November 2023

Volume 6, Issue 4

• Academic Affairs

  Center for Student Success and Academic Excellence
  If your student has questions about notifications in Starfish, such as a recommendation to withdraw, the Student Success staff are available to assist with what notifications mean and how to proceed. Contact success@kutztown.edu with questions.

  Student Success Workshops
  Would your student benefit from a success workshop and a venue to talk about their experience on campus? We offer weekly student success workshops 11 a.m. every Tuesday, 203 Academic Forum. Upcoming topics include Turn Stress into Success, Growth vs. Fixed Mindset, Time Management Strategies and Finals Prep. For more information and resources, visit www.kutztown.edu/studentsuccess.

  Student Success Finals Survival Kits
  Student Success Finals Survival Kits will be available for students to pick up 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. beginning Dec. 6, in the Center for Student Success, 11 Rohrbach Library. Tell your student to hurry while supplies last.

  Success Coordinator for Transfer Students
  The Coordinator for Student Success and Transfer Engagement maintains a strong partnership with the Transfer Admissions Counselor to assist transfers from the time they are accepted to KU until they graduate. The Coordinator for Student Success and Transfer Engagement can review each unique transfer experience and assist in navigating various transfer policies, including credit transfers, 30-credit framework, reverse-transfer, general education waivers and more. The Coordinator for Student Success and Transfer Engagement advises the transfer-specific organization of Tau Sigma National Honor Society and is available to support transfer students beyond academics in their college journey. Learn more here.

  Utilizing Tutoring Services
  Whether your student is struggling in a class or wants to get a better grade, they can sign up for Tutoring Services in Starfish by using the link next to their course or by using the "I Need Help" button. Please encourage your student to take advantage of this resource. Contact tutor@kutztown.edu with questions.

  Tutoring Services is recruiting peer tutors and academic peer mentors for Spring 2024. If your student is interested in this employment opportunity, please have them complete the Tutoring Services Employment Application 2023-2024. Contact tutor@kutztown.edu with questions.

  Graduate School Fair
  The Career Development Center hosts the Graduate School Fair with more than 50 graduate schools 1-3 p.m. Monday, Nov. 13, via Handshake. KU’s Virtual Job Fair for Educators takes place 2-5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, via Handshake. Register for both events online and sign up for sessions with recruiters.

  Business Idea Competition
  The Kutztown University Business Idea Competition provides students of all disciplines an opportunity to develop their creative business ideas, receive valuable feedback from business professionals and a chance to win up to $2,500. Finalists will present their business ideas to a panel of experienced entrepreneurs 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15, 101 de Francesco Building. Visit their website for more information.

  Kutztown University Writing Center
  Parents of KU Bears: 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 Writing Center online website and schedule an online session, please visit 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.

  The Office of Extended Learning has Exciting News for Your Student
  Starting January 2024, your student will have free access to Coursera's Career Academy. This new offering aligns with KU’s commitment to serve diverse learning needs and expand educational opportunities within our community. Coursera's Career Academy offers a robust catalog of non-credit courses, professional certificates and micro-credentials focused on in-demand skills across business, technology, data science and more. Learners can explore Coursera's extensive course library and customize their own professional development journey tailored to their interests and goals. We encourage everyone to take advantage of this powerful resource for skills-based learning at no cost starting next semester. Additional information about the Coursera Career Academy (e.g., demonstrations, training and other resources) will be released in the coming weeks. For additional information, contact lentz@kutztown.edu.

  College of Visual and Performing Arts Open House, Wednesday, Nov. 1
  The College of Visual and Performing Arts hosted an open house Wednesday, Nov. 1, for prospective students in the following departments: Art and Design, Art Education, Cinema, Media, and Television, Communications Studies and Music. More than 100 prospective students attended with opportunities to learn about programs within the many departments, visit classrooms and tour the university and different facilities and buildings associated with their prospective programs of study. Learn more online.

  Art Education
  KU’s Department of Art Education went to Erie for the Pennsylvania Art Education Association (PAEA) conference in early October. Dr. Nicole Romanski presented “Giving Voice to Women in the Arts through Puppetry.” Dr. Julia L. Hovanec shared a presentation titled “Booksart: Making Mindful Art Inspired by Mindful Books.” Dr. Amy Pfeiler-Wunder co-presented with KU alumnae Mary Kate Bergh a session called “Play, Process and Meaning Making: Learner-Driven Creating.” It was a beautiful setting for professional growth with fellow art educators from across Pennsylvania.

  Art and Design
  KU’s Department of Art and Design will host the Art and Design Camp for High School Students Saturday, Nov. 18. In the morning, students will explore what it means to be a graphic designer through the creation of a gig poster followed by an illustration/printmaking workshop. In the afternoon, students will learn the art of textile marbling and egg tempera painting. Interested high school sophomores, juniors and seniors can sign up for morning, afternoon or both at this link: https://kucd.kutztown.edu/design_camp/. For questions, please contact macilwraith@kutztown.edu.

  Ceramics Students visit the National Museum of Asian Art in Washington D.C.
  Professor Gwendolyn Yoppolo brought her ceramics students to Washington D.C. Wednesday, Sept. 27, for a visit to the vaults of the National Museum of Asian Art. Students were able to go down into the collections storage and handle artworks that they chose from the cases. Students were able to feel the fingerprints of the maker on a large Jōmon vessel from 3000 BCE Japan. They marveled at the precision and delicacy of the dark clay Yixing teapots from China. Many were struck by the fine craftsmanship of the double-walled fritware rooster ewer from Seljuk period Iran (1200s). Seeing Goryeo Dynasty inlaid porcelains from Korea in person was eye opening as well. Students were energized and brought back much inspiration from this field trip.

  Students Take Part in International 24-Hour Animation Contest
  Seven teams of animation students from Kutztown University participated and competed against over 400 other teams (over 2,000 students) in the international (23 countries) 24-Hour Animation Contest, creating 30-second animated films from 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13, to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, based upon a prompt. There will be regular screenings of the ranked animations 3 p.m. every Friday on YouTube.

  Design Students Recognized with 2023 Graphics International Annual Awards
  Twenty-one student-designed pieces were recently selected to be included in the Graphics International 2023 New Talent Annual Awards. There were also gold and silver medals of outstanding achievement awarded to nine students. A gold medal was awarded to Emma Pearl Smith for a diecut album cover designed for Professor Cunfer’s Advanced Type course. Silver medals were granted to Anam Khan and Hannah Ross for work created in Professor Elaine Cunfer's Advanced Typography course. An advertising print series by Anam Khan for Professor Summer Doll-Myers' Intro to Advertising course won a silver medal as well. Em Mirra won a silver medal for work created for the KU Restaurant Design Seminar taught by Professor Vicki Meloney. Additional silver medals were awarded to designs by Olivia King and Em Mirra for a Package Design course taught by Professor Vicki Meloney along with two posters by Morghan Straub and Haley Wawrzynek created for a Poster Design Seminar taught by Professor Kate Clair. Numerous honorable mentions were also granted to KU students from classes taught by Professor Doll-Myers, Professor Miller, Professor Culbertson, Professor Cunfer, Professor Meloney, Professor Kresge and Professor Clair. 

  Cinema, Television and Media Production
  Department chair Michael Johnston and faculty member Jonathan Joy were featured in two articles on the integration of new equipment into their programs and curriculum, providing state-of-the-art access to equipment used in the field of film, media and television. This includes the use of the DaVinci Resolve Studio as the “exclusive post-production tool for Kutztown and joins the university’s use of Blackmagic Design digital cinema cameras for all student projects.” The department also offers a series of credentials which provide opportunities to learn basic audio, video production, cinematography, post-production and TV production. Learn more online.

  Communication Studies Program Host Ignite Presentations by Faculty and Students
  Ignite Kutztown was held Wednesday, Oct. 4, and included six amazing presenters. Ignite presentations are inspired by the question: “What’s the nerdy passion you want to share with other people?” These five-minute speeches are presented with 20 visual slides that advance automatically every 15 seconds. Topics included how weightlifting builds confidence, chewing gum preferences and how one pursues their artistic practice. Students, faculty, staff and community members enjoyed the presentations.

  Music
  The Department of Music hosts ongoing recitals, concerts and master classes for students, faculty, staff and community members. See here for a list of upcoming events.

  Miller Gallery, Sharadin Arts Building
  “Call to Question” exhibition, curated by Adam DelMarcelle, is on display through Saturday, Dec. 16.

  Center for Mallet Percussion Research
  November events include: 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 9, Satellite Exhibit/booth, Percussive Arts Society International Convention, Indianapolis, in partnership with the Percussive Arts Society; 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 28, Museum Lecture featuring David Harvey, “Marimba/Xylophone History;” 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29, Guest University Ensemble, Kent State University (Matt Holm, director) with the Heartland Marimba Quartet. Learn more at https://www.kucmpr.org/home.

• Finance and Facilities

  Payment Plans – Spring 2024 and Winter 2023-24
  Spring six-payment option ends Nov. 5; starting Nov. 6, the plan decreases to five payments and so on down to three payments. Winter four-payment option ends Nov. 4; starting Nov. 5, the plan decreases to three payments and then down to two. Sign up is right on the Payment Dashboard. This can be done from the student’s access or the parent access (if invited) to the Payment Dashboard. MyKU > KU Financial Account tile > Payment Dashboard > Payment Plan.

  Payment Plans – Estimating Costs
  The best way to estimate costs and needs for Spring 2024 is to review the fall semester costs and aid. Adjustments can always be made later to increase or decrease the plan.

  Winter 2023-24 Important Facts
  Winter session is unique at KU. Courses are online (exception would be any internships/II’s/IS’s that may be approved). This session is not an aid-bearing session, which means any aid would go through the fall semester, not the spring. Any unused fall aid could be considered for winter as well as Alternative Loans. Spring aid cannot be used for winter. Since each student’s situation is different, we do encourage a discussion with Financial Aid Services to assess options. Do not delay as winter has rolling due dates. Winter costs are online to review as well as a winter payment options webpage and of course the winter payment plan mentioned above. Financial Aid Services can be reached at 610-683-4077 or have your student stop by their office to discuss.

  Spring 2024 Billing Important Facts
  While students are starting to register for Spring 2024, the charges will not appear until about Thanksgiving (subject to change). Bills should be prepared about Dec. 1. Due date will be Jan. 3, 2024. Information about billing for Spring can be found online.

  Billing Location and Format
  All billing statements are online in MyKU. The bills are maroon and gold and in pdf format. MyKU > KU Financial Account tile > Payment Dashboard > Statements. A sample and more information can be found online. A notification is sent to students’ KU email when statements are prepared. If a parent is set up as a payer, they will also get those email notifications.

  Parent Access to Billing Emails and Texts
  Parents can receive emails and texts when billing occurs. The student must go to MyKU > KU Financial Account tile > Payment Dashboard > My Account > Payer – Send a Payer Invitation. The payer will then receive emails and texts if desired and have their own access to the Payment Dashboard. Payers who are set up will use this link.

  1098-T and Year-End Tax Information
  Payments must post in MyKU with a 2023 date (within 2023) to be reported for calendar year 2023. The university will be closed or unable to post payments received in the mail Dec. 24 through Jan. 3, 2024. If the payment posting in 2023 is critical for you, either pay online or mail any payments no later than Dec. 10. 529 payments should allow no less than two weeks for posting from the date of withdrawal request. 529 payments mostly release to KU via paper checks (some are starting to come online now). For more information, click here.

  Registration Holds
  Students who still owe any money for the Fall 2023 semester (or before) may be blocked from spring registration and could have their room assignment cancelled. Students may no longer move back into the residence halls without a class schedule. There is still time to apply for additional loans if needed, but don’t delay, it will soon be too late. Financial Aid Services is a great resource; contact them at 610-683-4077.

  Bear Bucks Donations
  If a graduating student would like to donate the remaining funds in their Bear Bucks account, please contact the KU Foundation at 610-683-4110 or info@kuf.org for more information and the donation form. Other questions about Bear Bucks should be directed to the KU Card office at kucard@kutztown.edu.

  Running Low on Bear Bucks or Flex Dollars?
  Bear Bucks and Flex Dollars can be added online throughout the year. Bear Bucks do not expire, but Flex Dollars do expire at the end of the academic year.

• Enrollment Management and Student Affairs

  Special Interest Housing for the Next Academic Year
  It is time to select your special interest housing on your Housing Application for Fall 2024-Spring 2025. The Housing Application remains open until March 1, 2024, for returning students. Within this application, your student can indicate their interest in one of the communities below for upperclass students:

  • Freedom Place: Available to incoming and returning students interested in a community committed to a substance-free lifestyle.
  • Social Justice: Available to incoming and returning students who are interested in engaging in conversations and actions that address social, economic and political disparities that are impacting their local campus and global communities.
  • 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.
  • Physical Sciences Community: Available to incoming and returning students with a major or an interest in the physical sciences (physical sciences majors include astronomy, biochemistry, chemistry, environmental science, geology, marine science and physics).
  • 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.”

  Spring 2023 Dining Plan Selection
  Dining plan selection will open Monday, Nov. 27, for the Spring 2024 semester. Students who do not have a Fall 2023 meal plan, or are new to KU, will have the opportunity to select a dining plan that best fits their needs. During this time, students who currently have a Fall 2023 meal plan can request to change their plan for Spring 2024. More details and instructions will be emailed to students Nov. 27.

  Housing and Residence Life
  Follow us at @LiveHereRoarHere on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube to hear about campus events, processes and other tips we are sharing with your students. Most recently, we’ve been sharing LOLs (Live on Lessons) every other Thursday to give our campus residents tips and advice about all things KU student life. Topics covered so far include “How to Do Laundry,” “Making Friends on Campus,” “Building Healthy Roommate Relationships” and “Personal Safety on Campus.” These engaging videos include visual examples, animation and returning students serving as role models. Please share this resource with your student.

  American Idol's Murphy and His Band
  Join KUAB and the Office of Student Involvement for a night of folk, soul and rock and roll with Murphy from American Idol 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14, 218 MSU. A fan-favorite from Season 19, Murphy commands the stage with his distinctive voice and style, and delivers a performance that is unique, inspiring and positively original. Free and open to the public. Learn more online.

  MSU Trivia
  MSU sponsors monthly trivia with rotating themes. The next event is 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 6, 223 MSU. The theme is Marvel. There will be a hot snack bar provided. Winners can pick from several different prizes. Please contact Maddy Forster (madforster@kutztown.edu) for questions.

  Commuter Students
  CSA hosts Off-Campus Housing Fair 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7, 218 MSU. Students can meet local landlords and get questions answered about living off campus. A hot food bar will also be provided. Please contact Maddy Forster (madforster@kutztown.edu) for questions.

  Required Form to Use Military Benefits in Spring 2024
  Students planning to use their military benefits (e.g., VA GI Bill, TA, EAP) in the Spring 2024 semester must submit their KU Veterans Services Enrollment Certification form after they enroll for spring semester classes. Benefits may be delayed if this form is not submitted before the last day of the fall semester. Students can access the Enrollment Certification form from the “Brochures, Publications and Forms” section of our website at www.kutztown.edu/veterans.

  Veterans Awareness Week
  Let your student veteran and military-affiliated student know how much you appreciate them. KU greatly appreciates our students and will be celebrating our KU military and veteran community during Veterans Awareness Week. Learn more.

• Equity, Compliance and Legal Affairs

  Disability Services: KU DNA
  Please encourage your students to attend KU Disability and Neurodiversity Advocates (KU DNA) club meetings. The KU DNA club is open to all students who are interested in advocating for neurodiverse individuals, neurodiverse spaces and events that promote neurodiversity across campus and within the broader community. Join KU DNA for our next meeting 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2, 4 Old Main. Please email rutter@kutztown.edu for the Fall 2023 KU DNA meeting date list.

• University Relations and Athletics

  Golden Bear Football Tickets, Tailgate Permits and Parking Passes
  Get your tickets for the Kutztown Golden Bears. KU Students can access one free ticket General Admission per game by logging in for tickets with their MyKU login. KU Football 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

  First Friday Sale – Nov. 3
  Enjoy the First Friday Sale every first Friday of each month, including Friday, Nov. 3. Save 20% on apparel and gift I -store and online.

  One Hour Sweatpants Sale – Nov. 9
  Grab your $20 sweatpants that have pockets Thursday, Nov. 9. One day and one hour only; 11 a.m. to noon, KU Campus Store; 7-8 p.m., Dixon Marketplace.

  Thanksgiving Sale – Nov. 14
  Enjoy 30% off apparel and gift Tuesday, Nov. 14. Excludes other sales and promotions. In store and online.

  Black Friday – Nov. 24
  Enjoy 30% off apparel and gift. Excludes other sales and promotions. Online only.

  Cyber Monday – Nov. 27
  Enjoy 30% off apparel and gift and 20% off technology Monday, Nov. 27. Excludes other sales and promotions. In store and online.

  12 Days of Deals – Dec. 1-12
  Sales on specific categories on promotion every day. Stay tuned to save.

  Textbook Sell Back – Dec. 4-15
  Sell back your textbooks for cash at the KU Campus Store.

• KU Foundation

  Thank You for Supporting the 1866 Minute Giving Challenge
  The KU Foundation would like to thank everyone who participated in the 1866 Minute Giving Challenge Oct. 25-26. With your support during the challenge, we broke last year’s record, raising more than $403,000 for academic organizations, athletic teams and student clubs.

  Apply for the KU Legacy Scholarship
  The KU Legacy Scholarship is accepting applications through Friday, Nov. 10. This scholarship is open to any child or sibling of a KU graduate starting their sophomore, junior or senior year at Kutztown University. For details about scholarship eligibility or to apply, click here. 

• Dates to Know

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

  Last day for Undergraduate students to make up “Incompletes” from Spring and Summer 2023.	Thursday, Nov. 3
  Last day for faculty to submit change of grades for Undergraduate “Incompletes” for Spring and Summer 2023.	Friday, Nov. 10
  Spring 2024 Open Enrollment.	Tuesday, Nov. 14
  Last day to withdrawal from a course for Fall 2023 and receive a grade of “W”. There is no withdrawal from individual courses after this date.	Friday, Nov. 17
  Last day to permanently withdraw from the University or request a Leave of Absence for the Fall 2023 semester.	Friday, Nov. 17
  Thanksgiving Recess – No Classes – Administrative Offices Open.	Wednesday, Nov. 22
  On or about this date, Spring 2024 billing process runs electronically in MyKU. Payment due Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024.	Wednesday, Nov. 22
  Residence halls close at 9 a.m. for Thanksgiving recess.	Wednesday, Nov. 22
  Thanksgiving Day – University Closed.	Thursday, Nov. 23
  Thanksgiving Recess – University Closed.	Friday, Nov. 24
  Residence halls open at 1 p.m. after Thanksgiving recess.	Sunday, Nov. 26
  Spring 2024 Registration closes, reopens Jan. 8, 2024.	Wednesday, Nov. 29
  First round application review for M.Ed. in Secondary Education Teaching.	Thursday, Nov. 30
  Recommended application deadline to Spring 2024 for Graduate Studies. Contact the Office of Graduate Admissions for specifics as some programs fill courses prior to the application deadline.	Friday, Dec. 1
  Textbook Sell back KU Campus Store.	Dec. 4-15
  Last day of regular classes.	Saturday, Dec. 9
  Registrar to create grade rosters for Fall 2023.	Monday, Dec. 11
  Final Examinations begin.	Monday, Dec. 11