Daily Brief

Designing Assignments to Support Every Learner

The Center for Engaged Learning (CEL) recently hosted a successful Assignment Reboot Workshop, bringing together 11 faculty members from all across KU for a hands-on session focused on inclusive assignment (re)design. Participants worked with existing course assignments, using Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and the “I Can. I Care. I Matter.” framework to examine how well their assignments support student motivation and meaningful engagement. Rather than redesigning from scratch, faculty made targeted revisions, exploring inclusive strategies and, where helpful, AI tools as design support aligned with their teaching goals and students' needs. The workshop also benefited from the perspective of CEL guest Bo Kim, director of studies and instruction at The Hill School, Pottstown, Pa., who contributed insights from the high school context. Overall, the session emphasized practical, immediately usable changes that reduce barriers while maintaining academic rigor, reinforcing CEL's commitment to faculty-centered, inclusive teaching practices.

Center for Engaged Learning

Communication Studies Welcomes Clerical Assistant Jessica Goggins

The Department of Communication Studies is pleased to welcome Jessica Goggins as our clerical assistant. Jessica comes to us from the Department of Modern Language Studies and the Department of Anthropology and Sociology. Her office is in 214C Rickenbach Learning Center. Stop by to welcome her.

Communication Studies

Registration Open for Women's Conference at KU

Please join us for the Women's Conference at Kutztown University Monday, Feb. 23, themed "Resilient, Restorative, United." We look forward to welcoming you to a powerful day of learning, reflection and inspiration centered on advancing equity and strengthening our communities. Registration includes breakfast and lunch; students are free to attend.

Women's Conference Registration

Marlene Nanouh Fares, PASSHE Women's Consortium

Walking the Dream: FDI's MLK Day in Philly

The Frederick Douglass Institute (FDI) hosted the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Field Excursion to Philadelphia Monday, Jan. 19, offering students an immersive learning experience rooted in history, culture and collective reflection on civil rights and civic leadership. Designed as a field-based research experience, the day invited students to pause, observe and engage deeply with cultural landmarks connected to the struggle for justice, including the intersection where Dr. King delivered a speech during his Freedom Now Tour Aug. 3, 1965. The day began at Uncle Bobbie's Coffee and Books in Germantown, a community-centered bookstore dedicated to Black literature, dialogue and belonging. Students then participated in a guided walking tour with Philadelphia Mural Arts, led by a former teacher whose parents are Kutztown University alumni. Students learned about the organization's commitment to community collaboration and restorative justice, and encountered public art honoring the Tuskegee Airmen, anti-graffiti activist Tim Spencer and women social justice leaders. Reflecting on the experience, Aaliyah Nelson wrote, “It made me see Philadelphia in a different light. Taking the time to actually see the murals and not think of them as just paintings on a wall while driving by is something." Student photographer Taj Davis documented the day. The day culminated with an MLK Day Tribute Concert at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, featuring conductor Thomas Wilkins and The Philadelphia Orchestra. Taylor Richardson noted, "This was my first time seeing an orchestra. I loved how they talked about current things happening in the world at the beginning and weren’t scared to speak out on them." FDI thanks Student Scholars Jeremiah Purvis, Damere Jackson and Aaliyah Nelson for helping shape the day. To learn more, contact fdouglass@kutztown.edu or visit the Multicultural Center, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday, or by appointment.

Frederick Douglass Institute

Amber Pabon, Frederick Douglas Institute

Maximize What Starfish Can Do For You

Join us for one or more Starfish Express Workshop, offered twice a week, 3-3:30 p.m. Tuesdays, and 11-11:30 a.m. Thursdays. Learn how to navigate Starfish features, set up your profile, manage consultation hours, raise flags, referrals and more. Zoom link to join. The next workshops are Thursday, Jan. 29, Tuesday, Feb. 3, Thursday, Feb. 5. Please contact starfish@kutztown.edu or 610-683-4106 if you are unable to attend a scheduled session.

Nancy Brynildsen, Center for Student Success & Academic Excellence

Fellin named PSAC co-Indoor Track Athlete of the Week

Kutztown's Michael Fellin posted a NCAA provisional qualifying time in winning the 60-meter dash at Saturday's Gulden Invitational hosted by Bucknell. With that speedy time, Fellin was named this week's PSAC co-Indoor Track Athlete of the Week. Fellin, an All-America Second Team finisher at the 2025 NCAA DII Championships, ran a 6.75 in the finals to top a trio of Shippensburg foes. The school record holder in the 60m, Fellin achieved his third NCAA cut time in two meets this season after eclipsing the provisional standard of 6.82 in both prelims and finals at the Fast Times Before Finals meet at Lehigh back in early December.

Sports Information