Daily Brief

Condolences

Our thoughts are with Nykolai Blichar as he mourns that passing of his father, Michael E. Blichar.  Mr. Blichar passed away on Sunday, Jan. 30. The obituary may be viewed here. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Nykolai at the Office of Student Involvement, 153 McFarland Student Union.   

Leah Cassellia, Office of Student Involvement

Kate Peffley to serve as Transfer Records Coordinator

Kate Peffley has assumed the position of interim Transfer Records Coordinator, effective immediately.  Questions regarding transfer records or processes can be directed to Kate at peffley@kutztown.edu. 

Ben Trout, Registrar's Office

KU Announces Sustainability Assessment

The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) is a self-assessment tool used by institutions of higher education to measure their sustainability progress. STARS will serve as the basis for developing the environmental sustainability plan envisioned in the Strategic Plan 2021-24 Goal 5 Sustainability of Resources and Stewardship of Place. STARS will also enable Kutztown University to benchmark with our peers. Participating in STARS requires a substantial amount of data collection in four main categories, academics, engagement, operations, and planning and administration. Nicole Prantow is a student intern spearheading data collection efforts. She will be sending emails this week to the President’s Cabinet requesting information from various staff. Thank you for your support.

Nick DeSalvo, Facilities

The History You Weren’t Taught in School

As we continue to observe Black History Month, I want to share an excellent body of work presented by MasterClass titled, "The History You Weren’t Taught in School." This series contains presentations from seven preeminent voices from the Black community: Jelani Cobb, Nikole Hannah-Jones, Angela Davis, John McWhorter, Cornel West and Sherrilyn Ifill. “From critical race theory to the 1619 Project, learn from seven Black intellectuals who are reshaping conversations on race in America.  Deepen your knowledge of Black-American experiences, past to present, with groundbreaking scholars.” Here is the link to the MasterClass: Black History, Black Freedom & Black Love (masterclass.com). 

https://learn.masterclass.com/blackhistorymonth

Jerry Schearer, Diversity & Inclusion Centers

Chambliss Undergraduate Student Academic Achievement Awards

Faculty and staff are encouraged to nominate undergraduate students graduating December 2021 or May 2022 for this prestigious award. Nominees should exemplify an exceptional individual achievement in one or more categories. A list of categories and a nomination form can be found at https://www.kutztown.edu/about-ku/administrative-offices/student-success-center/academic-achievement-awards. The deadline for nominations is Monday, Feb. 14.

Andrea Kirshman, Student Success and Academic Excellence

Lunar New Year Celebration

Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSAKU), International Students Organization and Multicultural Center will host the 2022 Lunar New Year Celebration 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15, 218 McFarland Student Union. The movie, "Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" starts at 6:30 p.m. Please come and enjoy the movie, fun games, boba tea, snacks and try to win prizes. It’s free and open to the public.  Please share the information with your colleagues, friends and family.

Yishen Lai, Department of Modern Language Studies

OnSite Dental - Currently Scheduling Appointments

Onsite Dental, the comprehensive mobile dental care clinic, is currently scheduling appointments for faculty, staff and students for Monday, Feb. 14, Wednesday, Feb. 16 and Thursday, Feb. 17.  Click Here to schedule an appointment, or call/text 484-284-9899 to learn more about services. OnSite Dental has highly-trained clinicians who provide everything from routine cleanings and exams to restorative care, including fillings, crowns, clear aligners and specialty care. OnSite Dental is a preferred provider for most major dental insurance plans and offers self-pay options and no-interest financing plans if needed. Anyone that schedules an appointment between Jan. 31 and May 1 will receive a Starbucks gift card after completing their first appointment. Next appointment dates will be Monday, Feb. 28, Wednesday, March 2 and Thursday, March 3.

https://onsitedental.com/location/kutztownuniversity

Mandi Volkert, Health & Wellness Services

Ujima Conference

The Multicultural Center's annual Ujima Conference is Feb. 22-24. The full schedule includes three guest speakers. Phillip Brashear, Chief Warrant Officer 5 in the Army Reserve, will present 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22, in 218 McFarland Student Union (cosponsored with Office of Veteran Services). Traciana Graves, entrepreneur and internationally acclaimed vocalist, will present 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23, Alumni Auditorium, 183 McFarland Student Union. Closing ceremony guest speaker professor Ilyasah Shabazz, award-winning author, educator, producer and daughter of Malcolm X, will present 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24, 218 McFarland Student Union. The full schedule also includes many fun events for faculty, staff and students, including rock painting, Well-Being events (cosponsored with KU Well-Being), Love Your Hair discussion with Texture Curl Bar and more. Please visit our website for more information. Feel free to contact Angelica Mishra, assistant to senior associate dean/chief diversity officer, at mishra@kutztown.edu or ext. 3-1362 for more information.

https://www.kutztown.edu/about-ku/administrative-offices/multicultural-services/events.html

Angelica Mishra, Multicultural Center