August 2023

Volume 6, Issue 1

• Academic Affairs

  Ireland Faculty-Led Study Abroad Program Summer 2024
  The Kutztown University faculty-led study abroad program in Ireland is planning to return to the Emerald Isle in Summer 2024 (May to 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 Érin – Giant’s Causeway, Newgrange, the Hill of Tara, the Book of Kells, the Rock of Cashel, the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, the Latin Quarter of Galway, the Aran Islands and so much more. Details and media are published on the program website. Information sessions will be held in Fall 2023. Application review will begin in late November, with rolling admissions running through January 2024. For more information, contact vogel@kutztown.edu and lanter@kutztown.edu.

  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.

  Tutoring Services Employment
  Tutoring Services is currently recruiting peer tutors, academic peer mentors and first-year experience guides 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 us at tutor@kutztown.edu.

  Tutoring Services
  Peer Tutor requests can be submitted through Starfish starting in the Fall 2023 semester. Please visit www.kutztown.edu/tutoring the first week of class for more information on how to submit your request(s). An Academic Peer Mentor (APM) is a trained undergraduate student who offers academic readiness assistance like time management and academic organizational skills. For example, rather than helping understand math homework, an APM might help them plan time to do homework, connect with a math tutor or lab and suggest testing strategies for success on an upcoming math exam. APM requests can be submitted through Starfish starting in the Fall 2023 semester. Please visit www.kutztown.edu/tutoring the first week of class for more information on how to submit your request.

  TRIO Student Support Services Program
  Did you know that KU has a TRIO Student Support Services Program (SSSP) 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. Low-income guidelines can be found at this link: Federal Low Income Levels. For more information and to apply electronically, please visit www.kutztown.edu/trio. Questions may be directed to 610-683-1347.

  Extended Learning
  Commonwealth University and Kutztown University Workforce Development are hosting Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Training. Sixteen-week training is held Aug. 22 to Dec. 14, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6-9 p.m. Cost is $1,250 per person including all materials, patient contacts and one NREMT exam attempt. Register today at https://tinyurl.com/yb48xbsa. Questions can be directed to 610-683-4478.

  KU Career Classic Golf Outing
  Please consider joining us for this year's Career Classic Golf Outing Fundraiser, Friday, Sept. 15, with a shotgun start at 10 a.m., hosted by Golden Oaks Golf Club, Fleetwood. Players of all skill levels are welcome. It is a great day of golf, food and fun. In addition to golfing, this event features a networking lunch with KU students, staff and faculty. All funds raised through both registrations and additional donations will benefit KU students directly. For questions, please contact Chad Ganley at ganley@kutztown.edu. Sponsorship opportunities available. Registration link: https://give.classy.org/KU_CareerClassic.

  Upcoming Fall Career Development Events
  Internship and Job Fair, Wednesday, Oct. 18. Graduate School Fair, Monday, Nov. 13. Job Fair for Educators, Thursday, Nov. 16.

  Kids Summer Art Camp Recap
  The College of Visual and Performing Arts wrapped up three weeks of art-focused summer camp for community children grades 1-9. More than 140 local children got to spend full days in our beautiful Sharadin studios making art based on lessons in ceramics, weaving, printmaking and painting. Students also visited the Rohrbach Library’s Maker Space, The Miller Gallery, the new Wells-Rapp Center for Mallet Percussion Research and the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center. Our teachers were all Art Education alumni and certified teachers. The assistants were current KU students who were receiving credit for Art Education courses or received a mentorship scholarship from our Bierman Fund that matches art students with professional working artists (learn more). For future camp information, visit our website.

  Summer Institutes: The Department of Art Education
  July 11 kicked off a four-day, jam-packed graduate summer institute called: To Creativity and Beyond! Unlocking Your Creative Potential to Make, Teach, Learn, and Lead. Dr. Julia Hovanec worked with 18 outstanding art educators. Kathryn Hayden and Anna Reyner Zoomed in to conduct extraordinary workshops on creativity and art therapy. We spent a day at the fantastic Marilyn Stewart's historic property and chatted with her about creativity and writing curriculum. She spoke specifically about how she wrote her latest book, “Experience Art,” an amazing resource. We painted, photographed, wrote about and collaged a waterfall. We also built a fleet of boats that had to float, created food art, collaboratively painted sizeable abstract expressionist paintings, made courageous self-portraits, engaged in personal, creative and revealing scavenger hunts and created unique and life-sized labyrinths. It was an inspiring, educational, memorable and transformational week.

  In Local Color: The Art of Growing and Using Natural Dyes, will spend time in the KU Dye Gardens to talk about growing plants organically for color. We will also sustainably forage for wild color sources around campus. We will study the cultural histories of the plants and learn how to process them for immersion dyeing, painting and printing on fabrics, yarn and fibers. We will also be experimenting with the use of mineral pigments in creating our own art materials such as inks, paints and ceramic color. Each student will keep a dyer’s journal with samples of the colors they produce on various types of fabrics and yarns. Our goal in this Summer Institute is to empower students to create community gardens for their schools and to make their own art materials.

  The Wells-Rapp Center for Mallet Percussion Research
  Our museum is now open to the public with regular hours 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday. We will announce all the dates for our 2023-24 performance season soon. Mark your calendars because our season launches with two concerts by our very own people: Sept. 14 – solo concert by Andy Thierauf (KU percussion instructor) and Sept. 20 – solo concert by Matthew Coley (executive director), joined by Frank Kumor (KU percussion faculty) and harpist Jennifer Ruggieri. In the remainder of the season, you can expect a variety of events by other world-class performers. In addition to the regular performances by the KU Percussion Ensemble, we will host concerts by two other guest university percussion ensembles: Kent State University and the University of Delaware. Visit www.KUCMPR.org for more information. Please consider donating to support the programming for our inaugural season.

• Finance and Facilities

  Student Accounts Office Hours
  Fall 2023 hours of operation will be 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., effective Monday, Aug. 21. 

  Summer/Spring 2023 Balances
  If not paid, these may cause interruption to a fall schedule. Please be sure these are paid immediately if any balances remains as fall aid cannot be used for spring/summer.

  Fall 2023 Balances / Statements
  Statements are located MyKU > KU Financial Account tile > Payment Dashboard > Statements. If aid or charges have been changed since the last statement, you can get an interim real-time statement 24 hours a day here: MyKU > KU Financial Account tile > Payment Dashboard > Activity Details.

  Fall Due Dates
  To locate the exact due dates of a student’s specific charges, please visit: MyKU > KU Financial Account tile > Charges Due. To avoid late fees, holds and losing classes for non-payment, remember that changing classes, housing assignments or meal plans can cause a bill to change. Please check the Payment Dashboard today to ensure all charges are either paid in full or that pending aid and payments have cleared the bill. Most students’ charges were due Aug. 4 – although other dates exist such as Aug. 11, 18, 25 or Sept. 1 for those just getting registered.

  Fall 2023 Balance Adjustments
  Payment Plans may have been overstated when set up using estimates – please look at the most recent statement to see if you need to make any adjustments (up or down). Loans can still be reduced if you took the maximum and do not need it all. Loan change forms are now online and easy to complete. If you don’t want the awarded Stafford loans, you must complete the loan change form below, refusing them. Student Loan Change Forms: https://app.kutztown.edu/forms/?ID=FAStudentLoanChange. Parent Loan Change Forms: https://app.kutztown.edu/forms/?ID=FAParentLoanChange.

  Intent to Attend Tile – Required
  This double-sized tile will appear on all students’ wall of tiles. All students, even if paid in full, must change the no to a yes and click SAVE. Once this is completed, this tile will no longer show. This is required every fall and spring semester for all students.

  KU Tasks Tile – Check This Often
  KU Tasks tile is an important tile. This shows Positive Holds, Negative Holds and items that are needed and missing on the account in To Do’s. Click on the colored line and drill down for more details. Holds that says Fall Classes Safe – is a positive hold blocking late fees and the dropping of classes. If you see a note in the Holds that says Pending Funds – this is just an informative note; it is not blocking late fees or class drops. Missing aid questions would go to Financial Aid Services, 610-683-4077. Billing questions would go to Student Accounts, studentaccounts@kutztown.edu or 610-683-4133. It is not too late to apply for additional funding options if needed.

  Bookstore Accounts – Excess Aid
  If you took more aid than needed so you could get a refund and buy books, please know aid won’t disburse and post until the middle of September and refunds start no sooner than Sept. 15. We don’t want anyone to have to wait for their books, so we offer a Bookstore Account program for students who have their aid in Pending Status that exceeds their costs. A few requirements are needed to request this online. Requests are open and end Sept. 8. Purchases are made with the KU Campus Store; for options about how to make purchases visit their website. One request per semester (fall and spring only).

  Refunds – Overpayment Refunds (BankMobile Disbursements)
  Sometimes a student’s account is overpaid, either by aid or making changes to their bill after payment. These funds are released to students via our refund-processing agent BankMobile Disbursements. All students should have a refund selection on file to safely and quickly receive any refunds they are due. The most common is direct deposit into a student’s existing bank account. Fall refunds start no sooner than Sept. 15. Use the personal code mailed to all new students. Returning students who never set up their refund selection in the past, should go to www.refundselection.com and click on need a code to proceed. They can also email studentaccounts@kutztown.edu from their KU email account to request a personal code that will be good for 24 hours. Changing a refund preference is done at www.vibeaccount.com.

  Parent Refunds
  If an overpayment is the direct result of a parent PLUS loan and the parent indicated they wanted any overpayments to go to them, that parent will be mailed a refund check after we start refunds. These refunds take about two weeks to arrive to the loan address. If a parent prefers the refund to be released to the student who has direct deposit as an option, they can change their mind by completing a Parent PLUS Release form online and emailing it to us prior to Sept. 8.

  Vehicle Registration/Parking Permit Open for 2023-24
  All students who wish to park on the Kutztown University campus at any point Monday through Friday between the hours of 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. must register their vehicle(s) with Transportation Services and, while parked on campus, must properly display an authorized parking permit. Cost is $50 per semester or $75 for the year. The Vehicle Services site (available through the MyKU portal) is open. Students may register their vehicle for a parking permit for either the fall semester ($50) or the entire academic year ($75). Students need to have a valid registration card (now is the time to update it through your DMV if it is expired), form of payment and vehicle information. Having a digital image of the vehicle registration will cut down on the time necessary to register. Parking assignments are online and shared via the type of decal the student gets. Parking elsewhere during the regular daytime hours will incur a fine. For more information, visit www.kutztown.edu/parking. Please note that Transportation Services is in the Academic Form as part of KU Business Services (this includes the KU Card office). Questions should be directed to parkingpermits@kutztown.edu or 484-646-4249.

  New Students: ID Card Photo Submission
  New/transfer students can now upload their photo into our new system, Transact. Once they have attended orientation, they will receive an email to their KU email account with instructions on properly submitting a photo and a government ID. After successful photo upload, they will receive an approval email with instructions to pick up the card. We ask they allow two business days after successful submission to pick up the card during our business hours. The ID cards are new chip-enabled cards that allow for contactless meal purchases. They can just tap their card on the reader that is hooked up to the registers. If a student has questions regarding Kutztown University ID card photo uploading or has other ID Card questions, please contact KU Business Services (KU Card office) at kucard@kutztown.edu.

  Bear Bucks vs. Flex Dollars
  Bear Bucks are funds a student may add to their ID card for use on campus and off campus at local stores/eateries in town including grocery stores. Vendors may change at any time but here is where you can view a current listing. Flex Dollars are funds a student may add to their ID card for use at on campus eateries only. Both of these can be purchased online: MyKU > KU Financial Account tile > Payment Dashboard > Available Items (if using the Payer Access link – scroll to Available Items).

• Enrollment Management and Student Affairs

  Residence Hall Move In
  We are excited to welcome your student to their new home on campus. Move-in times have been posted to our website here. Is your student new to campus? Incoming students and families can watch this recorded webinar all about Move-In Day and Welcome Week to make sure your student is prepared. Not sure what to bring? Not sure what you can’t bring? We have a list for that. Email us at housing@kutztown.edu with any questions. Live Here, Roar Here!

  Office of Student Involvement:
  “Find Your Flock” at the Fall Involvement Fair, 4-7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 7, 218 MSU. Meet student organization representatives and explore a wide range of opportunities to get involved at KU.

  Kutztown University Activities Board
  Laugh Your BINGO Off, Sunday, August 27, 218 MSU. A night of hilarious Bingo, hosted by comedian Paul Conyers. Play Bingo, laugh with your friends, and win prizes.

  Michael Misko Magic
  7 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 30, 218 MSU. An evening of unbelievable magic. You won't believe your eyes as magician Michael Misko takes the stage. This self-proclaimed "Magician. Comedian. Cracker of Wise" will amaze and entertain.

  Commuters
  Commuter Preview Day is 3-8 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 26, 218 MSU, and will include team-building events, a Commuter Student Association presentation, dinner, Bingo with Prizes and end with the Convocation and Class of 2027 photo. Commuter Tuesday is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 5, 223 MSU. Free lunch for commuter students while supplies last. Bring your KU ID.

  MSU Trivia
  7 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 5, 223 MSU. Free trivia for students that includes prizes and snacks.

  Community Link Fair
  10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 31, Schaeffer Lawn. Engage with community partners including local businesses, services, places of worship and community resources. Receive information, coupons, giveaways and prizes.

  Blood Drive
  10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 13, 218 MSU. To schedule an appointment, please visit www.GIVEaPINT.org and use code 1336.

  Greek Life
  Welcome Back Bash is 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 29, DMZ Lawn. Come meet the Greek Life students and learn about their philanthropies, service events, volunteer work and find out how you can find your home away from home here at Kutztown University.

  Social Sorority Recruitment: Sept. 14-18
  Follow @kutztownuniversity_cpc on Instagram for more information as well as for the link to sign up.

  Required Form to Use Military Benefits in Fall 2023
  Students planning to use their military benefits (e.g., VA GI Bill, TA, EAP) in the Fall 2023 semester must submit their KU Veterans Services Enrollment Certification form after they enroll for fall semester classes. Benefits will be delayed if this form is not submitted. Students can access the Enrollment Certification form from the Brochures, Publications and Forms section of our website, www.kutztown.edu/veterans.

  VA Work Study Opportunity
  Students who are using VA GI Bill military benefits and are enrolled for at least nine credits may also be eligible with VA work-study benefits. The VA pays a stipend ($7.25/hour, non-taxable) for up to 25 hours per week. VA Work Study students perform general office work, creative content and design and a variety of other duties. Contact veterans@kutztown.edu or 610-683-4228 for application information.

  Military Benefit for Students Receiving Chapter 35 VA GI Bill Benefits
  PA Educational Gratuity program provides financial assistance to children of honorably discharged veterans who have service-connected disabilities and served during a period of war or armed conflict, or children of veterans who die or died in service during a period of war or armed conflict. Payment will not exceed $500 per semester per qualified child to each approved educational institution. Educational gratuity payments are paid directly to the educational institution and may not be made for longer than four scholastic years. The application process is simple. Contact veterans@kutztown.edu or call 610-683-4228 more information.

• Equity, Compliance and Legal Affairs

  Disability Services: New Student Orientation
  Parents of freshmen and transfer students: please encourage your students to watch the DSO Implementing Accommodations video/training, which will be posted on the DSO website a week before the start of the fall semester. Students will have the opportunity to learn about the accommodation implementation process (such as how to send electronic accommodation letters to assigned fall course professors) and will also have the opportunity to complete a form to submit questions and/or comments. Any questions or concerns can be directed to the Disability Services Office at DSO@kutztown.edu or 610-683-4108.

  Workforce Recruitment Program
  Parents of juniors and seniors: Is your student interested in obtaining a federal job? Check out the Workforce Recruitment Program – a recruitment and referral program that connects federal and private-sector employers nationwide with highly motivated college students (juniors and seniors) and recent college graduates. The Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP) is facilitated in partnership by the KU Disability Services Office and the KU Career Development Center. Registration opens Monday, Aug. 21, and closes Thursday, Oct. 12. Any questions or concerns regarding WRP can be directed to the KU Career Development Center at Careerhelp@kutztown.edu.

• University Relations and Athletics

  KU Presents! 2023-2024 Tickets Available
  Performances for the whole family are waiting for you at Schaeffer Auditorium. This fall 90’s favorite The Wallflowers brings their new album, SUGAR SKULL! shares a musical celebration of Dia de Muertos, you can hum along with the Gilbert & Sullivan classic Pirates of Penzance, be moved by world-renowned Mark Morris Dance Group and be inspired by the Okee Dokee Brothers. Subscriptions are still available and can be purchased online or by calling 610-683-4092. Subscribers also receive access to additional discounted tickets to events. KU Students can access $10 tickets by logging in for tickets with their MyKU log in.

  Golden Bear Football Tickets, Tailgate Permits and Parking Passes are Here
  Get your tickets for the Kutztown Golden Bears today. Get the whole season or one game at a time (while supplies last). KU students can access one free ticket General Admission per game by logging in for tickets with their MyKU log in. KU Football Parents: Your student can reserve their four free player passes up to four hours before game time. Don't let them forget to add you.

• KU Campus Store

  Why purchase from KU Campus Store?
  As a non-profit affiliate of KU, our priority is student success and retention. Full refunds for materials in original condition are available throughout the add/drop period. We contribute our surplus to student scholarships, activities and campus athletics. Our goal is for students to have access to the most affordable course materials available to support their academic success.

  Inclusive Access – Course Materials
  Inclusive Access is a collaboration between your professor, KU Campus Store, the Office of Student Accounts and publishers to provide required course materials at a significantly reduced cost. When a professor makes the decision to participate in this program, all students registered for the class automatically receive access to these materials digitally, on the first day of class. For your convenience, you will be billed for your materials on your MyKU account. For more information, visit https://kubstore.com/access-success.

  How to Purchase Course Materials?
  Your student’s custom Virtual Shelf for this semester is ready to view, which has been created with the required course materials for their Fall semester. We have included all our affordable options, which includes rental, used and digital materials.

  To view your Virtual Shelf:

  1. Sign into our website www.kubstore.com with your KU email and password.
  2. Review your Virtual Shelf.
  3. Complete your order.

  What are the benefits of Virtual Shelf? With a simple click of the mouse, this tool will allow you to conveniently locate all your required course materials and affordable options. Virtual Shelf will do the work for you as your official course materials assistant. Additional information can be found at www.kubstore.com/about-virtual-shelf.

  Paying For Your Course Materials with Financial Aid?
  If you are receiving financial aid in excess of your tuition, fees, meals, etc., you may qualify for a Bookstore Account to purchase course-required books and supplies. Submit your request online by clicking here. Purchases can be made with a Bookstore Account until Sept. 8.

• KU Foundation

  Registration Open for Homecoming 2023
  We are delighted to welcome alumni, current students and their families to campus for Homecoming, Oct. 27-28. Register here.

  Mentoring Opportunities Available for Students
  Did you know students can be paired with KU alumni for mentoring through the KU Future Emerging Leaders (FUEL) initiative? Through FUEL, current students connect with KU alumni to build professional skills, network in their field of study and see the power of a KU education firsthand. Learn more here.

• Dates to Know

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

  Fall 2023 Orientation Billing Runs	Friday, August 25
  Welcome Weekend	Saturday, August 26
  Fall 2023 Semester Begins	Monday, August 28
  Fall 2023 Add/Drop Period	Monday, August 28