April 2023

Volume 5, Issue 9

• Academic Affairs

  Center for Student Success and Academic Excellence
  The Center for Student Success and Academic Excellence provides students with individualized success plans, study skills support and connections to campus resources. The Center offers academic skills workshops and one-on-one consultations on study skills, time management, note taking and learning strategies to enhance success inside and outside the classroom. For more information and resources, visit www.kutztown.edu/studentsuccess.

  Starfish
  Featured tools in Spring 2023 include the “I need Help” feature for students, allowing them to proactively connect to needed resources and information. For more information, visit https://www.kutztown.edu/starfish.

  Tutoring Services
  Continue your success with Tutoring Services. Whether your student is struggling in a class or just wants to get a better grade, free peer tutoring is available in both individual and group settings. Tutor requests are available through Starfish. If your student has questions, contact tutor@kutztown.edu.

  Fall 2023 Recruitment
  Tutoring Services is recruiting peer tutors and academic peer mentors for Fall 2023. If your student is interested in this employment opportunity, please have them complete the Tutoring Services Employment Application. If your student has questions, contact tutor@kutztown.edu.

  Ireland Faculty-Led Study Abroad Program Departing in May
  The Kutztown University faculty-led study abroad program in Ireland is excited to return to the Emerald Isle in the summer of 2023 (May-June). Professors Jason Lanter (Psychology), Eric Johnson (History) and Andrew Vogel (Literature) lead students through an exhilarating month-long tour of Belfast, Dublin, Cork, Killarney and Galway. Students enroll in one of three courses but enjoy an integrated, interdisciplinary learning experience that takes them to the places that are truly the heart and soul of Éire – Giant’s Causeway, Brú na Bóinne (Newgrange), the Hill of Tara, the Book of Kells, the Rock of Cashel, the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, Galway’s Latin Quarter, the Aran Islands and so much more. Information and media are available on the program website. We will begin taking applications for summer 2024 in October with rolling admissions running through January.

  TRIO Student Support Services Program
  Did you know that KU has a TRIO Student Support Services Program to assist first-generation college students? The TRIO SSSP assists students with resources, advising and preparation for college and beyond. Students are eligible if they are first generation college students and income eligible. First generation is defined as neither parent having a four-year college degree. For more information and to apply electronically, please visit www.kutztown.edu/trio. Questions may be directed to 610-683-1347.

  Miller Art Gallery
  The College of Visual and Performing Arts and the Miller Art Gallery will feature senior art exhibitions this spring. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday; Noon to 4 p.m., Saturday; and 2-4 p.m., Sunday. For more information, visit www.kutztown.edu/millerartgallery.

  • Graduates in Communication Design: April 8-16, reception 2-4 p.m., Sunday, April 16.
  • Graduates in Studio Art: April 22-30, reception 2-4 p.m., Sunday, April 23.
  • Graduates in Animated Arts: May 6-13, reception 2-4 p.m., Sunday, May 7.

  Kutztown Folk Festival
  Are you looking for a summer job and connection with the Kutztown Community? The Folk Festival is hiring: https://www.kutztownfestival.com/employment.

  Career Development Center
  Is your student graduating? There will be more than 40 workshops this April to assist them in their career development. Please encourage them to attend. All events can be found on the Career Development Center Office Calendars.

  Did your student miss the March Job Fair? Have them join the Virtual Internship and Job Fair 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday, April 18, in Handshake.

• Administration and Finance

  Online Billing Notifications and Texts for Parents
  Students can easily set up parents to receive billing emails and texts. The student needs to log into MyKU > KU Financial Account tile > Payment Dashboard > Select My Account > Payers section > Send a Payer Invitation. The parent will be emailed a special link to their own version of the Payment Dashboard and they will now receive emails and texts.

  Spring 2023 Balances
  Any balances that are not valid deferments or from a payment plan in good standing are considered past due and in collections. Unpaid balances will be placed with the Pa. State Attorney General’s Office for collections once the semester ends. Holds will only be lifted once the account is paid in full. If placed with an agency, additional wait time will occur for the payment to clear. There is still time to look at loan options such as a parent plus loan, additional Stafford loans if plus loan is denied or private alternative loans. Once spring is over, those options are gone.

  Summer 2023 Registration and Costs
  Summer 2023 registration opened in March. Summer costs are published online as well as a page dedicated to Summer session payment information. Due dates are assigned based on the date the registration occurs. A payment plan is open (MyKU > KU Financial Account tile > Payment Dashboard). We encourage planning in advance to get the most number of payment options. Students do not have to be enrolled yet to sign up for the payment plan. There is a three-payment plan open through May 2.

  Fall 2023 Registration and Account Holds
  Students who have outstanding charges on their MyKU account may be prohibited from registering for the Fall 2023 semester until these balances are paid in full. We do not want to see students miss their registration appointments and encourage all students and families to check their MyKU accounts now to clear any balances. If the student misses their appointment, they can still clear their balance and register later. However, the longer students wait, the more the classes they may want or need, can fill up. Email the Office of Student Accounts for help and guidance on payment options today at studentaccounts@kutztown.edu or call 610-683-4133.

  Fall 2023 Billing and Payment Plans
  Fall 2023 bills are scheduled to be prepared in July, but the actual rates may be advertised before that on our website. Remember, Fall 2023 payment plans open approximately April 6 for the six-payment plan. The sooner you sign up, the more payments you can break the amount due into. You can use today’s rates as a guide to set up the plan and then adjust once the actuals are published or the bill is ready online. If you need help calculating the amount you need the plan for, email studentaccounts@kutztown.edu or call 610-683-4133.

  Fall 2023 FAFSA – Deadline April 15 for State Grant Consideration
  The FAFSA for the 2023-2024 school year should be completed by now, but if not, there is still time to do so – just do it quickly. If you are a state grant recipient, or might be, your FAFSA must be filed and processed by KU by the end of April. There is no appeal if you file too late. Do not miss out on free money if you are normally, or might be, eligible. File today.

  Fall 2023 Additional Loans
  Additional loans for next school year should be applied for in June, no sooner. We encourage applying for the full school year. We will split the aid in half for fall and half for spring rather than applying multiple times in a year. You can always reduce loans later if the full amount is not needed.

  • https://studentaid.gov – Parent PLUS loans using parent FSA ID and password.
  • www.elmselect.com – Private alternative loans.

  Flex Dollars Expire at the End of the Semester
  These dollars expire at the end of the year – spend them now. If you need additional funds for the rest of the school year, consider Bear Bucks that carry over to the fall semester if unused.

  Bear Bucks Refunds
  Students graduating or withdrawing from Kutztown University may request a refund of the unused funds in their Bear Bucks account. They can also choose to spend the remaining dollars in the KU Campus Store for alumni gear, clothing or various supplies to prepare for next year. The student will need to complete the “Bear Bucks Account Closure” form and mail it to the KU Card Office, 107 Academic Forum, or they can request one from their KU email account by emailing the KU Card Office at kucard@kutztown.edu. There is typically a $10 processing fee. Once the form is approved, the refund will be processed and mailed to the home address on your MyKU account within two to four weeks.

• Enrollment Management and Student Affairs

  Meal Plan Selection
  Meal plan selection for the 2023-2024 academic year opens Monday, April 17, for returning students. All students can select a meal plan of their choice via their MyKUHousing portal. There is plenty of time to make this decision as meal plan selection does not end until Friday, June 16. Please keep in mind that students living in traditional or suite-style residence halls are required to have a MyTime Dining Gold, Platinum or Diamond meal plan. If students wish to make changes after self-selection ends June 16, they can email kudiningservices@kutztown.edu with their request.

  Fall 2023 Room Selection
  For information and the timeline for the Fall 2023 Room Selection Process, please follow the Fall 2023 Room Selection Process Link.

  Guess What Day It Is?
  Join KU Activities Board (KUAB) and the Office of Student Involvement (OSI) for a fun mid-week surprise 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, April 12, MSU lawn. More information can be found here.

  The Dinner Detective
  Join OSI and KUAB 6 p.m., Thursday, April 13, 250 MSU for an evening of whodunnit as they host The Dinner Detective, a murder mystery dinner show. Free tickets must be reserved for this event as seats are limited. Tickets are available now. More details can be found here.

  New York City and Broadway Bus Trip
  The Kutztown University Activities Board in collaboration with the Office of Student Involvement is hosting a bus trip to New York City Saturday, April 15. The buses will leave at 7 a.m. from the McFarland Student Union parking lot. There are two different ticket options for students: a $10 ticket which includes a round trip bus ticket to NYC, and a $40 ticket which includes a round trip bus ticket to NYC and a ticket to see The Book of Mormon on Broadway. Tickets for the bus only can be purchased here and tickets for the bus and Broadway show can be purchased here. Please note that tickets are limited and you must be logged in as a student to purchase tickets. For more information, contact the Office of Student Involvement or click here.

  Can You Dig It?
  Join KUAB and OSI 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, April 19, MSU lawn for two fun events. Students will be able to paint a pot and plant seeds to grow their very own flowers or herbs. Then, the Fossil Road Show will be on site to allow students to sift through gravel and find fossilized shark teeth, ancient fragments of turtle shells and more. Additional details for this event can be found here.

  Atom – The World’s Fastest Painter
  KUAB and OSI will host Atom, the World’s Fastest Painter, Tuesday, April 25. Atom will be performing in three different locations on campus throughout the day: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the MSU Lawn, 1:30-3:30 p.m. on the Alumni Plaza, and 5-7 p.m. in South Dining Hall. Using no brushes, Atom will create incredible paintings in only three minutes. During each session, he will create as many paintings as possible to give away to students. You will not want to miss this amazing event. More information can be found here.

  Pet Therapy Day
  Take a break from studying for finals and come hang out with some furry friends. Join KUAB and OSI 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday, May 1, MSU lawn, as they host a Pet Therapy Day. More details can be found here.

  MSU Trivia
  MSU sponsors monthly trivia with rotating themes. The next event is 7 p.m., Thursday, April 6. The Theme is Logos, Brands and Slogans. There will be a hot-pretzel bar provided. Winners receive a $25 Paw Pass to be used at all accepting on and off-campus locations.

  Living Authentically
  Greek Life will host James Robilotta on campus, 7 p.m., Thursday, April 6, to learn about leading imperfectly and how to be authentic as humans. https://engage.kutztown.edu/event/8965155

  It’s On Us
  Greek Life and It’s on Us come together for their annual Walk the Talk to raise awareness on sexual assault 7 p.m., Thursday, April 13, Dixon Amphitheater. https://engage.kutztown.edu/event/8998618

  Greek Week
  Annual Greek Week is April 17-21. All events can all be found on UGC's Engage page. All are welcome to join. https://engage.kutztown.edu/organization/united-greek-council/events

• Equity, Compliance and Legal Affairs

  Kutztown University Public Safety and Police Services
  Interim Chief of Police David Drezek is pleased to announce the promotion of Justin Soumas to the rank of Lieutenant. Soumas brings 20 years of law enforcement experience to the command position. Soumas started his career as a police officer with the Fleetwood Police Department in April 2001. He was hired as an officer by Kutztown University Public Safety and Police Services in September 2003 and was promoted to Detective Corporal in 2011. Soumas has been married to his wife, Angela, for 20 years and is the proud father to Aiden and Ryleigh. Soumas is currently completing his bachelor’s degree at Kutztown University.

  Disabilities Services Office
  Please encourage your student to stop by Wellbeing Day, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday, April 14, 218 and 223 MSU. The DSO will facilitate mindful meditation and a sensory/quiet space. For more information, please contact DSO assistant director Megan Rutter at rutter@kutztown.edu.

• University Relations and Athletics

  Broadway and TV Star Laura Benanti Closes KU Presents! Season
  Tony® Award-winner and five-time Tony® Award nominee Laura Benanti is a highly celebrated stage and screen actress. Her TV and film roles include Gossip Girl, Younger, Worth, and Tick-Tick…Boom! and many guest appearances. In 2019, Benanti made a triumphant return to Broadway as Eliza Doolittle in Lincoln Center's acclaimed production of My Fair Lady. Since making her Broadway debut at the young age of 18 as Maria in The Sound of Music opposite Richard Chamberlain, Benanti has wowed audiences in numerous musicals and plays. Her performance at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 19, Schaeffer Auditorium, will feature songs from Broadway, jazz-influenced torch songs and comedic takes on beloved favorites with a liberal dose of her charming wit and humor. Tickets are available online or by calling 610-683-4092.

• KU Campus Store

  Egg Hunt
  Keep an eye out for eggs scattered around north and south campus April 3-7. You may find a 40% off coupon inside. Discounts range from 25-40% off apparel and gift, in-store only. Coupons valid April 3-14, 2023. Cannot be combined with other sales and discounts.

  Art Appreciation Day - April 11
  Save 10% on art supplies (VIP save an additional 5%). In-store and online. Excludes other sales and discounts.

  Sidewalk Sale
  Shop and save on apparel, gift, tech and other deeply discounted items, in-store only. | Excludes other sales and discounts. April 18, KU Campus Store. April 20, Dixon Marketplace.

  Regalia Available for Purchase
  Regalia will be available for Spring 2023 graduates to purchase at KU Campus Store May 1-12. Shop in-store and online.

  Textbook Sellback
  Textbook Sellback will take place May 1-12 in the KU Campus Store.

• KU Foundation

  Honor Your KU Grad's Achievements
  Are you looking for a way to celebrate your Golden Bear? Consider having your graduate's name engraved on a brick in Alumni Plaza. Click here to learn how to purchase a brick in the plaza, one of the most popular spots on campus.

  Do You Have Spring Fever?
  While we can’t boost the temperature here in Kutztown, we can boost the funds that are so important to the education and enrichment provided at KU. Gifts to the KU Annual Fund are directed to wherever the need is greatest. This is crucial in creating educational and enriching opportunities for both current and future students. Gifts of all sizes make a great impact, especially when we make a collective effort. Click here to donate.

• Dates to Know

  KU Central Calendar
  A full listing of upcoming events and academic deadlines can be found on KU's central calendar.

  Early Registration for Fall 2023 for Special Groups	April 6-7
  Incoming Graduate Registration	Friday, April 7
  Fall and Winter 2023 UG Incomplete work deadline	Friday, April 7
  Fall 2023 Web Registration by Appointment	April 10-24
  Faculty Deadline – Fall 2022 and Winter 2023 UG Incomplete	Friday, April 14
  Last Day to Withdraw or take LOA from Spring 2023	Friday, April 21
  Open Enrollment Fall 2023	April 25-28
  Fall 2023 Registration Closes	Friday, April 28