Daily Brief

PASSHE Chief DEI Officer Speaks at KU

Dr. Denise Pearson, PASSHE vice chancellor and chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer, was the keynote speaker of KU’s 2024 Ujima Conference Wednesday, Feb. 21. The conference spanned three days under the enlightening theme “It Takes a Village.”

University Relations

Condolences

It is with a heavy heart that we share the loss of Steve Brynildsen suddenly and unexpectedly Friday night, Feb. 16. Steve is survived by his wife of almost 40 years, Nancy, Student Success and Academic Excellence, and their three sons, Steven '10, Gregory '13 and Nathan, as well as two grandchildren. For more information, please view the obituary here. Messages of condolence can be sent to Nancy at PO Box 243, Emmaus, PA 18049.

Cheryl Brattley, The Center for Student Success and Academic Excellence

Open Hour with Provost

Faculty, staff and students are invited to drop by and chat with Dr. Lorin Basden Arnold, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, during her open office hour 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 29, Bears Den, MSU. Faculty and staff who would like to have a conversation, but for whom this time does not work, are welcome to contact the Office of the Provost at 610-683-4155 to schedule a time to meet.

Office of the Provost

Anne Imschweiler, Office of the Provost

FAFSA Workshop

Financial Aid Services is aware there are many concerns and questions regarding the updated 2024-25 FAFSA. We are hosting several workshops to provide information, guidance and assistance with these changes. Please complete the registration form to attend one of our workshops taking place in the Boehm Science Building (BH) in the following weeks:
 - 11 a.m. to noon Tuesday, March 5, 145 BH Lecture Hall.
 - 11 a.m. to noon Thursday, March 7, 145 BH Lecture Hall.
 - 11 a.m. to noon Tuesday, March 26, 145 BH Lecture Hall.
 - 11 a.m. to noon Thursday, April 4, 145 BH Lecture Hall.
Click on the link below to complete the registration.

24-25 FAFSA Workshop Registration Form

Michael Arias, Financial Aid Services

Lunch x Learn: Working with Neurodivergent Students

This workshop on Neurodiversity in the College Classroom, led by Megan Rutter, assistant director of Disability Services, will include case studies and scenarios that may be similar to what you have experienced in your classrooms. Join us for a free lunch sponsored by the DSO as we discuss some of the biggest struggles for neurodiverse students, how they may manifest within your classroom space and some suggestions on how to best support their needs. The Lunch and Learn will have two seatings: 11-11:50 a.m.; and noon to 12:50 p.m. Tuesday, March 19, 6 Rohrbach Library, CEL office. A variety of boxed lunches, courtesy of the DSO, will be available for those who register. Availability is limited to 20 participants per seating. Please visit the event page for more information.

Center for Engaged Learning

Spring Commencement Speakers

Applications are being accepted through Tuesday, March 19 for student commencement speakers for the spring commencement ceremonies this May. Three students will be selected to speak before their graduating class and guests:
 - One graduate student. 
 - One undergraduate student for the 9 a.m. ceremony.
 - One undergraduate student for the 2:30 p.m. ceremony.
Please direct all questions about the commencement speaker application process to Dr. Andrea Kirshman at kirshman@kutztown.edu (undergraduate students) or to Dr. Carl Sheperis at sheperis@kutztown.edu (graduate students).

Commencement

Melissa Lincoln, Office of the Vice Provost

Town Hall Hosted By APSCUF and Faculty of Color Caucus

APSCUF-KU is committed to creating a campus that supports diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. In support of addressing and fixing issues noted in Senator Haywood's recent Enough report, the Faculty of Color Caucus will be hosting a Town Hall for our students to voice their concerns 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27, 183 MSU. The goal is to hear directly from students and for faculty, staff and administration to listen to these concerns. As stated in Senator Haywood's report, "It is imperative for PASSHE and the individual universities to continue listening, responding to and enacting meaningful change." Please join us in making Kutztown University a place where everyone feels safe, accepted, respected, included and supported.

Marlene Nanouh Fares, Academic Enrichment

Appointment Scheduling in Starfish-Quick Links

A quick setup guide is available for setting up appointment scheduling in Starfish: 3-Step Process for Appointment Scheduling. For more detailed information, please view the following document: Managing your Starfish Calendar. Both of these documents are also available on the KU Starfish Faculty and Staff Resources link below. For additional assistance setting up or managing your Starfish calendar, please email starfish@kutztown.edu or call 610-683-4217.

KU Starfish Faculty and Staff Resources

Cheryl Brattley, The Center for Student Success and Academic Excellence

TIAA Representative On Campus

Our new TIAA representative will be on campus 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27, 119 Stratton. If you would like to make an appointment, please call 1-800-842-2252 or visit the link below.

Schedule a Meeting TIAA

Jeanette Forster, Human Resources