May 2024

Volume 6, Issue 10

• Academic Affairs

  Spring 2024 Commencement Set for May 10-11
  More than 1,130 students will be awarded degrees during Kutztown University's spring commencement ceremonies May 10-11, at O'Pake Fieldhouse. Dr. Kenneth S. Hawkinson, university president, and Dr. Lorin Basden Arnold, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, will preside. Graduate students will receive their degrees 5 p.m. Friday, May 10, including 14 doctoral candidates. Undergraduate students in the Colleges of Education and Liberal Arts and Sciences will graduate at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 11. Undergraduate students in the Colleges of Business and Visual and Performing Arts will graduate at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 11. Read more.

  Chambliss Student Academic Achievement Awards
  Kutztown University presented the 2024 Chambliss Student Academic Achievement Awards to six accomplished students Friday, April 5. Students who received awards were nominated by staff and faculty members for meeting one or more of the six areas of achievement: successfully completed research projects, high-quality original artwork, high-quality artistic performances (music, chorus, drama, etc.), original writing in literature or meritorious writing in other fields, noteworthy achievements in athletics and outstanding service to the KU community. Winners included Samantha Smith, Sarah Gatehouse, Chase Altemose, Aubrey Zegstroo, Michael Alberto and Maria Del Carmen Angeles-Molinelli. Read more.

  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. The Writing Center is open through the Thursday of finals week, May 9, as a helpful student resource. We have in-person and online sessions available. Your student can call 610-683-4733 or email us to set up an in-person appointment. Your student can also use the WCOnline site to schedule an online session. Please see the Writing Center website for additional helpful instructions and screenshots.

  Center for Student Success and Academic Excellence
  Is your student taking a summer class? The Center for Student Success and Academic Excellence can provide valuable support as they navigate their coursework. The Center offers one-on-one consultations on study skills, time management, note-taking and learning strategies to enhance success inside and outside the classroom. Student Success staff can also connect students to other campus resources. For more information, visit the Student Success website.

  Career Development Center
  Summer Break is a great time for students to work on their career development. Job shadowing, informational interview and working to gain related experiences can all happen during this time. Encourage your student to think about what they can do to prepare themselves for a career they will love. We host student appointments during the summer, so encourage your student to schedule one today. Appointments are made through Handshake.

  Art History
  Art History major Kiran Sullivan ’24 presented “Zaha Hadid: Great Woman Architect” at the 2024 Pennsylvania Intercollegiate Art History Symposium hosted at Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa., Saturday, April 6. Art History major Max MacMillan ’25 presented “Giuseppe Arcimboldo: Paragone to Imperial Allegory and the Lasting Iconological Impact” at the same event. Both Dr. Lisa Tice and Dr. Pierette Kulpa attended the symposium and were proud of the students for doing a fantastic job presenting their work and representing Kutztown University. The following Art History majors received Art History Student Awards at the annual Big Art Day event Friday, April 19: Art History Intern Award: Kiran Sullivan ’24; Art History Leadership Award: Max MacMillan ’25; Art History Award: Julia Sweeney ’26; Art History Award: Evelyn Buck ’26. Lastly, the Big Art Day Committee hosted another successful Big Art Day Event April 19, bringing three alumni back to campus to share their career experiences with current students. The event was successful and well-attended.

  Communication Design Students Win Addy Awards
  A group of nine students, associate professor Summer Doll-Myers and assistant professor Dannell MacIlwraith attended the American Advertising Awards Thursday, March 14, at Cedar Crest College, Allentown, Pa. Among them, five communication design students – Emma Blomiley, Rachel Colameco, Emily Stough, Kate Foley and Rachel Moss – won awards. A KUCD MFA candidate was also awarded the highest honor of "Best in Show." All gold Addy winners will be moving on to the national Addy Awards.

  Cinema, Television and Media Production
  Cinema, Television and Media Production (CTM) students in their first year in the program presented more than 22 short films during an evening of film screening under the direction of professor Michael Johnston, department chair. Students were asked to create short films (five minutes or less) in the genres of horror, comedy, experimental and documentary. Some film titles included: Eyes, Lost in the Edit, Grandpa Golf Documentary, Rubik's Cube Documentary and Musical Chairs.

  Communication Studies Senior Capstone Showcase
  The Communication Studies Senior Capstone Showcase event provides graduating seniors the opportunity to demonstrate and celebrate their years of hard work in the major. The last Wednesday of each semester is reserved for soon-to-be graduates, their friends and family, as well as campus dignitaries and rising seniors to hear from and learn about senior capstone projects. Majors spend the last semester of their undergraduate academic careers developing and implementing projects that reflect the principles and fundamentals of the communication studies discipline. Many graduating seniors work on their projects for several semesters. These can range from scholarly research projects to working with local businesses developing everything from public relations and publicity plans to creating online and social media content, as well as large-scale strategic communication initiatives. Capstone Night also celebrates graduating seniors through awards, and overall, it gives them a special occasion to display their four years of academic growth via a fun and festive evening.

• Finance and Facilities

  Student Information System (SIS) and Payment Provider Changes in Process
  Kutztown University is changing both the student information system (SIS) and the payment provider students utilize for all aspects of their enrollment. Legacy MyKU will be used for Spring 2024 and Summer 2024. New MyKU will be used for Fall 2024 and forward. CASHNet/Transact is our current Payment Dashboard provider and will be operational through Summer 2024. For Fall 2024, we will be using TouchNet as our payment provider using the new payment dashboard. The “Fall 2024 Payment Plan” and “Authorized Users” items are now available. Details and navigation are below.

  Authorized User Access in New Payment Dashboard (TouchNet)
  Students can set up third parties/parents to have their own access to the new Payment Dashboard, just as was done in the current CASHNet/Transact, called Payers. Functionality in the new Payment Dashboard remains limited until July 2024. The student should navigate to the New MyKU > select the Student Accounts card > click on Fall 2024 Payment Plans. This will open the limited New Payment Dashboard. On the right side, the student will select the top option, “Authorized Users,” and create as many as they want. This will allow the authorized user to set up a payment plan for Fall 2024 and later get billing notices and access to making payments and more. More about third-party access can be found here.

  FERPA – Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
  This Act requires that we keep students records private and only release to who they have release permission. To avoid the delay in getting assistance, be sure your student completes the online FERPA release each year. This will allow you to call in and get assistance. The prior item above helps with access to financial records and getting billing notifications.

  FAFSA Reminder
  You can still file your FAFSA for next year for federal-aid awards. If you want or need aid, do not wait until the summer for this. File the 24/25 FAFSA now. This will require your 2022 taxes.

  Financial Aid Eligibility
  Students must be making progress to continue to receive federal aid (and state aid). This means they must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher and a completion rate of 66.67% at the end of summer for Fall eligibility. If a student is struggling and won’t meet these needs, the student has the summer to try to improve. Do not delay and contact Financial Aid Services for assistance in determining what is needed to regain or maintain federal aid eligibility at 610-683-4077. For those that have lost federal aid (Stafford, Pell, Parent PLUS), there are alternative private loans available at www.elmselect.com.

  Summer 2024 Registration and Costs
  Summer 2024 registration opened mid-March. Summer Costs are published online as well as page dedicated to Summer session payment information. Due dates are assigned based on the date the registration occurs. A Summer 2024 payment plan is open now (Legacy MyKU > KU Financial Account tile > Payment Dashboard). We encourage planning in advance to get the most payments. Students do not have to be enrolled to sign up for the payment plan. There is a three-payment plan open through Friday, May 3. 

  Fall 2024 Registration and Holds
  Students who have outstanding charges on their MyKU account may be prohibited from registering for the Fall 2024 semester until these balances are paid in full. We don’t want to see students miss their registration appointments and encourage all students and families to check their MyKU accounts now to clear any balances. If the student misses their appointment, they can still clear their balance and register later; however, the longer students wait, the more the classes they may want, or need, can fill up. Contact Student Accounts for help and guidance on payment options today at studentaccounts@kutztown.edu or 610-683-4133.

  Fall 2024 Housing Assignments Require Fall Classes by June 15
  All returning students must be enrolled in Fall 2024 classes by Saturday, June 15, to keep any room assignments they may have selected this spring. If they are not enrolled in Fall classes by Saturday, June 15, their room assignment will be canceled and the student will be added to a wait list for fall room assignments. Once they are enrolled in fall classes, they can then work with housing to obtain a new housing assignment, based on availability.

  Fall 2024 Payment Plans
  While bills are prepared in July, payment plans are open for Fall 2024. Signing up now gets you the longest and best plan we offer. You can use the online Estimating Tool Worksheet to help you determine what amount you will need a plan for. The plan you create today can easily be adjusted up or down once you get the actual costs in July. Setting up a Fall 2024 payment plan is easy in the new Payment Dashboard. Students navigate to the NEW MyKU > select the Student Accounts card > click on Fall 2024 Payment Plan. The first payment and set-up fee are required to complete the process. Need help calculating the amount you need the plan for? Email studentaccounts@kutztown.edu or call 610-683-4133.

  Fall 2024 Billing and Estimated Costs for 2024-25
  Fall 2024 bills are scheduled to be prepared mid-July in New MyKU and on the new Payment Dashboard. Estimated costs are now online for planning purposes.

  • Undergraduate Estimated costs for 24/25.
  • Graduate Estimated costs for 24/25.

  Fall 2024 Additional Loans
  Additional loans for next school year should be applied for in June. Loans must be certified and showing on New MyKU by the due date; applying in July may cause delays. We encourage applying for the full school year. We will split the aid half for fall and half for spring, rather than applying multiple times in a year. You can always reduce loans later if not all funds are needed.

  • https://studentaid.gov – Parent PLUS loans using parent FSA ID and password.
  • www.elmselect.com – Private alternative loans.

  Graduating Seniors
  Students planning to graduate in May will want to ensure that they have cleared all balances in MyKU. Diplomas and transcripts will be blocked if any funds are due, including those that may be assessed from hall charges after moving out.

  Flex Dollars Expire at the End of Spring 2024 Semester
  These dollars expire at the end of the year. If you need additional funds for the rest of the school year, we encourage you to consider Bear Bucks, which can carry over to the fall semester if unused.

  Bear Bucks Refunds
  Students who are graduating or withdrawing from Kutztown University may request a refund of the unused funds in their Bear Bucks account. They can also choose to spend the remaining dollars in the bookstore for alumni gear, clothing or various supplies to prepare for next year. The student will need to complete the “Bear Bucks Account Closure” form and mail it to the KU Card Office located at 107 Academic Forum, or they can request one from their KU email account by emailing the KU Card Office at kucard@kutztown.edu. There is a $10 processing fee. Once the form is approved, the refund will be processed and mailed to the home address on your MyKU account within two-to-four weeks.

  First-Time Students Guide Online
  Over the next few months, this webpage can provide assistance to our new incoming families, incoming new freshman, new transfer students and new graduate students. Check it often for new information and guidance to smoothly becoming a Golden Bear.

  Parking Permits – 2024-25
  These will be made available to purchase online starting in August 2024 in MyParking.

• Enrollment Management and Student Affairs

  Move-Out Instructions for Residence Hall Closing
  Students must read the “End of Year Closing Instructions” email sent to their KU student email for all details related to closing. Residents should move out of their residence hall assignments within 24 hours of their last final or by 6 p.m. Friday, May 10, whichever comes first. All rooms will be inspected by staff after residents leave for break and the halls are closed. Residents' failure to follow proper check-out procedures will waive their right to appeal any damage charges found within their space. Please visit our website to view the closing instructions specific to your residential building/area.

• Equity, Compliance and Legal Affairs

  Congratulations Graduates
  The Disability Services Office (DSO) congratulates all KU students who will be graduating this May; we wish our graduates all the best on their future endeavors.

  Accommodation Letters
  Accommodation Letters for Summer Session I will be ready to send to summer course professors starting Wednesday, May 22. An email with instructions on how to send electronic Accommodation Letters to summer course professors will be sent to students enrolled in summer courses about a week before the start Summer Session I.

  Accommodation Request Process
  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” and “Student Academic Accommodations” to review the process for request accommodations. If you have any questions or concerns, please email DSO@kutztown.edu or call the DSO at 610-683-4108.

• University Relations and Athletics

  Women's Basketball Scholarship Golf Outing
  Please consider joining us for the KU Women's Basketball Scholarship Golf Outing. This amazing and important fundraiser is a scramble tournament featuring great food, prizes, contests and more. The outing will be Friday, June 14, Macoby Run Golf Course. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. followed by a shotgun start at 1 p.m. Entry fee is $500 per foursome and limited space is available. To sign up, please click the link to register today. This event does sell out annually, so we hope to see you out on the course. Thank you from the KU women's basketball team.

• KU Campus Store

  Regalia Available for Purchase
  Regalia is available for Spring 2024 graduates to purchase at the KU Campus Store through Friday, May 10. Shop in-store and online at www.kubstore.com. Purchase of regalia includes tickets and tassel.

  Textbook Sellback
  Textbook sellback is a great opportunity to get cash back on course materials. Sellback is available through Friday, May 10, at the KU Campus Store.

  Commencement Flowers
  Celebrate with flowers for commencement. Shop here: https://www.thecommencementgroup.com/kutztown/.

• KU Foundation

  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. Click here to learn how to purchase a brick in the plaza, one of the most popular spots on campus.

  Senior Send-Off Activities for Spring Grads
  The KU Foundation is hosting a Senior Toast and Send-Off 4 p.m. Thursday, May 9, Alumni Plaza. Students are encouraged to wear their regalia, as KU President Dr. Kenneth S. Hawkinson is attending and available for photos. After the toast, students can join us downtown at Basin Street Hotel for the Send-Off, where we’ll provide complimentary appetizers. Registration is required for both events.

  Class Gift
  Please consider encouraging your senior to donate to their Class Gift. Students can give back to what was important to them during their time at KU, whether it's an academic program, athletic team, club or more. Every gift makes a difference. Donate here.

• Dates to Know

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

  FAFSA must be processed before May 1, 2024, for state-grant eligibility. For additional information, contact the Financial Aid Office.	Wednesday, May 1
  Last day of regular classes.	Saturday, May 4
  Registrar to create grade rosters for Spring 2024.	Monday, May 6
  Final Examinations begin.	Monday, May 6
  Second Clinical Experience Assignment ends.	Thursday, May 9
  Second Half Communication Design courses end.	Friday, May 10
  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, May 10
  Commencement for masters-level and doctoral-level students in all colleges at 5 p.m.	Friday, May 10
  Final Examinations end.	Saturday, May 11
  Last day of Spring 2024 semester.	Saturday, May 11
  Commencement for undergraduate students in COE and LAS 9 a.m., COB and VPA 2:30 p.m.	Saturday, May 11
  Residence Hall occupancy ends.	Saturday, May 11
  Last day for graduate students to make up “Incompletes” from the Spring 2023 and Summer 2023 semester.	Monday, May 13
  All Spring 2024 semester grades must be submitted by 3 p.m.	Tuesday, May 14
  Spring 2024 grades available through MyKU at 8 p.m. unless notified.	Tuesday, May 14
  Registration for Fall 2024 closes; reopens August 1.	Wednesday, May 15
  Final decisions for cancellation of classes for the Summer I and 10 Week 2024 sessions	Friday, May 17
  List of Spring 2024 Undergraduate Honors (Dean’s List) to be forwarded to the appropriate College Deans by the Registrar’s Office.	Tuesday, May 21
  Residence halls open at 1 p.m. for Summer Session I.	Sunday, May 26
  Memorial Day – University Closed.	Monday, May 27
  Summer Session I 2024 begins.	Tuesday, May 28
  Summer Session 10 Week 2024 begins.	Tuesday, May 28
  Deadline to add/drop a Summer Session I course at midnight without receiving a grade of “W.”	Wednesday, May 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. Summer Session I only.	Wednesday, May 29
  Summer Session I “W” period.	May 30 to June 24
  Last day for students withdrawing from the university to receive 80% reduction in charges or refund. Summer Session I only.	Thursday, May 30
  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. Summer 10 Week only.	Thursday, May 30
  Deadline to add/drop a Summer Session 10 Week course at midnight without receiving a grade of “W.”	Thursday, May 30
  Summer Session 10 week “W” period.	May 31 to July 29
  Make-up classes will be held for Summer Session I.	Saturday, June 1
  Summer I Inclusive Access Opt Out Deadline.	Saturday, June 1
  Refunds for overpayments of Summer Session I will begin no sooner than this date (subject to change).	Monday, June 3
  First day Financial Aid can disburse for Summer Session I (subject to change).	Monday, June 3
  Last day for students withdrawing from the university to receive 60% reduction in charges or refund. Summer Session I only.	Monday, June 3
  Last day for students withdrawing from the university to receive 80% reduction in charges or refund. Summer 10 Week only.	Tuesday, June 4
  Last day for students withdrawing from the university to receive 50% reduction in charges or refund. Summer Session I only.	Tuesday, June 4
  Last day for students withdrawing from the university to receive 40% reduction in charges or refund. Summer Session I only.	Thursday, June 6
  Last day for undergraduate and graduate students to apply for Summer Session I 2024 graduation.	Friday, June 7
  First day no reduction in charges or refund for university withdrawals. Summer Session I only.	Friday, June 7