Office of Student Assistance Brochure: Accessible Version
The Office of Student Assistance
The office collaborates with campus and community resources to help students reach their full potential. We foster a supportive, student-centered space where students are empowered to advocate for themselves, overcome challenges, and build resilience—promoting academic success, well-being, and the skills to thrive at college and beyond.
Our Values
1. Connection
The Office of Student Assistance at Kutztown University serves as a vital support hub, connecting students with essential resources both on campus and within the broader community.
2. Care
The Office of Student Assistance at Kutztown University is dedicated to supporting the whole
student through personalized care and guidance. By addressing individual needs, the office helps students navigate challenges, whether academic, personal, or emotional.
3. Self-Determination
The Office of Student Assistance at Kutztown University empowers students to become confident self-advocates by providing guidance, resources, and support tailored to their needs. Through personalized assistance, the office helps students navigate university policies, communicate effectively with faculty and staff, and access on- and off-campus resources.
What We Do
- We listen closely to students and talk through any questions, concerns, or challenges they may face as they navigate University life.
- We help students build confidence as problem‑solvers by guiding them to understand their rights and empowering them to handle conflicts effectively.
- We walk students through the different options available so they can choose the path that best fits their situation.
- We offer a supportive, respectful environment where students feel comfortable sharing what’s on their mind.
- We answer questions and connect students with the right University staff or faculty who can provide additional guidance.
- We help students access helpful on‑ and off‑campus resources so they can build a strong network of support throughout their college experience.
When should I contact Student Assistance?
You have choices regarding what resources you can use for assistance. Remeber, you can always talk to your professor, department chair, academic advisor, academic dean, or staff members in any of the university administrative offices. Many valuable resources are available to you within these departments.
Contact the Office of Student Assistance if:
- You’re unsure which policies or procedures apply.
- You need help clarifying an academic or university issue (e.g., extenuating health-related circumstances).
- You need support with an administrative procedure (withdrawal, Leave of Absence).
- You’d like help communicating with faculty, staff, administration, or another student.
- You need support working toward a solution.
When Unexpected Challenges Occur
Student Assistance works with students experiencing extenuating circumstances who may need to explore options available to them at the university.
Academic Exception Committee Petition
Examples of requests include, but are not limited to:
- An additional semester of academic probation following academic dismissal
- A backdated withdrawal from (year/semester) to W grading
Leave of Absence
A Leave of Absence (LOA) allows students to take a temporary break from their studies; a leave of absence may be granted for one semester, with the possibility of renewal for a consecutive semester, upon approval of the Registrar, all while maintaining their status as a KU student. Eligible students include those in good academic standing who are enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program and need time away for personal, medical, financial, or other reasons.
Withdrawal from a course or the university
Withdrawing refers to one of the following scenarios:
- Withdrawal from a course or courses, while staying enrolled in at least one credit for that term or session.
- Withdrawal from the entire semester or session, or from KU completely.
Contact Us
Phone – 610-683-1396
Email – studentassistance@kutztown.edu
Office – 119 Stratton Administration Building
Schedule a meeting with a team member
Click on the “Form” tab found on the left side of this website. You can refer yourself or another student for assistance.
Hours of Operation
• Academic Year – 8:00am – 12:00pm; 1:00pm – 4:30pm
• Summer and Winter Breaks – 8:00am – 12:00pm; 12:30pm – 4:00pm