December 2023

Volume 6, Issue 5

• Academic Affairs

  Fall Commencement
  Students will be awarded degrees during Kutztown University's fall commencement Saturday, Dec. 16. 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.

  Writing Center Open Through Finals Week 
  Please 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 setup an in-person appointment. To begin using the Writing Center online website and schedule an online session, please go to https://kutztown.mywconline.com. Please 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.

  Transfer Student Success Coordinator
  The Coordinator for Student Success and Transfer Engagement maintains a strong partnership with the Transfer Admissions Counselor to assist transfer students from the time they are accepted to KU until they graduate. The Coordinator for Student Success and Transfer Engagement can review each unique transfer experience and assist in navigating various transfer policies, including credit transfers, 30 credit framework, reverse transfer, general education waivers and more. The Coordinator for Student Success and Transfer Engagement advises the transfer-specific organization of Tau Sigma National Honor Society and is available to support transfer students beyond academics in their college journey. Learn more here.

  Tutoring Services
  Utilize your resources to achieve success with Tutoring Services. Whether your student is struggling in a class or wants to get a better grade. Students can sign up for a tutor directly in Starfish using the tutor link next to their course or by using the "I Need Help" button in Starfish. Please encourage your student to take advantage of this resource. Contact tutor@kutztown.edu with questions. Tutoring Services is recruiting peer tutors and academic peer mentors for Spring 2024. If your student is interested in this employment opportunity, please have them complete the Tutoring Services Employment Application 2023-2024. Contact tutor@kutztown.edu with questions.   

  Career Development Center
  Don’t forget that 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 at www.kutztown.edu/handshake.

  Percussion Ensemble Travels to Percussive Arts Society International Convention
  The Kutztown University Percussion Ensemble in conjunction with the Wells-Rapp Center for Mallet Percussion Research (CMPR) traveled to Indianapolis for the Percussive Arts Society International Convention. This event draws percussionists from around the world. During the event, KU percussionists attended workshops and concerts by world-renowned artists. Many of the guest artists are available throughout the event so that students can meet and ask questions. This personal interaction with the world’s finest teachers and performers provides incredible learning and networking opportunities for our students. Additionally, the CMPR also had its own exhibit for attendees to see, play and learn about the historical archives and rare historic instruments housed at KU. It is truly an inspirational event which not only shows students what possibilities await in our field, but can also ignite creativity for them to find their new voice and create the next generation of music for percussion. 

  84th Annual Art Education Conference Hosts 200 Attendees
  The 84th annual Art Education Conference was held Friday, Nov. 17, with more than 200 attendees including faculty, staff, undergraduate and graduate art education students and numerous alumni. The conference focused on contemporary issues in art education by offering a range of perspectives and approaches to creative expression in response to art, society and culture. Four keynote speakers addressed a range of contemporary topics. Dr. Flávia Bastos presented “Can Art Education Promote Civic Engagement?” Dr. Jorge Lucero discussed the pliability of teaching as a conceptual art practice and the emergence of the teacher as a conceptual artist. In “Nature is my Client,” Stacy Levy highlighted collaborations with forces of nature and the impact on our natural environment. Mary Enoch Elizabeth Baxter presented “Ain’t I a Woman,” which examined the history of reproductive injustice in the United States from an activist point of view. This exciting day was filled with studio workshops taught by KU faculty and alumni, visual presentations by university art educators from around the country and creative ideas to explore contemporary issues and art.

• Finance and Facilities

  Payment Plans – Spring 2024 Open
  Sign up right 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 their 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 2024 Billing
  Students who are registered for the 2024 spring semester were billed in MyKU with a due date of Jan. 3, 2024. Billing statements are online in MyKU > KU Financial Account tile > Payment Dashboard > Statements. You must have your payment posted, pending aid sufficient for the bill, or a combination of pending aid and payment plan by the due date.

  Winter 2024
  Registration remains open for this session. There is one final payment plan open for winter (two-payment plan). MyKU > KU Financial Account tile > Payment Plans – tab to the winter plan – do not sign up for spring to save winter. More information on Winter session can be found here.

  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 is old formatting and you are missing details the dashboard bills provide. A sample and more information can be found online.

  Parent Access to Statement Billing Emails and Texts
  Parents (and others) can get emails and texts when statement billing occurs, just like students. The student must go to MyKU > KU Financial Account tile > Payment Dashboard > My Account > Payer Section. There, the student can setup a parent to get emails and texts when bills are created and ready.

  1098-T and Year-End Tax Information
  Payments must post in MyKU, with a 2023 date (within 2023) to be reported for calendar year 2023. The office will be closed or unable to post payments received in the mail Dec. 23 through Jan. 3. If the payment posting in 2023 is critical for you, either pay online or mail any payments no later than Dec. 10. 529 payments should allow no less than two weeks for posting from the date of withdrawal request. Most 529 payments only release to KU via paper check (some are now online). For more information, click here.
  
  Registration Holds
  Students who still owe money for the Fall 2023 semester (or before) may be blocked from transcripts, diploma or Spring 2024 registration. Students who reside in on-campus housing must have a spring schedule to keep their assignment over winter break. No one is allowed to move back in without a spring schedule. All federal aid must be disbursed by Dec. 10 if the funding is for the 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.

  Spring 2024 Housing (Without Spring 2024 Classes)
  Students with significant balances past due for Fall 2023 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 2024 semester. If they are not, they will need to move out after their last final. If the student later clears their balance and hold, and enrolls, they can then work with housing to find a new assignment. Housing would assign a move-in date later in January.

  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 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 throughout the school year. Bear Bucks do not expire, but Flex dollars do at the end of the year. MyKU > KU Financial Account tile > Payment Dashboard > Make a Payment – boxes show up if you scroll down – one for Bear Bucks and one for Flex dollars. Remember, Flex dollars are limited in scope and expire; Bear Bucks do not.

  Student Accounts 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 nor action until we reopen in 2024 on the due date.

  FAFSA Reminder – Delayed Start
  The FAFSA for the 2024-25 school year is not open yet. As you have heard, there is a delay in the rollout of the new FAFSA. 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. Watch for notices regarding the FAFSA and be prepared to file this – we will recommend waiting a few weeks after it opens to see if any kinks in the new application get worked out first. The FAFSA for next school year (Fall 2024 and Spring 2025) must be processed before May 1 to qualify for the state grant (need-based checks in place too). 

• Enrollment Management and Student Affairs

  Meal Plan Selection
  Meal plan selection for Spring 2024 is now open. Students who do not currently have a Fall 2023 meal plan can self-select a new plan until Friday, Jan. 19, 2024 on MyKU Housing. Students who already have a meal plan for Spring 2024 can email kudiningservices@kutztown.edu through Friday, Feb. 2 to request to change or cancel their current meal plan. All Fall 2023 meal plans will automatically roll over into the Spring 2024 term unless a change or cancellation is requested. Students received in-depth instructions and further information regarding Spring 2024 dining selection to their KU student emails Nov. 27 and will again Monday, Jan. 8, 2024.

  Fall 2024 – Spring 2025 Room Selection
  Reminder: Kutztown University has a two-year residency requirement. The first step in the Fall 2024-Spring 2025 Room Selection Process is to complete the Fall 2024 Housing Application and deposit, which is now live. All students who will be residing on campus next academic year need to complete the Housing Application. The Housing Application also allows a student to be eligible for room selection, which occurs during the spring semester. A student will have until March 1 to complete the application to be eligible to participate in room selection.

  Advice for Winter Break Family Adjustment
  You’re excited and can't wait for your student to be home for an extended break; that is awesome. But during college, students grow and change – that's what we want for our children. This growth and change can be magnified during a freshman's first winter break at home after being gone for a whole semester. While this is especially true for freshman, it continues also for upperclassman; this break time can sometimes be an adjustment for parents, siblings, the student and others. Take some time to prepare for your students’ return. Here is a good article about this adjustment, but remember, every student and family is different. How to Help Your College Freshman Transition Home for the Holidays. Happy Holidays from the Dean of Students Office and the entire Student Affairs team.

  Free Flu Vaccines
  Health and Wellness Services still has a supply of flu vaccines available to students at no cost. The winter holiday season often means increased gatherings of family and friends, which also means there is an increased potential for illness. A yearly flu vaccine is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of spreading the flu virus. Help protect everyone by encouraging your student to contact the Health Center to schedule a vaccine appointment prior to the end of semester.

• Equity, Compliance and Legal Affairs

  Disability Services Office – Winter Break Disability Justice/Advocacy Opportunities
  Is your student interested in disability justice and advocacy? If so, please encourage them to check out the free webinar series through the ADA National Network, which is available throughout the month of December (attending such webinars can also be included on a resume). For more information, please visit: https://adata.org/events-calendar. Additionally, the Pennsylvania Statewide Independent Living Council (PA SILC), in partnership with the network of Centers for Independent Living and the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation is providing opportunities in December to hear directly from individuals with disabilities who reside in Pennsylvania about life experiences. It is the right of individuals with disabilities to be provided with an opportunity to give input and have their voice heard. More information on PA SILC December virtual forums can be found at https://pasilc.org/about/.

• University Relations and Athletics

  Give the Gift of Entertainment
  Looking for a unique gift? KU Presents! has a variety of performances this spring that may be just the thing for that hard to shop for person in your life. Whether it’s a vocal celebration of Ireland's rich musical and cultural heritage or an all-female brass ensemble, an up-and-coming jazz phenomenon or a torchbearer of Bluegrass, there is something for everyone. The whole family can also enjoy traveling through the galaxy or a classic fairytale presented with Electroluminescent technology. Tickets can be purchased online. KU Students can access $10 tickets by logging in for tickets with their MyKU login. 

  Golden Bear Basketball Is Here
  Get your tickets for the Kutztown Golden Bears. Advance tickets are $8, $4 for seniors and non-KU students. Gameday tickets are $10 and $5. Pick three games and save. KU students can access one free general admission ticket per game by logging in 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

  Textbook Sell Back – Dec. 4-15
  Sell back your textbooks for cash at the KU Campus Store.

  Purchase Course Materials
  Your student’s custom Virtual Shelf for the spring semester will be ready to view Wednesday, Jan. 10, which will be created with the required course materials for their spring semester. We have included all our affordable options, which includes Inclusive Access, used, and digital materials. To view your Virtual Shelf, sign into our website www.kubstore.com with your KU email and password, review your Virtual Shelf and 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.

  Paying for 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. 8. Purchases can be made in-store or online at KU Campus Store with a bookstore account until Feb. 6.

  Why Purchase from KU Campus Store
  As a non-profit affiliate of KU, our priority is student success and retention. We offer full refunds for materials in original condition 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 make 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
  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.

• Dates to Know

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

  Textbook Sellback KU Campus Store.	Dec. 4-15
  Last day of regular classes.	Saturday, Dec. 9
  Registrar to create grade rosters for Fall 2023.	Monday, Dec. 11
  Final Examinations.	Dec. 11-16
  Second Clinical Experience Assignment ends.	Thursday, Dec. 14
  Final decisions for cancellation of classes for the Winter 2024 semester.	Friday, Dec. 15
  Residence Halls close at 6 p.m. Anyone with Saturday examinations or graduating seniors must make special arrangements with Housing and Residential Services in advance.	Friday, Dec. 15
  Last Day of Fall 2023 Semester.	Saturday, Dec. 16
  Commencement: Graduate and Undergraduate, 10 a.m.	Saturday, Dec. 16
  Last day for graduate students to make up “Incompletes” from the Fall 2022 Semester.	Monday, Dec. 18
  All Fall 2023 Semester grades must be electronically submitted by 3 p.m.	Tuesday, Dec. 19
  Fall 2023 grades available through MyKU at 8 p.m., unless notified.	Tuesday, Dec. 19
  Winter Session 2024 classes begin.	Wednesday, Dec. 20
  Last day to drop a course with 100% reduction or refund ends at midnight. No reduction of charges or refunds for individual courses after midnight (Winter only).	Thursday, Dec. 21
  Deadline to add/drop a Winter Session course at midnight without receiving a grade of “W”.	Thursday, Dec. 21
  Last day for students withdrawing from the university to receive 80% reduction in charges or refund (Winter only).	Friday, Dec. 22
  Winter 2024 “W” period.	Dec. 22 - Jan. 11
  University Closed.	Dec. 24 – Jan. 1
  Winter 2024: Last day for students withdrawing from the university to receive 60% reduction in charges or refund (Winter only).	Sunday, Dec. 24
  Winter 2024: Last day for students withdrawing from the university to receive 50% reduction in charges or refund (Winter only).	Wednesday, Dec. 27
  Winter 2024: Last day for students withdrawing from the university to receive 40% reduction in charges or refund (Winter only).	Thursday, Dec. 28
  Winter 2024: First day no reduction in charges or refund for university withdrawals.	Friday, Dec. 29
  Winter 2024: Inclusive Access Opt-Out Deadline.	Saturday, Dec. 30
  Final decisions for cancellation of classes for the Spring 2024 semester.	Wednesday, Jan. 3
  Spring 2024 bills due.	Wednesday, Jan. 3
  Spring 2024 Registration opens.	Monday, Jan. 8
  First day to apply for Spring 2024 Bookstore Account through Financial Aid Office.	Monday, Jan. 8
  Students emailed checklist and Intent to Attend reminder for Spring 2024.	Wednesday, Jan. 10
  Deadline to withdraw from a Winter Session 2024 course and receive a grade of “W”. There is no withdrawal from individual courses after this date.	Thursday, Jan. 11