January 2024

Volume 6, Issue 6

• Academic Affairs

  Writing Center Opens Monday, Jan. 29
  Please have your student(s) 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.

  Sport Management Goes to London
  Sport Management is planning a study abroad program to London in Summer Session I, 2024. While in London, we will meet with people from soccer (football), rugby and cricket and will take trips to McLaren Formula 1 team and the grounds of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, home of Wimbledon. Students will have some free time to travel around Great Britain and will have the opportunity to meet with fellow university students. Students do not need to be a sport management major; they just need to have an interest in sports. If your student has any questions, please contact professor Kerri Cebula at cebula@kutztown.edu. Learn more online.

  We Want Your Student to Succeed
  Parents of College of Business students: Of course, your student knows to contact their advisor when they need academic advice. However, they can also contact the assistant dean for student success in the College of Business for support. Dr. Dina Hayduk (hayduk@kutztown.edu) will meet one-on-one with your student to develop a plan forward when your student is faced with challenges (both positive and negative). Please encourage your student to reach out sooner rather than later.

  Center for Student Success and Academic Excellence
  The Center for Student Success and Academic Excellence offers academic skills workshops 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.

  Career Development Center
  Do you have a senior student who is graduating this semester? Encourage them to attend one of the virtual senior kick-off seminars where they will learn all they need to do to prepare themselves for their job search. Choose from the following dates: 11-11:50 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 30; 2-2:50 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31; 11-11:50 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6; 7-7:50 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7. All workshops are held virtually, so please visit: www.kutztown.edu/careercenter for the Zoom ID.

  The Career Development Center will host three fairs this semester:

  • KU Grad School Fair: KU Programs; 11-11:50 a.m. Thursday, March 7, MSU 250.
  • KU Virtual Job Fair for Educators; 2-5 p.m. Monday, March 11, kutztown.edu/handshake.
  • In-Person Internship and Job Fair; 12-3 p.m. Wednesday, March 27, MSU 218.

  Tutoring Services
  Tutors are available for most 100 and 200-level courses and some upper-level courses. 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. Students may contact tutor@kutztown.edu with questions.

  Academic Peer Mentor (APM) requests can be submitted through Starfish at Home | Starfish (starfishsolutions.com). For instructions, click here.

  Have your student download a student success semester calendar or pick one up in the Center for Student Success and Academic Excellence, 11 Rohrbach Library, to keep track of assignments and highlight successes.

• Finance and Facilities

  Spring 2024 Charges, Billing and Statements
  The bill/statements are located at MyKU > KU Financial Account tile > Payment Dashboard > Statements. Any other billing or charge type page you find is not the bill and may cause you confusion, as the bill adds in payment plan balances, pending aid by item and more. Interim statements are always available in between statements – Payment Dashboard > Activity Details.

  Payment Plans – Still Open for Spring
  Payment plans are set up in the Payment Dashboard and should be set up by your assigned due date. MyKU > KU Financial Account tile > Payment Dashboard > Payment Plans. If you have parent access (now called payer access) you should use this link to provide your own credentials previously set up (see below). Summer payment plans will start in March 2024. Fall payment plans will be shared later as we are converting to a new Student Information System for Fall 2024 and a new payment provider (details will be shared later).

  Prior Semester Charges – Past Due
  Prior semester charges cannot be paid with Spring 2024 aid. If you have an incidental fee such as a parking ticket, ID replacement or Health Center visit fee, you need to log in and pay that to remove that hold.

  Bookstore Accounts
  If you took more aid than needed so you could get a refund and buy books, please know aid will not disburse and post until the end of the third week of the semester (no sooner than Feb. 9). 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 started Jan. 8 and end Friday, Feb. 2. Purchases are made with the KU Campus Store no later than Tuesday, Feb. 6; for options about how to make purchases, visit their website. One request per semester (fall and spring only).

  Assigning a Payer (Billing Parent Access)
  Students can choose to grant parents or payers access to their own version of the Payment Dashboard. Designated Access in MyKU does not include finances or billing. Student logs into MyKU > KU Financial Account tile > Payment Dashboard > My Account > Payers > Send a Payer Invitation. This will also allow for the payer to get the billing emails that are sent and even text messages as well – a great back up for the student if they miss the billing emails.
  
  1098-T and Year-End Tax Information
  An announcement will occur when these documents are available online to view and print. They will be online on or before Jan. 31. These will be in the same system we have used in the past (Vangent/TRA, now called Maximus). These items are available online at first. They are only mailed at the end of the month if they are not retrieved online. If you want them soonest, you will want to get them online. If you have moved or never updated your home address prior to Jan. 1 and anticipate the document being returned by the mail, you will want to retrieve the document online. Update your home address with the Registrar’s Office. You will need your state ID or driver’s license to do so in some instances. We do use home address not mailing. For more information and updates on availability regarding the 1098T’s, click here.

  Spring 2024 – Reduce Those Loans
  Did you recently cancel housing or meals? Did your bill end up smaller than you thought it would be? You do not have to take all of the loan funding available to you or that you applied for, if you don’t need it to pay the bill. Simply not accepting a refund won’t reduce or cancel a loan. To reduce your loan or cancel it, you must complete a form Loan Change Forms before the aid comes in. These are online and easy to complete. If you need help determining how much to reduce or refuse, we can help (Stafford and PLUS loans have origination fees to consider).

  Refunds
  Overpayments that are the result of student-funded aid will be released to the student through the BankMobile refund program selection the student made online. Refunds start no sooner than the end of the third week of the semester. Overpayments that are the result of parent-funded aid (i.e., Parent PLUS loan or parent alternative loan) will be released to whomever the parent designated on the loan application.

  • If the designation was the parent; the overpayment will be a paper check mailed to the parent. 
  • If the designation was the student; the overpayment would go through the student’s preference at BankMobile.

  Student Refund Preference Selection
  Students who never selected a refund preference would go to www.refundselection.com to make this selection. Students who have previously made a refund preference will find that remains in place unless they change it. We encourage reviewing it at www.bankmobilevibe.com and verifying address, banking information and more.

  Parent Refunds
  Since students have the direct deposit option and parents do not, often parents will choose to allow the refund to go to the student. If the parent elected for the refund to go to the parent, but now want the refund to go to the student, the parent can complete a Parent PLUS Release Form, allowing us to refund the student regardless of what aid causes the overpayment. This form requires a signature and can be faxed or scanned and emailed to us before refunds start.

  Adding Bear Bucks Throughout the Semester
  Students can add Bear Bucks to their ID cards, in person with cash or check at 107 Academic Forum or this can easily be done online. MyKU > KU Financial Account tile > Payment Dashboard > Overview > scroll down to Available Items and proceed.

  FAFSA Reminder
  The FAFSA for the 2023-24 school year remains open if you never filed it for Spring 2024. The 2024-25 new FAFSA is also open. It is not too early to file the 2024-25 item. Please remember, 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 2024 and Spring 2025) 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 on 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 here. If the student cannot remember their password, they can call the help desk during business days 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 610-683-1511.

  Spring 2024 Parking Permits Now Available for Purchase
  Students wishing to park a vehicle on campus at any point throughout the academic year may now register that vehicle through their MyKU account (MyKU>Vehicle Services>Get Permits). The cost of the Spring 2024 parking permit is $50. Please click any of the following links for registration instructions:

  • Purchase a New Permit for an Unregistered Vehicle (First-Time Registrant)
  • Purchasing a New Permit for a Previously Registered Vehicle (Repeat Registrant)
  • Adding Multiple Vehicles to Your Account
  • Changing the License Plate Number on a Registered Vehicle

  How Do I Get My Permit After Registering?
  Once you register and all necessary documentation has been submitted, bring your vehicle registration and driver’s license to KU Business Services located in 107 Academic Forum between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

  What If My Temporary Pass Expires Before I Will Be On Campus?
  If you register early and your pass expires before your return to campus, do not fret. Place the pass on your dash, park in one of your assigned lots in a white-lined space and the parking enforcement team will know you still need to pick up your permit during the first week of classes. For more information, contact KU Business Services at 610-683-4825 or
  parkingpermits@kutztown.edu.

• Enrollment Management and Student Affairs

  Meal Plan Selection
  Spring 2024 meal plan selection is currently open and will close Jan. 26. Students can self-select a meal plan on MyKUHousing (if they do not already have a plan) or email kudiningservices@kutztown.edu to change/cancel an existing plan. See the dining page of the KU website for more details.

  Service Opportunities
  Dozens of opportunities are available throughout the semester: serving meals, helping with youth sports, after school tutoring, stocking materials, shovel snow, etc. Students can sign in, explore and sign up at https://engage.kutztown.edu/service-opportunities.

  Ticket Sales Begin for Trip to 76ers Game
  Trip date Wednesday, Feb. 7 (4 p.m. departure). Ticket sales begin 8 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23. KU students only. Details, including online sales link, at https://engage.kutztown.edu/event/9333414.

  Sailesh – The Hypnotist
  Sailesh makes audience members the stars of the show, taking the entire audience on a journey using hypnosis, improv, music and interactivity to create a whole lot of laughter and a ton of fun 7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 24, 218 McFarland Student Union. https://engage.kutztown.edu/event/9158994

  Spring Involvement Fair – Take a Bite Out of Involvement
  Meet club and organization reps; there is a sea of possibilities 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 30, 218 McFarland Student Union. https://engage.kutztown.edu/event/9666115

  Spring Poster Sale
  Our annual Poster Sale is back Wednesday, Jan. 31 and Thursday, Feb. 1, 218 McFarland Student Union. Get ready for the spring semester by decorating your walls. https://engage.kutztown.edu/event/9647097

  Trivia Night "2000s" Theme
  Trivia Night takes place 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 1, 223 McFarland Student Union.

  Commuter Tuesday Lunch
  Free lunch for commuter students 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6, 223 McFarland Student Union.

  Miller-Keystone Blood Drive
  Blood drive takes place 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb, 14, 218 McFarland Student Union. Sign up at https://www.giveapint.org/.

• Equity, Compliance and Legal Affairs

  Disability Services Office – Electronic Accommodation Letters for Spring 2024
  Electronic Accommodation Letters will be ready for students to send to their assigned spring 2024 course professors starting one week before the upcoming spring semester begins. About a week before the start of the spring semester, students who are registered with the DSO will receive a friendly email reminder with step-by-step instructions on how to send their electronic accommodation letters to course professors. Please encourage your student(s) to actively check their KU email as they prepare to return for the spring semester. Incoming new and transfer students who received accommodations at a prior institution or in high school are encouraged to visit the DSO website to start the Accommodation Request Process as soon as possible.

• University Relations and Athletics

  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

  Purchase Course Materials
  Your student’s custom Virtual Shelf for the spring semester is ready to view, 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 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 more than 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 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

  Do You Have a Heart of GOLD?
  We celebrate I Heart KU week Feb. 5-8. The Kutztown University Foundation will host student activities throughout the week that include Heart of Gold messages from our students, faculty and staff. Stay tuned to Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to see all that makes KU unique. The week will peak with gratitude to our generous supporters while celebrating the friends, departments, programs and initiatives that make a difference on our campus. 

  Free Networking Dinner for KU Students
  Dinner with Golden Bears, sponsored by the KU Foundation and KU Presidential Ambassadors, is the perfect opportunity for students to polish their networking skills and mingle with Kutztown alumni and friends to learn about their experiences in the workforce. Please encourage your student to join us for this evening of heavy appetizers, great conversations and the opportunity to chat with Golden Bears about their professional journeys 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6, Nancy Jean Stump Seiger ’54 Multipurpose Room, 218 McFarland Student Union. This event is free to students, but registration is required. For more information, please call 610-683-4110 or email together@kuf.org.

• Dates to Know

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

  All Winter 2024 semester session grades must be electronically submitted by 3 p.m.	Thursday, Jan. 18
  Winter 2024 grades available through MyKU at 8 p.m., unless notified.	Thursday, Jan. 18
  Spring 2024 Orientation billing process will run electronically. Due Date: Friday, Feb. 2.	Friday, Jan. 19
  Welcome Weekend	Saturday, Jan. 20 – Sunday, Jan. 21
  Residence halls open at 1 p.m. for the Spring 2024 semester.	Sunday, Jan. 21
  Spring 2024 Add/Drop and Late Registration	Monday, Jan. 22 – Monday, Jan. 29
  Spring 2024 semester classes begin	Monday, Jan. 22
  Clinical Experience Orientation Program, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., MSU 218; and First Practicum with KU Supervisors	Monday, Jan. 22
  First Half Communication Design courses begin.	Monday, Jan. 22
  First Clinical Experience Assignment begins in schools.	Tuesday, Jan. 23
  Saturday classes start at 8 a.m.	Saturday, Jan. 27
  Last day to add/drop a course from Spring 2024 in MyKU for all students.	Monday, Jan. 29
  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 (Spring Only).	Monday, Jan. 29
  Spring 2024 “W” period	Tuesday, Jan. 30 – Friday, April 19