October 2024

Volume 7, Issue 3

• Academic Affairs

  Unlock Free Career Growth Opportunities for Your Student
  KU Advance, the Extended Learning office at KU, is committed to your student’s professional growth. KU has partnered with Coursera to offer free online, self-paced certificates in high-demand fields such as Cybersecurity, Social Media Marketing and Project Management. New certificates are being added this fall from ADP and Microsoft. This is a fantastic chance to enhance skills and prepare for the job market after graduation. View available courses on the Extended Learning website.

  General Education Category B: Understanding Self and Others
  Students select three courses (i.e., nine credit hours) in this category that explore self-reflection and human interaction as they relate to understanding our world and ourselves. Students will apply skills in critical analysis and reasoning for the interpretation of data and will evaluate the role of values, ethics, diversity and multiple perspectives in a local and global society. Some popular examples include Economics, Intro to Health and Wellness, Intro to Music, History of the U.S., Literature, Our Human Earth, Politics, Psychology and Sociology.

  First Year Experience Guides
  If your student is enrolled in a First-Year Seminar course this semester, they may have access to a First-Year Experience Guide in their classroom. These guides serve as peer mentors, sharing insights and advice from their own experiences to offer personalized support during the transition to college life. Please encourage your student to take full advantage of this valuable resource.

  Success Navigators
  If you have a student that started at Kutztown University this fall who could benefit from assistance, please encourage them to check their MyKU to identify their Success Navigator. This individual is available year-round for personalized one-on-one meetings to help students identify the most effective strategies for success, as well as assist in connecting to additional resources. Students can reach out to success@kutztown.edu for assistance locating their Success Navigator.

  Transfer Credit
  Did you know there is a dedicated staff member at KU to support students with transfer credit? The Coordinator for Student Success and Transfer Engagement, Briana Zdradzinski, is available for individual meetings to assist students with transfer credits, including test credit and dual enrollment credits, with transitioning and acclimating to KU. Prospective and current transfer students can contact Briana to schedule an appointment; learn more on the Transfer Student Engagement website.

  Miller Gallery
  The Miller Gallery is excited to present “Control” by Owen Lowery, a fully immersive interactive projection environment – altered visually, sonically and atmospherically by the collective impact of people. Owen Lowery is a Pittsburgh-based interactive artist with a mission to create situations that foster intrinsic curiosity in children and adults alike. Lowery prioritizes Universal Design in his work, hoping that all people – regardless of age, height, ability or disability – may engage in a meaningful way. Learn more about Lowery on his website. Lowery will be on campus creating this site-specific installation with students through Thursday, Oct. 10. The exhibition opens with a public reception 2-4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10, followed by an artist talk 4:30 p.m., 120 Sharadin. The exhibition will be open until Sunday, Dec. 1. 

  Wells-Rapp Center for Mallet Percussion Research Opens Second Season
  The Wells-Rapp Center for Mallet Percussion Research opened its second season of concerts with the Tachoir Duo (vibraphone/piano) Sunday, Sept. 22. Oscar Roca and Bruno Lo Bianco, members of the Tambor Fantasmas Quartet from Argentina, will join Dr. Frank Kumor and the KU Percussion Ensemble for a concert 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22. Jonathan Silva (vibraphone) from Portugal and Heather Thorn (xylophone) and her ensemble from Orlando will be featured Friday, Nov. 8. A Monday, Dec. 2 concert closes out the Fall 2024 semester with the MarimBerks Community Marimba Ensemble. Spring 2025 includes February performances by Payton MacDonald (“Super Marimba” tracks) and Weichen Lin (marimba) from Taiwan, a March concert with Pauline Roberts (vibraphone) and in April, Nick White (xylophone) along with Green’s New Novelty Orchestra presenting a re-creation of a radio broadcast from the 1920s. Please visit Wells-Rapp Center for Mallet Percussion Research for more information.

  Visiting Artist Builds a Wood-Burning Rocket Kiln
  Visiting Artist Lisa Orr worked in the ceramics area in September on building and firing a wood-burning rocket kiln. Attendees learned about this controlled oxygenated airflow kiln design, which is a high efficiency, smokeless kiln to fire. Orr presented an artist lecture and gave studio demonstrations during their visit. Gwendolyn Yoppolo, ceramics professor, and her students then participated in building KU's very own rocket kiln. For 39 years, Orr has been a professional potter and student of ceramics. She completed an MFA at the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University in 1992 and later received grants including a Fulbright and a MAAA/NEA. Her work is in numerous public and private collections including the Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco and the permanent collection of WOCEF in Korea. Currently she teaches, lectures and shows nationally and internationally. 

  Kutztown University Writing Center
  Please have your student(s) reach out to the KU Writing Center for writing help or to schedule a writing session concerning papers for any subject or discipline. Students can call 610-683-4733 or email wrcenter@kutztown.edu to set up an in-person appointment. They can also schedule an online appointment. Please see our website for additional helpful instructions and screenshots. Any questions can be directed to wrcenter@kutztown.edu or pytleski@kutztown.edu.

• Finance and Facilities

  New MyKU and New Payment Dashboard Reminder
  Fall 2024 and forward: we are now using the New MyKU system and the New Payment Dashboard. Payer access and saved payment methods in the old dashboard were not carried over. Students need to set up new Authorized Users in New MyKU’s payment dashboard.

  Fall 2024 – Bear Bucks and Flex
  For Fall 2024, Bear Bucks and Flex will be purchased in a standalone store, rather than in the students’ Payment Dashboard. More information about Bear Bucks and Flex can be found on the directions page. Students can view their balances by navigating to New MyKU > KU Card.

  Fall 2024 – Payment Plans Reminder
  The payment plan does not look at your aid to see any changes; therefore, it will not adjust if you received late aid or scholarships. You must log in and adjust the plan yourself. Go to the New Payment Dashboard, select Payment Plans on the top bar, then click “Edit Payoff Amount” to make an adjustment. To cancel the plan – adjust the plan to 1.00 and then email studentaccounts@kutztown.edu to cancel it completely. Edit Payoff will only be visible under the access that set up the plan (i.e. student or authorized user).

  Winter and Spring Payment Plans Will be Announced Later this Month
  Watch the New MyKU Payment Dashboard and your emails for the announcement of availability. Winter is generally a condensed quick four-payment or three-payment plan if signed up early. The Spring will start as a six-payment plan and work down to a three-payment plan.

  Winter 2024-25
  Winter session is unique at KU. Courses are typically online only. This session is not an aid-bearing session. Any unused Fall financial aid could be considered for Winter, as well as Alternative Loans taken in the Fall (August to December loan period). Spring financial 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. Drop for non-payment will occur on a rolling basis. Costs will be added to the Winter Tuition and Fees page by Tuesday, Oct. 15.

  Who Receives Refunds?
  Should your student be eligible for a refund, who receives the funds is dependent upon the source. Overpayments that are the result of student-funded aid will be released to the student through the BankMobile refund program selection the student made online. Overpayments that are the result of parent-funded aid (i.e. Parent PLUS loan or parent alternative loan) will be released to whomever the parent designated on the loan application (If the designation was the parent; the overpayment will be a paper check mailed to the parent. If the designation was the student; the overpayment would go through the student’s preference at BankMobile). Overpayments that are the direct result of a credit card payment may be refunded to the credit card used.

  Student Refund Preference Selection
  Students who never selected a refund preference should make that selection as soon as possible; the student will need the personal code mailed to them. To get a new personal code, the student may email student accounts from their KU email account to request one. Students who have previously made a refund preference will find that remains in place unless they change it. We encourage reviewing it at the BankMobile Vibe website and verifying address information, banking information and more.

  Parent Refunds
  Since students have the direct deposit option and parents do not, parents will often choose to allow the refund to go to the student. If the parent elected for the refund to go to them, but  now wants the refund to go to the student, the parent can complete a release form, allowing us to refund the student regardless of what aid causes the overpayment. The form requires a signature and can be faxed or scanned and emailed to us before refunds start. For Fall 2024, we cannot guarantee we can override the loan requested refund preference, but we will try. Parents can learn more on our Refunds website.

  Summer 2024 and Prior Balances
  Fall 2024 aid cannot pay these balances. Holds, if not added, will be added as well as late fees. Please take a moment to check that these items are cleared up. All payments must now be made in New MyKU.

  Student Accounts Office Semester Hours
  Our office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Reach out to us by email for all about bills and refunds at studentaccounts@kutztown.edu, or by phone at 610-683-4133.

• Enrollment Management and Student Affairs

  Admissions
  Do you know someone who would be a great addition to the Golden Bear family? Apply on the admissions website and use the fee waiver code GOLDEN.

  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 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 timeframe of five-to-seven business days at the beginning of each month. VA Chapter 1606 and 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 2024 game is scheduled on Veterans Day weekend, Saturday, Nov. 9. Don't delay, let us know who deserves to be recognized. Nomination form can be found on the Military and Veterans Services website. Deadline is Friday, Oct. 18.

  Priority Class Registration for Veteran and Military-Affiliated Students Using Military Education Benefits
  Eligible veteran and military members and students using military benefits have an opportunity to register for classes early – Oct. 24-25. 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.

  Family Day
  Join us on campus to celebrate Family Day Saturday, Oct. 5, with the Family Fun Zone 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Student Recreation Center West Gym, as well as all sorts of other fun and festivities across campus. Full list of events and details can be found on the Family Day website.

  Homecoming
  It is almost Homecoming season, a time for alumni and families to return to campus and celebrate all that is golden about KU. This year’s theme, Golden Harvest, has us focusing on food-related needs on and around campus, including volunteering with The Potato Project, a can-stacking sculpture contest and of course, our Homecoming tailgate and football game at 2 p.m. Additional details for the week’s events for students can be found on the Homecoming website. Weekend events hosted by the Kutztown University Foundation can be found on the Foundation’s Homecoming website.

  Anti-Hazing Week
  Each Fall, Greek Life on campus hosts anti-hazing week, where our social Greeks all reaffirm their commitments against hazing. Events are hosted to promote unity among the chapters and campus. Students can learn more about Anti-hazing week at the Engage website.

  Jason's Lawn Haunted Attraction
  Back by popular demand, the Office of Student Involvement is excited to bring back the Haunted House, Halloween Village and Spooky Carnival, 7-10 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31, MSU Lawn. Students can volunteer at the event on GivePulse website or get additional details to attend the event on the Engage website.

• Equity, Compliance and Legal Affairs

  Congratulations to R.A.D. Participants
  Kutztown University Public Safety and Police Services held its annual R.A.D. (Rape Aggression Defense) System three-day training in September. Seventeen campus community members completed the class. The R.A.D. Systems course teaches women self-defense concepts and techniques. KUPD covers various types of potential assaults, addressing each type with easy, effective and proven self-defense tactics. Congratulations to all that participated.

  National Disability Employment Awareness Month
  October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Is your student interested in connecting with federal employers? Juniors, seniors and recent KU graduates are encouraged to apply to the Workforce Recruitment Program, which connects federal and select private-sector employers nationwide with college students with disabilities who are eager to demonstrate their abilities in the workplace through internships or permanent jobs. For more information, visit the Workforce Recruitment Program website.

  PrideFest
  Please encourage your student(s) to join the Disability Services Office (DSO) for PrideFest 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10, 218 MSU, to celebrate World Mental Health Day with various KU resource offices/departments. Join us for a fun and lively celebration of LGBTQ+ pride, National Coming Out Day and Mental Health Awareness (sponsored by the LBGTQ+ Resource Center). More information can be found on KU Engage.

  Student Employment Opportunities
  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 unexpired document(s) to Human Resources before they can begin to work.

  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.

  Upcoming Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Education Programs
  The Office of Social Equity is responsible for enforcing Title IX and handling all reports of sexual discrimination and sexual misconduct at Kutztown University. Throughout the academic year, the Office of Social Equity will be hosting weekly Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Education events in the McFarland Student Union. Our upcoming events in October: Oct. 8, Donut Haze: Oct. 22, Green Dot Bystander Intervention; Oct. 29, It's On Us Week of Action.

• University Relations and Athletics

  Discover the Fall '24 Tower Magazine – Your Feedback Matters
  Exciting news, Golden Bears! The Fall 2024 edition of Tower, Kutztown University's alumni magazine, is now available, packed with updates, stories and highlights from our vibrant community. We’d love to hear from you – please take a moment to fill out our reader survey and share your thoughts. Your feedback helps us make each issue even better. Dive into the latest magazine and let us know what you think. Have news to submit or a story to pitch? Email us.

  KU Presents! Opens Season with Improv; 2024-25 Tickets Available
  Join KU Presents! 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8, Schaeffer Auditorium, for Shamilton! The Improvised Parody Musical creates an epic musical from thin air, based on a historical celebrity of your choosing – from Genghis Khan to Kim Kardashian. It's the show Lin-Manuel Miranda calls "cease and desist!" Then, enjoy the high-energy excitement of a real 80’s concert with Don’t Stop Believin’: The Journey Tribute by E5C4P3 Thursday, Oct. 24. Subscriptions are still available and can be purchased online or by calling 610-683-4092. KU students can access $10 tickets by creating an account for tickets with their MyKU login. 

  Join the Golden Bear Tailgate Village for Homecoming 2024
  Golden Bear fans can reserve spots in the Golden Bear Tailgate Village outside Andre Reed Stadium for Homecoming. New for 2024, spaces will be assigned and reserved for fan groups. 20-foot, square grass spots are available for $150. Each spot includes one parking pass. Tables and tents not included. The Golden Bear Tailgate Village will open 11 a.m. on gameday, Saturday, Oct. 26. Get your tickets to see the Kutztown Golden Bears today. KU students can access one free general admission ticket per game by creating an account 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
  Grad Fest is set for 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22, 218 MSU. 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. Please encourage your graduating seniors to attend. For more information, click here.

  Official Commencement Shirt for Graduating Class of Fall 2024
  Shop now your official Kutztown University commencement shirt. Pre-order online through Friday, Dec. 6. Excludes sales and discounts. Shop online.

  Class Rings and Announcements
  Order your official Kutztown University class rings and announcements online.

• KU Foundation

  1866 Minute Giving Challenge Returns Oct. 23-24
  You are an important part of our upcoming sixth annual 1866 Minute Giving Challenge. For 1,866 minutes, the KU community unites as one to support all – because together, we’re golden.

  Homecoming Oct. 25-27
  We are delighted to welcome alumni, current students and their families to Homecoming 2024. Click here to view the many activities planned and to register. All attendees are encouraged to bring a canned food donation to our Feed the Bears Tent, which benefits the Bear Essentials Food Pantry.

• 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 to "W" withdraw from a Fall 2024 First Half of Term Course and receive a grade of “W”. There is no withdrawal from individual courses after this date.	Thursday, Oct. 3
  Last Day to Add/Drop for Fall 2024 10W Courses	Friday, Oct. 4
  Last day to drop a 10W course with 100% reduction or refund ends at midnight. No reduction of charges or refunds for individual courses after midnight (Fall only).	Friday, Oct. 4
  Last day to return Fall 2024 textbooks with a drop slip	Friday, Oct. 4
  Fall 2024 "W" Period - 10Week Courses only	Oct. 5 to Nov. 15
  Last day for 10W students withdrawing from the university to receive 80% reduction in charges or refund (Fall only)	Monday, Oct. 7
  Winter 2025 Registration begins	Wednesday, Oct. 9
  Registrar to create grade rosters for first half of classes	Wednesday, Oct. 9
  Last Day of Fall 2024 First Half of Term Courses	Friday, Oct. 11
  Last day for Undergraduate and Graduate students to apply for Fall 2024 graduation	Friday, Oct. 11
  Attendance due by 3 p.m. (First Half of Term Courses)	Friday, Oct. 11
  Last day for 10W students withdrawing from the university to receive 60% reduction in charges or refund (Fall only)	Friday, Oct. 11
  Fall Break Day-No Classes, Admin Offices Open	Monday, Oct. 14
  First Day of Fall 2024 Second Half of Term Courses	Tuesday, Oct. 15
  Add/Drop Period for Fall 2024 Second Half of Term Courses	Oct. 15-17
  Undergraduate students meet with advisors for assistance in building student schedules for Spring 2025.	Oct. 15 to Nov. 13
  Follow Monday Schedule	Tuesday, Oct. 15
  Mid-Term	Wednesday, Oct. 16
  All Fall 2024 semester grades must be electronically submitted by 3 p.m.	Wednesday, Oct. 16
  Last day for 10W students withdrawing from the university to receive 50% reduction in charges or refund (Fall only)	Thursday, Oct. 17
  Fall 2024 II Inclusive Access Opt-Out Deadline	Thursday, Oct. 17
  Last Day to Add/Drop for Fall 2024 Second Half of Term Courses	Thursday, Oct. 17
  Last day to drop a second half of term course with 100% reduction or refund ends at midnight. No reduction of charges or refunds for individual courses after midnight (Fall only).	Thursday, Oct. 17
  Fall 2024 "W" Period – Second Half of Term Courses only	Oct. 18 to Nov. 27
  First Clinical Experience Assignment ends	Friday, Oct. 18
  Admissions Open House	Saturday, Oct. 19
  First Half Communication Design Courses end	Sunday, Oct. 20
  Last day for 10W students withdrawing from the university to receive 40% reduction in charges or refund (Fall only)	Monday, Oct. 21
  Last day for second half of term students withdrawing from the university to receive 80% reduction in charges or refund (Fall only)	Monday, Oct. 21
  Second Clinical Experience Assignment begins in schools	Monday, Oct. 21
  Second Half Communication Design Courses begin	Monday, Oct. 21
  First day no reduction in charges or refund for university withdrawals for 10W students	Tuesday, Oct. 22
  KUSSI Graduation Festival: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., 218 MSU	Tuesday, Oct. 22
  Late Attendance Verification Period (Full Semester Courses; exclusively in Starfish)	Oct. 22-31
  Last day for second half of term students withdrawing from the university to receive 60% reduction in charges or refund (Fall only)	Wednesday, Oct. 23
  Incumbent Graduate Registration begins for Spring 2025.	Wednesday, Oct. 23
  Early Registration for Spring 2025 classes for Special Groups online by appointment times only	Oct. 24-25
  Last day for second half of term students withdrawing from the university to receive 50% reduction in charges or refund (Fall only)	Friday, Oct. 25
  Web Registration for Spring 2025 classes by appointment times only	Oct. 28 to Nov. 13
  Advisement and registration of newly accepted Graduate, new Post Baccalaureate Certification and Professional Credit (non-matriculated) students for Spring 2025.	Tuesday, Oct. 29
  Last day for second half of term students withdrawing from the university to receive 40% reduction in charges or refund (Fall only)	Wednesday, Oct. 30
  First Attendance Verification Period (Second Half of Term Courses)	Oct. 30 to Nov. 5
  First day no reduction in charges or refund for university withdrawals for Second Half of Term students	Thursday, Oct. 31