Daily Brief

KU Micro-Internship Program at AAC&U Conference on Learning and Student Success

Kerri Gardi, director of the KU Career Development Center (left), and Dr. Brandy Leininger, Title III Grant Project Manager (right), presented at the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) Conference on Learning and Student Success in Puerto Rico. The presentation "Equitable Access to Work-Based Experiences: Building an In-House Micro-Internship Pilot Program" highlighted the innovative approach to connecting students with paid, short-term projects that benefit all KU students but most poignantly for our underserved minority, low-income and first-generation populations. As part of a scaffolded approach to career readiness, micro-internships give students access to hands-on, transformational experiences in the job setting earlier in their college career with exposure to diverse settings and populations. These short-term interactions with employers open doors to mentorship and professional relationships that may lead to full-term internship and job opportunities. If you are a faculty or staff member who may have connections with regional partners or a need for project-based work in your department, please reach out to the Career Development Center at recruiting@kutztown.edu.

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Brandy Leininger, Academic Affairs

Feeling Inspired at KU Inspires 2025

More than 50 student researchers presented their original work at this year's KU Inspires, A Celebration of Undergraduate Research and Creativity. KU Inspires is an on-campus, low stakes conference held in Rohrbach Library, where undergraduate and graduate students can share their ideas in a friendly environment. The conference featured panel presentations on the hour and an all-day poster gallery. Formats include: paper presentations, posters, artwork, original creative writing, comics/zines, performances and short films. Watch for announcements in the fall semester about KU Inspires 2026. Photo: Allison Lentz (Faculty Mentor: Greg Setliff) talks about her research with conference attendees.

KU Inspires

Lynn M. Kutch, Undergraduate Research and Creativity

From the Office of Student Assistance

We encourage you to complete a Student of Concern Referral form or submit a Student Assistance referral through Starfish if you notice a student who appears to be struggling. Signs may include changes in behavior, appearance, class attendance, academic performance, communication or general signs of distress. As we near the end of the Spring 2025 semester, we recognize that this time of year can be particularly challenging for many students. Increased academic pressure, financial strain, emotional fatigue and personal stress are common as finals approach and the semester wraps up. If you're concerned about a student's ability to succeed or their overall well-being, please do not hesitate to make a referral. These referrals help connect students with the resources and support systems they may need during this high-stress time. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the Office of Student Assistance at studentassistance@kutztown.edu. For more information, visit the Student Assistance website. For emergencies that require immediate attention, contact Public Safety and Police Services at 610-683-4001.

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Kelly Hojnacki, Office of Student Assistance

Reboot and Recycle

KTech and iGreen, a local recycling company, will be on campus 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday, April 22, DMZ, to collect your electronic recyclables. Clear out your old tech and give it a new purpose. Safely recycle your electronics to help protect our planet's health and earn raffle tickets for a chance to win an iPad sixth generation, provided by iGreen. Plus, join us for fun Earth Day activities.

iGreen Recycling

Donna DeMarco, KTech

A Life in American History: Dr. Mark Christian on the Legacy of Frederick Douglass

Kutztown University's Frederick Douglass Institute announces a guest lecture by distinguished scholar of Africana Studies, Dr. Mark Christian (CUNY Graduate Center/Lehman College), Thursday, April 24, Multicultural Center Unity Room. Christian will present his latest book, Frederick Douglass: A Life in American History (Bloomsbury Press). A renowned author, editor and researcher, Christian brings decades of experience and insight to this timely and important conversation on one of the most transformative figures in American history. Christian's academic journey spans both the U.K. and the U.S., including a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Sheffield, an M.A. in Africana Studies from The Ohio State University and a B.A. in Sociology and American Studies from Liverpool Hope University. His scholarship has contributed significantly to Africana Studies and the critical analysis of race, identity and institutional structures. His 2021 biography, Booker T. Washington: A Life in American History, earned a 2022 RUSA Award from the American Library Association for “Outstanding Reference for Adults.” This upcoming event offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with Christian’s scholarship. His presentation will not only explore the life and legacy of Frederick Douglass, but also examine how historical narratives can serve as tools for empowerment, resistance, and reflection. We invite students, faculty, staff and community members to participate in the networking reception (10:30 a.m.), attend the lecture (11 a.m.) and stay for the Q&A (noon) with FDI Director, Dr. Amber Jean-Marie Pabon. Seats are limited, register online.

Frederick Douglass Institute

Amber Pabon, Frederick Douglass Institute

Dissertation Defense by Katie Monahan

The College of Education announces a dissertation defense by Katie Monahan, "Reducing barriers to entry: enhancing inclusivity and engagement in elementary school extra-curricula programs," 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, April 29, 245 Beekey. The dissertation chairperson is Dr. Andrew Miness and the dissertation committee members are Dr. Denise Bosler and Dr. Meg Norris.

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Catherine McGeehan, EDD Program

Save the Date: 2025 PASSHE Diversity Conference

Please save the dates Oct. 29-30, PennWest Clarion, for the PASSHE Diversity Conference, 'Together We Thrive: Building Inclusive Excellence Across the State System.' Call for presentations will be out at the end of April.

Jerry Schearer, Diversity and Inclusion/Chief Diversity Officer

May Assessment Day

We invite faculty to join us for May Assessment Day, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday, May 29, 250 McFarland Student Union, to rate student work products from SLO 7 pertaining to FYSM collected in Fall 2024. Volunteers should plan to attend the entire day; the norming process is required to participate in the rating sessions. Please feel free to share this information with your colleagues and encourage them to attend. A reminder will be sent a week prior to the event. To register, please visit the link below. For any questions or concerns, please email gepac@kutztown.edu.

Register

General Education Program and Assessment Committee

Faculty Can Continue to Send Kudos, Raise Flags and Make Referrals in Starfish

Although the Midterm Progress Survey is now closed, faculty are encouraged to continue sending kudos, raising flags of concern and making referrals in Starfish. To do so, simply select the course and use the appropriate kudos, referral or flag button.
Available Flags of Concern:
- In Danger of Failing
- Recommendation to Withdraw (available through April 25)
- Custom Academic Concern
Each message template allows for personalized comments; and two flag types are fully customizable. All templates can be previewed in Starfish D2L. Questions? Contact us at starfish@kutztown.edu, call 610-683-4106 or stop by a Starfish drop-in training session.

Nancy Brynildsen, The Center for Student Success and Academic Excellence