December 2022

Volume 5, Issue 5

• Academic Affairs

  Fall Commencement
  Students will be awarded degrees during Kutztown University's fall commencement Saturday, Dec. 17. Dr. Kenneth S. Hawkinson, university president, and Dr. Lorin Basden Arnold, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, will preside. For more information, visit https://www.kutztown.edu/commencement.

  Career Development Center
  Don’t forget that the semester break is a great time for students to think about majors and careers. The career coaches are here over break and can schedule virtual or phone appointments to discuss your student’s ideas. Appointments are scheduled through Handshake: www.kutztown.edu/handshake

  KU Succeed
  KU Succeed is an academic support program for students. The program is designed to help students by providing a framework for academic success. This framework includes skill-building seminars, mentoring and educational and personal advising. KU Succeed seeks to provide academic services and guidance to support skills and attitudes that have been proven beneficial to students in their pursuit of excellence at KU. Click here to register today. If you have questions, contact success@kutztown.edu.

  Non-Credit Lifelong Learning Courses in January 2023
  Please register for the following workshops at https://commerce.cashnet.com/KUnoncredit. Follow Extended Learning and Senior Scholars at https://www.facebook.com/SeniorScholarsKU

  Introduction to Residential Real Estate Investing
  This course will provide a comprehensive overview of the basic knowledge needed to begin investing in real estate with the confidence of knowing how to avoid rookie mistakes and costly errors. Four, three-hour sessions will be held on Zoom:

  Session #1: 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Jan. 21.
  Session #2: 6-9 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 24.
  Session #3: 6-9 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 26.
  Session #4: 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Jan. 28.

  Cost: $299; Northeastern Berks Chamber of Commerce members receive a 10% discount. Maximum enrollment: 20.

  So You Want to be a Beekeeper?
  We will discuss a year in the life of a hobby beekeeper. We will discuss what is needed to get started and then maintain a honeybee colony. One session will be held 6:30-8:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 26, 312 McFarland Student Union (virtual if inclement weather). Cost: $25.

  Job Search the Successful Way
  A “Lunch and Learn” series on Wednesdays on Zoom. Learn strategies to:

  1. Successfully Job Search: 12-12:45 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 18.
  2. Utilize LinkedIn and Create a Robust Profile: 12-12:45 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 25.
  3. Interview to be Offered the Position: 12-12:45 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 1.

  Cost: Attend all three sessions in the series for $25, which includes a complimentary resume and cover letter review by KU Career Development Center. The cost for an individual session is $10. Maximum enrollment: 50.

  Starfish
  Featured tools 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
  Tutoring Services is recruiting peer tutors and academic peer mentors for Spring 2023. If your student is interested in this employment opportunity, please have them complete the Tutoring Services Employment Application 2022-2023. If your student has questions, contact tutor@kutztown.edu.

• Administration and Finance

  Winter 2022-23
  Winter session is unique at KU. Courses are mostly online (an exception would be any internships or independent studies that may be approved). This session is not an aid-bearing session, which means any aid would go through the fall semester, not spring. Any unused fall aid could be considered for winter, as well as alternative loans taken in the fall. Spring aid cannot be used for winter. Since each student’s situation is different, we encourage a discussion with Financial Aid Services to assess options. Do not delay as winter has rolling due dates. Winter costs are online to review as well as a winter payment options webpage. The winter payment plan is mentioned above. Financial Aid Services can be reached at 610-683-4077 or have your student stop by our office to discuss.

  Payment Plans – Spring 2023 Open
  Sign up on the Payment Dashboard: MyKU > KU Financial Account tile > Payment Dashboard > Payment Plans. If the student provided a parent access to the dashboard, the parent can use this link to provide your own credentials. Parent access is created by Inviting a Payer on the dashboard. You must meet your assigned due date regardless of how long a plan remains open as the later dates are for late registrants.

  Spring 2023 Billing
  Students who are registered for Spring 2023 semester were billed in MyKU with a due date of Jan. 3, 2023. Billing statements are online in MyKU > KU Financial Account tile > Payment Dashboard > Statements. You must have payment posted, pending aid sufficient for the bill or a combination of pending aid and payment plan by the due date.

  Reminder Statement Emails
  Students are emailed about their bills (as well as payers who are set up). If the statement is not opened and viewed in seven days, the student (or payer) will get a reminder email. On the payment dashboard the statements will show *NEW* if they have never been opened or viewed. The statements are maroon and gold and are a .PDF to be saved or used for 529’s and other purposes. If you are looking at a blue statement, that it is an old format and you are missing details the dashboard bills provide. A sample and more information can be found online.

  Spring 2023 Housing – Without Spring 2023 Classes
  Students with significant balances past due for Fall 2022 have been contacted regarding their current housing assignment ending after finals, unless they are enrolled for spring classes. To leave belongings over break and continue to occupy the room, the student must be enrolled in the spring semester. If they are not, they will need to move out after their last final. If later, they clear their balance and hold, and enroll, they can then work with housing to find a new assignment. Housing would assign a move-in date later in January.

  Student Accounts Office Holiday Hours
  The Office of Student Accounts will be closed Dec. 24 through Jan. 2. Please be sure to reach out for any concerns or inquiries before then. While we may check email over the break, we cannot guarantee a response or action until we reopen in 2023 on the due date.

  FAFSA Reminder
  The FAFSA for the 2023-24 school year is open. It is not too early to file this and renew. We highly recommend doing so over break when there is ample time. There are strict deadlines for state grant recipients and we see too many needy, eligible students lose out on free state-grant funding because of filing too late. The FAFSA for next school year (Fall 2023 and Spring 2024) must be processed before May 1 to qualify for the state grant (need based checks in place too).

  1098-T and Year-End Tax Information
  Payments must post in MyKU with a 2022 date (within 2022) to be reported for the calendar year 2022. The office will be closed or unable to post payments received in the mail from Dec. 24 through Jan. 3. If the payment posting in 2022 is critical for you, either pay online before Dec. 31, or mail any payments no later than Dec 10. 529 payments should allow no less than two weeks for posting from the date of the funding request. 529 payments mostly release to KU via paper checks, although some are now online. For more information regarding 1098-T’s, click here.
  
  Parent Access to Billing Emails and Texts
  Parents (and others) can get emails and texts when billing occurs. The student must go to MyKU > KU Financial Account tile > Payment Dashboard > My Account > Payer – Send a Payer Invitation. The payer will then get emails and texts if desired and have their own access to the Payment Dashboard. Payers who are set up will use this link.
  
  Registration Holds
  Students who still owe any money for the Fall 2022 semester (or before) may be blocked from transcripts, diploma or spring registration and may not be able to move back into their residence hall in January, unless they have a spring schedule. All federal aid must be disbursed by Dec. 10 if the funding is for fall semester. Reach out to Financial Aid Services with urgency at 610-683-4077. Some alternative loans will work for fall once the semester is closed; they can help you with that.

  Bear Bucks Donations
  If a graduating student would like to donate the remaining funds in their Bear Bucks account, please contact the KU Foundation at 610-683-4110 or via email at info@kuf.org for more information and the donation form. Other questions about Bear Bucks and refunds from them should be directed to the KU Card office at kucard@kutztown.edu.

  Running Low on Bear Bucks or Flex Dollars?
  Bear Bucks and flex dollars can be added online throughout the year. Bear Bucks do not expire at the end of the academic year, but Flex Dollars do.

• Enrollment Management and Student Affairs

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

  Free Flu Vaccines and At-Home Covid-19 Test Kits Available
  The Health Center is offering free flu vaccines and at-home COVID-19 test kits to all undergraduate and graduate students. Students are encouraged to receive a flu vaccine prior to returning home for winter break to protect themselves and others against the flu. Students should call Clinical Services at 610-683-4082, option 1, to schedule a quick appointment to receive a vaccine. No appointment is necessary to receive a COVID-19 test kit – simply come into the Health Center and pick one up.

• Equity, Compliance and Legal Affairs

  Disability Services Office
  Students registered with the Disability Services Office are encouraged to become a NextGen Leader with Disability:IN! The NextGen Leader initiative is designed for college students and recent graduates with disabilities who are interested in corporate employment. NextGen Leaders are matched one-on-one with corporate partners and will also have the chance to network with companies like JPMorgan Chase, Microsoft, Boeing and more. Applications close Jan. 7. Learn more.

• Housing and Dining

  Spring 2023 Dining Plan Selection
  Dining plan selection is open for the 2023 Spring semester. Students who do not have a Fall 2022 meal plan or are new to KU, will have the opportunity to select a dining plan that best fits their needs. During this time, students who currently have a Fall 2022 meal plan can request to change their plan for Spring 2023. Dining selection will close online Jan. 23. More details and instructions have been sent to KU student emails. For more information on dining plans, visit our website.

  Employment Opportunity for 2023-2024
  Residence Life, Housing and Dining Services is hiring Community Assistants (CAs) for the 2023-2024 academic year. Community Assistants are on the front lines and serve as a key component in the creation of a welcoming and inclusive environment within the residence halls. CAs are essential in the community-building process as they help the residents to adjust to their new surroundings, solve problems, develop skills and establish relationships with others living on their wing, their floor, as well as within the hall. Community Assistants are considered leaders on our campus who foster community develop and influence positive change. Applications can be found here.

• University Relations and Athletics

  KU Alert System
  In the event of an emergency, timely and accurate communication of information is critical. Kutztown University has developed a plan for emergency communication that utilizes multiple and redundant methods of communication and notification to maximize the effectiveness and reach of the emergency information. Students are automatically registered for KU Alerts via text message and email. If parents would like to receive alerts, their student will need to add secondary contact information. Information can be found online at https://www.kutztown.edu/safety-and-emergency/ku-alert-system.html.

  KU Presents! Celebrates the Return of the Family Series
  Audiences of all ages are sure to enjoy these two entertaining events in Spring 2023. Popovich Comedy Pet Theater, as featured on America’s Got Talent, will bring an amazing show with a cast of 30 rescue animals Sunday, Feb. 5. World-class performer Jason Bishop, with grand illusions and slight-of-hand magic, will leave you totally astonished Sunday, March 19. Tickets are $15 and are available online or by calling 610-683-4092. Box office will be closed Dec. 12 through Jan. 13. 

  Golden Bear Basketball Tickets
  Get your tickets for the Kutztown Golden Bears. Tickets are $7 for adults and $3 for students and seniors when purchased in advance. Prices increase at the door. Admission is free for games between Dec. 25 and Jan. 15 with a non-perishable food donation. KU students can access one free general admission ticket per game by logging for tickets with their MyKU login. KU Basketball 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

  How to Purchase Course Materials?
  Your student’s custom Virtual Shelf for the spring semester will be ready to view Jan. 11, which has been created with the required course materials for the spring semester. We have included all our affordable options, which includes Inclusive Access, used and digital materials.

  To view your Virtual Shelf: 

  1. Sign into our website www.kubstore.comwith 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 course materials and affordable options. Manually searching your course schedule to find your materials will no longer be necessary. Virtual Shelf will do the work for you as your official course materials assistant.

  Are You 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 beginning Monday, Jan. 9. Purchases can be made in-store or online at KU Campus Store with a bookstore account until Feb. 7.

  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.

• KU Foundation

  Make a Year-End Gift to KU
  This holiday season, the most meaningful gift you can give is one that has the power to change lives. Your year-end support helps make education possible for KU students. To explore ways to give or support KU's greatest needs, visit the Kutztown University Foundation online. Make your tax-deductible gift before Dec. 31 online, via mail or by phone. Contact us today at together@kuf.org to learn more.

  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. Family and friends can also make gifts in honor of their graduate's achievements as part of our annual Class Gift campaign.

• Campus Affiliates

  PSECU Offers Free Financial Education Resources
  Would you like to help your student manage their money more effectively? As a not-for-profit credit union, PSECU is committed to offering financial education resources to members of our communities. Visit https://www.psecu.com/learn to access a free online Learning Academy featuring short educational modules. Here, students (or anyone) can learn more about the basics of checking accounts, online banking, loans, credit and more. These resources are available to members and non-members of PSECU. If your student hasn’t had a chance to open a free checking and savings account with PSECU yet, there’s still time to take advantage of the current “Up to $250” new-member promotion. Visit We Make Student Banking a Breeze (psecu.com) for application and rules. Contact PSECU campus manager, Kelly Ann Ryan at kryan@psecu.com with any questions.

• 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 of Regular Classes.	Saturday, Dec. 10
  Grade Rosters Created Fall 2022.	Monday, Dec. 12
  Registrar Reminds Faculty about Fall grading.	Monday, Dec. 12
  Final Exams Begin.	Monday, Dec. 12
  GRAD - Deadline for "I" Grades for Fall 2020.	Wednesday, Dec. 14
  Fall Commencement.	Saturday, Dec. 17
  Final Exams End.	Saturday, Dec. 17
  Last Day of Fall 2022 Semester.	Saturday, Dec. 17
  Final Decision on Canceling Classes for Winter 2023.	Saturday, Dec. 17
  Fall Grades Due from Faculty by 3 p.m.	Tuesday, Dec. 20
  Fall Grades Available in MyKU by 8 p.m.	Tuesday, Dec. 20
  Winter 2023 Classes Begin.	Wednesday Dec. 21
  Winter 2023 "W" Period.	Dec. 21 - Jan. 12
  Winter 2023 Add/Drop Ends.	Thursday, Dec. 22
  University Closed.	Dec. 26 – Jan. 2