental major)Biology (BA)English (BA)History (BA)Mathematics (BS)Servant Leadership*Social Work (BSW)Sociology (BA)Spanish (BA)Language and LiteratureLatino StudiesSpecial Education (BA)Sports Management*Statistics*Theatre (BA)

* Minor only


Working together, staff and students explore academic opportunities that include selecting classes that lead to a specific degree, exploring majors and minors, declaring or changing majors, understanding the requirements of the major and developing a four-year graduation plan.

Academic Support CenterThe Academic Support Center provides free professional math and writing tutoring as well as peer tutoring for specific courses to all registered AU students at all levels. The center also works with students to develop time management, test taking and study skills. Students take advantage of writing workshops, seminars and presentations throughout the year.

DISTINCTIVE OPPORTUNITIESStudent LifeAurora University offers a wide array of student organizations, leadership opportunities, cultural excursions, concerts, lectures and performances, and intramural athletics that 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 21 NCAA Division III athletic teams.

May Term and Study AbroadAurora University’s May Term—a three-week session immediately following the spring semester—offers students opportunities to participate in travel/study trips to destinations in the United States and abroad. Previous courses have included travel to Costa Rica, Honduras, London, Paris and Rome. In addition to offering students the opportunity to learn about a culture first-hand, many of the trips also include a service component. Students may also complete coursework during May Term on the AU campus or through online courses, allowing them to focus on one particular aspect of the curriculum for the term.

AU students also participate in a semester-long international exchange program in Barcelona, Spain and summer study abroad programs in Québec and Costa Rica.

Wackerlin Center for Faith and ActionThe Wackerlin Center is the hub for campus ministries, leadership studies and service. The center provides a sanctuary where students can explore questions of faith and meaning, celebrate diversity and join forces to improve the world around them. The center sponsors programming throughout the year that builds on the university’s faith-based roots while reflecting today’s diverse student body. The building’s unique design and natural setting create a retreat-like space where members of the AU community contemplate and discuss issues of faith, responsibility and leadership.


aurora university offers adult bachelor’s degree completion, master’s and doctoral programs through its Center for Adult and Graduate Studies.

Adult Degree Completion (ADC) 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. The program is focused on the lives of working professionals, with small classes sizes, personalized advising and convenient evening, weekend and online options.

Aurora University also offers master’s degree programs in several areas, 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, in the evenings and on the weekends. Many online options are also available.

ADULT DEGREE COMPLETION PROGRAMSAccounting (BA | BS)Business

Administration (BA | BS)Communication (BA)Criminal Justice (BA)Marketing (BA | BS)Nursing (RN to BSN)Psychology (BA)Social Work (BSW)

5Adult and Graduate Studies


GRADUATE PROGRAMSApplied Behavior AnalysisMaster of Science in Applied

Behavior AnalysisBusinessMaster of Science in Accountancy (MSA)Master of Business Administration (MBA)Master of Science in Digital Marketing

and Analytics (MSM)EducationDoctor of Education in Leadership

in AdministrationDoctor of Education in Leadership in

Curriculum and InstructionDoctor of Education in Adult and

Higher EducationMaster of Arts in Educational Leadership

(Principal Endorsement Program)Master of Arts in Educational Leadership

(Teacher Leader Endorsement Program)Master of Arts in Curriculum

and InstructionMaster of Arts in Curriculum and

Instruction with Bilingual/ESL Education (MACI)

Master of Arts in Reading InstructionReading Instruction EndorsementMaster of Arts in Education

Technology (MAET)

Education Technology EndorsementBi-Lingual/ESL EndorsementType 75 Administrative CertificateLBS I Endorsement for individuals

holding a classroom certificateMaster of Arts in Special Education

(for previously certified teachers)Master of Arts in Special Education with

Initial LBS I certificationDirector of Special

Education EndorsementMathematics and ScienceMaster of Science in Mathematics (MS)Master of Arts in Mathematics

Education (MA)Master of Arts in Mathematics and

Science for Elementary Teachers (MA)Master of Arts in Science Education (MA)NursingMaster of Science in Nursing (MSN)Master of Science in Nursing

Bridge OptionSocial WorkDoctor of Social Work (DSW)Master of Social Work (MSW)Illinois Educator’s License with School

Social Work EndorsementGraduate Addictions Certification (CADC)


2014–2015 TUITION Full time (12–17 semester hours per term): $10,560 per semesterPart time (1–11 semester hours): $610 per semester hour

2014–2015 ROOM AND BOARDAverage Room and Board (based on an average double room and Block Meal Plan): $9,290 per year

GRADUATE 2014–2015 TUITIONRates are per semester hour, beginning in the summer 2014 term • Master of Arts in Education

(non-cohort: MACI/MAEL/MATL/MATC/Bilingual-ESL/Post-Bac): $585• Master of Arts in Leadership for Service (MALS): $595• Master of Arts in Mathematics Education: $500• Master of Arts in Mathematics and Science for Elementary Teachers: $500• Master of Arts in Science Education: $500• Master of Business Administration (MBA): $660• Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA): $670• Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): $590• Master of Science in Digital Marketing and Analytics: $800• Master of Science in Mathematics: $500• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): $670• Master of Social Work (MSW): $590• Doctor of Education (EdD): $610• Doctor of Social Work (DSW): $740

Financial AidMore 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 $21 million in institutional scholarships and grants in 2013–2014.

6Tuition and Financial Aid


the aurora university faculty comprises 122 full-time instructional faculty members and more than 340 part-time instructors. AU professors are leaders in their fields, distinguished academics and accomplished practitioners. Recent faculty awards from 2013–2014 include:

Meg Bero, MA, Director of the Schingoethe Center and Instructor of Museum Studies, was awarded the 2014 Visual Arts Educator Award from the Illinois Alliance for Arts Education (an affiliate of the Kennedy Center).

Christina Bruhn, PhD, Assistant Professor of Social Work, was appointed by the Governor of the State of Illinois to serve as a member of the Children’s Mental Health Partnership (ICMHP).

Gerald Butters, PhD, Professor of History, and Mark Plummer, DA, Associate Professor of Music, received joint fellowships to participate in the Asian Studies Development Program (ASDP): Infusing Chinese and Japanese Religion, Art and Politics into the Undergraduate Curriculum.

Don Danner, CPA, CGMA, Assistant Professor of Accounting, was named Chairman of the Board for the Missouri Society of Certified Public Accountants (MSCPA).

Jessica A. Heybach, EdD, Assistant Professor of Education, served as the program chair for the 66th Annual Southeast Philosophy of Education Society. She also is currently serving as the President-Elect for the 2014–2015 year. Heybach also won the Critics Choice Award from the American Education Studies Association (AESA) for her work on “Dystopia and Education: Insights into Theory, Praxis, and Policy in an Age of Utopia-Gone-Wrong.”

Rick Polad, MS, Pro Rata Instructor of Natural Sciences, was named a Top 3 finalist in the 2014 Soon to be Famous Illinois Author Project, which is coordinated in collaboration with the Illinois Library Association and Reaching Across Illinois Library System. Polad was nominated for his book “Change of Address.”

Mark Soderstrom, PhD, Assistant Professor of History, was elected to a three-year term on the Executive Board of the Midwest World History Association.

Susan Trestrail, MA, MSEd, who teaches in the Department of English, won an honorable mention for her essay on John Steinbeck that was awarded by the Louis Owens Essay Prize contest.

7Aurora University Faculty


Brian Vander Schee, PhD, Associate Professor of Marketing, was acknowledged by the Marketing Management Association as winner of the Hormel Foods Master Teacher Award. Vander Schee also earned the Academy of Marketing Science Outstanding Marketing Teacher Award this year.

Stephen Walker, PhD, BCBA-D, Assistant Professor and Director of the Applied Behavior Analysis Program, was selected by a panel of experts as the 2014 recipient of the APA Division 25 Society for the Experimental Analysis of Behavior Applied Dissertation Award for his dissertation titled, “The Influence of Secondary Stimulus Characteristics in the Assessment of Sexual Offenders Diagnosed With Intellectual Disabilities.”

Debra Zahay-Blatz, PhD, Professor of Marketing, was honored with the Silver Award for the Jacobs and Clevenger CaseWriter’s Workshop at the Annual Marketing EDGE Research Summit in October.

Mark Zelman, PhD, Associate Professor of Biology, was elected as the secretary of the Illinois State Academy of Sciences.

CHARLES B. PHILLIPS LIBRARYThe Charles B. Phillips Library houses a collection of more than 82,000 books and 6,500 multimedia materials. Electronic resources include 110,000 ebooks and an online catalog networked with 80 academic and research libraries in the state. More than 80 indexes and online databases provide current students, faculty and staff with access to 37,000 unique periodical titles. More than 80 online subject research guides are also available.

Phillips Library is open 102 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 check-out, online chat assistance and special events throughout the year.


aurora university fields 21 ncaa division i i i intercollegiate athletic teams, which play in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference, Midwest Lacrosse Conference, Women’s Midwest Lacrosse Conference and the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association. The Spartans boast a winning tradition with 124 conference championships in recent years and 79 appearances in NCAA tournaments. AU student-athletes excel on the fields, in the classroom and in the community.

AURORA UNIVERSITY HISTORY OF CHAMPIONSConference Championships Men Womensince 1982 (124) 65 59NCAA Appearances Men Women since 1982 (79) 48 31

Championships by SportBaseballconference championships (23)

2012 | 2006 | 2005 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 1999 | 1998 | 1997 | 1995 | 1994 | 1993 1992 | 1991 | 1990 | 1989 | 1988 | 1987 1986 | 1985 | 1984 | 1978 | 1974

ncaa appearances (20)

2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 2002 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997 | 1996 1995 | 1994 | 1993 | 1992 | 1991 | 1990 1989 | 1987

Men’s Basketballconference championships (20)

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 | 1982–831979–80 | 1972–73 | 1971–72 | 1970–71


2012–13 | 2009–10 | 2008–09 | 2007–08 2006–07 | 2004–05 | 2002–03 | 2000–01 1997–98

Women’s Basketballconference championships (8)

2002–03 | 2001–02 | 2000–01 | 1995–96 1994–95 | 1993–94 | 1992–93 | 1988–89


2003–04 | 2001–02 | 1994–95 | 1993–94

Men’s Cross Countryconference championships (3)

2013 | 2012 | 2006

Women’s Cross Countryconference championships (5)

2013 | 2012 | 2008 | 2006 | 2005

individual ncaa appearance (1)2013

Footballconference championships (5) 2008 | 2004 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998


2008 | 2004 | 2000 | 1992

8Spartan Athletics


Men’s Golfconference championships (6)

2009 | 2006 | 1992 | 1990 | 1984 | 1974

ncaa appearance (1)

2009–10

Women’s Golfconference championships (3)

2008 | 2007 | 2006

Men’s Indoor Track and Fieldconference championships (3)

2014 | 2013 | 2007

individual ncaa appearances (6)

2012 | 2010 (2) | 2009 (3)

Women’s Indoor Track and Fieldconference championships (3)

2014 | 2013 | 2011

Men’s Lacrosseconference championships (2)

2014 | 2013


2014 | 2013

Men’s Outdoor Track and Fieldconference championships (2)

2014 | 2006

individual ncaa appearances (5)

2010 | 2009 (2) | 2008 | 2007

Women’s Outdoor Track and Fieldconference championships (4)

2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2006

individual ncaa appearance (1)2014

Men’s Soccerconference championships (12)

2004 | 1997 | 1990 | 1985 | 1979 | 1978 1977 | 1976 | 1975 | 1973 | 1971 | 1970

ncaa appearance (1)

2006

Women’s Soccerconference championships (15)

2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2003 | 2002 | 2000 1999 | 1997 | 1996


2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2007 2006 | 2005 | 2002 | 2001

Softballconference championships (21)

2014 | 2013 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 2005 | 2004 | 1997 | 1993 | 1991 | 1990 1989 | 1986 | 1985 | 1983 | 1982 | 1981 1980 | 1979 | 1978


2013 | 2010 | 2008 | 2006 | 2005 | 1995 1994 | 1993 | 1992 | 1991 | 1990 | 1988 1986 | 1985 | 1982

Men’s Tennisconference championships (5)

2000 | 1996 | 1995 | 1994 | 1981

Women’s Tennisconference championships (3)

1995 | 1994 | 1981

Volleyballconference championships (3)

2006 | 1996 | 1977


located on 137 acres on the shores of Geneva Lake in Williams Bay, Wisconsin, the George Williams College campus offers traditional undergraduate degrees as well as an adult degree completion program in nursing and a graduate program in social work.

The roots of George Williams College run deep in the YMCA movement of the 19th century. In 1884, leaders from America’s “western” YMCAs 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. Today, George Williams College operates as a campus of Aurora University, and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission through AU.

George Williams College is also home to Music by the Lake, a summer music festival that has, in recent years, included hit performers such as The Beach Boys, The Doobie Brothers, KC and the Sunshine Band, Blood, Sweat & Tears, and Cheap Trick. Summer concerts are staged in the Ferro Pavilion and feature a wide range of styles, such as big band, family, contemporary, classical, musical theatre, opera and classic rock entertainment.

9George Williams College

UNDERGRADUATE MAJORSHuman Ecology (BA)Outdoor Recreation Leadership

and Management (BS)Psychology (BA)Social Work (BSW)Sustainability and

Environmental Management (BS)


opened in 2014, the aurora university orchard center, located approximately five miles from the main Aurora campus, offers additional classroom, office and study space for students enrolled in AU programs. The location offers both day and evening classes, and is conveniently located just off the I-88 interstate. The location also houses the staff of the Center for Adult and Graduate Studies.

10Aurora University Orchard Center

31 AURORA UNIVERSITY 31WOODSTOCK

the aurora university woodstock center, located in downtown Woodstock, Illinois, serves the McHenry County community with evening, weekend and online courses. The center offers AU bachelor’s degree completion, master’s and doctoral degree programs centered around the lives of busy adults. The center also offers certificate and endorsement programs.

11Aurora University Woodstock Center


aurora university is committed to fiscal responsibility, and to ensuring that its financial resources are invested wisely in its mission and its students.

2012–2013 FINANCIAL POSITIONRevenue Net student tuition and fees: $50,631,644

Government grants and contracts: $926,957 Gifts and private grants: $1,772,936 Endowment and investment income: $1,598,211 Auxiliary enterprises, net: $8,084,778 Other: $1,772,288

Expenses Instruction: $21,585,472 Public service and research: $2,354,657 Academic support: $5,072,908 Auxiliary enterprises: $8,140,517 Institutional support: $13,828,836 Student support: $11,895,282

FINANCIAL POSITION2013 Assets Cash and short-term investments: $10,465,808

Net receivables: $5,684,284 Long-term investments, at market: $44,515,812 Prepaid expenses and deferred charges: $1,750,118 Property, plant and equipment: $87,302,297 Total assets: $149,718,319

12Aurora University Finances


Rebecca L. Sherrick, PhDPresident

Alicia Cosky, PhDDean of Faculty

Lora de Lacey, PhDVice President for Student Life

Donna DeSpain, EdDVice President for Enrollment, Executive Dean of Adult and Graduate Studies

Andrew Manion, PhDExecutive Vice President

Julie Mayrose, PhDExecutive Dean, George Williams College

Steven McFarlandVice President for University Communications and Administration

Carmella Moran, PhDDean of Undergraduate Studies and AU Online

Saib Othman, PhDDean of Graduate and Adult Studies

Ted Parge, CFREExecutive Vice President

Joan Poor, PhDProvost

Sarah RusseVice President for Community Relations

Teri TomaszkiewiczVice President for Development and Alumni Relations

13Aurora University Leadership

aurora university is a private university, governed by its Board of Trustees and led by its president and senior leadership team.

OUR LOCATIONSAurora University General Inquiries 630-892-6431

George Williams College 262-245-5531 [email protected]

Orchard Center 630-844-5294 [email protected]

Woodstock Center 815-337-6051 [email protected]

AU Online 888-688-1147 [email protected]

OFFICES AND DEPARTMENTSUndergraduate and Transfer Admission 630-844-5533 [email protected]

Adult and Graduate Studies 630-844-5294 [email protected]

Alumni Relations 630-844-5486 [email protected]

Athletics 630-844-5110 [email protected]

Bookstore 630-844-5524 [email protected]

Campus Safety 630-844-6140 [email protected]

Career Services 630-844-5403 [email protected]

Charles B. Phillips Library 630-844-5437 [email protected]

Counseling Center 630-844-5118


14Key University Contacts

Aurora University Factbook

Documents

Transcript of Aurora University Factbook