Daily Brief

Empowering Diversity: The Story of the Disability Services Office

Nestled within the vibrant and historic campus of Kutztown University, the Disability Services Office (DSO) shines as a beacon of hope, inclusivity and empowerment, championing the rights and facilitating the success of students with disabilities. This commitment is woven into the very fabric of the university's ethos, creating a nurturing environment where diversity is not just accepted, but celebrated.

The Comprehensive Story of the Disability Services Office

University Relations

CDC, KU Revise COVID-19 Protocols

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released updated recommendations for how people can protect themselves and their communities from respiratory viruses, including COVID-19. The new guidance brings a unified approach to addressing risks from a range of common respiratory viral illnesses, such as COVID-19, flu and RSV, which can cause significant health impacts and strain on hospitals and health care workers. The CDC is making updates to the recommendations now because the U.S. is seeing far fewer hospitalizations and deaths associated with COVID-19 and because we have more tools than ever to combat flu, COVID and RSV. KU has adopted the new CDC guidance for its COVID-19 protocols, which can be found online.

University Relations

Commission on Human Diversity Social Justice Awards

The Commission on Human Diversity presented the 2024 Social Justice Awards at their annual conference Friday, March 1. Awards were given before the morning keynote address by Dr. Patricia Brenner. Award recipients included Kyra Richards, public administration major and professional writing, public relations and social work minors; Mirialy Valle (shown), Masters in School Counseling program; and Lauren McNeil, Ed.D. in Transformational Teaching and Learning program.

Commission on Human Diversity

Patricia Ann Brenner, Commission on Human Diversity

Cookie Chat: Building Strong Alumni Networks Into Our Courses and Programs

Come chat with faculty members Julie Palkendo of Environmental Science, Gary Chao of Business Administration and Tim Kast from the KU Foundation about programs that link our current students with our devoted alumni. Participants will learn about how the different types of programs in science and business might translate to your areas 11 a.m. Thursday, March 28, 6 Rohrbach Library. The featured cookie will be golden caramel because it’s good to be golden. For more information, please visit the link below.

CEL Events

Center for Engaged Learning

Many Thanks from the Science Olympiad

On behalf of the Science Olympiad community, coaches and staff, we thank you all for your support and volunteer efforts in making this past Science Olympiad a tremendous success. What you may not realize as you're busy "working the trenches" is how impactful your efforts truly are to these up-and-coming scientists. Your contribution to the university is equally commendable as this is, for many of the participants, their first "college experience." You have surely made it memorable. Thanks so very much to our army of volunteers - you are awesome. A very special shoutout to the administration, faculty, staff, Facilities, Admissions, Athletics, Conference Services, Information Technology, Student Services, University Marketing and Human Resources.

Science Olympiad

Joann Monko, Physical Sciences

Summer/Winter Hours

Summer hours will begin Monday, May 13, and remain in effect through Friday, Aug. 16, a week before the start of classes. Summer hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a half-hour lunch. Anyone who has a need to maintain the normal academic year hours may submit a request through their supervisory line. Approval for such a request will be at the vice-presidential level and should be communicated to Human Resources. New this year: Winter hours. Winter hours will begin Monday, Dec. 16 and run through Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, a week before the start of Spring classes. Winter hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a half-hour lunch. The approval process is the same for anyone needing to keep normal academic year hours. Any questions on this can be submitted through AskHR.

KU Support

Jennifer Weidman, Human Resources

Middle States Self-Study Open Forum

Faculty, staff and students are invited to join us at the KU Middle States Self-Study Open Forum 12:30-1:20 p.m. Monday, April 1, 145 Boehm Science Center, to meet our Middle States Commission on Higher Education vice president liaison Dr. Ryan Hartnett and learn more about KU's accreditation process. Accreditation reviews the quality of all aspects of a higher education institution and affects federal and state funding, grants and financial aid.

Middle States Self-Study

Middle States Self-Study Steering Committee

KU Magnetic Name Badges

KU has branded name badges. Department chairs or secretaries can email sales@waitzcorp.com at Waitz Corporation (610-437-5409) to request a quote for:
- 3.5” x 1.5” name badge gold/burgundy engraved with KU logo, name and department; or
- 3.25” x 2” name badge gold/burgundy engraved with KU logo, name, title and department.
Enter a purchase requisition in SourcePoint (Vendor #0081001839) using your cost center or department p-card. Prices range from $9.75 to $14, depending on quantity. Contact University Relations at ur@kutztown.edu with questions.

University Relations

AFSCME Local 2234 Member Meeting

Please plan on attending the AFSCME Local 2234 member meeting 5 p.m. Monday, March 18, 103 Academic Forum. We will be discussing the Women's Conference that was held in Hershey and the Council 13 Administratorship. Refreshments will be served.

Letitia Manwiller, AFSCME Local 2234

Canceled: Rape, Aggression and Defense Training

Rape, Aggression and Defense (RAD) Training, scheduled March 18-21, has been canceled due to low enrollment. RAD Training will be available during the fall semester Monday, Sept. 16, Tuesday, Sept. 17, and Thursday, Sept. 19. An announcement will be made in the Daily Brief and Bear Essentials.

Danielle Santos, Public Safety and Police Services

Legendary Del McCoury Band at KU

Join the Legendary Del McCoury Band 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 20, Schaeffer Auditorium. Emerging from humble beginnings in York County more than 80 years ago, influenced by the banjo playing of Earl Scruggs, joining Bill Monroe's Blue Grass Boys in early 1963 and now helming the Del McCoury Band, with sons Ronnie and Rob, Del is the living link. No surprise that contemporary, bluegrass-bred stars like Vince Gill and Alison Krauss, country-rock icon Steve Earle and jam band royalty Phish sing his praises. The Del McCoury Band continues to be a peerless torchbearer for the entire sweep and scope of bluegrass history. KU faculty and staff can access discounted tickets by logging in for tickets with their MyKU login.

Tickets

KU Presents!

Student Group Invitation to Accepted Student Reception

Calling all student clubs and organizations: the Admissions Office is hosting the annual "Accepted Student Day Reception" Saturday, April 6. We are looking for representatives from student clubs to join us in welcoming and mingling with prospective students. More than 400 prospective students will be in attendance - this is a great way to advertise your club. We are also looking for student groups featuring musicians, dancers and other types of performances to perform at the event. If your group is interested in attending, fill out the form below.

Student Group Form

Abigail Cosgrove, Admissions

Yellow Brick Road to Success

Embark on a magical journey down the "Yellow Brick Road to Success" 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, March 25, 218 and 250 MSU. Invite your students who may require a little wizardry in their academic lives. Join us at the mid-point of the semester for a rendezvous with multiple supporting offices on campus. Picture this – a convergence of helpful folks ready to sprinkle academic stardust and answer all your burning questions. Dorothy had her companions and you've got an entourage of support services to guide you through the semester storm. Whether you're feeling like the Scarecrow in need of some brains, the Tin Man yearning for a heart-to-heart about your coursework or the Cowardly Lion facing the daunting mid-semester slump, we've got your back. But wait, there's more – attending students stand a chance to win fantastical prizes. It's not just about finding your academic Oz; it's about the thrill of winning goodies that would make the Wicked Witch of the West turn green with envy. So, why miss out on this golden opportunity? Do you have questions, concerns or just need a friendly chat about the magic of education? Jessica Hainley from Student Assistance is your go-to wizard. Click your heels (or just type an email) and reach out to her (hainley@kutztown.edu). Don't be like the flying monkeys, aimlessly wandering through the semester – join us on the "Yellow Brick Road to Success"

Jessica Hainley, Student Assistance

Mock Police Oral Board Interview

In conjunction with the Department of Public Safety and Police Services, the Department of Criminal Justice is pleased to announce that mock police oral board interviews will be held 9 a.m. Thursday, April 11, Blue Room Old Main. Multiple interviews will be held with a panel of active police officers throughout the day, but openings are limited. Students who are interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement are highly encouraged to apply to gain valuable feedback on effective interview skills and strategies that are unique to policing careers. Priority will be given based upon criminal justice majors, seniority, academic standing and expressed interest in a policing career. To apply, please contact Dr. Colin Bolger at bolger@kutztown.edu no later than Friday, March 29. This event is closed to the public and only students who have pre-registered may participate.

Philip Bolger, Department of Criminal Justice

What Does it Mean to be a Woman? Juried Art Exhibition for Women's History Month 2024

What does it mean to be a woman? The juried art exhibition is in celebration of Women’s History Month and is on exhibit March 1-27, Rohrbach Library. The jurors, Dr. Katy Ballard and Sophia Villalobos, chose artworks from Kutztown University’s undergraduate submissions that responded to the question, "What does it mean to be a woman?" Dra. L.C. Sotomayor II, assistant professor of art education and Frederick Douglas Institute (FDI) Scholar, curated the art exhibition. The featured artists are Erika Moriarity, Alyson Witman, Brielle Fritz, Hailey Stumpo and Morgan Allen.

Dra. L.C. Sotomayor, Art Education

Weinberg Runner-Up at 184, Bailey Gimbor Eighth at 157 at NCAA DII Championships

Matthew Weinberg reached his first national championship match before coming home as the 184-pound runner-up at the NCAA Division II Championships, which wrapped up inside Hartman Arena Saturday night, March 16. Weinberg became the seventh Golden Bear to wrestle in a national championship match all-time and first since Andrew Dunn Jr. in 2022. The Philadelphian, now a two-time All-American, improved his positioning by two spots over last year's fourth-place finish in the same weight class. Teammate Bailey Gimbor, who also captured All-America honors, recorded an eighth-place finish in the 157-pound weight class.

Recap

Sports Information