September 2024

Volume 7, Issue 2

• Academic Affairs

  International Students Arrive to KU
  Kutztown University is excited to welcome approximately 35 new international undergraduate and graduate students for the fall semester. Hailing from 20 different countries, these students bring a wealth of diversity and global perspectives to our campus community. We are proud to support their academic journeys and cultural exchanges as they contribute to the vibrant, inclusive atmosphere of our university. Let’s extend a warm welcome to our new Golden Bears and celebrate the unique perspectives they bring from around the world.

  KU Students Study Abroad
  This past summer, 61 Kutztown University students embraced global learning experiences by studying abroad. Led by dedicated program leaders Dr. Carolina Moctezuma, Dr. Andrew Vogel, Dr. Derek Mace and Dr. Gregory Hanson, students explored the rich cultures and histories of Spain, Ireland, Japan and Germany/Austria. Additionally, five students pursued independent study programs in China, England and Denmark. These experiences not only broadened their academic perspectives, but also enriched their personal growth and understanding of diverse cultures. We are proud of our Golden Bears for stepping out of their comfort zones and representing Kutztown University abroad. See the MyGlobalKU portal for updated study abroad advising information.

  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 starting 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 Students
  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 here.

  KU Succeed Academic Recovery Program – Fall 2024
  Is your student at Kutztown University facing academic challenges? The KU Succeed program is here to help. This comprehensive academic recovery initiative is designed to support students in improving their academic performance and regaining their confidence. Offering personalized coaching, skill-building workshops and a connection to campus resources, KU Succeed equips students with the tools and strategies they need to thrive. Encourage your student to take advantage of this invaluable resource and make Fall 2024 their semester of success. For more information, visit our website or contact the Center for Student Success and Academic Excellence (success@kutztown.edu). Let's work together to help your student achieve their academic goals.

  Tutoring Services
  Tutors are available for most 100 and 200-level courses and some upper-level courses starting the second week of class. Students can sign up for a tutor directly in Starfish using the Tutoring Services link next to their course or by using the "I Need Help" button in Starfish.

  An Academic Peer Mentor (APM) is a trained undergraduate student who offers academic readiness assistance like time management and academic organizational skills. For example, rather than helping understand math homework, an APM might help them plan time to do homework, connect with a math tutor or lab and suggest testing strategies for success on an upcoming math exam. Students can sign up with APMs in Starfish under My Services.

  Please encourage your student to take advantage of these resources. More information about Tutoring Services can be found on the tutoring services website. Students may also contact tutor@kutztown.edu with questions.

  Starfish
  Students can ask for help in Starfish by using the “I need Help” feature, allowing them to proactively connect to needed resources and information. For more information, visit the Starfish website.

  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.

  Micro-Internship (Paid Short-Term Projects) Pilot Program
  Did you know that paid internships increase the likelihood to find a job after college? Micro-internships (1-4 weeks, 10-40 hours) help students to gain skills, meet employers and build their resumes through a short-term project. Participating can help discover career specializations, narrow down a major or minor or find contacts for a full internship. Perfect for students as early as first year.  Contact the Career Development Center for more information and to build a resume.

  General Education Category A: Communicating With and About the World
  Upon completion of the General Education program, Kutztown University students will be able to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing. To achieve this competency, all KU students complete four communication courses (i.e., 12 credit hours): COMP 100, COMP 200, a speaking course and an additional communication course. Composition (COMP) focuses on practice and instruction in writing. Special emphasis is placed on the writing process, including idea-generation, planning, drafting and revision. Students also learn about audience and purpose, while practicing a variety of genres/styles – not just the five-paragraph essay. Additionally, students deepen their information literacy, learning how to find, evaluate and integrate other’s texts into their writing, ethically and artfully.

  KU Extended Learning Welcomes Students and Families Back to Campus
  We hope you had a refreshing break and are ready for an exciting new term. As part of our commitment to your student’s professional growth, KU has partnered with Coursera to offer free certificates in high-demand fields such as Cybersecurity, Social Media Marketing and Project Management. This is a fantastic chance to enhance skills and prepare for the job market after graduation. To explore the available courses and get started, please visit the extended learning website. We are also offering two in-person courses this fall: SCRUM Certification and a Beginner Jewelry course. Visit our Facebook page to learn more.

  JC Penney Suit-Up Event
  The Career Development Center is hosting its annual JC Penney Suit-Up Event, 4-7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8, Lehigh Valley Mall. Students (and families) can save up to 45% on professional apparel. Please bring your student ID.

  Rohrbach Library Hours
  Hours are 7:30 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Thursday; 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; and 2 p.m. to midnight Sunday. Please check the library homepage for exceptions.

  Rohrbach Library Annual Open House
  The Rohrbach Library Open House is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 17. This is a great way for students to get to know the library’s resources and services. Students who complete the scavenger hunt will be eligible to win prizes. If you have any questions, please contact Sylvia Pham, Student Engagement/Outreach Librarian, at spham@kutztown.edu.

  Faculty Member Celebrated as Latina of the Year
  Dra. Leslie C. Sotomayor II (she/her/ella), assistant professor of Art Education, was recently selected as the Latina of the Year for the annual Happy Valley Latin Festival in State College, Pa. An interview with Sotomayor was recorded at The Pennsylvania State University Paul Roberson Cultural Center (PRCC) and will soon be released. Sotomayor donated the painting, La Familia (2012) to the PRCC in 2012-13, which 12 years later, still hangs at the PRCC and where the interview was filmed. 

  KU Bear Grant Recipients in College of Visual and Performing Arts
  The following faculty mentors and undergraduate students worked throughout the summer on a range of research projects in their field of studies.

  • Prof. Dannell MacIlwraith, Department of Art and Design, and senior communication design major Melissa Laubach analyzed data generated from a previous assessment grant with the outcome of creating beautiful and accessible charts (infographics) for their project titled: Analyzing Data to create Infographics.

  • Dr. Pierette Kulpa, Department of Art and Design, continued research on her project titled, Vita of Cardinal Ludovico Ludovisi Indexing Project with art history student Julia Sweeney.

  • In the Department of Communication Studies, Dr. Emily Cripe worked with communication studies major Grace Levy on a research project titled: Exploring the Experience of Long-Term Incurable Cancer with Patients and Families.

  • Dr. Megan O’Byrne, Department of Communication Studies, studied Energetic Rhetorics in Lithium Extraction with communication studies student Amanda Celantano.
• Finance and Facilities

  Statement/Bill Location
  New MyKU > Student Accounts Card > Payment Dashboard. “View On Demand Statement” option will show you the most current up to date, as of that minute statement. The other statements that are listed are just of that moment in time and are not updated.

  Stafford Loans – Accept or Decline – New Requirement for All Students
  All students must now accept or decline their Stafford loans in New MyKU > Student Self Service > Dashboard > Financial Aid > Award Offer (second tab) > under Loans select Take Action and use the dropdown to accept or decline. Loans will not show until this is completed (3-5 days). Any changes after initial accept or decline must be done on a student loan change form. Financial Aid can lend guidance at 610-683-4077.

  Outside (non-KU) Scholarship Awards
  Many students receive scholarships, either as they graduate high school or awards that they renew each year. Student Accounts will not carry these items over year to year. If you have an award that is renewed, please send an updated award letter to our office so we can add a courtesy credit to the statement that can reduce the charges due. We will only add courtesy credits for scholarships of $1,000 or more. Email these award letters to studentaccounts@kutztown.edu.

  Any award checks sent to you that are made payable to just the student do not have to come to our office and we don’t need those award letters. Only items that are payable to KU or KU and the student will need to come to our office. Call us with any questions.

  Authorized Users – Payment Dashboard Access (prior payer access not transferred)
  Students can sign their parents up to get their own access to the New Payment Dashboard including getting the statement email notifications as to not solely rely on the students to share their notice. Students go to New MyKU > Student Accounts card > Payment Dashboard > Authorized Users. Payer Access from the old payment dashboard did not transfer to the new system.

  Parking Permits
  Parking Permits may be purchased online. Permits are $75 for the full year or $50 for the Fall semester. Students go to New MyKU > Vehicle Services to purchase.

  Parking Ticket Payments Moved
  Parking Ticket payments will now be made at New MyKU > Vehicle Services. If you paid a ticket during the summer on Legacy MyKU and it still shows in Vehicle Services as an outstanding ticket, please email StudentAccounts@kutztown.edu for help to update Vehicle Services.

  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
  For Fall 2024, Bear Bucks will be purchased in a standalone store rather than in the students Payment Dashboard. More information about Bear Bucks can be found here. 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 got late aid or scholarships. You must login and adjust the plan yourself. Go to the New Payment Dashboard and select “Payment Plans” on the top bar and 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).

  Fall 2024 Overpayments from Financial Aid – Reduce Those Loans
  Has your bill changed from what you originally had or planned on? Remember, we don’t reduce loans just because your bill changed or reduced. Credit balances are not transferred to the spring semester. You will need to evaluate your charges and your aid package. If you want to reduce the loans, do so now, before the end of the second week of the semester. Fall 2024 aid will start disbursing the end of 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 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 online 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 online 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.

  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. MyKU Legacy access will be closing within days.

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

• Enrollment Management and Student Affairs

  Recordings of “What’s Up Wednesdays” for Incoming Students New to Campus
  Throughout the summer, the Residence Life, Housing and Dining Services office hosted informational sessions (including live Q&A) on various topics to help answer new students' and families' questions about meal plans, residence hall policies, move-in day and more. Recordings of all five Zoom session can be found on a playlist on our YouTube page.

  Admissions
  Do you know someone who would be a great addition to the Golden Bear family? Our application is open at www.kutztown.edu/apply. Use the fee waiver code GOLDEN.

  Kutztown University Activities Board (KUAB)
  Interested in helping plan events and programs for campus? Join the Kutztown University Activities Board, get experience with planning events, have a say in the performances and programs and gain valuable leadership experience. Interested? Reach out to KUAB@kutztown.edu.

• Equity, Compliance and Legal Affairs

  Public Safety and Police Services: Welcome Back to Campus
  On behalf of Public Safety and Police Services, we would like to welcome everyone, back to campus for the Fall 2024 semester. We have been busy over the last few months. Chief David Drezek and staff have been working hard to hire quality diverse officers for our campus community. In July, Officer Luis Ortiz graduated the Reading Academy after completing 919 hours of curriculum. We also hired Cadet Tyler Todora Cope, who started the Allentown Police Academy and Cadet Maroon Tabarani, who started the Reading Academy; both will graduate in December. In August, we hired Officer Dean Lukens, a graduate of the Allentown Police Academy. These are all quality individuals who we believe hold our university values. We look forward to serving all in our community. We wish you all a great semester.

  Fall Fest to Success
  Please encourage your KU student to join the Disability Services Office (DSO) 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 10, 218 MSU, for “Fall Fest to Success.” Fall Fest to Success is a great opportunity for students to learn about and connect with various offices and departments on campus that provide resources and support to KU students.

  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 MSU. Our upcoming events include Coffee with the Title IX Coordinator, Sept. 10; Reclaiming the Red Zone, Sept. 18; and Student Involvement Resource Fair, Sept. 26.

• University Relations and Athletics

  Watch: Hawkinson Announces Upcoming Retirement as KU President
  The President of Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Kenneth S. Hawkinson, announced his upcoming retirement at the university's 2024 Faculty and Staff Convocation and Celebration, Friday, Aug. 23. Hawkinson, the 12th president of KU, said he would step down next summer (2025, date to be determined). He will have completed 10 years as president at that time. President Hawkinson’s full public retirement announcement can be viewed online.

  Watch: Year in Photos
  Enjoy a look back at the 2023-2024 academic year at Kutztown University. Watch here.

  KU Presents! 2024-2025 Tickets Available
  Performances for the whole family are waiting for you at Schaeffer Auditorium. Experience the improvised musical parody Shamilton, an evening of fortepiano with Daniel Adam Maltz, Broadway star Mandy Gonzalez, a Journey tribute by E5CAP3, Grammy® Award-winner Kurt Elling, Bill Blagg Family Magic and so much more. Subscribers also receive access to discounted tickets to special events. Subscriptions are still available and can be purchased online or by calling 610-683-4092. Tickets to individual performances are also available. KU students can access $10 tickets by creating an account for tickets with their MyKU login.

  Golden Bear Football Tickets, Tailgate Permits and Parking Passes
  Get your tickets to Golden Bear football. Get the whole season or one game at a time (while supplies last). 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.

  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. No experience is required. The radio station will train and needs volunteers in all aspects including, but not limited to, sports broadcasting, music, DJing, news and promotions. For more information, email regensbu@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. Dixon Marketplace is located on the ground level of Dixon Hall and open until midnight, seven days a week. Additional information can be found online.

  Pawbucks Sale
  Every Monday following a home football game, save on KU apparel for every touchdown the Golden Bears score.

  KU Campus Store Customer Appreciation Sale – Sept 26
  Follow @KUCampusStore on Instagram and Facebook to see what fall festivities and promotions we will have Thursday, Sept. 26.

• 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. Register 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 2024 "W" Period - Full Semester Courses only	Sept. 4 to Nov. 15
  First Attendance Verification Period (Full Semester and First Half of Term Courses)	Sept. 4-10
  Last day for first half of term students withdrawing from the university to receive 50% reduction in charges or refund (Fall only)	Friday, Sept. 6
  Fall 2024 Inclusive Access Opt-Out Deadline	Friday, Sept. 6
  Last day to exchange/return textbooks to KU Campus Store without an Add/Drop Slip	Friday, Sept. 6
  Last day to request a Fall 2024 Bookstore Account based on pending authorized aid through the Financial Aid office. Last day to make purchases is Tuesday, Sept. 10.	Friday, Sept. 6
  Due date for Fall 2024 Orientation bills	Friday, Sept. 6
  On or about this date, Fall 2024 Late Registration invoicing process will run electronically in MyKU. Due date Friday, Sept. 20.	Friday, Sept. 6
  Last day for full semester students withdrawing from the university to receive 80% reduction in charges or refund (Fall only)	Friday, Sept. 6
  Last day for first half of term students withdrawing from the university to receive 40% reduction in charges or refund (Fall only)	Tuesday, Sept. 10
  Last day to make purchases on a Bookstore Account	Tuesday, Sept. 10
  First day no reduction in charges or refund for university withdrawals for First Half of Term Students	Wednesday, Sept. 11
  Attendance due by 3 p.m. (Full Semester and First Half of Term Courses)	Wednesday, Sept. 11
  First day Financial Aid can disburse for Fall 2024	Friday, Sept. 13
  Refunds from overpayments on student accounts can start no sooner than this date.	Friday, Sept. 13
  Last day for full semester students withdrawing from the university to receive 60% reduction in charges or refund (Fall only)	Friday, Sept. 13
  Due date for Fall 2024 Late Registration bills	Friday, Sept. 20
  Last day for full semester students withdrawing from the university to receive 50% reduction in charges or refund (Fall only)	Friday, Sept. 20
  Last day for full semester students withdrawing from the university to receive 40% reduction in charges or refund (Fall only)	Friday, Sept. 27
  First day no reduction in charges or refund for university withdrawals for full semester students	Saturday, Sept. 28
  Late Attendance Verification Period (First Half of Term Courses, exclusively in Starfish)	Sept. 30 to Oct. 4
  First Day of Fall 2024 10W Courses	Monday, Sept. 30
  Add/Drop Period for Fall 2024 10W Courses	Sept. 30 to Oct. 4
  Graduate international student application deadline for Spring 2025 semester	Tuesday, Oct. 1
  Deadline for early decision to the Ed.D. cohort for Summer 2025	Tuesday, Oct. 1
  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