July 2022

Volume 4, Issue 12

• Academic Affairs

  Tutoring Services Recruitment: Fall 2022
  Tutoring Services is recruiting peer tutors and academic peer mentors for Fall 2022. If your student is interested in this employment opportunity, please have them complete the Tutoring Services Employment Application. If your student has questions, contact tutor@kutztown.edu.

  Center for Student Success and Academic Excellence
  The Center for Student Success and Academic Excellence provides students with individualized success plans, study skills support and connections to campus resources. The Center offers academic skills workshops and one-on-one consultations 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.

  KU Succeed
  KU Succeed is an academic recovery program designed to help students return to good academic standing by providing a framework for academic success. This framework includes skill-building seminars, mentoring and educational and personal advising. If your student would like to participate, they can register at www.kutztown.edu/studentsuccess. If you have any questions, contact R. Chad Brown, assistant director for Student Success and Academic Excellence, at cbrown@kutztown.edu.

• Administration and Finance

  Spring/Summer 2022 Balances
  Please check MyKU to ensure all spring and summer charges are paid, to remove any holds that may have been added. Fall aid cannot pay spring or summer charges. MyKU > KU Financial Account tile > Payment Dashboard

  Fall 2022 Tuition, Fees, Housing and Meals Billing
  Tuition rates are published on our website for your review. Statements were processed July 12, with a due date of Friday, Aug. 5. Statements include tuition, required fees, on-campus housing and meals based on the student’s enrollment/selection as of that day (changes can affect charges and aid). Remember, only pending aid will reduce the amount due on the bill. Aid that is not in pending status (i.e., awarded aid or loans not yet certified) may require action and will not be considered as a valid payment type reducing charges due. Undergraduate students having 12-18 credits of enrollment will see the same tuition line item, although required fees may change based on course selections. After we bill, please don’t forget the Intent to Attend box in MyKU (the double-sized tile). Billing help is found here.

  Statement/Bill Location
  MyKU > KU Financial Account tile > Payment Dashboard > Statements – if the statements are not viewed within six days of the notice, a second reminder email is sent. Payment plans show on the statements as well. As charges and aid change based on updates, responses etc., you can get an updated statement online in the Payment Dashboard > Activity Details. Always get your statement from the Payment Dashboard > Statements.

  Additional Funding – Apply for Loans
  Many students will need additional funding after their awarded aid package from the FAFSA completion. Some will pay the difference; some will use a payment plan (see below) and some will use additional loans. Additional loans should be applied for as soon as possible so that Financial Aid Services will have time to certify the loan and allow it to show on the Fall account, thereby reducing the charges due. 

  • Alternative Loans are loans in a student’s name with a credit-worthy co-signer (some even have a parent option now!). These can take up to two weeks to show as pending aid in MyKU. Don’t delay.
  • Parent PLUS loans are loans in a parent’s name that are taken to help a student. Approvals and denials (parent denials may offer students some additional Stafford Loans). These can take up to two weeks to show as pending on the account.
  • Apply for the full year – so double the cost need for fall and use the loan period of August 2022 to May 2023. Financial Aid will split the loan evenly between fall and spring.

  Interest does not start until the funds are disbursed (i.e., September and February). Do not delay, apply for these extra loans in July. You can easily reduce the loans later by completing a loan change form once the actual charges are on the account and you see all of the figures in one place.

  More information on additional funding options is online. You can also get more information by calling Financial Aid Services at 610-683-4077.

  The Difference Between Pending and Awarded Aid
  Once the FAFSA is completed, an aid package is prepared for a student by Financial Aid Services. This is awarded aid. This aid will not reduce charges on a bill at this point. To move from awarded aid to pending aid, students must complete all requirements, such as verification if selected, Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling (if not already completed at KU), submitted their final high school transcript, be enrolled in courses and lastly, the student must be eligible for aid (financial aid progress). Only aid that is shown as pending or anticipated will be considered as payment toward the charges due. Check regularly to see if the student owes any items to financial aid or other areas. MyKU > KU Tasks tile – click on the blue line To Do’s for more details on what’s needed and who to contact for help. Check the KU Tasks tile often – as this can be updated often.

  Fall 2022 Payment Plans
  Payment Plans remain open for the Fall 2022 semester charges. The plan will be a three-payment plan from July 6 to Aug. 5. A student can sign up for a plan now and adjust the plan later if charges change. There is no fee to increase or decrease the amount of payment plans as needed, should a surprise scholarship show up or the bill increase due to a housing change, for example. MyKU > KU Financial Account tile > Payment Dashboard > Payment Plans.

  Assign a Payer – Payment Dashboard Access
  Students can sign their parents up to get their own access to the Payment Dashboard including getting the statement email notifications and even billing texts as to not solely rely on the students to share their notice. Students go to MyKU > KU Financial Account tile > My Account > Payers – Send a Payer Invitation.

  Student Accounts Summer Office Hours
  Over the summer, we are still available to help you. We recommend email as our preferred method of communication to allow us time to research and review the account for a good answer; however, you may always call us as well at 610-683-4133. We are open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday (closed 12-12:30 p.m. for lunch).

  Parking Permits
  We know this is always a common concern around billing season. The August parent newsletter will have some information regarding when permits will be available to purchase online and more. Stay tuned. Semester permits will be $50 and the annual permit will be $75.

• Enrollment Management and Student Affairs

  Dean of Students Office
  Be BearAware! BearAware is a brief online, interactive program geared toward incoming students (and parents) to learn about behavioral expectations and standards for students. The revised program adds learning checks throughout the module as well as content on KU's Sexual Misconduct Policy. Incoming students are encouraged to review this resource as part of their orientation to the university. BearAware can be found on the Student Conduct website at https://www.kutztown.edu/studentconduct or directly at https://www3.kutztown.edu/bearaware. Student participants can enter for a chance to win one of four $50 KU Campus Store gift cards for completing the program (winners will be announced in the fall).

• Equity, Compliance and Legal Affairs

  Human Resources
  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 excellent benefits, career growth and development opportunities and tuition waiver. Current opportunities are listed on our website. Apply now.

  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 passport or Social Security card or birth certificate to Human Resources before they can begin to work.

  Disability Services Office (DSO)
  A friendly reminder from the Disability Services Office (DSO) that accommodation letters for summer courses will be available to send to professors via MyKU one week before the start of each summer session. Please encourage your students to check their KU email for instructions on how to send electronic accommodation letters to summer course professors. Any questions about summer accommodations should be directed to the DSO at 610-683-4108 or DSO@kutztown.edu.

  Parents of incoming freshman and transfer students: now is the time to start the Accommodation Request Process. Please visit www.kutztown.edu/DSO and select “Requesting Accommodations” then “Student Accommodations” to review the process for requesting accommodations (academic, housing and dining). If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the DSO at 610-683-4108 or DSO@kutztown.edu.

  Public Safety and Police Services
  The Kutztown University Department of Public Safety and Police Services would like to welcome Officer Samuel Willis to the Kutztown University campus and Berks County community. Officer Willis is a graduate of the Delaware County Community College Police Academy and came to us from the West Chester University Police Department, where he was a dispatcher in their communications center. He was sworn in May 20, by the Honorable Judge Gail Greth, who presided over the “Oath of Office” ceremony. Please introduce yourself and welcome Officer Willis to our campus community.

• Housing and Dining

  Live Here, Roar Here: Prepare to Live on Campus
  We can’t wait to welcome your student into their new residence hall home next month. Move-in day for most first-year students is Saturday, Aug. 27. Times will be assigned based on building and room numbers; stay tuned and keep checking your KU email. Your student’s room assignment (along with their roommate’s information, if already assigned) can be found on their MyKUHousing page.

  Please encourage students to: start talking with their roommate (living expectations/habits, items to share, etc.), become familiar with our policies, and visit our FAQ webpage. You and your student should also follow us on social media. We are posting reels and hosting Instagram Lives all summer to help answer questions and give you pro tips. Instagram: @KutztownHousing; Facebook: Kutztown University Housing and Residence Life. As always, please email us at housing@kutztown.edu with any questions. We are excited to help your student “Live Here, Roar Here.”

• University Relations and Athletics

  Kutztown University Radio
  Is your Golden Bear looking for an award-winning campus organization to join where they will learn broadcasting in a fun and inclusive environment? Kutztown University Radio may just fit that bill. Absolutely no experience is required. The radio station will train and needs volunteers in all aspects including, but not limited to, sports broadcasting, music, DJing, news and promotions. For more information, email kur@kutztown.edu expressing interest or call 610-683-4059.

  KU Presents! 2022-2023 Season Subscriptions Available
  Enjoy the same great seats to all six entertaining KU Presents! Performing Artists Series or two Family Series performances, by subscribing by Aug. 1. Experience mandolin virtuoso Sam Bush, London’s The Kingdom Choir, Tony® Award-winner Laura Benanti, Popovich Pet Theatre and so much more. Subscribers receive access to discounted tickets to special events. Subscriptions can be purchased online or by calling 610-683-4092. Tickets to individual performances will be available starting Aug. 9. KU students can access $10 tickets by logging for tickets with their MyKU log in starting Aug. 9.

  Golden Bear Football Season Tickets Available
  Get your season tickets to see the Kutztown Golden Bears. Add your tailgate permits or parking passes for the season and save over individual game tickets. Tickets, tailgate permits and parking passes for individual games will be available starting Aug. 9. KU students can access one free general admission ticket per game by logging for tickets with their MyKU login starting Aug. 9.

• KU Campus Store

  Why purchase from KU Campus Store?
  As a nonprofit affiliate of KU, our priority is student success and retention. Savings up to 80% off the price of new with a large selection of rental, used and digital materials is available with a full refund 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.

  Inclusive Access – Course Materials
  Inclusive Access is a collaboration between faculty, KU Campus Store, Office of Student Accounts and publishers to provide required course materials at a reduced cost. When a professor chooses to participate in this program, all students registered for the class automatically receive access to these materials.

  Benefits of Inclusive Access:

  • Day 1 access to required course materials for all students registered in the class.
  • Digital access on mobile and desktop devices, print copies available for select courses.
  • Lowest price available, even directly from the publisher.
  • Conveniently charged with tuition, no out of pocket expense required.
  • You do not need to source and purchase materials elsewhere. For more information, visit https://kubstore.com/inclusive-access.
• KU Foundation

  1866 Minute Giving Challenge Returns Oct. 18-19
  You are an important part of our upcoming fourth annual 1866 Minute Giving Challenge. For 1,866 minutes, the KU community unites as one to support all – because together, we're Golden. Learn more here.

  Save the Date: Homecoming 2022 is Oct. 22
  We are delighted to welcome alumni, current students and their families to Homecoming 2022. Registration opens in August. Learn more here.

• Campus Affiliates

  Extra Cash from PSECU
  Start the summer with some extra cash in your pocket. PSECU is offering up to $250 when you join and meet promo requirements. Simply Join PSECU using promo code: UPTO250UD. Add a free checking account with a debit card plus digital banking for a $100 bonus. Establish qualifying direct deposit(s) for an additional $150 bonus. Click here for full rules and application. Family members are eligible to join if their student is a member of PSECU.

  If your student is new to Kutztown University, they can join PSECU during summer orientation. They will be able to apply this promotion plus an event-only incentive. Students must bring their driver’s license or state ID and should know their Social Security number to apply. Students under 18 should bring a copy of their Social Security card and are not eligible for any PSECU promotions. Contact the PSECU office at 610-894-4814 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.

  Summer II Graduation Application deadline.	Friday, July 22
  Deadline to "W" from SS 10-Week course.	Friday, July 29
  Deadline to "W" from SSII course.	Friday, July 29
  Summer II Graduation Application deadline.	Friday, July 22
  Deadline to "W" from SS 10-Week course.	Friday, July 29
  Deadline to "W" from SSII course.	Friday, July 29
  Registrar creates grade rosters for SSII & 10-Week.	Thursday, August 4
  Registrar reminds faculty SSII grading is open.	Thursday, August 4
  Summer Session 10-Week ends.	Thursday, August 11
  Summer Session II ends.	Thursday, August 11