February 2025

Volume 7, Issue 7

• Academic Affairs

  Help Your Student Get Ahead with Free Career-Boosting Courses
  Did you know your student has access to free, career-focused online courses? Through KU Advance, Kutztown University students can earn industry-recognized certificates in high-demand fields like Data Science, Graphic Design, and Business Analytics – all at no cost. These self-paced courses, offered through Coursera, also include certifications from top companies like Microsoft and ADP, giving students a competitive edge in today’s job market. Encourage your student to take advantage of this incredible opportunity! Learn more at the Extended Learning website.

  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 Transfer Student Engagement website to schedule a meeting and learn more.

  Tutoring Services
  Support is available for select Spring 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.

  Supporting Your Student’s Success
  From academic coaching and tutoring to time management and study strategies, we provide the resources students need to thrive. Encourage your student to take advantage of these services early and often - they are free and designed to support their success. For more information, visit the website or have your student stop by our office.

  University Writing Center
  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.

  Scholastic Art Awards Exhibition Opens in The Marlin and Regina Miller Gallery in the Sharadin Arts Building
  Since 1923, the nationwide Scholastic Art Awards program has “recognized the vision, ingenuity and talent of our nation’s youth and provided opportunities for creative teens to be celebrated.” The Marlin and Regina Miller Gallery is currently featuring the Scholastic Art entries from students in Berks, Carbon, Northampton and Lehigh Counties. Any student in grades 7-12 can participate. This year, 631 local students and 87 art teachers participated. This art competition is the longest running, most prestigious awards program in the country. For more than 100 years, the Scholastic Art Awards has aimed to highlight creative students in an impactful way that is usually reserved for athletes and high achieving academic students. Artwork is juried by local arts professionals and awarded on originality, skill, and personal vision. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday; noon to 4 p.m. Saturday; and 2-4 p.m. Sunday. View upcoming events on our website.

  Music Department Hosts Music Auditions for Prospective Students
  For Spring and Fall 2025 admissions, the Department of Music has held three scheduled/official audition dates for prospective students, along with two additional dates as part of Open Houses hosted by the College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA). The second VPA Open House will be held Wednesday, March 26. For more information, visit our website. We have had 267 new applicants this year inclusive of music as either a first or second choice major. We look forward to welcoming new music majors to the department in the fall. If you are interested in an audition in March, please visit our website.

  Interactive Design Gallery Opens in the Sharadin Art Building
  Sharadin 209A has been renovated and is now an immersive interactive gallery space. The room has been custom designed to showcase student work in a unique way. Equipped with three wall projectors and a floor projector, this space offers a complete 360-degree dynamic viewing experience. The room is used extensively for work created in the Creative Coding, Interactive Spaces and Integrated Branding courses in the Communication Design program. The immersive gallery can now be used to screen experimental film work; we have plans to collaborate with the Cinema, Television and Media Production department on upcoming exhibitions in the space.

• Finance and Facilities

  Spring 2025 Charges, Billing and Statements
  The bill/statements are located at New MyKU > Student Account card > Payment Dashboard > Statements. The On-Demand Statement is the most recent and up to the minute for activity.

  Prior Semester Charges – Past Due
  Prior semester charges cannot be paid with Spring 2025 aid. If you have an incidental fee, such as an ID replacement or Health Center visit fee, you need to log in and pay that to remove that hold.

  Authorized Users (Billing Third-Party Access)
  Students can choose to grant parents or others authorized user access to their own version of the Payment Dashboard. Student navigates to New MyKU > Student Account card > Payment Dashboard > Authorized User. This will also allow for the user to get the statement emails that are sent and even text messages as well – a great back up for the student if they miss the billing emails.

  Adding Bear Bucks Throughout the Semester
  Students as well as staff and faculty will continue to use the online storefront to purchase Bear Bucks and Flex Dollars for the Spring semester. Allow at least one business day for processing and availability on the ID card (weekends and holidays are not business days). Flex Dollars will expire at the end of Spring semester. This online store gives you the option to select Bear Bucks or Flex Dollars.

  FAFSA Reminder
  The FAFSA for the 2024-25 school year remains open if you never filed it for Spring 2025. The 2025-26 FAFSA is also open. It is not too early to file the 2025-26 item. Remember, there are strict deadlines for state grant recipients; we see too many needy eligible students lose out on free state-grant funding because of simply filing the FAFSA late. The FAFSA for next school year (Fall 2025 and Spring 2026) must be processed (not just submitted) before May 1 to qualify for the state grant (need based checks in place too). Do not wait and risk losing out if you would have otherwise been eligible.

  Withdrawal Information
  We know plans can change and students’ paths divert. Has your student decided to not return to KU this spring? If so, we understand and are sad to see them go. Please help to ensure they have completed the withdrawal form online to get this processed properly and closed out. This is also the same form for a leave of absence. The form can be found online. If the student cannot remember their password, they can call the IT Help Desk 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 610-683-1511.

• Enrollment Management and Student Affairs

  Residence Life, Housing and Dining Services Job Opportunity for 2025-2026
  If your student is looking for a job and an opportunity to have a positive impact on campus, Residence Life, Housing and Dining Services is hiring Community Assistants (CAs) and Desk Receptionists (DRs) for the Spring 2025 semester, as well as the 2025-2026 academic year. CAs and DRs serve as a key component in the creation of a welcoming and inclusive environment within the residence halls. CAs and DRs are essential in the community-building process as they help residents 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. More information and applications can be found online.

  Special Interest Housing for the Next Academic Year
  It is time to select your special interest housing on your Housing Application for 2025-26. The Housing Application is open for returning students until Wednesday, Feb. 26. Within this application, your student can indicate their interest in one of the below communities for upperclass students:

  • Freedom Place: Available to incoming and returning students interested in a community committed to a substance-free lifestyle.
  • Neurodiverse Community: Available to incoming and returning students who identify as being neurodiverse, whether traditionally diagnosed or self-diagnosed. The Neurodiversity community includes diagnoses of attention deficit disorders, autism spectrum disorders, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, dyspraxia, post-traumatic stress disorders, sensory processing disorder, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and others.
  • Honors students, military affiliated and those interested in gender-inclusive housing will select their respective option from the “Special Interest Housing” dropdown menu as well.

  The Housing Application is found on your student’s MyKUHousing page under “Forms.”

  Commuter Student Association
  The Commuter Student Association is hosting March Commuter Tuesday with a free hot lunch for all attending commuter students 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 4, 223 MSU (while supplies last).

  Free Flu Vaccines
  Free flu vaccines are available for students who would like to be vaccinated. Students may call the Health Center to schedule an appointment at 610-683-4082.

  MSU Events
  The MSU is hosting Saint Patrick’s Day themed trivia at 7 p.m. Monday, March 3, 223 MSU.

  Community Outreach Volunteer Opportunities
  Sign up online for the below volunteer opportunities. Emal volunteer@kutztown.edu with any questions.

  • March Blood Drive: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday, March 5.
  • Opportunity House: 4:15-7:30 p.m., Thursday, March 6.
  • Bingo at Willow Brook: 2-3:30 p.m., Friday, March 7.
  • Bingo at Willow Brook: 2-3:30 p.m., Friday, March 28.

  Paint KU
  The Ultimate Paint Party is coming to KU! Join the Office of Student Involvement for the ultimate Paint Party and DJ night – an electrifying blend of vibrant art, pulsing beats and nonstop fun 7-9:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26, 218 MSU. Free t-shirts available for the first 200 individuals. Additional details can be found on Engage.

  Dancakes Custom Pancake Art
  Swing by MSU lobby tables 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 4, to check out this unique artist. Be in awe as he creates custom pancakes – art that you can eat! Visit Engage for more info.

  Greek Life and It's On Us Present: Michael Ayalon, Chapter Unity Without Harm
  Dr. Michael Ayalon is a recognized thought leader in the realms of fraternity and sorority life, business leadership and higher education and is coming to KU to present his Chapter Unity Without Harm Keynote to our students at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, Schaeffer Auditorium. The program is designed to eradicate hazing practices by fostering a culture of respect, safety and genuine camaraderie. Sponsored by the It's On Us Grant. Additional details can be found on Engage.  

  Funny Feud Game Show
  Just like America's Favorite Game Show, we've got the craziest questions to keep everyone guessing. Plus, the whole audience gets to play our contestant-selector game shows. Join us at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 6, 183 McFarland Student Union (Alumni Auditorium). Learn more on Engage.

  Make and Take: No Sew Blankets
  Pick out your blanket pattern and join in on the fun. Hang out with fellow Golden Bears as you craft through the late morning together. No sewing skills needed. This cozy event takes place at 11 a.m. Monday, March 10, 218 McFarland Student Union (Multipurpose Room). Learn more on Engage.

• Equity, Compliance and Legal Affairs

  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.

  Get Involved with DSO
  The Disability Services Office (DSO) offers students a chance to get involved in events and activities, such as Neurodiversity Celebration Week in April. If your student is passionate about advocacy and interested in volunteering, encourage them to reach out to the DSO. They can contact us at DSO@kutztown.edu, call 610-683-4108 or stop by the office in 215 Stratton Administration.

  Welcome Back from Public Safety and Police Services
  Kutztown University Public Safety and Police Services would like to welcome all our campus community back for another safe semester. We are offering R.A.D. (Rape Aggression Defense) classes March 24-27. This three-day class teaches women self-defense concepts and techniques. All KUPD instructors are certified and utilize specialized simulation techniques and equipment. The course is free and includes a reference manual that outlines the entire physical defense program, allowing you to continue improving your skills after the course is completed. We look forward to seeing you there. Have a great semester.

  D.A.T.E.S. Awareness Week
  In February, Kutztown University participated in a PASSHE-wide Dating App and Technology Safety and Education (D.A.T.E.S.) Awareness Week. D.A.T.E.S. Awareness Week is Kutztown University's response to the increase in reports of cybersexual violence, technology-facilitated sexual and dating violence and sextortion. Please remind your students to always proceed with caution when using dating apps and utilize best practices when moving a relationship from online to real life, such as FaceTiming a match before meeting and meeting in a safe, public place. Recordings of the presentations and other activities from D.A.T.E.S. Awareness Week can be found on YouTube.

• University Relations and Athletics

  Family Magic and Country Music take the stage at KU Presents
  Bill Blagg, who has been entertaining people of all ages for more than two decades across the country, will present “Family Magic” at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 2, Schaeffer Auditorium, as part of the KU Presents Family Series. The show, which lasts about 75 minutes with no intermission, will feature a full menu of illusions, mentalism, sleight-of-hand and even a dancing handkerchief – and plenty of audience participation.

  The band that supported Kenny Rogers for more than 40 years will play the songs and tell the tales they shared first-hand Through the Years, at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 12, Schaeffer Auditorium. Don Gatlin, dynamic country singer, songwriter, collaborator and friend of Kenny Rogers, fronts the band singing all the mega-hits and fan favorites. KU students can access $10 tickets by creating an account for tickets with their MyKU login. 

  Only a Few Chances Left to See Golden Bear Basketball
  Get your tickets for the Kutztown Golden Bears today. Advance tickets are $8, $4 for seniors and non-KU students. Gameday tickets are $10 and $5. 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

  Dixon Marketplace
  Dixon Marketplace is a retail store comprised of student goods including convenience items, health and beauty aids, dorm accessories, school supplies, logo apparel and trendy gifts. Located on the ground level of the Dixon Residence Hall and open until midnight, seven days a week. Additional information can be found online.

• KU Foundation

  Save the Date for Spring Alumni Weekend
  Mark your calendars – Spring Alumni Weekend is April 25-26. Registration opens shortly – stay tuned to www.kuf.org for details.

• Dates to Know

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

  Due date for Late Registration billing	Friday, Feb. 21
  Last day for full semester students withdrawing from the university to receive 50% reduction in charges or refund (Spring only)	Friday, Feb. 21
  First Day of Spring 2025 10W Courses	Monday, Feb. 24
  Add/Drop Period for Spring 2025 10W Courses	Feb. 24-28
  Last Day to withdraw from a Spring 2025 5-Week A Course and receive a grade of “W”. There is no withdrawal from individual courses after this date.	Tuesday, Feb. 25
  Last Day to Add/Drop for Spring 2025 10W Courses	Friday, Feb. 28
  40% Refund Period Ends Spring 2025 Full Semester Students	Friday, Feb. 28
  List of Fall 2024 Undergraduate Dean’s List to be forwarded to the appropriate College Deans by the Registrar’s Office	Friday, Feb. 28
  Last day to drop a 10W course with 100% reduction or refund ends at midnight. No reduction of charges or refunds for individual courses after midnight. (Spring only)	Friday, Feb. 28
  5-Week A Courses End	Saturday, March 1
  First day no reduction in charges or refund for university withdrawals for full semester students	Saturday, March 1
  First round interviews for doctoral applications	Saturday, March 1
  5-Week B Courses Begin	Monday, March 3
  Last day for 10W students withdrawing from the university to receive 80% reduction in charges or refund (Spring only)	Monday, March 3
  Last day to drop a 5-Week B course with 100% reduction or refund ends at midnight. No reduction of charges or refunds for individual courses after midnight. (Spring only)	Wednesday, March 5
  Last Day to withdraw from a Spring 2025 First Half of Term Course and receive a grade of “W”. There is no withdrawal from individual courses after this date.	Thursday, March 6
  Registrar to create grade rosters for first half of classes	Thursday, March 6
  Last day for 5-Week B students withdrawing from the university to receive 80% reduction in charges or refund (Spring only)	Thursday, March 6
  Last day for 10W students withdrawing from the university to receive 60% reduction in charges or refund (Spring only)	Friday, March 7
  Last day to return Spring 2025 textbooks with a drop slip	Friday, March 7
  Last day for 5-Week B students withdrawing from the university to receive 60% reduction in charges or refund (Spring only)	Saturday, March 8
  Last day for 5-Week B students withdrawing from the university to receive 50% reduction in charges or refund (Spring only)	Tuesday, March 11
  Last day for 10W students withdrawing from the university to receive 50% reduction in charges or refund (Spring only)	Wednesday, March 12
  Mid-Term	Wednesday, March 12
  Last day for 5-Week B students withdrawing from the university to receive 40% reduction in charges or refund (Spring only)	Thursday, March 13
  Last Day of Spring 2025 First Half of Term Courses	Friday, March 14
  Residence halls close at 6 p.m. for Spring Break	Friday, March 14
  Master Schedules for Fall 2025 available online for faculty	Friday, March 14
  First day no reduction in charges or refund for university withdrawals for 5-Week B Students	Friday, March 14
  First Half Communication Design Courses end.	Saturday, March 15
  Spring Break	March 16-23