May 2025

Volume 7, Issue 10

• Campus Announcements

  Philip Cavalier Named President of Kutztown University
  The Board of Governors of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education on Wednesday unanimously selected Philip Cavalier, Ph.D., to be the next president of Kutztown University following a nationwide search. The appointment takes effect July 6, 2025. Cavalier will succeed Kenneth S. Hawkinson, Ph.D., who has served as president since 2015. Hawkinson announced last year his intention to retire this summer. "I am thrilled to be selected to serve as the next president of Kutztown University and join a remarkable community of engaged scholars and professionals committed to transforming students' lives,” Cavalier said. “During his 10 years of exemplary leadership, President Hawkinson has built a strong foundation for Kutztown. I look forward to collaborating with all the campus and external stakeholders to enhance Kutztown's reputation as a premier regional university in the northeast." Read more.

  Spring 2025 Commencement Set for May 16-17
  More than 1,250 students will be awarded degrees during Kutztown University’s Spring Commencement ceremonies May 16-17, at O'Pake Fieldhouse. Dr. Kenneth S. Hawkinson, university president, and Dr. Lorin Basden Arnold, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, will preside. Graduate students will receive their degrees at 5 p.m. Friday, May 16, including 18 doctoral candidates. Undergraduate students in the Colleges of Education and Liberal Arts and Sciences will graduate at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 17. Undergraduate students in the Colleges of Business and Visual and Performing Arts will graduate at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 17. Read more.

• Academic Affairs

  Career Development Center
  Summer Break is a great time for students to work on their career development. Job shadowing, informational interviews and working to gain related experiences can all happen during this time. Encourage your student to think about what they can do to prepare themselves for a career they will love. We do host appointments during the summer, so encourage your student to schedule one today. Appointments are made through Handshake.

  Big Wins at the Pennsylvania Sports Business Conference
  A huge congratulations to the Kutztown University Sport Management team, Andrew Batista, Bryan Pensyl and Kevin Schwartz, for earning an impressive second place in the Pennsylvania Sport Business Case Competition. This year’s case, provided by the Buffalo Bandits, challenged teams to develop a comprehensive social media strategy to enhance fan engagement and brand visibility. Special recognition goes to Andrew Batista, who was named Most Valuable Presenter (MVP) for his outstanding professionalism and presentation skills. We also celebrate Dr. Jayden Kim, who received the Outstanding Faculty Award in recognition of his dedication and leadership. Well done to all for representing Kutztown University with excellence.

  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.

• Finance and Facilities

  Authorized User Access in the Payment Dashboard
  Students can set up third parties/parents to have their own access to the Payment Dashboard, including being sent the statement notice emails. The student should navigate to MyKU > Student Accounts card > Payment Dashboard > Authorized Users. We can’t recommend this enough, as students often miss emails to their KU email account and can risk losses of class schedules, late fees and holds. Having a backup supporting them is helpful.

  Fall 2025 Payment Plans Open
  While bills for Fall 2025 are prepared in July, we have longer, better payment plans available now using estimated costs. You don’t have to use a payment plan, but it can make paying out of pocket easier and more affordable. To determine the out-of-pocket costs, please use our Estimated Tool Worksheet. Current students can use this year’s costs as an estimate and update in July or use the estimates. New students will want to use the estimates and their award package. Simply adjust your plan amounts once the actual bills are prepared in July. Setting up a Fall 2025 payment plan is easy on the Payment Dashboard. Students navigate to MyKU > Student Accounts card > Payment Dashboard / Payment Plan. Authorized Users should navigate here. 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 Billing and Estimated Costs for 2025-26
  Fall 2025 bills are scheduled to be prepared mid-July in MyKU and will be due Friday, Aug. 8. Estimated costs are online for planning purposes (Undergraduate Estimated costs for 25/26. Graduate Estimated costs for 25/26).

  Spring 2025 Balances
  Any balances that are not included in approved deferments (later due date) are considered past due and moving through the collections process. Late fees include $50 a month for up to three months. Unpaid balances will be placed with the PA State Attorney General’s Office for collections after three collection letters/statements and attempts. Holds will only be lifted once the account is paid in full. If placed with an agency such as the AG office, additional wait time will occur for the payment to clear and the hold to be released. There is still time to look at loan options such as a parent plus loan, additional Stafford loans if plus loan is denied, or private alternative loans. Once spring is over, those options are gone. Do not wait any longer.

  Summer 2025 Registration and Costs
  Summer 2025 registration opened mid-March. Summer costs are published online as well as page dedicated to Summer session payment information. Due dates are assigned based on the date the registration occurs. The Summer 2025 payment plan is open now.

  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 a new fall room assignment. Once they are enrolled in fall classes, they can then work with housing to obtain a new housing assignment based on availability.

  FAFSA 2025-26
  The deadline to be eligible for State Grants was having a FAFSA processed at KU by May 1. It is not too late to file the FAFSA for next year for Stafford loans and other grant options.  Do not delay. FAFSA must be filed before the last day of the semester to be eligible for loans or Pell grants if you meet eligibility with academics (FAFSA 24/25 – Fall 24, Spring 25 and Summer 25 – uses 2022 taxes. FAFSA 25/26 – Fall 25, Spring 26 and Summer 26 – uses 2024 taxes).

  Fall 2025 Additional Loans
  Additional loans for next school year should be applied for in June. Loans must be certified and shown on MyKU by the due date; applying in July may cause delays. It can take a few weeks for a loan to show as pending on the account and it must show by the due date. 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 are online using parent FSA ID and password. Private alternative loans are available online.

  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. The ability to purchase Flex Dollars will close Thursday, May 1.

  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 the bookstore 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 become a Golden Bear.

• Enrollment Management and Student Affairs

  End of Semester Move Out
  Students will need to move out of their spring housing assignment 24 hours after their last in-person final exam or 6 p.m. Friday, May 17, whichever comes first. Students will be sent several emails to their KU email detailing the instructions they need to complete to move out of the halls. All rooms will be assessed and inspected by staff after all residents leave for the semester. Please see our website for more detailed closing instructions.

  Meal Plan Selection for Current Students
  Students can login to their MyKUHousing account through Friday, June 13, to select their meal plans for the 2025-26 academic year. Students living in Berks, Bonner, Beck, Deatrick, Dixon, Lehigh, Rothermel, Schuylkill or University Place are required to have one of the three MyTime Dining Plans: Gold, Platinum or Diamond. These plans provide unlimited access into our all you care to eat facilities in addition to Flex Dollars. Students living in apartments or off campus can select from any of our meal plans. Our Meal plans can be found online.

  May is Foster Care Awareness Month — Honoring Resilience and Empowering Futures
  Kutztown University proudly recognizes May as Foster Care Awareness Month, a time to honor and uplift students who are currently in or have experienced foster care. These students bring extraordinary resilience, strength and perspective to our campus community. KU is committed to supporting their success through the Providing Resources and Opportunities for Future Standouts (PROFS) program. PROFS offers comprehensive support including academic guidance, life skills development, financial assistance and a strong sense of community. The PROFS program is proudly supported by ChildPromise Inc., which helps provide critical resources to students with foster care experience. To learn more about the PROFS program or ways to support students with foster care experience, please contact Nadia Daher at profs@kutztown.edu or stop by 109 Stratton. Let’s continue working together to ensure all Golden Bears feel seen, supported and celebrated.

  Multicultural Center
  Cue "Pomp and Circumstance" because it is graduation season. Congratulations students. This celebration is not just for your graduate, but for you, too. You may have played a critical role in your child, ward or mentee's success. The Multicultural Center is hosting its Kente Stole Graduation at 5 p.m. Thursday, May 1, to commemorate the successes and achievements of students involved in our diverse clubs and organizations. Invitations have been sent out and RSVPs were required. The Department of Modern Languages is hosting its graduation ceremony 3-6 p.m. Monday, May 5; SALSA, 4-9 p.m. Tuesday, May 6; BSU, 4-9 p.m. Friday, May 9; all in the Unity Room.

  Our Representation Matters group will host its final potluck of this semester 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday, May 6, Unity Room Come visit. Stay updated with our Instagram and Tik Tok.

  Butterfly Garden
  Join the Office of Student Involvement for our annual Butterfly Garden 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, May 1, MSU Lawn. Learn more on Engage.

  Pet Therapy Day
  Unwind and take a break from studying for finals and meet our furry friends of Peaceable Kingdom Petting Zoo 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 6, MSU Lawn. Learn more on Engage.

  Finals Week Snacks
  Snacks will be available on Monday and Tuesday of Finals Week, May 12-13, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., MSU Lobby.

  MSU Trivia
  Come to the next MSU Trivia, Pop Culture for 2025, 7 p.m. Monday, May 5, 223 MSU.

  Commuter Student Association
  Come to the next Commuter Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday, May 6, 223 MSU.

  Community Outreach Center
  The Community Outreach Center is cooking and serving food at the Opportunity House in Reading 4:15-7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 1. Transportation is provided. A blood drive will be held 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, 218 MSU.

  Women’s Center
  Feminist Friday, Composed and Creative, is scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday, May 9, Boxwood House. Paint with us and relieve some pre-finals stress. Learn more online.

  LGTBQ+ Resource Center
  The Allies 30th Anniversary Celebration Week is this week, April 28 to May 2. Learn more on Instagram.

  Allies Pride Prom
  Join us in celebration of the Allies 30th Anniversary with "A Blast from the Past" Pride Prom at 7 p.m. Friday, May 2, 218 MSU.

  Lavender Graduation
  Join us to celebrate the graduating students from the Allies and FMLA and others who were active students at the LGBTQA+ Resource Center and the Women's Center at noon Sunday, May 4, Kutztown Park. There will be food, music and tons of fun. Help us celebrate our students and send them off from Kutztown into the world. All KU students welcome. Learn more online.

• Equity, Compliance and Legal Affairs

  Academic Accommodation Letters – Summer Session I
  Academic Accommodation Letters for Summer Session I will be available for students to send to their course professors beginning Monday, May 26. Please encourage your student(s) to check their KU email or log into the Accommodate Portal for detailed instructions on how to send their electronic Accommodation Letters to summer course instructors. The DSO will email these instructions and also post them on the Accommodate homepage the week prior to the start of Summer Session I.

  Requesting Accommodations – New Students
  Parents and families of incoming freshmen and transfer students: now is the time for your student to begin the Accommodation Request Process. Please encourage your student(s) to visit www.kutztown.edu/DSO and select “Requesting Accommodations” from the left-hand menu to review the steps involved. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to the DSO via email at DSO@kutztown.edu or by phone at 610-683-4108. The DSO remains open during the summer (8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday) and we welcome visits. If you'll be on campus this summer, feel free to call ahead to schedule a time to stop by. We are located in 215 Stratton Administration Building.

  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 Misconduct Awareness Programming
  During the 2025-2026 academic year, Kutztown University's Title IX Office hosts more than 25 events aimed at raising students' awareness of sexual misconduct, consent, healthy relationships and active bystander intervention. In addition, more than 200 students participated in Kutztown University's Green Dot Bystander Intervention Workshops during the program's first year. We thank all the students that attended these programs and look forward to continuing to raise awareness of these issues during the 2025-2026 academic year. Follow the Title IX Office on Instagram to stay up to date on all our events and awareness campaigns.

• University Relations and Athletics

  Keystone Hall to Undergo Renovation
  Kutztown University’s home for Golden Bear Athletics, Keystone Hall, will undergo a complete building renovation for the first time in its 54-year existence, beginning May 2026. The building will feature a modernized home for KU student-athletes, coaches, staff and fans and is slated to open January 2028. Learn more.

• KU Campus Store

  Textbook Sellback
  Textbook sellback is a great opportunity to get cash back on course materials. Sellback is May 5-15, KU Campus Store.

  Regalia On Sale for Spring Graduates
  Stop in the KU Campus Store May 5-14, or purchase online. Purchase of regalia includes tickets and tassel.

  Commencement Flowers
  Celebrate with flowers for commencement. Purchase online.

• KU Foundation

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

  Honor your KU Grad's Achievements
  Looking for a way to celebrate your Golden Bear? Consider having your graduate's name engraved on a brick in Alumni Plaza. Click here to learn how to purchase a brick in the plaza, one of the most popular spots on campus.

• Dates to Know

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

  Fall 2025 Open Enrollment	April 22 to May 15
  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
  Final Examinations begin	Monday, May 12
  Last Day to "W" withdraw from a Spring 2025, 5-Week C Course and receive a grade of “W”. There is no withdrawal from individual courses after this date.	Tuesday, May 13
  Last day for Graduate students to make up “Incompletes” from the Spring 2024 and Summer 2024 semesters.	Wednesday, May 14
  Registration for Fall 2025 closes. Reopens Monday, Aug. 4.	Thursday, May 15
  Second Clinical Experience Assignment ends.	Thursday, May 15
  Residence halls close at 6 p.m. Anyone with Saturday examinations or graduating seniors must make special arrangements with Housing and Residential Services in advance.	Friday, May 16
  Graduate Commencement, 5 p.m.	Friday, May 16
  Second Half Communication Design Courses end.	Saturday, May 17
  Undergraduate Commencement, 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.	Saturday, May 17
  Last day of Spring 2025 semester	Saturday, May 17
  Spring 2025 grades available through MyKU at 8 p.m., unless notified.	Tuesday, May 20
  Final decisions for cancellation of classes for the Summer I and 10-Week 2025 sessions (subject to change)	Friday, May 23
  Residence Halls: Summer Session I Check-In	Sunday, May 25
  Memorial Day – University Closed	Monday, May 26
  List of Spring 2025 Undergraduate Honors (Dean’s List) to be forwarded to the appropriate College Deans by the Registrar’s Office	Tuesday, May 27
  Summer Session I 2025 begins.	Tuesday, May 27
  Summer Session 10-Week 2025 begins.	Tuesday, May 27
  Deadline to add/drop a Summer Session I course at midnight without receiving a grade of “W”.	Wednesday, May 28
  Last day to drop a course with 100% reduction or refund ends at midnight. No reduction of charges or refunds for individual courses after midnight. (Summer Session I only)	Wednesday, May 28
  Summer Session I “W” period.	May 29 to June 24
  Deadline to add/drop a Summer Session 10-Week course at midnight without receiving a grade of “W”	Thursday, May 29
  Last day to drop a course with 100% reduction or refund ends at midnight. No reduction of charges or refunds for individual courses after midnight (Summer 10 Week only).	Thursday, May 29
  Summer I and Summer 10W Inclusive Access Opt-Out Deadline	Friday, May 30
  Summer Session 10-week “W” period	May 30 to July 28
  Make-up classes will be held for Summer Session I	Saturday, May 31
  Graduate international student application deadline for Fall 2025 semester	Sunday, June 1
  Refunds for overpayments of Summer Session I will begin no sooner than this date (subject to change)	Tuesday, June 3
  First day financial aid can disburse for Summer Sessions 2025 (subject to change)	Friday, June 6
  Last day for Undergraduate and Graduate students to apply for Summer Session I 2025 graduation.	Friday, June 6
  First day no reduction in charges or refund for university withdrawals (Summer Session I only)	Friday, June 6