Daily Brief

KU to Pair with Mars 2020 Rover for 5-Year NASA Grant

Kutztown University’s Department of Physical Sciences has been awarded a five-year, $375,000 grant from NASA for its Here to Observe (H2O) program. The H2O Program gives undergraduate students the opportunity to observe and interact with NASA Planetary Science Division teams, with the goal of inspiring historically marginalized groups to be part of the STEM workforce. This program gives undergraduate student observers the opportunity to join a scientific community and interact with the Mars Perseverance Rover team at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, Calif. Read more and watch Dr. Erin Kraal, professor of Physical Sciences, in this WFMZ feature.

University Relations

Spirit Fridays

Fridays at KU are Spirit Fridays. All faculty, staff, students and the community are encouraged to wear maroon and gold and/or Kutztown University apparel on Fridays throughout the year. The KU Campus Store offers 20% off apparel and gifts the first Friday of every month as part of its First Friday Sale (in-store and online).

University Relations

Fall Fest for Success

We are thrilled to invite you to Fall Fest for Success, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 10, 218 MSU. This event is designed with one goal in mind: to proactively connect our students with the resources they need for a successful semester. As the semester kicks off, it's essential for students to be aware of and utilize the vast array of resources available on campus. By connecting early, students can avoid the common pitfalls and challenges that often arise later in the term. This event aims to shift the approach from reactive to proactive, ensuring that our Golden Bears have the support they need from the start. You can expect:
- Engaging Activities and Games: Break the ice and have some fun.
- Meet Campus Services: Put faces to names and discover how they can help you.
- Meet and Greet Moses: Come and say hi to Moses, the therapy dog in the Office of Student Assistance.
- Success Tips: Learn practical advice to make your semester smoother.

Your students' participation is crucial. Not only will they gain valuable insights and connections, but your presence also helps foster a supportive and connected community. By attending, you contribute to an environment where everyone feels empowered to succeed. Plus, the more the merrier - bring your friends and make it a day to remember. Have questions? Reach out to Jess Hainley or Samantha LaFlame. We're here to help and ensure you have an amazing experience. Don't miss out on this opportunity to set yourself up for success.

Jessica Hainley, Office of Student Assistance

Miller Keystone Blood Drive

The Community Outreach Center is hosting a Miller Keystone Blood Drive, 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11, 218 MSU. The demand for blood is a constant reality. Our community blood supply is the key to meeting this need. When we donate and support a life-saving cause, we ensure that the demand is met locally. Please sign up to reserve your donation time.

Amanda Garcia, Community Outreach Center

Campus Safety Day

The KU campus community is invited to Campus Safety Day, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 18, 218 MSU. Come take the It’s On Us pledge, sign a banner and receive a free t-shirt, as well as learn about these important resources for safety at KU: the Title IX Office, Public Safety, It's On Us, Residence Life, the Women's Center and community agency, Safe Berks. The Red Zone is the time period between move-in and Thanksgiving break when college students across the country are statistically most susceptible to sexual assault. Together, we can Reclaim the Red Zone.

Learn More

Diane Biehl, Women's Center/It's On Us

ACUE's Fostering a Culture of Belonging Course

The Association of College and University Educators (ACUE) is offering a virtual professional learning opportunity to faculty and staff titled, "Fostering a Culture of Belonging," Sept. 30 through Nov. 24. We know that belonging creates better retention and success for students, staff and faculty. But everyone on a campus needs to work together to uphold a culture that supports belonging. This professional learning opportunity for faculty and staff provides support for considering how you might more successfully contribute to such a culture. Space is limited. Secure your participation by contacting Karen Rauch at rauch@kutztown.edu.

Association of College and University Educators

Karen Rauch, Provost's Office

Counseling Center Walk-In Hours

The Counseling Center hosts walk-in hours for students 1-3 p.m. Tuesdays, 3-5 p.m. Wednesdays, 1-3 p.m. Thursdays. Walk-in sessions are your go-to for 30-minute sessions offering immediate, short-term support. Whether you're stressed, need support or other resources, our counselors are here to help. No appointments are necessary; stop in the Health Center in Beck Hall.

Cara Sanfilippo, Counseling and Psychological Services

Recovery Community Services

Health and Wellness Services provides campus services for sober students, those who may have experienced situations with others' use, or are looking for like-minded sober students. SMART Recovery meetings are 3-4:30 p.m., Mondays, 325 MSU. SMART is a peer support group that helps people recover from addictive and problematic behaviors. Open Collegiate Recovery meetings are 6-7 p.m., Thursdays, Health Center (Beck), with weekly discussions/activities with recovery advocates. For more information, contact Frances Cortez Funk at cortez@kutztown.edu.

Frances C. Cortez Funk, Health and Wellness Services

Faculty Recruitment Training

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions will host a Faculty Recruitment Training, 11 a.m. to noon, Thursday, Sept. 12, Kemp Conference Room. This session is designed for faculty members to learn about the variety of methods that Admissions uses to recruit students. We will also discuss the instrumental role that faculty play in recruitment and how they can be involved in the process. All faculty and academic staff are welcome to attend. Please email Ryan Murphy at rmurphy@kutztown.edu with any questions.

Ryan Murphy, Undergraduate Admissions

Tutoring Services

Tutoring Services offers a comprehensive program to support students in their academic careers while assisting them in developing the skills to become successful lifelong learners. Tutors are available for most 100 and 200-level courses and some upper-level courses. Academic Peer Mentors (APM) are available to all students. Students can sign up for tutoring in Starfish using the tutor link next to their course, or by using the "I Need Help" button if tutoring is not listed for the class. APM appointments can be scheduled in Starfish under the APM box in "My Services." Tutoring Services is located at 26 Rohrbach Library. For additional information or questions, contact Tutoring Services at 610-683-4207, tutor@kutztown.edu or visit the Tutoring Services website.

Tutoring Services

Sabbatical Leave 2025-2026

The Office of the Provost is pleased to announce the following sabbatical leaves for 2025-2026:

2025 Fall Semester
- Donna DeMarco, Computer Science and Information Technology
- Yongjae Kim, Sport Management
- Qian Sun, Business Administration

2026 Spring Semester
- Michele Baranczyk, Psychology
- Denise Bosler, Art and Design
- Colleen Clemens, English
- Tauqeer Hussain, Computer Science and Information Technology
- Brandon Krieg, English
- Liaoliao Li, Business Administration
- Myung Soon Song, Mathematics
- Michele White, Elementary, Middle Level, Library and Technologies Education

2025-2026 Academic Year
- Thomas Betts, Physical Sciences
- Diana Elliott, Counselor Education and Student Affairs
- Pierette Kulpa, Art and Design
- Timothy O'Boyle, Anthropology and Sociology
- Glenn Walters, Criminal Justice

Anne Imschweiler, Provost Office/Academic Affairs