December 2024

Volume 7, Issue 5

• Academic Affairs

  Fall Commencement
  Students will be awarded degrees during Kutztown University's fall commencement Saturday, Dec. 14. Dr. Kenneth S. Hawkinson, university president, and Dr. Lorin Basden Arnold, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, will preside. For more information, visit the KU commencement website.

  Writing Center Open Finals Week
  The KU Writing Center opens for the Spring 2025 semester Monday, Jan. 27, 2025. Please have your student(s) reach out to the KU Writing Center for writing help or to schedule a writing session concerning papers for any subject or discipline. Students can call 610-683-4733 or email wrcenter@kutztown.edu to set up an in-person appointment. They can also schedule an online appointment. Please see our website for additional helpful instructions and screenshots. Any questions can be directed to wrcenter@kutztown.edu or pytleski@kutztown.edu.

  General Education Category D: Understanding and Creating Ideas
  Courses capture the process of imagination and students engage critically with creative or artistic works. They also apply universal ideas by focusing on meanings of events and their impact on society and exploring issues, artifacts and events before accepting or formulating a position or conclusion. Weird Fictions with Dr. Jonathon Shaw is a new Category D course. Art History, Music, Theatre, Literature, History of Civilization and Technology for the 21st Century Learner are some other courses available to students in this category.

  Warm Up Your Career Potential This Season
  Invest in yourself during winter break. With extra free time, now is the ideal moment to enroll in KU Advance’s online, self-paced certificates through Coursera. It’s free to all KU students. Explore courses in high-demand fields like Data Science, Graphic Design and Business Analytics, along with new certificates from industry leaders such as ADP and Microsoft. These certificates not only build valuable skills, but also make resumes shine in a competitive job market. Whether you're preparing for your next career move or exploring a new interest, our programs help you start the new year strong. Don’t wait to unwrap this opportunity. Check out the full range of offerings at the Extended Learning website and kickstart your journey.

  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.

  Transfer Students
  Briana Zdradzinski, coordinator for Student Success and Transfer Engagement, is here to support transfer students through their transition to KU. From credit evaluations to navigating campus resources, Briana is ready to provide personalized guidance to help your student succeed. Visit the Student Success Center website to schedule a meeting and learn more.

  Tutoring Services
  Is your student taking a winter class? Support is available for winter courses through Tutor.com, a virtual 24/7 tutoring platform. For instructions on how to use this service, please have your student visit the Tutoring Services website. We encourage students to take advantage of this free tutoring resource. Contact tutor@kutztown.edu with questions.

  Winter Boost
  Winter Boost is a Student Success initiative designed to encourage first-year students to enroll in First-Year Seminar 100 during the winter session if they have not yet completed or withdrew from the course. Targeted outreach is also conducted for students who did not pass introductory courses offered this winter, encouraging them to re-enroll and replace failing grades to maintain academic progress. Enrollment for winter courses is now open. Please view payment information online.

  KU Student Success Navigators
  Every new Kutztown University student has a dedicated Student Success Navigator providing personalized support. The Student Success Navigator is a full-time staff member specifically assigned to assist students as a go-to person, focused on helping students succeed at KU. Working alongside the academic advisor, they ensure that students’ needs are met. The Student Success Navigator is listed in the student’s Starfish portal and MyKU dashboard. Visit the website for more information and details on scheduling an appointment.

  85th Annual Art Education Conference held Nov. 22
  The 85th annual Art Education Conference brought together more than 130 art educators, alumni and current art education and art in alternative settings students, faculty and staff, highlighting scholarship and creative works cemented in social justice practice. Keynotes included former KU art professor Rhonda Wall, KU alumni and artist Nile Livingston and community activist and filmmaker Shuja Moore. The conference explored how as art educators and researchers, we address and confront oppressions on all levels as integral to accountability, accessibility and contemporary relevancy posing questions such as: What are some of the intersections experienced, created and enacted toward social justice impacting change within art/education? Social change and art/education are both a concept and an action of intersecting narratives, symbols and images in the imagination. Participants had opportunities to attend keynotes, engage in dialogue on conference themes over lunch and participate in hands-on workshops. In addition, there were two book signings: one by local children’s author Veronica Moore and the second with Dr. Amber Pabon, Department of Secondary Education and director of the Frederick Douglas Institute and Emerging Educators of Color. The conference was chaired by Drs. Leslie Sotomayor, Frederick Douglas Scholar and assistant professor of art education.

• Finance and Facilities

  Payment Plans – Spring 2025 Open
  Sign up on the Payment Dashboard. New MyKU > Student Account Card > Payment Dashboard > Payment Plans. If the student provided authorized user access to the Dashboard, the user should click here to provide your own credentials. Authorized User access is created by the student 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 2025 Statements
  Students who are registered for Spring 2025 semester will have a static statement prepared in New MyKU approx. Tuesday, Dec. 10, with a due date of Friday, Jan. 10, 2025. Static statements are online only in New MyKU > Student Account Card > Payment Dashboard > Statements. Likewise, an authorized user can access them by using this link. You must have a payment posted, pending aid sufficient for the bill or a combination of pending aid and payment plan by the due date.

  Winter 2025
  Registration remains open for this session. There is one final payment plan open for winter (two-payment plan). New MyKU > Student Account Card > Payment Dashboard > Payment Plans. More information on Winter session can be found online. Winter courses are due upon registration and are removed weekly for non-payment.

  Statement Clarification – Static vs. On Demand
  There are two types of statements a student has available to them. A static statement is produced no less than twice a semester in fall and spring. On Demand statements are to be utilized at all other times to see changes, updates and balances due. This includes winter and summer sessions. We encourage checking monthly for changes that may not be expected.

  Parent Access to Statement Emails and Texts
  Parents (and others) can get emails and texts when statement billing occurs, just like students. The student must go to New MyKU > Student Account Card > Payment Dashboard > Authorized User. These emails will only be related to finances.

  1098-T and Year-End Tax Information
  All payments posted in 2024 that cover 2024 eligible charges will be produced on a tax document 1098-T. This will also reflect scholarships the student received. More information on which charges are eligible and how the 1098-T works can be found online. The Office of Student Accounts will be closed and unable to post payments received in the mail Friday, Dec. 20, through Friday, Jan. 3. If the payment posting in 2024 is critical for you, either pay online or mail any payments no later than Tuesday, 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 online. For more information, visit our website.

  Registration Holds
  Students who still owe money for the Fall 2024 semester (or before) may be blocked from Spring registration and diplomas. 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 Tuesday, Dec. 10 if the funding is for Fall semester. Contact Financial Aid Services with urgency at 610-683-4077 with questions. Some alternative loans will work for Fall once the semester is closed.

  Spring 2025 Housing (Without Spring 2025 Classes)
  Students with significant balances past due for Fall 2024 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, the student 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 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.

  Student Accounts Office Holiday Hours
  The Student Accounts office will be closed Tuesday, Dec. 24 through Wednesday, Jan. 1. Please be sure to reach out for any concerns or inquiries before Dec. 24. While we may check email over the break, we cannot guarantee a response nor action until we reopen in 2025.

• Enrollment Management and Student Affairs

  Dine and Decide Admissions Event
  Join us at 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, for an instant decision. You can tour campus and receive a free lunch at South Dining Hall. Register online.

  2025-2026 Housing Application Open
  The Returning Student Housing Application is open for the 2025-2026 school year. Students will need to log in to their MyKUhousing account. The application is found under forms and applications. Students need to complete the application and submit their $100 deposit for their application to be marked as complete so that they can participate in the room selection process in the spring. On-campus housing includes Rothermel, Beck, Deatrick, Bonner, Lehigh, Schuylkill and Berks Halls, Dixon Hall, University Place, Golden Bear South, West and Honors. As a reminder, Kutztown University has a two-year residency requirement. More information about the room selection process can be found online.

  Special Interest Housing
  Within the Student Housing application (accessed on your MyKUHousing portal), students can choose to be part of any of our Special Interest Housing communities. Some are academic based, like the Physical Sciences Community, and some are based on interests or identities, like the Neurodiverse Community. View all communities and their descriptions and perks on our website.

  Residence Life is Hiring
  We are hiring staff in many different student employee roles, including Community Assistants and Cub Coaches (just to name a few) for the next academic year. All student staff roles and applications can be accessed online. Want to see photos and videos from our events and communities, and know about upcoming programs? Follow Residence Life, Housing and Dining Services on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

  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.

• Equity, Compliance and Legal Affairs

  Homecoming 2024
  Kutztown University Public Safety and Police Services (KUPD) and the Berks County Sheriff's Department worked together to provide a secure environment for all attendees of the recent 2024 Homecoming. This collaborative effort contributed to another successful year of Homecoming festivities at Kutztown University. We look forward to seeing you in 2025. 

  Student Employment Opportunities
  Data shows that students who work on campus remain in college at a much higher rate than other students. Students who work on campus learn valuable skills and earn extra money under flexible schedules that accommodate their class schedules and academic needs, while building strong connections with staff and faculty. Student job opportunities are listed in Handshake. Students working on campus for the first time will need to complete payroll paperwork and background checks and present I-9 documents, so your student will need to bring their original unexpired document(s) to Human Resources before they can begin to work.

  Faculty/Staff Employment Opportunities
  KU is a great place for your students to learn and grow, but did you know our beautiful campus is also a great place to work? Eligible employees are offered a wide range of benefits, career growth and development opportunities and tuition waiver. Current opportunities are listed on our website.

  Green Dot Bystander Intervention Workshops
  Kutztown University will host a Green Dot Bystander Intervention workshop for employees Wednesday, Dec. 18. The Green Dot Bystander Intervention Training Program is a research-supported strategy shown to reduce interpersonal violence, including sexual assault, dating/domestic violence and stalking on college campuses by equipping university employees with the skills needed to intervene in high-risk situations and model behaviors that create and strengthen healthy campus norms. KU will also host Green Dot Bystander Intervention workshops for students throughout the spring semester. Information on upcoming workshops will be posted in the Bear Essentials and on our Instagram page. 

• University Relations and Athletics

  Broadway Star Mandy Gonzalez Takes the Stage at KU Presents Dec. 6
  Come “Home for the Holidays” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, Schaeffer Auditorium. Enjoy classic holiday tunes and contemporary seasonal hits. Known for her leading roles in “In the Heights,” “Wicked” and “Hamilton,” Mandy Gonzalez is currently guest starring every Tuesday as Norma Desmond in the Broadway revival of “Sunset Boulevard.” Gonzalez will be joined by the Kutztown University Choir and Berks Youth Chorus. KU students can access $10 tickets by creating an account for tickets with their MyKU login.

  Golden Bear Basketball is Here
  Get your tickets for Kutztown University Golden Bears basketball. 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 ticket 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

  How to Purchase Course Materials
  Your student’s custom Virtual Shelf for the 2025 spring semester will be ready to view Wednesday, Jan. 8, which has been 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 with your KU email and password; review your Virtual Shelf; 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 beginning Monday, Jan. 13. Purchases can be made in-store or online at the KU Campus Store with a bookstore account until Tuesday, Feb. 11.

  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 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. Visit our website 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.

  Last day of regular classes	Saturday, Dec. 7
  Final Examinations begin	Monday, Dec. 9
  Registrar to create grade rosters for Fall 2024	Monday, Dec. 9
  Deadline for Graduate students to make up "I" grades from Fall 2023	Monday, Dec. 9
  Second Clinical Experience Assignment ends	Thursday, Dec. 12
  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. 13
  Final decisions for cancellation of classes for the Winter 2025 semester (subject to change)	Friday, Dec. 13
  Fall 2024 Commencement, 10 a.m.	Saturday, Dec. 14
  Second Half Communication Design Courses end	Saturday, Dec. 14
  Last Day of Fall 2024 Semester	Saturday, Dec. 14
  Final Examinations end	Saturday, Dec. 14
  Last day for Graduate students to make up “Incompletes” from the Fall 2023 semester	Monday, Dec. 16
  All Fall 2024 semester grades must be electronically submitted by 3 p.m.	Tuesday, Dec. 17
  Fall 2024 grades available through MyKU at 8 p.m., unless notified.	Tuesday, Dec. 17
  Winter Session 2025 classes begin	Wednesday, Dec. 18
  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. 19
  Deadline to add/drop a Winter Session course at midnight without receiving a grade of “W”	Thursday, Dec. 19
  Winter 2025 “W” period	Dec. 20 to Jan. 13
  Winter 2025 Inclusive Access Opt-Out Deadline	Saturday, Dec. 21
  Last day for students withdrawing from the university to receive 80% reduction in charges or refund (Winter only).	Saturday, Dec. 21
  Winter 2025: Last day for students withdrawing from the university to receive 60% reduction in charges or refund (Winter only).	Sunday, Dec. 22
  Winter 2025: Last day for students withdrawing from the university to receive 50% reduction in charges or refund (Winter only).	Tuesday, Dec. 24
  University Closed	Dec. 25 to Jan. 1
  Winter 2025: Last day for students withdrawing from the university to receive 40% reduction in charges or refund (Winter only).	Friday, Dec. 27
  Winter 2025: First day no reduction in charges or refund for university withdrawals.	Saturday, Dec. 28
  Final decisions for cancellation of classes for the Spring 2025 semester (subject to change)	Friday, Jan. 3
  Deadline for regular decision to the Ed.D. cohort for Summer 2025	Sunday, Jan. 5
  Spring 2025 Registration opens.	Wednesday, Jan. 8