Author Markus Zusak spoke with the KU UR video team with his thoughts on his novel, "The Book Thief."

VIDEO:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CW5XuXV3P8

 
The Daily Brief
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
ANNOUNCEMENTS

KU Football Climbs in National Rankings - The Kutztown University football team climbed to 13th in the nation in the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Division II Poll and 17th in the D2 Football.com Poll this week. The Golden Bears are ranked ninth in Super Region One. The top six teams in the region will receive a bid to the NCAA Playoffs at the end of the regular season. This week’s homecoming opponent, Bloomsburg, is ranked fourth in the region, 12th in the AFCA Poll and 3rd in the D2 Football.com Poll. All Golden Bear fans are encouraged to put on your maroon and gold and come out this Saturday to what has shaped up to be one of the biggest football games in school history. The PSAC East title, a chance to play in the PSAC title game, and a chance at the playoffs will all be on the line. Kickoff is 1:05 at University Field. Students, faculty and staff are admitted free with a valid KU ID. Do not miss it!


Women’s Soccer Playoff Game against Gannon University moved to West Chester - The KU women’s soccer PSAC Playoff game scheduled for today at 1 p.m. at Keystone Field has been moved to West Chester due to snow on the game field. Results will be posted on kubears.com.
The Kutztown University Science Club will present “Somalia in Turmoil” on Thursday, November 10, from 5:30 – 7 p.m. in the Alumni Auditorium of the McFarland Student Union. The event will be an informative roundtable featuring panelists from Kutztown University who will address the current situation in Somalia. Topics will include: the ongoing civil war, terrorists concerns, famine, economic conditions and political instability. The event is sponsored by the Student Government Board and the Political Science department. See the informative poster here: http://www.kutztown.edu/news/brief/2011/November/somalia1.jpg

The Department of Modern Language Studies and the Language Resource Center invite you to investigate the unique holiday, The Day of the Dead. This year, there is a multi-media approach! From now until Nov. 11 you can: View informative posters on display in the LRC (DF 107); Watch the “Food for the Ancestors” DVD (on reserve in the LRC); and follow links to audio/video about this holiday. Visit the LRC in DF 107 or follow this link for details: www.kutztown.edu/academics/liberal_arts/lrc/
        Dawn Slack,  Department of Modern Language Studies

The KU Philosophy Club will meet on Thursday, Nov. 3, 11 a.m. in MSU 323. Colleen Fitzgerald (B.A. Philosophy, Kutztown; M.A. English, Lehigh) will be speaking: Cultural Imperialism? A Case in Muslim India.
        Zachary Groff, president, and Allan Bäck, advisor
Former KU Foundation employee Bob Kempf wanted the campus community to know about the passing of his mother, Joan Kostenbader Green. Services will be held on November 19 at the First UCC Church of Vero Beach, FL. Condolences can be sent to 4950 Abbey Road, Coplay, PA 18037, care of Bob Kempf.
        KU Foundation & Alumni Engagement

Please join the Office of Admissions in welcoming 25 eighth-grade students from Pottsgrove Middle School to our campus today. They will spend the day learning about their post-secondary options and experiencing firsthand the unique college lifestyle.
        Thomas F. Miller , graduate assistant, Admissions
Two Spirits Documentary – Join us on Nov. 3, 7:30 p.m., in MSU, Multipurpose Room 218, for a screening of the award winning PBS documentary Two Spirits. “This documentary interweaves the tragic story of a mother’s loss of her son with a revealing look at a time when the world wasn’t simply divided into male and female and many Native American cultures held places of honor for people of integrated genders.” The Cinema Guild. (2011). Two Spirits. Retrieved from Two Spirits: http://twospirits.org. For more information, please contact the GLBTQ Resource Center at x6-4111.
Updated Academic Department Chair list for Fall Semester 2011:

DEPARTMENT

FIRST NAME

LAST NAME

Academic Enrichment

Edwin

Nieves

Anthropology/Sociology

James

Delle

Art Education & Crafts

John

White

Athletics

Martha

Anderson*

Biology

Carol

Mapes

Business Administration

Roger

Hibbs

Communication Design

Karen

Kresge

Computer Science

Linda

Day

Counseling/Human Services

Deborah

Barlieb

Counseling/Psychological Services

Lisa

Coulter

Criminal Justice

Alexander

Pisciotta

Electronic Media

Joseph

Chuk

Elementary Education

Jeanie

Burnett

English

Janice

Chernekoff

Fine Arts

Cheryl

Hochberg

Geography

Richard

Courtney

History

Michael

Gambone

Instructional Technology/Library Science

Eloise

Long

Mathematics

Paul

Ache

Modern Language Studies

Karen

Rauch

Music

Willis

Rapp

Nursing

Mary Ann

Dailey

Philosophy

John

Lizza

Physical Sciences

Edward

Simpson

Political Science

Kristin

Bremer

Professional Studies

Elizabeth

Rogol

Psychology

Anita

Meehan

Rohrbach Library

Bruce

Gottschall

Secondary Education

Theresa

Stahler

Social Work

John

Vafeas

Special Education

Debra

Lynch

Speech, Communication & Theatre

Lisa

Weckerle

Sport Management

Lorri

Engstrom

 

 

                 Elsa Collins, Office of the President
ATHLETICS

NCAA report reflects high graduation rate for KU Student-Athletes - Men’s Basketball, Women’s Golf and Men’s Tennis are best in PSAC -Kutztown University student-athletes graduate at a rate much higher than the national average according to the annual Federal Graduation Rate Report released this week by the NCAA.

The 72 percent graduation rate of KU student-athletes easily eclipses the national student-athlete average of 55 percent, and is higher than the average for students in general. These figures are based on student-athletes entering the university during the 2004-05 academic year and graduating by spring of 2011.

“It is the ultimate goal of our athletic department to graduate all of our student-athletes and to prepare them for life after college,” KU athletics director Greg Bamberger said. “We are very happy with the continued academic improvement of our overall program and many of our individual teams.”

Among the 16 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) institutions, KU was fifth in student-athlete graduation rate. The Golden Bear men’s basketball (75 percent), women’s golf (80 percent) and men’s tennis (100 percent) teams were the best in the PSAC in their sport categories. KU women’s swimming and field hockey also ranked high, with graduation rates of 92 and 88 percent, respectively.

“I am very proud of our student-athletes and coaching staff for their efforts in achieving these results,” Bamberger said. “The graduate rate of our men’s basketball program is especially impressive, given their continuous improvement over the years and the fact that all 16 PSAC schools sponsor the sport.

Kutztown University athletics sponsors 21 sports at the NCAA Division II level. Men’s teams include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, tennis, indoor and outdoor track and field, wrestling. Women’s sports are sponsored in basketball, bowling, cross country, field hockey, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, indoor and outdoor track and field, and volleyball.
Home Athletics Schedule
Friday, Nov. 4 - Volleyball vs. Cheyney - 7 p.m. (Keystone Arena)
Saturday, Nov. 5 - Football vs. Bloomsburg (Homecoming) - 1:05 p.m. (University Field)

ARAMARK
Check out Chef Dan's Table every Tuesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in South Side Cafe. On Tuesday 1st, Chef Dan will be sauteeing Pasta Scarpella with Sausage, Chicken, Peppers, Onions, Mushrooms, over Penne Pasta! There will also be Antipasto Salad, Sausage Cheesy Bread, Garlic Bread, Tiramisu and more!On Thursday 3rd, Chef Dan will be carving BBQ Beef Brisket Sandwiches! You can also enjoy Twice Baked Potato Soup, Loaded Hash Browns, Fresh Fruit Parfaits and more! Talk about value...all you can eat for $5 if you pay with Dining Dollars!

Want to see what students are eating Wednesday nights at South Side Cafe? Check out this week's Premium Night selection...Get an 8oz NY Strip Steak with Baked Potato and Veggies, Tossed Salad, and Specialty Dessert for only $2.50 in addition to a meal swipe!

 Remember, Viewpoints options now include all menu items from South Side Cafe, including Chef Dan's Table. Pay only $5 for lunch at Viewpoints if you pay with Dining Dollars! Please email foodcontract@kutztown.edu with any questions.

In Case You Missed It:
 (Announcements and other information that have previously appeared in the Daily Brief.)
Snow pictures from the weekend are on our KU Flickr site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kutztownuniversity/sets/72157628018858974/ 


Thanks to Irma Aguirre in Admissions for speaking with the Reading Eagle about how KU is reaching out to young Latinos: http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=342555



Nice story by the Reading Eagle about how our students are pitching in to clean-up: http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=342256
Attention all faculty participating in the December commencement ceremony - Academic attire is required for all personnel who plan to march in the commencement processions. The University will provide maroon rental attire to all personnel needing to rent their regalia. Regalia may be rented by calling Amanda Schaeffer at x3-4044 or by emailing her at aschaeff@kutztown.edu no later than Nov. 4.
        Amanda Schaeffer, KUSSI
Community Volunteer Involvement Fair; Tuesday Nov. 1, 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. in MSU, room 218 - Faculty and Staff are welcome to come and check out how you can get involved in the local community. Over 20 community based organizations will be here to explain how you can make a difference by volunteering in Berks and Lehigh Counties. Please encourage your students to attend as well to find out how they can contribute the community. Sponsored by the Community Outreach Office and the Student Volunteer Coalition.
        Jerry Schearer, assistant dean, New Student Programs
Congratulations to Dr. Theresa Stahler, Department of Secondary Education, who has been named the recipient of the William Alexander Award: Outstanding PMSA Member, as part of a recognition program developed by the Pennsylvania Middle School Association (PMSA). Each year PMSA recognizes an individual who has made a significant, positive contribution to middle level education in the state of Pennsylvania. Congratulations, Dr. Stahler!
        Darrell Garber, dean, College of Education
Senate Governance Committee election results: Congratulations Jill Givler, Graduate Faculty Representative to the Grade Appeal Board. Congratulations Jerry Schearer, Professional Staff/Manger Representative to the Committee on Committees. Thanks to all the nominees and voters.

Nominations are still open for a tenured COE faculty representative to the Grade Appeal Board. Nominations will remain open until Nov. 2, at 11:59 p.m. Elections will take place Nov. 7 - 14. Please submit your name and a brief statement to dsantos@kutztown.edu.

Just a friendly reminder that the University Senate meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 3, at 4 p.m. in AF, room 203. If you are a Senator and cannot attend, please arrange for a substitute to represent your constituency.
        KU Senate
The Student Union Art Gallery has a great new exhibition on display. The gallery is currently featuring "Epithet" a series of mixed media works by Matthew Andre. The show will be up until Thursday, Nov. 10. There is a catered opening reception that is free and open to the public scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 2, from 6-7 p.m. Hope to see you all there.
        Alicia Bonilla-Puig and Elizabeth Emmett Gallery Coordinators

HEART at KU Informational Session - An informational session for the HEART at KU training will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 8, at 4:30 p.m. in the Women’s Center Oasis, OM 3. Training sessions are scheduled for Tuesdays and some Saturdays, January through March when classes are in session. This program is free to all KU students, faculty and staff.

This 60-hour domestic and sexual violence education seminar is held at Kutztown University once every academic year in conjunction with Berks Women in Crisis of Reading, Pennsylvania. Trainees will become certified advocates and learn how to be the first response for victims of domestic violence or rape. For more information: visit the Women’s Center at www.kutztown.edu/womenscenter , call x3-4655 or email womenscenter@kutztown.edu.
        Chelsea M. Brink, writing intern, Women's Center


KU’s First ZUMBA Challenge on Nov. 2 - Join the largest ZUMBA session on campus Wed., Nov. 2, registration starts at 10 p.m. in the Rec. Center, session is 10:30 p.m.-midnight. The KU Health Ambassadors in collaboration with the Recreational Sports Club Council are raising money to fight childhood obesity. Money raised will go to the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berks County. Bring spare change and join the fun or pick up pledge cards at the Health Center and Recreation Center. For more information contact KUHA@kutztown.edu.

2012 Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Open Enrollment – Open enrollment for the 2012 FSA plan year will be held from 10/31 - 11/11. Enrollment will occur via Employee Self-Service (ESS). Information including how to enroll via ESS can be found on H.R. website. If you currently participate in FSA plan(s), please be sure to read the migration letter on our website. Reminder: Even if you have a current FSA account for 2011, you MUST re-enroll for plan year 2012.
        Jean E. Adam, benefits manager, Human Resources
Keep KUR as your early autumn soundtrack - On Tuesday, Nov. 1, it's our normal "Tuesday Talk " segment of five hours of public access/community talk kicking off with "Kutztown Live" at 2 p.m. with host "Monsoon" Mike R. Mike often has interesting and surprise guests, so make sure you're a fan of our Facebook so you can get late-breaking updates on special interviews on "Kutztown Live." Then stay tuned at 3 p.m. for "The Dan Donahue Show," "The KU Car Show" at 4 p.m., "Notas Latinas" at 5 p.m.

All of this in addition to all the new great student/staff specialty shows, the full schedule of which can be found by clicking on the "Schedule" link on our webpage near the top.
        Michael Regensburger, KUR Radio


Winter Online Session Payment Plan - The Bursar’s Office is pleased to announce yet another way to make education affordable. The summer session payment plan has been so successful we have implemented a Winter Session Payment Plan this winter. This payment plan will be offered through our current provider – Tuition Pay by Sallie Mae at the one-time cost of $35.00 for 3 payments due Nov. 15, Dec. 15, and Jan. 15, 2012. More information regarding this exciting new offering and way to make college affordable is on our website along with the link to Tuition Pay to sign up today. Winter Session registration begins Monday, Oct. 31, 2011, but the plan is available today. http://www.kutztown.edu/admin/bursar/
        Wendy A. Pursell, bursar, Bursar's Office

Lunch and Learn: Careers in Marketing and Advertising (Pre-registration Required) - The Lunch & Learn Series provides a great opportunity to meet and interact with experienced professionals in a variety of career fields. Gather information on specific industries; learn insider career tips and job search strategies. The Lunch and Learn Series is open to students and faculty and a free lunch is provided. Tue., Nov. 1, 11-11:50 a.m., MSU 250.
        Kerri Gardi, director, Career Development Center
In the spirit of this year's Homecoming theme "Peace, Love and Homecoming", there will be several service projects for the KU community to participate in on Wednesday, Nov. 2, between 1 - 4 p.m. Sign up now. There will be free snacks for all participants. The first 500 students who participate in the KU Cares Community Service Day will get a FREE Homecoming 2011 T-shirt.

You may choose to work with fellow members of the KU community to participate in a Community Clean Up, make cards for those fighting cancer, write letters to the military serving overseas, or reorganize the lending library of the Women's Center and GLBTQ Center. All supplies will be provided. Just bring a smile and a positive attitude. Please sign up here: https://kunited.collegiatelink.net/form/start/6267
 

Thursday, Nov. 3, 11 a.m., swing by MSU and check out an edible art display of this year’s homecoming theme. Student designers Ashely Mentzer and Rick Sliwinski developed the design and mapped out the amount of cupcakes needed – about 500 tie dye cupcakes to produce the edible art. The cupcakes will be on display for a short while for photos with avalanche and then we will give out FREE cupcakes.
        Trisha J. Scarcia-King

The Housing Application process for Fall 2012/Spring 2013 for current on-campus residents takes place Nov. 1 - Dec. 16. Resident students must complete this process in order to select an on-campus assignment for the Fall 2012 and Spring 2013 academic year. A $50 non-refundable application fee is required at time of online application. Students should check their student e-mail account and our housing website for more information. Please feel free to contact our 106 Old Main office with any questions at x3-4027.
        Apryle Carney, assistant director, Housing & Residential Services