Daily Brief

Digital Accessibility and Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity refers to the idea that variations to the human brain that have historically been seen as disabilities are in no way deficits but are simply differences. It is an umbrella term that includes a number of diagnoses and identities, including autism, ADHD, OCD, learning differences, anxiety, depression and many others. Having materials that are digitally accessible helps more than just students with visual impairments. Students with attention struggles, dyslexia or processing delays can benefit from having their textbooks, handouts, assignments and any other written materials provided in a digitally accessible format that allows them to be read aloud. Sometimes, listening to the words while trying to physically read aloud can help with processing and comprehension. This is different from students with visual impairments who navigate readings through screen readers. For more information on neurodiversity, including accommodations that support neurodiverse identities, come check out one of our information tables during Neurodiversity Celebration Week, March 23-27.

Neurodiversity Celebration Week

Megan Rutter, Disability Services

Student Showcase April 9

The Student Showcase, 4-7 p.m. Thursday, April 9, is a featured part of President Cavalier's inauguration and will feature highlights from various departments and programs across each of the five colleges – Business, Education, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Visual and Performing Arts, University College – and various student clubs and organizations. Participants are encouraged to spend the evening on campus, moving between the Wells-Rapp Center for Mallet Percussion Research, Boehm Science Building, Sharadin Art Building, McFarland Student Union and Planetarium to see work by students and enjoy light refreshments along the way. Program and department highlights will include research poster presentations, artworks, musical ensembles and performances. Pick up a map from various volunteers located outside of the buildings to learn more about all the featured work. Look for sandwich boards and yard signs, directing you to the various buildings featuring student work. Registration is not required.

Inauguration

University Relations

KU Awarded State Grant for Continued Support of It's On Us PA

Kutztown University was awarded a $40,000 grant from the Shapiro Administration and the Pennsylvania Department of Education for the It’s On Us PA program in 2026. Forty-three Pennsylvania colleges and universities received grants this year, including Kutztown University, totaling more than $1.7 million. These grants are used to help combat sexual assault on campus.

It's On Us State Grant

University Relations

Limited Parking on Campus

Public Safety and Police Services would like to inform the campus community that parking will be limited Monday, March 23 to Friday, March 27. See below for event details and parking lots that will be impacted. Thank you for your understanding.
Monday, March 23
- Grad Fest, Lots A2, A3
- PASSHE Labor Relations, Lot A6
Tuesday, March 24
- Jr. Girls in STEM Symposium, Lot F1
- Grad Fest, Lots A2, A3
Friday, March 27
- Pennsylvania Political Science Association Conference, Lot A2
- Social Work Annual Community Forum, Lots A2, A3, F1 and B1

Danielle Santos, Public Safety and Police Services

Neurodiversity Celebration Week

The Disability Services Office is excited to hold Neurodiversity Celebration Week March 23-27. Join us for a collection of events throughout the week:
Monday, March 23
- 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Bears' Den by Starbucks, “What is Neurodiversity?” information and coloring table.
Tuesday, March 24
- 10 a.m. to noon, Rohrbach Library lobby, "DIY Glitter Bottles."
- 5-7 p.m., Viewpoints in South Dining Hall, "Silent Dance Party."
Thursday, March 26
- 5-6 p.m., 200 Academic Forum, "Fidget Item Bingo."
Friday, March 27
- 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Bears' Den by Starbucks, "Kindness Wall."

Neurodiversity Celebration Week

Megan Rutter, Disability Services Office

Diploma Frame and Alumni Merchandise Sale

During Grad Fest, March 23-24, diploma frames and alumni merchandise will be 20% off. Grad Fest is the only time diploma frames will be discounted. In store and online. While supplies last.

KU Campus Store

Kyle Rex, KU Campus Store

From Salon to Stage: Works by Fauré and Ravel

Music faculty members come together 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 23, Schaeffer Auditorium, for a night of French chamber music at its finest. Featuring Maria Asteriadou, piano, Kurt Nikkanen, violin, Peter Isaacson, viola and Sam Ou, cello, this concert invites you to experience the shifting musical landscapes of Fauré and Ravel. A performance not to be missed.

Music Events

Maya Strava Kokkinou, Music

Mary Bononno Retirement Celebration

Please join us in a celebration for the retirement of Mary Bononno, Institutional Research Statistician, 2-4 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, 250 MSU. Light refreshments will be served. Come wish Mary a happy retirement and the best of luck for her new adventures.

Office of Information Technology

Award Nominations due March 31

Please remember the award nominations listed below are due Tuesday, March 31. Nominations can be submitted using the appropriate form.
- Exceptional Service Award for Diversity Nomination Form (Faculty)
- Staff Exceptional Service Award Nomination Form
- Faculty Exceptional Service Award Nomination Form
- 2026 PASSHE Keeper of the Flame Award (Kutztown University)
- 2026 Martin Luther King, Jr. Service & Leadership Award (Staff/Administration)

Jerry Schearer, Chief Diversity Officer, Diversity and Inclusion

Campus International Engagement Form: Call for Participation

The Curriculum Internationalization Committee, a subcommittee of the International Initiatives Committee, invites faculty and staff to complete a Campus International Engagement Form. This initiative aims to strengthen and support global engagement efforts at Kutztown University by fostering connections among internationally engaged faculty and staff. The form will help identify faculty and staff interested in connecting around international work, learn more about current international activities across campus and identify interest in future global engagement opportunities. Participation is voluntary and takes less than five minutes to complete. For questions, please contact Dr. Christina Kinney or Dr. SungEun Min.

Campus International Engagement Form

SungEun Min, KU International Initiatives Committee

Survey on EV Charging Interest and Demand

Faculty and staff are invited to participate in a survey conducted by one of KU's students. The “Kutztown University EV Charging Interest and Demand Survey" is available until Friday, April 3.

Survey

University Relations

Tony Miceli Quartet featuring Diane Monroe

Join us 5 p.m. Saturday, April 4, Wells-Rapp Center for Mallet Percussion Research, for a truly unique jazz experience featuring Diane Monroe. The Tony Miceli Quartet consists of: Tony Miceli, vibraphone; Diane Monroe, violin; Tom Kraine, cello; Nimrod Speaks, bass. Tickets for the Tony Miceli Quartet are available online.

Wells-Rapp Center for Mallet Percussion Research

Andrew Veit, Music

Elder Care Workshop for Caregivers of the Elderly

The Commission for the Status of Women is hosting Robert Kreitz, estate planning, estate administration and elder law attorney, and Melissa Oley, Protective Services Supervisor from Berks Area Agency on Aging, 11-11:50 a.m. Thursday, April 16, 203 Academic Forum or via Zoom. The workshop is open to all students, faculty and staff. Please RSVP by 4 p.m. Friday, April 10, to pytleski@kutztown.edu. If you are on campus and would like a box lunch, please include your lunch choice in your RSVP from the following options: bavarian ham and swiss on ciabatta, chicken caesar wrap, or grilled vegetable wrap with spicy hummus.

Commission on the Status of Women and Gender Issues

Patricia D. Pytleski, Commission for the Status of Women

University Curriculum Committee

The University Curriculum Committee will meet 11 a.m. Thursday, March 26, via Zoom. The UCC Document Submissions SharePoint page will include the link and meeting agenda.

Brian Meares, University Curriculum Committee

FYSM 100 Professional Development (Spring-Summer 2026)

Faculty who teach First-Year Seminar 100 can apply for a paid professional development opportunity designed to get students more engaged in FYSM 100 classes. Applications will be accepted until Friday, March 27. Apply online.

Tony Bleach, English, First-Year Seminar Faculty Fellow