September 2023

Volume 6, Issue 2

• Academic Affairs

  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.

  Starfish
  Featured tools in Fall 2023 will include the “I Need Help” feature for students, allowing them to proactively connect to needed resources and information. For more information, visit https://www.kutztown.edu/starfish.

  Tutoring Services
  Utilize all your resources to achieve success with Tutoring Services. Whether your student is struggling in a class or wants to get a better grade, they can sign up for tutoring using the tutor link next to their course or by using the "I Need Help" button in Starfish. If your student has questions, contact us at tutor@kutztown.edu.

  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 Fall 2023. 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.

  Career Development Center
  Celebrate 100 Days Until Graduation with your student Thursday, Sept. 7. Are they career-ready? Remind them they can always create a career-coaching appointment through Handshake. The annual JC Penney Suit Up, where students can get up to 60% off professional clothing, is 3-6 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 17, Lehigh Valley Mall.

  College of Visual and Performing Arts Welcomes Students to Campus
  The College of Visual and Performing Arts welcomed more than 350 new students into the following departments Sunday, Aug. 27: Art and Design, Art Education, Cinema, Television, and Media Production, Communication Studies, Music and Music Education. Students participated in the Academic Race, following clues related to academics and campus life to gain familiarity with buildings on campus. The top three teams with the most correct answers received KU Bear Bucks. Dr. Megan O’Byrne served as the Orientation Director for the College of Visual and Performing Arts and set the stage for students’ participation in the Academic Race. Dr. Amy Pfeiler-Wunder, interim associate dean, also met with students to prepare them for the academic race and the academic semester. We look forward to a dynamic year with more than 1,500 students in the College pursuing their degrees as future creative leaders in the fields of art, design, media, music, education (art and music), film, television and communication.

• Finance and Facilities

  Adding Bear Bucks Throughout the Semester
  Students can add Bear Bucks to their ID cards in person with cash or check in 107 Academic Forum or this can be done online at MyKU > KU Financial Account tile > Payment Dashboard – click on make payment in the top maroon bar. Flex Dollars can be added the same way. Remember, Flex expires at the end of the school year and Bear Bucks carry over.

  KU Tasks Tile
  Students should check this again to be sure that all matters related to aid that require action are taken care of. Students may have missed completing their Stafford Loan requirements, submitting their high school transcript or responding to Pennsylvania State Grant requests. These items can delay aid disbursing later after add/drop and attendance verification. On the wall of tiles in MyKU, locate the KU Tasks tile and click on the blue line To Do’s and ensure the items are done.

  Fall 2023 Overpayments from Financial Aid
  Has your bill changed from what you originally had or planned on? Remember, we don’t reduce loans just because your bill changed or was reduced. You will need to evaluate your charges and your aid package. If you want to reduce the loans, do so before the end of the second week of the semester. Fall 2023 aid will start disbursing the third week of the semester, once add/drop has ended and attendance verification is completed. Simply not accepting a refund won’t reduce or cancel a loan. Loan Change Forms are online; one for students and one for parents.

  Who Gets the Refunds?
  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 go to www.refundselection.com to make this selection. 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 www.bankmobilevibe.com 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.

  Summer 2023 and Prior Balances
  Fall 2023 aid cannot pay these balances. Holds, if not already added, will be added as well as late fees. Please take a moment to check that these items are cleared up today.

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

  Parking Permits – Vehicle Registration
  All students who wish to park on the Kutztown University campus 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 24/7/365 at the residence halls must register their vehicle(s) with Transportation Services and, while parked on campus, must properly display an authorized parking permit. Cost is $50 per semester or $75 for the year. The Vehicle Services site (available through the MyKU portal) is open. Students may register their vehicle for a parking permit for either the fall semester ($50) or the entire academic year ($75). Students need to have a valid registration card (now is the time to update it through your DMV if it is expired), form of payment and vehicle information. Having a digital image of the vehicle registration will cut down on the time necessary to register. For more information, visit www.kutztown.edu/parking. Please note that Transportation Services is in the Academic Form as part of KU Business Services (this includes the KU Card office). Questions should be directed to parkingpermits@kutztown.edu or 484-646-4249.

  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

  Blood Drive
  10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 13, 218 MSU. To schedule an appointment, please visit www.GIVEaPINT.org and use code 1336.

  Required Form to Use Military Benefits in Fall 2023
  Students planning to use their military benefits (e.g., VA GI Bill, TA, EAP) in the Fall 2023 semester must submit their KU Veterans Services Enrollment Certification form after they enroll for fall semester classes. Benefits will be delayed if this form is not submitted. Students can access the Enrollment Certification form from the Brochures, Publications and Forms section of our website, www.kutztown.edu/veterans.

  Monthly Certification Requirements for Students Using Post 9/11 GI Bill, VA GI Bill 1606 and More
  Students who are using select benefits (Post 9/11 GI Bill, VA Chapter 1606 Selected Reserves, Montgomery GI Bill Chapter 30) must submit their monthly certification to the VA at the end of each month to receive their monthly stipend or housing allowance. Learn more online.

  When Will Students Receive Their First Military Benefit Payment From the VA?
  The first military benefit payment typically arrives five-to-seven weeks after the first day of classes. Do not anticipate receiving this funding in time to help pay for housing, textbooks, etc. If students are using other military benefits and are expecting a refund, KU will issue refunds to eligible students during the semester.

  Additional Funding for Students Receiving Chapter 35 VA GI Bill Benefits
  The Pennsylvania Educational Gratuity program provides financial assistance to children of honorably discharged veterans who have service-connected disabilities and served during a period of war or armed conflict, or children of veterans who die or died in service during a period of war or armed conflict. Payment will not exceed $500 per semester per qualified child. Educational gratuity payments are paid directly to the educational institution and may not be made for longer than four scholastic years. The application process is simple. Contact veterans@kutztown.edu for more information.

• Equity, Compliance and Legal Affairs

  Disability Services: Family Day
  Parents and students, come join the Office of Disability Services on Family Day Saturday, Sept. 30. The DSO will have a table with sensory items and will be sharing information on the benefits of sensory items/tools.

  Human Resources
  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. Your student will need to bring their original passport or Social Security card or birth certificate 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. Apply now.

• University Relations and Athletics

  KU Presents! Season Opens with The Wallflowers and The Family Fun of Sugar Skull
  Performances for the whole family are waiting for you at Schaeffer Auditorium. 90’s favorite The Wallflowers with Jakob Dylan bring their new album to the stage Wednesday, Sept. 27. On Sunday, Oct. 1, Sugar Skull shares a musical celebration of Dia de Muertos as part of the expanded Family Series. 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 are Here
  Get your tickets for the Kutztown Golden Bears today. Get the whole season or one game at a time (while supplies last). KU students can access one free ticket General Admission per game by logging in for tickets with their MyKU log in. 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.

  Kutztown University Radio
  Is your Golden Bear looking for an award-winning campus organization to join where they will learn broadcasting in a fun and inclusive environment? Kutztown University Radio may just fit that bill. Absolutely no experience is required. The radio station will train and needs volunteers in all aspects including, but not limited to, sports broadcasting, music, disc jockeying, news and promotions. For more information, email kur@kutztown.edu expressing interest or call 610-683-4059.

• KU Campus Store

  Dixon Marketplace
  Dixon Marketplace is a retail store comprised of student goods including convenience items, health and beauty aids, dorm and school supplies, logo apparel and trendy gifts. Located on the ground level of the Dixon Residence Hall and open until midnight, seven days a week. Additional information can be found online.

  Fall Fest – Sept. 19
  Follow @KUCampusStore on Instagram and Facebook to see what fall festivities and promotions we will have.

• KU Foundation

  Registration Open for Homecoming 2023
  We are delighted to welcome alumni, current students and their families to campus for Homecoming, Oct. 27-28. Register here.

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

• Dates to Know

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

  Fall 2023 “W” period.	Sept. 6 to Nov. 17
  Fall 2023 Inclusive Access Opt-Out Deadline.	Friday, Sept. 8
  Last day to request a Fall 2023 Bookstore Account based on pending authorized aid through the Financial Aid office.	Friday, Sept. 8
  Due date for Fall 2023 Orientation bills.	Friday, Sept. 8
  Fall 2023 Late Registration invoicing process will run electronically in MyKU. Due date Friday, Sept. 22.	Friday, Sept. 8
  Last day to exchange/return textbooks to KU Campus Store without an add/drop slip.	Friday, Sept. 8
  Last day for students withdrawing from the university to receive 80% reduction in charges or refund (Fall only).	Friday, Sept. 8
  Last day to set up a three-payment plan for late registrants only Fall 2023 in MyKU > Payment Dashboard.	Sunday, Sept. 10
  Last day to make purchases on a Bookstore Account.	Tuesday, Sept. 12
  First day Financial Aid can disburse.	Friday, Sept. 15
  Refunds from overpayments on student accounts can start no sooner than this date.	Friday, Sept. 15
  Last day for students withdrawing from the university to receive 60% reduction in charges or refund (Fall only).	Friday, Sept. 15
  Due date for Fall 2023 late registration bills.	Friday, Sept. 22
  Last day for students withdrawing from the university to receive 50% reduction in charges or refund (Fall only).	Friday, Sept. 22
  Last day for students withdrawing from the University to receive 40% reduction in charges or refund (Fall only).	Friday, Sept. 29
  First day no reduction in charges or refund for university withdrawals.	Saturday, Sept. 30
  Fall Break Day-No Classes, Admin Offices Open.	Monday, Oct. 9
  Follow Monday Schedule.	Tuesday, Oct. 10
  Winter 2024 Registration begins.	Tuesday, Oct. 10
  Mid Term.	Wednesday, Oct. 11
  Last day to return Fall 2023 textbooks with a drop slip.	Friday, Oct. 13
  Last day for undergraduate and graduate students to apply for Fall 2023 graduation.	Friday, Oct. 13
  Undergraduate students meet with advisors for assistance in building student schedules for Spring 2024. Web Registration by appointment Oct. 30 to Nov. 13.	Oct. 16 to Nov. 13