October 2023

Volume 6, Issue 3

• Academic Affairs

  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. Please visit our website for more information.

  Career Development Center
  The KU Career Closet has moved. The Career Development Center is excited to share that we have moved the Career Closet into a larger space in 107 Stratton. This new space will accommodate increased student interest. Student appointments can be made in Handshake at www.kutztown.edu/handshake.

  Annual Fall Internship and Job Fair
  The annual Fall Internship and Job Fair will be held noon-3 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 18, 218 McFarland Student Union. Sixty+ employers. Students can check out employers on Handshake at www.kutztown.edu/handshake.

  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.

  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.

  Ireland Faculty-Led Study Abroad Program Summer 2024
  The Kutztown University faculty-led study abroad program in Ireland is planning to return to the Emerald Isle in Summer 2024 (May to June). Professors Jason Lanter (Psychology), Eric Johnson (History) and Andrew Vogel (Literature) lead students through an exhilarating, month-long tour of Belfast, Dublin, Cork, Killarney and Galway. Students enroll in one of three courses but enjoy an integrated, interdisciplinary learning experience that takes them to the places that are truly the heart and soul of Érin – Giant’s Causeway, Newgrange, the Hill of Tara, the Book of Kells, the Rock of Cashel, the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, the Latin Quarter of Galway, the Aran Islands and so much more. Details and media are published on the program website. Information sessions will be held in the fall semester. Application review will begin in late November, with rolling admissions running through January 2024. For more information, contact vogel@kutztown.edu and lanter@kutztown.edu.

  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 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.

  Cinema, Television and Media Production
  Blackmagic Design covered the Department of Cinema, Television and Media Production with a press release on its curricular changes and its new focus on DaVinci Resolve and Blackmagic Design cameras and technology. This press release was picked up by five additional outlets and released. Professors Johnston and Joy were interviewed by Post Magazine about their implementation of Blackmagic Design and DaVinci Resolve into the CTM curriculum. That interview will be released in the Sept-Oct issue.

  KU Professor Writes Play; World Premiered Sept. 21 in Philadelphia
  "COVID Queertet" was a new play from Kutztown University professor playwright, Dr. Deryl Johnson. The play explores the question of “Who controls your identity after your death?” The world premier debuted at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21, Plays and Players Theatre, 1714 Delancey Place, Pa. Set during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the evening takes an ominous turn when four actors begin to examine the artistic works, identities and legacies of Oscar Wilde, Willa Cather, José Sarria and Kutztown, Pa. native Keith Haring. This DEI-themed play explores the contemporary LGBTQ+ issues of identity, suicide, and practice of “outing” people. The show features works by Cather, who won the 1923 Pulitzer Prize for Literature and would have been 150 years old this year, Haring and Sarria, who once spoke at KU.

  Wells-Rapp Center for Mallet Percussion Research
  October Events

  • Oct. 6-10 – “Rosewood Sings” Fall Festival – featuring Lynn Vartan and Jenny Klukken.
  • Oct. 6 – Vartan master class.
  • Oct. 7, 7:30 p.m. – Lynn Vartan solo concert.
  • Oct. 9, 1:30-2:45 p.m. – Presentation for music teachers at Muhlenberg Jr. High School, Berks County Intermediate Unit, sponsored by the Reading Musical Foundation.
  • Oct. 9, 6 p.m. – Outreach performance (Keystone Villa, Fleetwood, Pa.).
  • Oct. 10, 7:30 p.m. – Jenny Klukken solo concert.
  • Oct. 17, 7:30 p.m. – Kutztown University Percussion Ensemble Concert (Frank Kumor, director).
  • Oct. 18-21 – Satellite Exhibit in La Crosse, Wisconsin (In partnership with the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra).
  • Oct. 26, 11 a.m. – Master class by Valerie Naranjo.
  • Oct. 27, 7:30 p.m. – Celebrate Marimba! Concert – featuring Gordon Stout and Valerie Naranjo.

  Marlin and Regina Miller Gallery
  Faculty Biennial Exhibition is on display Sept. 7 to Oct. 8. The exhibition features artwork from all faculty in the College of Visual and Performing Arts; highlighting the award-winning faculty that teach in animation, cinema, design, studio arts and art education. Adam Delmarcelle and "Artist As Witness" is on display Oct. 26 to Dec. 16, with a reception 4-6 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 26, and a lecture by Sue Coe and Adam DelMarcelle, 6:30 p.m., 120 Sharadin.

  In conjunction with the Department of Art and Design: KU’s Animated Arts program presents an exhibition of artwork around the concept of "Artist As Witness," curated by designer Adam DelMarcelle. The collection includes work by James Baldwin, Emory Douglas, Purvis Young, Jacob Lawrence, Leopoldo Mendez, Adrian Piper, Sue Coe, Eric Avery, Francisco Goya, Fitriani Dwi Kurniasih (Fitri DK), Matthew Clay-Robison, HN Werkman, John Heartfield, Brick x Brick Collective, Frans Masereel and others. This exhibition addresses the idea of how art can facilitate discussion about complex issues such as mental health, addiction and art as a form of protest. This exhibition will also feature original artwork made by KU Animation and Creative Writing students.

  Art Education
  The 84th annual Art Education Conference will focus on contemporary issues in art education by offering a range of perspectives and approaches to creative expression in response to art, society and culture. What are contemporary issues in art education? How do artists address contemporary social issues through artmaking and how can art teachers address contemporary issues relevant to students in the Pre-K-12 art curriculum? Mark your calendars and plan to join us Friday, Nov. 17, for an exciting day filled with studio workshops, visual presentations and creative ideas to explore contemporary issues and art. Learn more online.

  Department of Music
  Fall events can be found online.

• Finance and Facilities

  Fall 2023 Payment Plans
  Did you reassess your payment plan needs? Did you cancel the plan or adjust it? Please do so. You want to avoid late fees, holds and missing registration. Contact us if you have questions. Plan balances are not updated based on MyKU balances automatically, nor are they canceled when no longer needed. Adjustments and cancellations must be done by the payer.

  Fall 2023 Remaining Balances
  Remember any payments due to KU that are not paid by the assigned due date or payment plan due date are subject to holds and late fees (as well as class cancellations). Late fees will be assessed monthly for up to three months at KU; the payment plan assesses their own late fees. Holds from non-payment will block access to transcripts, diploma and registration for future semesters. Should the account balance not be paid, the account will be placed with the Pa. State Attorney General’s office for their assistance as we are required to do so as a state institution. Removal of holds at the AG office will take longer and the payments must clear the bank (two weeks or more). Do not delay on settling your unpaid balances if they exist. Lastly, some students still have outstanding financial aid matters – check the To Do’s on the KU Tasks tile on MyKU for any needed items.

  Payment Plans
  The Spring 2024 Plan opens Oct. 6; Winter 2023-24 opens Oct. 15. The best plan available for Spring 2024 and Winter 2024 are opening this month. The sooner you sign up, the greater the number of payments you can make. The six-payment plan for spring is only open through Nov. 5. The best way to estimate costs and needs for Spring 2024 is to review the fall semester activity showing costs and aid. Adjustments can always be made when the actual bill is prepared. MyKU > KU Financial Account tile > Payment Dashboard or Parents who have a PIN can go to this site directly use this link.

  Winter 2023-24
  Winter session is unique at KU. Courses are online only. 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 taken in the fall (August to December loan period). 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 and drop for non-payment will occurring on a rolling basis. 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 and Due Date
  Spring 2024 advisement opens soon, with registration right after. Remember, advisors must clear the advising hold after meeting with the student for them to have access to register at their scheduled time. Please know that charges will not appear until billing occurs around Thanksgiving (subject to change). Due date will be Jan. 3, 2024. Payment plan option is opening in October.

  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 office will be closed or unable to post payments received in the mail Dec. 24 through Jan. 3. If the payment posting in 2023 is critical for you, either pay online before Dec. 31, or mail any payments no later than Dec. 10. 529 payments should allow no less than two weeks for posting from the date of funding request. 529 payments mostly release to KU via paper checks, although some are online now. For more information regarding 1098-T’s, click here.

  KU Tasks Tile - Registration Holds
  Students who still owe any money for the Fall 2023 semester (or before) may be blocked from spring registration with their spring housing assignment at risk for cancellation. There is still a short window of time to apply for additional loans if needed, but don’t delay. Payment plans for Fall 2023 are all closed at this time. Financial Aid Services is a great resource found at 610-683-4077. Now is a great time to review the MyKU account activity as the October bills are just processing. The Advisor Registration hold will be released by the student’s advisor once they are advised for spring – only the advisor can do this. Be sure the student sets up their advising appointment early; their advisor will send dates and times to them directly.

  Payment Dashboard Access to Parents
  As a reminder, parents can be given access to the Payment Dashboard and even get email and text reminders about the statements. The student can do this easily. MyKU > KU Financial Account tile > Payment Dashboard > Payers – send a payer invitation.

  Mailing to a Student Campus Address
  Please follow these guidelines when mailing your student a letter or package to ensure prompt and accurate delivery. Should you have any questions about letters or packages, you may contact the mailroom at mailservices@kutztown.edu or call them at 610-683-4141 or 610-683-4122. If checking on a package delivery, please include any tracking information in your communication. Do not use Kutztown University in the address. There are three different address formats; Golden Bear Village South, Golden Bear Village West and all other residence halls.

• Enrollment Management and Student Affairs

  Fall 2024-Spring 2025 Room Selection
  Reminder: Kutztown University has a Two-Year Residency Requirement. The first step in the Fall 2024-Spring 2025 Room Selection Process is to complete the Fall 2024 Housing Application and deposit, which will go live Oct. 9. All students who will be residing on campus next academic year need to complete the Housing Application. The Housing Application also allows a student to be eligible for room selection, which occurs during the spring semester. Once the Housing Application goes live, a student will have until March 1 to complete the application to be eligible to participate in room selection. Mark your calendars for Oct. 9.

  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 opens Oct. 9 for returning students and remains open until March 1. 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.”

  Financial Aid Services
  The FAFSA is changing for 2024-2025. We are moving to a completely new process. The new FAFSA is slated to open December 2023. More details to follow soon.

  How Long Does It Take to Receive VA Benefits?
  VA Education Benefit payments are typically delayed at the beginning of the semester due to the volume of payments that must be processed for all U.S. students using VA benefits. Recipients should receive their initial stipends in approximately six-to-eight weeks after the start of the semester. Future stipends are released within a normal timeframe of five-to-seven business days at the beginning of each month. VA Chapter 1606 and VA Chapter 33 recipients must verify their enrollment at the end of each month to receive their stipend. VA Chapter 35 recipients will automatically receive their stipend; no verification is required at this time. Eligible students who do not receive their stipend within the timelines stated should contact KU Military and Veterans Services, 610-683-4228 for assistance.

  Veteran Alumni Spirit Award
  KU Military and Veterans Services honors KU alumnus veterans with its Spirit Award. The Spirit Award is presented to a KU alumnus who honorably served in the U.S. Armed Forces and who continues to serve the military or veteran community by demonstrating a spirit of service that goes above and beyond normal duties. The recipient is presented their award by KU's president during the university's annual military appreciation football game. The 2023 game is scheduled on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. Don't delay, let us know who deserves to be recognized. Nomination form can be found on our website at www.kutztown.edu/veterans > Alumni. Deadline is Oct. 15.

  Priority Class Registration for Veteran and Military-Affiliated Students Using Military Education Benefits
  Eligible Veteran, Military members and students using military benefits have an opportunity to register for classes early – Oct. 26. Early registration allows students to register for classes needed for their degree while their benefits are still available. Students must meet with their advisors prior to the early registration date to be cleared to register and the student must not have any registration holds on their student account.

  Health and Wellness Services
  Flu season is upon us. The Health Center is happy to announce that, thanks to our partnership with Lehigh Valley Health Network, we can offer flu shots again this year at no charge. Scheduled clinic dates will be posted on our social media pages and students may also call the Health Center to schedule a vaccine appointment.

  COVID-19: Kutztown University continues to follow CDC guidelines to help minimize the spread of COVID-19, which includes a minimum five-day isolation period off campus. Students who reside on campus and share a bedroom are not permitted to return to their residence hall for 10 days but may attend classes while wearing a well-fitted mask beginning on day 6. To review our full protocol, please visit https://www.kutztown.edu/covid.

  Counseling and Psychological Services:  Licensed mental health professionals are available on campus to provide short-term counseling (5-7 sessions max.) and emergency intervention. Students with concerns that cannot be adequately addressed in short-term counseling will be referred to off-site providers. Counseling services are available Monday through Friday with varying hours between 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the fall and spring semesters.

  Please note: to receive services at any Health Center department, students must call and schedule an appointment at 610-683-4082; option 1. We are unable to schedule appointments at the request of a parent or guardian.

• Equity, Compliance and Legal Affairs

  Disability Services: World Mental Health Day
  Please encourage your KU student(s) to attend World Mental Health Day 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 10, McFarland Student Union lawn (rain location: Old Main Lobby). Join the DSO and partnering offices/departments for free handouts, activities, information related to self-care and mindfulness, stress management and more.

• University Relations and Athletics

  Renowned Mark Morris Dance Group Comes to KU
  Mark Morris, considered by many to be one of America’s most innovative and influential choreographers alive, will bring the Mark Morris Dance Group to KU Presents! Wednesday, Oct. 11. Morris has created 22 works commissioned by ballet companies worldwide. He began conducting performances for MMDG in 2006, and has since conducted at Tanglewood Music Center, Lincoln Center and the Brooklyn Academy of Music. The program will feature four works spanning much of Morris’s career, from 1980 to the present.  As is always the case with this company, they will be accompanied by live musicians. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 610-683-4092. Subscribers also receive access to additional discounted tickets to events. KU students can access $10 tickets by logging in for tickets with their MyKU login.

  Golden Bear Football Tickets, Tailgate Permits and Parking Passes
  Get your tickets for the Kutztown Golden Bears. Parking and Tailgate Permits have been going fast and will sell out for Homecoming. 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

  Graduation Festival
  The Graduation Festival is a one-stop-shop for graduates to verify the status of their applications, purchase their cap and gown, receive graduation tickets, and much more 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 24, MSU Multipurpose Room. Please encourage your graduating seniors to attend. For more information, click here.

  Official Commencement Shirt for Graduating Class of Fall 2023
  Shop now for your official Kutztown University commencement shirt. Pre-order online only until Dec. 1. Excludes sales and discounts. Shop now: https://kubstore.com/2023-fall-commencement-tee.

  Order your Official Kutztown University Class Rings and Announcements
  Order now: https://balfour4me.com/Kutztown.

• KU Foundation

  1866 Minute Giving Challenge Returns October 25-26
  You are an important part of our upcoming fifth 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.

  Registration is Open for Homecoming
  We are delighted to welcome alumni, current students and their families to campus for Homecoming Oct. 27-28. Register here.

  Tuition Sweepstakes – Win a Semester of Free In-State Tuition
  Founded in 1997, the Kutztown University Presidential Ambassadors (KUPA) is a student organization whose mission is to help enhance KU pride and develop a culture of philanthropy amongst students. The Tuition Sweepstakes is KUPA's largest annual fundraiser, organized in conjunction with the KU Foundation. All proceeds from this initiative will support student programs and scholarships, university events and community service projects. Learn more here.

• Dates to Know

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

  Fall Break Day-No Classes, Admin Offices Open	Monday, October 9
  Follow Monday Schedule	Tuesday, October 10
  Winter 2024 Registration begins	Tuesday, October 10
  Mid Term	Wednesday, October 11
  Last day to return Fall 2023 textbooks with a drop slip	Friday, October 13
  Last day for Undergraduate and Graduate students to apply for Fall 2023 graduation	Friday, October 13
  Undergraduate students meet with advisors for assistance in building student schedules for Spring 2024	Oct. 16 to Nov. 13
  First Clinical Experience Assignment ends	Friday, October 20
  First Half Communication Design Courses end	Friday, October 20
  Second Clinical Experience Assignment begins in schools	Monday, October 23
  Second Half Communication Design Courses begin	Monday, October 23
  KUSSI Graduation Festival; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; 218 MSU	Tuesday, October 24
  Incumbent Graduate Registration begins for Spring 2024	Wednesday, October 25
  Early Registration for Spring 2024 classes for Special Groups online by appointment times only	Oct. 26-27
  Web Registration for Spring 2024 classes by appointment times only	Oct. 30 to Nov. 13
  Advisement and registration of newly accepted Graduate, new Post Baccalaureate Certification and Professional Credit (non-matriculated) students for Spring 2024	Tuesday, October 31
  Last day for Undergraduate students to make up “Incompletes” from Spring and Summer 2023	Friday, November 3
  Last day for faculty to submit change of grades for Undergraduate “Incompletes” for Spring and Summer 2023	Friday, November 10
  Spring 2024 Open Enrollment	Nov. 14-29