March 2022

Volume 4, Issue 8

• Campus Announcements

  KU Parents Needed to Help with Advocacy Efforts with Legislators
  We need help from KU parents to support the student experience at Kutztown University. Governor Wolf’s recently announced budget calls for an investment of $150 million in one-time federal funds and $552.5 million in commonwealth funds (a 15.7 percent increase) to Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education, of which KU is a part. The governor is also proposing a $200 million tuition program.

  This is a historic level of support, which exceeds the State System’s request. If enacted, this significant investment will help keep our universities and the opportunities they provide thriving. We invite you to help make this proposed investment a reality.

  In the upcoming months, the Pennsylvania legislature will discuss and debate the governor’s budget proposal. The State System's #Together4PASSHE campaign offers suggestions and resources for our supporters to influence that debate. For instance, Kutztown University parents can help by contacting local legislators to advocate for a State System and Kutztown University education. We ask that you reach out to your local senators and representatives (email, letters or if you see them in person). Tell them your student's story, how their KU education is making a difference and ask them to support Governor Wolf's proposal. Your efforts will complement those of our students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni and others as we advocate for our great university and let our legislators know that it is truly "Good To Be Golden."

  For more information, email Sandy Green, KU's government relations and community liaison, or visit https://www.passhe.edu/together4passhe/Pages/default.aspx.

• Academic Affairs

  Getting Involved in Communication Studies
  Now that more students are back on campus, student clubs and organizations are back in full swing. The Department of Communication Studies sponsors three student organizations for students. Lambda Pi Eta is the communication discipline's honorary society. A student must have a 3.25 GPA to belong. The group engages in community service projects and explores opportunities after graduation like graduate school and employment. The Communication Club is open to all communication studies majors and minors. This group focuses on employment opportunities through guest speakers from communication studies alumni and communication professionals. Additionally, they plan social events to build community. The SMS Club is for social media theory and strategy majors and minors. Alumni working in the social media field have spoken on the transition from college to work and shared the opportunities for students with an SMS degree. Advisors include Dr. Ehrl for Lambda Pi Eta, Dr. Robinson for the Communication Club and Dr. Massie for the SMS Club.

  Music Events
  Kutztown University's department of music is proud to present performances of various musical genres and styles to the campus and local community. This March, we have very exciting performances planned for the Chamber Players and Choir, Percussion Studio, Orchestra, Wind Ensemble and Faculty. For more information on these performances, visit our website, or contact the department at music@kutztown.edu or 610-683-4550.

  Tutoring Services
  Lay the foundation for a successful semester with Tutoring Services. Whether your student is struggling in a class or just wants to get a better grade, free peer tutoring is available in both individual and group settings. Tutor requests are available online in the student's MyKU account under academic services. If your student has questions, contact us at tutor@kutztown.edu. Tutoring Services is recruiting peer tutors for Spring 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 us at 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.

  Writing Center
  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 WCOnline site and schedule an online session, please go to https://kutztown.mywconline.com. Please see our website for additional helpful instructions and screenshots on our website: https://kutztownwritingcenter.wordpress.com/. Direct any questions to: wrcenter@kutztown.edu or pytleski@kutztown.edu.

• Administration and Finance

  Spring 2022 Balances and COVID Relief Funds
  Does your student have a Spring 2022 balance that they are having trouble paying off after using all their available financial aid (including loans)? Are they having trouble paying because of COVID-19 impacts? There are some limited funds left from the federal COVID relief package that might be able to help them toward their balance if it's from a COVID-related impact. The student would apply online here for a committee review. If the COVID fund can't help the student, suggestions would at least be shared to guide the student toward other payment options. Learn more online.

  Summer 2022 Registration and Costs
  Summer 2022 registration opens shortly. Summer costs are published online as well as a page dedicated to summer session payment information. Due dates are assigned based on the date the registration occurs. A payment plan opened March 1 for summer. We encourage planning in advance to get the most payments. Students do not have to be enrolled to sign up for the payment plan.

  Fall 2022 Payment Plan Update
  Fall 2022 bills will be due Aug. 5. Fall 2022's best payment plan, six payments, will open in April. As time goes on, the number of payments in the plan decreases. Please read about the payment plans on our website, clicking on the semester or session you are interested in learning more about. Payment plans are set up on the Payment Dashboard only. While costs are not billed until July, you can use this year's costs as an estimate to set up a plan. You can adjust this plan, increase or decrease, as needed with no fee or penalty. MyKU > KU Financial Account tile > Payment Dashboard

  Graduating Seniors - Exit Interviews
  Students planning to graduate in May will want to ensure that they have cleared all balances in MyKU; including recent ones such as health center visits, parking tickets and ID replacements. Students that had received a Perkins Loan at any time during their enrollment at KU, will be required to complete an exit counseling session online with ECSI. This is in addition to an exit interview for Stafford Loans, if Stafford Loans were utilized. If you decide to consolidate and you had used a Perkins Loan, please do not forget to include it.

  Online Billing Notifications and Texts for Parents
  Students can easily set up their parents to receive billing emails and texts online. The student needs to log on to MyKU > KU Financial Account tile > Payment Dashboard > Select My Account > Payers section > Send a Payer Invitation. The parent will be emailed a special link to their own version of the Payment Dashboard and they will now receive emails and texts.

• Enrollment Management and Student Affairs

  Dental Services on Campus
  We are excited to announce dental services are now available to students on campus through Onsite Dental, a comprehensive dental care team. OnSite Dental has highly-trained clinicians who provide everything from routine cleanings and exams to restorative care, including fillings, crowns, clear aligners and specialty care. Onsite Dental offers easy online booking, no-wait appointments and is a preferred provider for most major dental insurance plans. No dental insurance? No problem! OnSite Dental offers self-pay options and no-interest financing plans if needed. Students that book an appointment before May 1 will receive a Starbucks gift card after completing their first appointment. Click here to schedule an appointment or call or text 484-284-9899 or email pennsylvania2@onsitedental.com to talk to our practice manager and set up an appointment, learn about our services and inquire about your insurance coverage.

  Commuter Tuesday
  Does your student commute to campus? They are welcome to join us the first Tuesday of every month for a free meal; 11 a.m., 223 MSU (while supplies last). Dates are April 5 and May 3. Questions about Commuter Student Services? Email agarcia@kutztown.edu.

  SIBS DAY: April 2
  Siblings or cousins (ages 13-20) of Kutztown University students are welcome to join us for a full day of fun 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, April 2. More information about “Game Your Way at SIBS Day” can be found online. Postcards and emails will be sent home with registration information. Advance registration required.

  Kutztown Mosaic
  Take a look at our developing online mosaic and upload pictures of your Golden Bear to help us develop this unique digital display of pride. www.kutztownmosaic.com.

• Equity, Compliance and Legal Affairs

  Disability Services Office
  The Disability Services Office (DSO) and Delta Alpha Pi International Honor Society for students with disabilities is hosting a self-advocacy workshop and student panel event 6 p.m., Wednesday, March 23, 183 MSU (Alumni Auditorium). All students registered with the DSO are invited and encouraged to attend the event. Students on the panel will be sharing their experiences regarding self advocacy on campus and will also share some strategies that worked well for them when advocating.

  Public Safety and Police Services
  The Kutztown University Department of Public Safety and Police Services is pleased to announce the hiring of Daniel Brown. Brown is a familiar face to many in our campus community, as he is returning to KU after a brief hiatus. Brown is a graduate of East Stroudsburg University and a part-time police officer at the Marlborough Township Police Department in Montgomery County. Brown started Feb. 28. Please introduce yourself and welcome him back to our campus community.

• Housing and Dining

  Community Assistants
  The Office of Residence Life, Housing and Dining Services is hiring Community Assistants for the 2022-2023 academic year. Community Assistants (CAs) are on the front lines and serve as a key component in the creation of a welcoming and inclusive environment within the residence halls. CAs are essential in the community-building process as they help the 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. If your student is interested in being a leader on campus and wants to make a difference, then the CA position just might be the job for them. Applications and details about compensation can be found online: Community Assistant.

  Room Selection
  It's hard to believe we are getting close to on-campus housing and room selection for the 2022-2023 academic year. Please remember that Kutztown University has a two-year residency requirement. Information on our two-year residency requirement can be found online at https://tinyurl.com/Residency-Requirements.

  You may find the process and timeline for on-campus housing for the 2022-2023 academic year by going to https://tinyurl.com/Room-Selection. Returning students: the 2022-2023 Housing Application is open. If you have any questions, please reach out to housing@kutztown.edu.

• University Relations and Athletics

  Schaeffer Auditorium Heats Up March 29 with Tablao Flamenco
  Tablao Flamenco presents a fresh approach to a fiery evening of authentic music and dance from southern Spain. This unique art form derives from the product of a centuries-long intermingling cultures, and this company consists of masterful musicians and dancers from Spain, France, New York City and California. Performance start at 7:30 p.m. Visit www.KutztownPresents.org for the complete listing of upcoming performances. Tickets are $38, $32 for seniors and students. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 610-683-4092. KU Students can access $10 tickets by logging for tickets with their MyKU log in.

  Women's Basketball Returns to NCAA Tournament for First Time Since 1996
  The KU women's basketball team heard its name called as part of the 64-team 2022 NCAA Division II Championship field for only the second time in program history. The Golden Bears earned an at-large berth and the No. 3 seed in the Atlantic Region bracket thanks to a school-record 26 wins (26-6 overall record) and strong 24-3 in-region record. They'll face No. 6 seed Charleston (W. Va.) in a first-round game Friday, March 11, at Glenville State. Check https://KUBears.com leading up to the game for ticket information, live coverage links and a tournament preview. NCAA SELECTION RELEASE: https://bit.ly/3pJdvqu.

  Baseball Celebrating 125th Anniversary Season
  Kutztown University is honoring its 125th season of organized baseball during the 2022 season. The history of the program dates to 1891, starting with an intramural squad, before the first varsity season was contested in 1894. Kutztown has sponsored the sport continuously since then, with only a four-year hiatus for World War II between 1942-45, and a pandemic-shortened 2020 season. Along the way, Kutztown has produced more than 1,100 all-time victories, six PSAC championships, five NCAA regional titles and five trips to the NCAA Division II Championships. A special celebration recognizing 125 years of KU baseball will be held Saturday, April 9, before the team’s doubleheader against Mansfield. For more information on 125th season initiatives and to register for the April 9 event, visit: https://bit.ly/35BbzJS.

  Athletics Hall of Fame Nominations Open Through April 1
  Kutztown University Athletics is accepting nominations for its 2022 Hall of Fame Class. Fans and supporters are encouraged to nominate worthy applicants now through Friday, April 1. An individual must be out of school for a minimum of five years to be eligible for the Kutztown Athletics Hall of Fame. To learn more and to nominate, visit: https://bit.ly/3tuP8hq.

  Spring Sports Previews
  Over the last few weeks, many more Golden Bear spring student-athletes have been in action. Check out season previews for acrobatics & tumbling, women’s lacrosse and men’s and women’s tennis at the links below.

  ACROBATICS & TUMBLING PREVIEW: Https://Bit.Ly/3mykyav
  MEN'S TENNIS PREVIEW: Https://Bit.Ly/3vmxjgt
  WOMEN'S TENNIS PREVIEW: Https://Bit.Ly/3copncr
  WOMEN'S LACROSSE PREVIEW: Https://Bit.Ly/3pkcqyv

  Kutztown University Radio (KUR)
  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 Campus Store

  Graduation Festival: March 21-22
  Graduation Festival is a "one-stop-shop" for graduates to purchase caps and gowns, order class rings, purchase diploma frames and learn more about KU Alumni Engagement. Please encourage your graduating seniors to attend. For more information, click here.

• KU Foundation

  Join the KU Giving Circle
  Building upon the collective impact of philanthropy, the new Kutztown Giving Circle (championed by the KU Foundation's Alumni Council) allows members to unite their financial power in a collective voice – to create, nurture and impact Kutztown University and encourage the development of members as philanthropic leaders. Through an annual gift of $500 per person ($120 for junior members who have graduated from KU within the last three years and $240 for years 4-5) to the Giving Circle fund, any KU graduate or friend can become a voting member. Funds are pooled annually and directed to support selected community grant recipients. Click here to learn more.

• Campus Affiliates

  PSECU Offers Money Tips for Every Stage in Life
  As a not-for-profit credit union, PSECU is proud to provide money-management tips for every stage of life. Students and their families are invited to visit psecu.com/learn for free resources, including access to an interactive Online Learning Center with 30+ activities. One of PSECU’s newest educational initiatives, the WalletWorks podcast, covers everything from shopping tips to home-buying. The latest episode, “Tips on Saving Money While in College” features an interview with Kutztown University’s PSECU Manager, Kelly Ann Ryan. TuneIn to learn more about the financial education center at KU and get some money-saving tips for your student. The podcast is also available via Spotify. For more information about PSECU, feel free to reach out to the Financial Education Center at KU by calling 610-894-4814.

• Dates to Know

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

  Mid Term	Thursday, March 10
  Residence halls close 6 p.m. for Spring Break	Friday, March 11
  Spring Break	Monday, March 14 - Saturday, March 19
  Summer Session 2022 Registration Opens	Tuesday, March 15
  Summer 2022 Course Materials Available	Tuesday, March 15
  First Clinical Experience ends in schools	Friday, March 18
  Residence halls open 1 p.m. after Spring Break	Sunday, March 20
  Graduation Festival	Monday, March 21
  Second Clinical Experience begins in schools	Monday, March 21
  Graduation Festival	Tuesday, March 22
  Master Schedule Online - Fall 2022	Friday, March 25
  Undergraduate Advisement	Monday, March 28 - Monday, April 25