Daily Brief

Student Accounts Office Represents KU at National Council

Wendy Pursell, director of Student Accounts, joined 11 other directors to kick off the 2025-26 term with the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) Student Financial Services National Council. Alongside partners from Vanderbilt, University of North Texas, University of Chicago, Rutgers and Philadelphia Community College, among others, the group focused on the hot topics in the industry, including the changes in the political and regulatory climate in higher education. Great attention was on the One Big Beautiful Bill impacts, workforce environments and initiatives to increase enrollment and affordability.

University Relations

Daily Brief Delay

We apologize for the delay in today's Daily Brief, caused by website software updates.

University Relations

Open Hour with Provost

Faculty, staff and students are invited to drop by and chat with Dr. Lorin Basden Arnold, provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs, during her open office hour 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, Old Main concourse. Faculty and staff who would like to have a conversation, but for whom this time does not work, are welcome to contact the Office of the Provost at 610-683-4155 to schedule a time to meet.

Office of the Provost

Anne Imschweiler, Provost Office/Academic Affairs

Your Marketing Help Desk: Live Q&A

Are you ready to take your marketing to the next level? Join us noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18 for this free weekly session, where small-business owners and entrepreneurs can bring their questions about digital marketing, social media strategy, Canva and branding and get expert answers in real time. This interactive "help desk" format provides practical insights, tools and strategies to strengthen your brand and grow your business in today's digital marketplace.

Register

Rachael Wolfe, KU SBDC

AFSCME Holiday Party RSVP

Attention AFSCME 2234 members: if you are planning to attend the holiday party Saturday, Nov. 22, please be sure to let a board member know so we can keep an accurate count. Also, we are collecting toys for the Reading Childrens Home. If you would like to donate, let us know and we will pick it up.

Christina Ferris, AFSCME/Biology

Call for Centrally Funded Graduate Assistant Requests for 2026-2027

Kutztown University is now accepting requests for centrally funded Graduate Assistant (GA) positions for the 2026-2027 academic year. Priority consideration will be given to positions with a returning GA for Fall 2025. Applications will be evaluated based on the educational benefit to the student, the position's importance to university operations and alignment with university guidelines for graduate assistantships. Graduate assistantships are designed to enhance a student's educational experience while supporting KU's academic mission. Each assistantship should clearly identify learning outcomes and connect to the student's academic or professional goals. Assignments may include research assistance, peer counseling, lab or instructional support, tutoring, academic advising or data management. GAs may not independently teach lectures or labs without a faculty member present. Applications must be submitted using the Graduate Assistant Request Form, available at KU Forms Portal. Each GA position requires a separate application, even if duties are similar.
Timeline
- By Dec. 1, 2025: graduate program coordinators, job supervisors, area directors and faculty submit forms to department chairs or area directors.
- By Dec. 12, 2025: chairs and directors review and forward approved requests to academic deans and vice presidents.
- By Jan. 16, 2026: deans and vice presidents complete reviews and coordinate with the Office of Extended and Lifelong Learning and Graduate Studies.
- By Jan. 30, 2026: a review committee ranks requests from “not recommended” to “critical for university operations.”
- By Feb. 13, 2026: notifications are sent to departments and offices.
For department or externally funded GA positions, applications use the same Docusign form. Department funded requests (stipend and two-thirds tuition covered by the department or grant) are due Friday, Dec. 12. Externally funded positions have no deadline.

Melissa Lincoln, Vice Provost Office

Kutztown SBDC Strengthens Regional Business Partnerships through TriCounty Chamber Collaboration

The Kutztown University Small Business Development Center joined regional business and community leaders to celebrate the TriCounty Chamber of Commerce's new office location at the Philadelphia Premium Outlets, outlet mall located in Limerick Township, Montgomery County, Pa., approximately 35 miles northwest of Philadelphia. Representing the SBDC were Aaron Springer, business consultant, and Rachael Wolfe, consultant manager, who participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony highlighting collaboration, entrepreneurship and small-business development across southeastern Pennsylvania. The TriCounty Chamber of Commerce (TCACC) serves southeastern Berks, western Montgomery and northern Chester Counties, including the Route 422 corridor, and plays a central role in advancing business growth, workforce development and regional economic vitality. The Chamber's new office within the Philadelphia Premium Outlets complex expands access to business resources and professional networking opportunities for entrepreneurs and employers throughout the region. In October 2024, the Northeast Berks Chamber of Commerce ceased operations and its memberships were formally transferred to the TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce, strengthening the Chamber's regional network and unifying business support services for communities throughout Berks County and neighboring areas. In addition to SBDC consultants, Kutztown University graduate students Gabriela Fialová, Emily Keenan and Soufiyane Belyamani, along with undergraduate intern Jakob Wioskowski, provided digital content and marketing support for the Chamber. Their involvement demonstrates Kutztown University's commitment to experiential learning and DCED's 10-Year Strategic Plan for Economic Development in Pennsylvania its mission is to connect students with real-world opportunities that retain talent in Pennsylvania’s business ecosystem. The Kutztown SBDC provides no-cost, confidential consulting to help entrepreneurs start, grow and strengthen their businesses through business planning, marketing strategy, financial management and funding preparation. To request free business consulting or learn more about the Kutztown SBDC's community partnerships, visit our website.

KU SBDC

Rachael Wolfe, KU Small Business Development Center

Course Design Winter Institute Jan. 5-6

Calling all COMP2xx faculty. Applications will be accepted until Monday, Nov. 17, for a paid professional development opportunity, designed to get your students more engaged in the research and writing process. Through this workshop, we also hope to build community and a shared sense of purpose in the composition program. Apply online.

Sandi Leonard and Andy Arnold, KU Composition

Provost's Excellence in Teaching Grant

The deadline to apply for the provost's Excellence in Teaching Professional Development Grant has been extended to Friday, Nov. 28.

Excellence in Teaching Grant

Karen Rauch, Office of the Provost

CEL League of Learning Leaderboard

Engage, connect, learn and earn points with our League of Learning leaderboard. The latest League of Learning leaderboard standings are in and the competition is heating up. At the end of the semester, the faculty member with the highest total will win exciting prizes. Visit our events page for more information on how you can take advantage of upcoming opportunities to learn and earn points. Remember, the more you participate, the more points you earn.

League of Learning

Center for Engaged Learning