April 2025

Volume 7, Issue 9

• Academic Affairs

  Train. Certify. Save Lives.
  Are you ready to take the first step toward a rewarding career in emergency medical services? This summer, KU will offer an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification course designed to provide hands-on training and essential life-saving skills. Whether you're looking to start a new career or expand your medical knowledge, this program will equip you with the expertise needed to respond to emergency situations with confidence. The course will run May 19 through Aug. 18, Old Main, evenings and weekends. Must be 16 years or older to enroll. KU is an approved satellite facility through the PA DOH/Bureau of EMS to hold EMS Certification classes under the accreditation of Muhlenberg Ambulance. For more information, please email extendedlearning@kutztown.edu or training@muhlems.org.

  Transfer Students
  Did you know that 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 online.

  Tutoring Services
  Is your student taking a summer class? Support is available for summer courses through Tutor.com, a virtual 24/7 tutoring platform. For instructions on how to use this service, please have your student visit the Tutoring Services website. We encourage students to take advantage of this free tutoring resource. Contact tutor@kutztown.edu with questions.

  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.

  KU Student Success Navigators: Supporting Your Student Every Step of the Way
  At Kutztown University, every new student is assigned a dedicated Student Success Navigator to provide personalized guidance and support. Navigators work alongside academic advisors to ensure a smooth and successful college experience. Once your student’s Advanced Registration Deposit (ARD) is processed, they can access their Student Success Navigator through Starfish using their KU student email and password. Encourage your student to reach out in these situations:

  • They have a question.
  • They encounter an issue or obstacle.
  • They’re facing a personal challenge.
  • There’s a hold on their account.
  • They’re unsure who to contact.

  Navigators know the ins and outs of KU and can point students in the right direction. No matter the concern, help is just a conversation away. Encourage your student to reach out to their Student Success Navigator whenever they need support.

  Animated Art Alumni Featured in the Allentown Film Festival
  The animated short, The Last Donut, by Mindy Spencer, Animated Arts Class of 2024, will share the story of how co-workers go to extremes for the last breakroom donut. This animated short will be screened by the Allentown Film Festival at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, April 13, 19th Street Theatre, 527 North 19th Street, Allentown. Tickets are available online. 

  Film Screening by Cinema, Television and Media Production Students
  The Department of Cinema, Television and Media Production (CTM) screened 17 student films from five different classes Wednesday, March 5. 80-100 students attended and a CTM student hosted the event with Professor Michael Johnston, chair. Join us for another screening Wednesday, April 23, 135 Rickenbach.  

• Finance and Facilities

  Spring 2025 Accounts
  Students should take a minute to review their MyKU accounts for any recently added charges or changes in their aid that may have caused a hold or late fee. Holds for non-payment will block registration for Fall 2025.

  • Students access: MyKU > Student Account card > Payment Dashboard
  • Authorized Users access.

  Credit Card Processing Fee Increases May 5
  Our credit card processing agent has notified us that the rate to use a credit card will be increasing from 2.85% to 3% Monday, May 5. Payment Plans set up Sunday, May 4, or before, in good standing, using automatic payments with the credit card, will retain the lower rate for the life of that particular payment plan.

  Summer 2025 – Costs and Payment Information
  Summer 2025 registration opened mid-March. Summer costs are published online as well as page dedicated to Summer session payment information. Charges will not be showing in MyKU until mid-April. Due dates are assigned based on the date the registration occurs – details on the webpages above.

  Summer 2025 Payment Plans are Open
  Payment Plans are set up on the Payment Dashboard. A three-payment and two-payment plan option are available. Sign up using costs posted on the summer pages above. This will also lock in the current credit card processing fee (for the life of the current plan only in good standing).

  Fall 2025 Payment Plans are Open
  While bills are prepared in July, payment plans are open now for Fall 2025. Signing up now gets you the longest and best plan we offer. You can use the online Estimating Tool Worksheet to help you determine what amount you will need a plan for. The plan you create today can easily be adjusted up or down once you get the actual costs in July. Setting up a Fall 2025 payment plan is easy in the Payment Dashboard. The first payment and set up fee are required to complete the process. Need help calculating the amount you need the plan for? Email studentaccounts@kutztown.edu or call 610-683-4133.

  Fall 2025 Housing Assignments Require Fall Classes by June 15
  All returning students must be enrolled in Fall 2025 classes by Sunday, June 15, to keep any room assignments they may have selected this spring. If they are not enrolled in fall classes by June 15, their room assignment may be cancelled and the student will be added to a wait list for fall room assignments. Once they are enrolled in fall classes, they can then work with housing to obtain a new housing assignment based on availability.

  2025-2026 FAFSA– Deadline April 15 for State Grant Consideration
  The FAFSA for the 2025-26 school year should be completed by now, but if not, there is still time to do so – just do it quickly. If you are a state-grant recipient, or might be, your FAFSA must be filed and processed by KU by the end of April – there is no appeal if you simply file late. Do not miss out on free money if you are normally, or might be, eligible. File today.

  Fall 2025 Additional Loans
  Additional loans for next school year should be applied for in June. Loans must be certified and showing on MyKU by the due date; applying in July may cause delays. We encourage applying for the full school year – we will split the aid half for fall and half for spring rather than applying multiple times in a year. You can always reduce loans later if not all funds are needed.

  • Parent PLUS loans using parent FSA ID and password
  • Private alternative loans

  Flex Dollars Expire at End of Spring 2025 Semester
  These dollars expire at the end of the year – spend them now. We encourage if you need additional funds for the rest of the school year, consider Bear Bucks that can carry over to Fall semester if unused.

  Bear Bucks Refunds
  Students who are graduating or withdrawing from Kutztown University may request a refund of the unused funds in their Bear Bucks account. They can also choose to spend the remaining dollars in KU Campus Store for alumni gear, clothing or various supplies to prepare for next year. The student will need to complete the “Bear Bucks Account Closure” form and mail it to the KU Card Office, 107 Academic Forum, or they can request one from their KU email account by emailing the KU Card Office at kucard@kutztown.edu. There is typically a $10 processing fee. Once the form is approved, the refund will be processed and mailed to the home address on your MyKU account within two-to-four weeks.

  First-Time Students Guide Online
  Over the next few months, this webpage can provide assistance to our new incoming families, incoming new freshman, new transfer students and new graduate students. Check it often for new information and guidance to smoothly becoming a Golden Bear.

  Authorized Users
  Students can add Authorized Users at any time. Doing so allows the authorized user to get the billing emails and their own access to the student’s payment dashboard. Students can even set themselves up as authorized users to get billing emails to their personal email. Don’t miss the billing notices and risk losing classes for non-payment. Click here for the steps.

• Enrollment Management and Student Affairs

  KU Care Team
  Kutztown University is committed to assisting students facing unexpected financial emergencies through the KU Care Team. This initiative helps connect KU students facing unexpected financial emergencies with funds and resources, allowing them to refocus on their education. Students can submit a request using the online KU Care Team Emergency Funds Request form. Each request is evaluated individually by the team to ensure timely and appropriate support. Parents and families are encouraged to inform their students about this valuable resource. For more information, visit the KU Care Team webpage. By working together, we can help ensure that financial emergencies do not impede our students' educational journeys.

  Office of Student Assistance
  The KU Office of Student Assistance is dedicated to helping students navigate challenges that may impact their academic and personal success. This office provides guidance, resources and support to students facing difficulties such as financial concerns, academic struggles, personal hardships or accessing campus services. Parents and families play a vital role in student success and the Office of Student Assistance is here to collaborate with you. If your student needs help, they can connect with the office for individualized support and referrals to the appropriate campus resources. Encourage your student to reach out if they are experiencing difficulties – early intervention can make all the difference. For more information, visit the KU Office of Student Assistance website or email studentassistance@kutztown.edu. Together, we can ensure every Golden Bear has the support they need to thrive.

  April is the Month of the Military Child
  April is designated as Month of the Military Child – a time to honor the sacrifices made by military families worldwide, with an emphasis on the experiences of the dependent children of military members serving at home and overseas. Celebrate your military child and show him or her how great they are. Please visit our Rohrbach Library display case next to Book and Brew Cafe during the entire month of April for more information.

  Military and Veterans Services 5K Fun Run
  Join us to support our Kutztown University Military and Veteran student population by participating in a 5k Fun Run/Walk 9 a.m. Saturday, April 12. Free Rita's Italian Ice and event t-shirts will be provided to all paying participants. Win raffle prizes from local Kutztown small businesses. All proceeds benefit our KU Student Veteran Emergency Fund. Register online.

  Enrollment Certification Form
  Students who plan to use military benefits in the Summer 2025 sessions or Fall 2025 semester must submit their form after they register for classes and before the spring semester ends. The form can be found online.

  Safe Space Training
  Safe Space Training will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 15, 250 MSU. Students, staff and faculty are all welcome to attend. RSVP to attend via Engage. 

  Women’s Center Events
  Check out the following events at the Women’s Center in April.

  • Feminist Friday: Get Crafty at 2 p.m. Friday, April 11, Boxwood House.
  • Feminist Fun Night with FMLA: Tacos and Tote Bags at 5 p.m. Friday, April 18, Boxwood House.
  • Feminist Friday: Girls For The Planet at 2 p.m. Friday, April 25, Boxwood House.
  • Caps for Chemo Knitting Group: 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 16 and 23, Boxwood House.
  • Boxwood Banter: a monthly featured KUR Podcast and airs at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 22.

  It’s On Us Week of Action
  Thursday, April 10

  • 11 a.m., The Clothesline Project. This display honors women survivors and victims of intimate violence, held in 218 MSU.
  • 11 a.m. to noon, Healing from Trauma Workshop by Safe Berks, 223 MSU.
  • 6 p.m., Take Back the Night, 218 MSU. 

  Friday, April 11

  • 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Consent and Pledge table, MSU.

  Community Outreach Center Events
  Bingo at Willow Brook, 2-3 p.m., Friday, April 25. Sign up for all events on GivePulse.

  Multicultural Center
  April showers bring May flowers and the final stretch to graduation. The weather is more temperate and we can start looking forward to more outdoor events. "Haven't you heard?" SISTERs Spill meets monthly in our Unity Room 7-9 p.m., on the first Thursday of the month. Discuss sisterhood, the experiences of women and other topics. Participate in a study with the AIMS brotherhood at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, April 17, 202 Academic Forum. This group has been researching fatherhood for about 20 years. Stay updated with our Instagram and Tik Tok.

• Equity, Compliance and Legal Affairs

  Special Olympics Volunteers Needed
  The Disability Services Office (DSO) is seeking student volunteers to assist with the Special Olympics: Eastern Division, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 10. The event will take place on campus and the DSO will host a table in the “Olympic Village” area, offering sensory items, handouts and giveaways to athletes and guests during break times. Volunteers will help engage visitors at the table and ensure a welcoming, inclusive environment. Water and snacks will be provided throughout the day. If your student is interested in volunteering, please have them contact the DSO at DSO@kutztown.edu to request more information. 

  Student Employment Opportunities
  Does your student want to work on campus? Campus jobs provide students with much more than an hourly wage. Students who work on campus remain in college at a much higher rate than other students. They build valuable work experience, strengthening both knowledge and valuable soft skills sought by employers. Flexible schedules accommodate class schedules and academic needs, while students build 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 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. 

  Faculty/Staff Employment Opportunities
  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 a wide range of benefits, career growth and development opportunities and tuition waiver. Current opportunities are listed on our website.

  Sexual Assault Awareness Month
  April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. In collaboration with Kutztown's It's On Us Student Group, the Title IX Office will be hosting a number of Sexual Assault Awareness events throughout the month. Students who attend five Sexual Assault Awareness events during April will get a Birdie Personal Safety Alarm. Follow us on Instagram for more information on our Sexual Assault Awareness Month programming @KutztownTitleIX.

• University Relations and Athletics

  Celebrate Springtime Traditions at Easter on the Farm
  Celebrate Pennsylvania German Easter traditions and the vibrant folk culture of the region at Easter on the Farm, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, April 12, Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center. Easter on the Farm is a free, fun and educational event for the whole family featuring folklife demonstrations, live musical performances by some of the region’s finest folk musicians, kid’s activities, animals, local folk artists and our annual Easter egg hunts (12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.). For more information, including a list of vendors, demonstrators and activities for Easter on the Farm, follow ‘PGCHC’ on Facebook, email heritage@kutztown.edu or call 610-683-1589.

• KU Campus Store

  Egg Hunt
  Find eggs hidden around campus April 7-11 for a chance to get discounts on apparel and gift.

  Art Appreciation Day: April 15
  Save 15% on art supplies for Art Appreciation Day Tuesday, April 15. Additional discounts on POSCA, paint markers and other art accessories. In-store and online. Excludes other sales and discounts.

  Sidewalk Sale
  Shop and save on apparel, gift, tech and other deeply discounted items Tuesday, April 22, KU Campus Store, and Thursday, April 24, Dixon Marketplace. In-store only. Excludes other sales and discounts.

  Regalia Available for Purchase
  Regalia will be available for Spring 2025 graduates to purchase at KU Campus Store May 5-15. Shop in-store and online.

  Official Commencement Shirt for Spring Graduates
  Shop online only. Pre-order until Friday, May 2. Excludes other discounts and sales.

  Textbook Sellback
  Textbook Sellback is May 4-16, KU Campus Store.

• KU Foundation

  Spring Alumni Weekend: April 25-26
  Calling all KU alumni: mark your calendars and make plans to return to campus for our inaugural Spring Alumni Weekend, April 25-26. Activities include affinity networking opportunities, tours of donor-funded spaces, a planetarium show, a tailgate for the Maroon and Gold football game and more. Click here to view the schedule of events and register for Spring Alumni Weekend. Click here to register for the Maroon and Gold tailgate.

  Senior Toast: May 15
  Attention parents of Spring 2025 graduates: encourage your student to register for the Senior Toast. Sponsored by the KU Foundation and the Career Development Center, this exclusive event Thursday, May 15, includes delightful refreshments, a champagne/sparkling cider toast and an opportunity for photos with KU’s President, Dr. Kenneth S. Hawkinson. Click here to register.

• Dates to Know

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

  Registration for Fall 2025 classes for juniors begins - online by appointment times only.	April 10-13
  Last day for faculty to submit change of grades for undergraduate “Incompletes” for Fall 2024 and Winter 2025.	Friday, April 11
  Five-Week B Courses End	Saturday, April 12
  Five-Week C Courses Begin	Monday, April 14
  Registration for Fall 2025 classes for sophomores begins - online by appointment times only.	April 14-16
  Last day to drop a Five-Week C course with 100% reduction or refund ends at midnight. No reduction of charges or refunds for individual courses after midnight (Spring only).	Wednesday, April 16
  Registration for Fall 2025 classes for freshmen begins - online by appointment times only.	April 17-21
  Fall 2025 Open Enrollment	April 22 to May 15
  First day no reduction in charges or refund for university withdrawals for Five-Week C Students	Friday, April 25
  Last day to withdraw from Spring 2025 Full Semester and 10-Week courses and receive a grade of “W”. There is no withdrawal from individual courses after this date.	Friday, April 25
  Last day to permanently withdrawal from the university or request a Leave of Absence for the Spring 2025 semester.	Friday, April 25
  Last Day to "W" withdraw from a Spring 2025 Second Half of Term Course and receive a grade of “W”. There is no withdrawal from individual courses after this date.	Thursday, May 1
  FAFSA must be processed before May 1 for State Grant eligibility. For additional information, contact the Financial Aid Office.	Thursday, May 1
  Application deadline for Fall 2025 for Doctoral Social Work Program	Thursday, May 1
  Application deadline for Summer 2025 for Graduate Studies	Thursday, May 1
  Textbook Sellback KU Campus Store	May 6-15
  Last day of regular classes	Saturday, May 10
  Registrar to create grade rosters for Spring 2025	Monday, May 12
  Final Examinations begin	Monday, May 12