April 2024

Volume 6, Issue 9

• Academic Affairs

  Extended Learning
  We are thrilled to announce the launch of Coursera Career Academy through KU ADVANCE. At no additional cost, your KU student can earn resume-enhancing digital badges and certificates from top tech companies like Google and IBM through self-paced courses perfectly fitted around their class schedules. This opportunity is unique within the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, and we hope you will encourage your Golden Bear student to join Coursera’s 90+ million strong global learning community. Your student’s career acceleration starts with KU ADVANCE. Questions can be sent to extendedlearning@kutztown.edu.  

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

  First-Year Experience Success Coordinator
  If you have a first-year student at Kutztown University who could benefit from assistance, please refer them to the Student Success Center to schedule a meeting with Alyssa Oakley, coordinator for Student Success and First-Year Experience. Alyssa offers personalized one-on-one meetings to help students identify the most effective strategies for success. Students can reach out to her directly via email at alyoakley@kutztown.edu to schedule an appointment.

  Tutoring Services                                                                                                                                       Whether your student is struggling in a class or wants to get a better grade, they can sign up for Tutoring Services in Starfish by using the tutor link next to their course or by using the "I Need Help" button. If they would like to meet with a trained peer to discuss time management, organizational skills or test-taking strategies, an Academic Peer Mentor (APM) is a great resource. Students can sign up for APMs in Starfish under My Services. Please encourage your student to take advantage of these services. Students can contact tutor@kutztown.edu with questions or visit our website for more information.

  Tutoring Services is recruiting peer tutors and academic peer mentors for Fall 2024. If your student is interested in this employment opportunity, please have them complete the Tutoring Services Employment Application. They can contact tutor@kutztown.edu with questions.

  Transfer Student Success Coordinator
  Did you know that there is a dedicated staff member at KU to support students with transfer credit? The coordinator for Student Success and Transfer Engagement, Briana Zdradzinski, is available for individual meetings to assist students with transfer credits, including test credit and dual enrollment credits, with transitioning and acclimating to KU. Prospective and current transfer students can contact Briana to schedule an appointment. Learn more here.

  KU to Host 2024 Entrepreneurship Week April 8-12
  The College of Business and the KU Small Business Development Center (SBDC) are proud to present Entrepreneurship Week 2024, Monday, April 8 to Friday, April 12. This annual event provides students and the local community with valuable insights, strategies and tools from experts to help launch or strengthen their businesses. The week's events include panel discussions, workshops and presentations led by industry professionals. Events are free and open to the public. RSVP to cob@kutztown.edu.

  Senior Exhibitions in Miller Gallery
  Senior exhibits coming up in the Regina Miller Gallery include Art Education: April 6-14; Art: April 20-28; and Communication Design: May 4-10. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and 2-4 p.m. Sunday.

  Music Spring Performances
  You and your students are welcome to enjoy a range of concerts and recitals performed by faculty, students and special guests throughout the month of April. See our website for details.

  Advisement Extravaganza
  The Department of Secondary Education hosted the first of two "Advisement Extravaganza" events March 4 and 7. Students visited Beekey Education Center to meet with their faculty advisors, get snacks and connect with classmates. Secondary Education faculty checked students' courses for the next semester while sharing insight to help students stay on track for program, graduation and career goals.

  Dean Burns to Receive Distinguished Research Award
  The College of Education is proud to share that Dean Rebecca Burns will receive the Distinguished Research Award from the AERA Supervision and Instructional Leadership Special Interest Group for her co-authored research paper, “Toward a Renewal of Supervisory Scholarship and Practice in Teacher Education: A Collaborative Self-Study,” published in the Journal of Educational Supervision.

  Council of Education Club
  The Council of College of Education Student Organization Presidents met with Dr. Rebecca Burns, dean of the College of Education. Major themes included communications, building a leadership capacity and sustaining programs. One of the ideas shared was to connect with College of Education alumni. If you graduated from the KU College of Education, connect with us by emailing burns@kutztown.edu.

  KU Ujima Conference Inaugural Legacy Award for Excellence
  Dr. Brenda Muzeta received the Inaugural Award for Excellence as a testament to her hard work, resilience and positive impact. We are immensely proud of Dr. Muzeta and grateful for her dedicated contributions to KU.

  Writing Center
  Have your students reach out to the KU Writing Center for help and to schedule a writing session concerning papers for any subject or discipline. We have in-person and online sessions available. Call 610-683-4733 or email wrcenter@kutztown.edu to set up an in-person appointment. To begin using the Writing Center website and schedule an online session, please visit https://kutztown.mywconline.com. See our website for additional helpful instructions and screenshots at https://kutztownwritingcenter.wordpress.com/. Direct any questions to wrcenter@kutztown.edu or pytleski@kutztown.edu.

• Finance and Facilities

  Student Information System (SIS) and Payment Provider Changes in Process
  Kutztown University is changing both the student information system (SIS) and the payment provider students utilize for all aspects of their enrollment. Legacy MyKU will be used for Spring 2024 and Summer 2024. New MyKU will be used for Fall 2024 and forward. CASHNet/Transact is our current Payment Dashboard provider and will be operational through Summer 2024. For Fall 2024, we will be using TouchNet as our payment provider using the new payment dashboard. A few items will be going live the week of April 12: the Fall 2024 Payment Plan and Authorized Users. Details and navigation are below.

  Authorized User Access in New Payment Dashboard (TouchNet)
  Students can set up third parties/parents to have their own access to the new Payment Dashboard, just as was done in the current CASHNet/Transact, called Payers. Functionality in the new Payment Dashboard remains limited until July 2024. The student should navigate to the New MyKU > select the Student Accounts card > click on Fall 2024 Payment Plans. This will open the limited New Payment Dashboard. On the right side, the student will select the top option, “Authorized Users,” and create as many as they want. This will allow the authorized user to set up a payment plan for Fall 2024 and later get billing notices and access to making payments and more.

  Fall 2024 Payment Plans
  While bills are prepared in July, payment plans are opening the week of April 12 for Fall 2024. Signing up now gets you the longest and best plan we offer. You can use the online Estimating Tool Worksheet to help you determine what amount you will need a plan for. The plan you create today can easily be adjusted up or down once you get the actual costs in July. Setting up a Fall 2024 payment plan is easy in the New Payment Dashboard. Students navigate to the New MyKU > select the Student Accounts card > click on Fall 2024 Payment Plan. The first payment and setup fee are required to complete the process. Need help calculating the amount you need the plan for? Email studentaccounts@kutztown.edu or call 610-683-4133.

  Fall 2024 Billing and Estimated Costs for 2024-25
  Fall 2024 bills are scheduled to be prepared mid-July in New MyKU and on the New Payment Dashboard. Estimated costs are online for planning purposes (Undergraduate Estimated Costs for 2024-25 | Graduate Estimated Costs for 2024-25).

  Spring 2024 Balances
  Any balances that are not included in approved deferments (later due date) are considered past due and moving through the collections process. Most spring payment plan participants have their final payments due Friday, April 5 (except for the late registration plan). Unpaid balances will be placed with the Pennsylvania State Attorney General’s (AG) Office for collections after three collection letters and attempts. Holds will only be lifted once the account is paid in full. If placed with an agency such as the AG office, additional wait time will occur for the payment to clear and the hold to be released. 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 2024 Registration and Costs
  Summer 2024 registration opened in March. Summer costs are published online as well as page dedicated to Summer session payment information. Due dates are assigned based on the date the registration occurs. A Summer 2024 payment plan is open now (Legacy MyKU > KU Financial Account tile > Payment Dashboard). We encourage planning in advance to get the most payments. Students do not have to be enrolled to sign up for the payment plan. There is a three-payment plan open through Friday, May 3. 

  Fall 2024 Registration and Account Holds
  Students who have outstanding charges on their MyKU account may be prohibited from registering for the Fall 2024 semester until these balances are paid in full. Delays in removing the holds in New MyKU may occur. Students should not wait until the day they want to register to pay any old balances. We don’t 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 Student Accounts for help and guidance on payment options at studentaccounts@kutztown.edu or 610-683-4133.

  Fall 2024 Housing Assignments Require Fall Classes by June 15
  All returning students must be enrolled in Fall 2024 classes by Saturday, June 15 to keep any room assignments they may have selected this spring. If they are not enrolled in Fall classes by June 15, their room assignment will be canceled, and the student will be added to a wait list for fall room assignments. Once they are enrolled in fall classes, they can then work with Housing to obtain a new housing assignment based on availability.

  FAFSA 2024-25: April 15 Deadline for State-Grant Consideration
  The FAFSA for 2024-25 school year should be completed by now, but if not, there is still time to do so – just do so 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 late. Do not miss out on free money if you are normally, or might be, eligible. File today.

  FAFSA
  The new FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) has arrived. We have provided some helpful tips to complete this new process. This year’s application has some challenges, and we hope to mitigate those with our FAFSA Tips. You are welcome to reach out to us via Zoom, email, chat or phone. Visit our website and select your preference. Click here to access FAFSA Tips.

  Fall 2024 Additional Loans
  Additional loans for next school year should be applied for in June. Loans must be certified and showing on New MyKU by the due date; applying in July may cause delays. We encourage applying for the full school year. We will split the aid half for fall and half for spring, rather than applying multiple times in a year. You can always reduce loans later if not all funds are needed.

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

  Flex Dollars Expire at End of Spring 2024 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 can carry over to Fall semester if unused.

  Bear Bucks Refunds
  Students who are 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 bookstore 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 2-4 weeks.

  First-Time Students Guide Online
  Over the next few months, this webpage can provide assistance to our new incoming families, incoming new freshman, new transfer students and new graduate students. Check it often for new information and guidance to a smooth transition in becoming a Golden Bear.

• Enrollment Management and Student Affairs

  Fall 2024 Room Selection
  For information and the timeline for the Fall 2024 Room Selection Process, please follow this link: Fall 2024 Room Selection Process Link.

  Ujima Conference 2024 Honors Exceptional Leaders in the Campus Community
  Kutztown University celebrated the remarkable contributions of six distinguished individuals during the Black History Month 2024 Ujima Conference Awards Feb. 20-22. These awards recognize those who have significantly impacted the campus community through their dedication to education, unity, leadership, freedom of expression, community service and legacy building. Read more.

  Community Outreach Center Events

  • Opportunity House; 4:30-8:30 p.m. Monday, April 15. 
  • Blood Drive; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 17, 218 MSU.
  • Democracy and Dragons; 5:45-8:45 p.m. Thursday, April 18, Old Main Concourse.
  • Golden Bear Gallup 5k; 1 p.m. Sunday, April 28, North Campus (meet in 218 MSU).
  • Shoe Drive; March 18 through May 11, Community Outreach Center.

  McFarland Student Union Events

  • MSU Trivia: Pop Culture; 7 p.m. Thursday, May 2, 223 MSU.

  Commuter Student Association Events

  • 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 30, 223 MSU: Commuter Tuesday - Pasta Bar.

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

  Greek Week
  Annual Greek Week is April 15-19. All events can be found on UGC's Engage page. All are welcome to attend and cheer on their favorite teams. Learn More.

  Musical Performer Chris Moreno
  Join OSI 7 p.m. Monday, April 15, MSU lawn, for a musical performance by Chris Moreno, an up-and-coming, Nashville-based artist, who has begun to make waves in the music world with his country pop, soft rock sound. He has found himself growing in popularity with more than 500 shows in more than 25 states opening for national acts Parmalee, Walker Hayes and more. This is a night full of music from opening acts to Moreno’s country pop main performance. Refreshments, desserts and a soft pretzel bar will be provided. Learn More.

  Experience the Magic of the Butterfly Garden
  Experience the magic of live butterflies 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, April 26, MSU and Library Lawn. This isn't just any photo op; it's a chance to interact with a captivating variety of indigenous butterflies. Feed them, capture mesmerizing pictures and contribute to their conservation by releasing them into the wild. This is your chance to immerse yourself in a world of vibrant colors and fluttering wings, creating memories that will last a lifetime. It's more than an event, it's an experience you won't want to miss. Additional details can be found here.

  Pet Therapy Day
  Join the Kutztown University Activities Board (KUAB) for this fun, interactive animal encounter while unwinding from the stress of finals 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 30, MSU lawn. Pet a bunny, take a selfie with a chicken, maybe you'll get to feed a baby goat. Additional information can be found here. 

  Health and Wellness Services
  The CDC and Pennsylvania Department of Health have issued advisories informing residents of an increase in measles cases in 2024. Measles is a highly contagious, acute respiratory illness that is transmitted by direct contact with infectious droplets or through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. Measles can cause serious respiratory and neurological health complications which can lead to hospitalization and death. Receiving two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the most effective way to prevent a measles infection. It is strongly recommended that all students review their immunization status with their physician and receive any outstanding vaccines to ensure they are adequately protected.

  Enrollment Certification Form 
  Students who plan to use military benefits in the Summer sessions or Fall 2024 semester must submit their form after they register for classes and before the spring semester ends. The form can be found on their Mil-Vet D2L Knowledge Center.

  April is the Month of the Military Child 
  April is designated as Month of the Military Child – a time to honor the sacrifices made by military families worldwide, with an emphasis on the experiences of the dependent children of military members serving at home and overseas. Celebrate your military child and show him or her how great they are.

• Equity, Compliance and Legal Affairs

  Empowering Diversity at Kutztown University: The Comprehensive 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. Read more.

  Special Olympics Volunteer Opportunity
  The Disability Services Office (DSO) is seeking student volunteers to assist with Special Olympics: Eastern Division Saturday, May 4, outside of Keystone Hall. The DSO hosts the “Olympic Village,” which provides sensory items, handouts and various giveaways to guests as well as athletes who will stop by during break times. The Olympic Village will take place 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. outside of Keystone Hall, under a tent (volunteers will receive water and snacks throughout the day). If your student is interested in volunteering with the Disability Services Office to assist with facilitating the Olympic Village, please encourage your student to contact the director of Disability Services, McKenzie Hollenbach, at mhollenb@kutztown.edu to request information about volunteering.

• University Relations and Athletics

  KU Presents! Season Closes with Lightwire Theatre and Jazz Newcomer Lakecia Benjamin
  Performances for the whole family are waiting for you at Schaeffer Auditorium. Lightwire Theatre brings their signature combination of electroluminescent effects, puppetry, dance and music that will thrill audience members of all ages with The Ugly Duckling Sunday, April 7. One of the most sought-after and revered saxophonists in the world, the charismatic and dynamic Lakecia Benjamin fuses traditional conceptions of jazz, hip-hop and soul Wednesday, April 10. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 610-683-4092. KU students can access $10 tickets by logging in for tickets with their MyKU login.

• KU Campus Store

  Art Appreciation Day - April 16
  Save 10% on art supplies. Additional discounts on POSCA, paint markers and other art accessories at the KU Campus Store. 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. Tuesday, April 23, KU Campus Store; Thursday, April 25, Dixon Marketplace.

  Regalia Available for Purchase
  Regalia will be available for Spring 2024 graduates to purchase at KU Campus Store April 29 to May 10. Shop in-store and online.

  Official Commencement Shirt for Spring Graduates
  Shop online only here. Pre-order until Friday, April 26. Excludes other discounts and sales.

  Textbook Sellback
  April 29 to May 10 in the KU Campus Store.

• KU Foundation

  Honor Your KU Grad's Achievements
  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.

  Senior Send-Off Activities for Spring Grads
  The KU Foundation is hosting a Senior Toast and Send-Off 4 p.m. Thursday, May 9, Alumni Plaza. Students are encouraged to wear their regalia, as KU President Dr. Kenneth S. Hawkinson is attending and available for photos. After the toast, students can join us downtown at Basin Street Hotel for the Send-Off, where we’ll provide complimentary appetizers. Registration is required for both events.

  Class Gift
  Please consider encouraging your senior to donate to their Class Gift. We are currently at 12.8% participation, and we need your help to reach our goal of 24%. Students can give back to what was important to them during their time at KU, whether it's an academic program, athletic team, club or more. Every gift makes a difference. Donate here.

• Dates to Know

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

  Last day for Undergraduate students to make up “Incompletes” from Fall 2023 and Winter 2024.	Friday, April 5
  Last day for faculty to submit change of grades for Undergraduate “Incompletes” for Fall 2023 and Winter 2024.	Friday, April 12
  Last day to withdraw from a class for Spring 2024 and receive a grade of “W.” There is no withdrawal from individual courses after this date.	Friday, April 19
  Last day to permanently withdrawal from the university or request a Leave of Absence for the Spring 2024 semester.	Friday, April 19
  Textbook Sellback, KU Campus Store	April 29 to May 10
  FAFSA must be processed before May 1, for state-grant eligibility. For additional information, contact the Financial Aid Office.	Wednesday, May 1
  Last day of regular classes.	Saturday, May 4
  Registrar to create grade rosters for Spring 2024.	Monday, May 6
  Final Examinations begin.	Monday, May 6