Daily Brief

Sheperis Leads NASEM Workshop

Dr. Carl Sheperis, vice provost and dean of Graduate Studies, recently co-chaired a landmark workshop series titled "Addressing Training Site and Slot Shortages Across the Health Professions." The series was hosted by the Global Forum on Innovation in Health Professional Education through the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM). The final session convened Oct. 15-16, National Academies' Keck Center, Washington, D.C., drawing participation from more than 500 attendees representing health professions worldwide. The two-day program brought together leaders from medicine, nursing, counseling, psychology, public health and allied disciplines to explore innovative solutions to the growing shortage of high-quality training placements for health-profession learners. Sheperis serves as the counseling profession's representative to the Global Forum, positioning Kutztown University as a voice in shaping national and international dialogue about the future of health-professions education. His leadership helped guide discussions focused on equitable access to clinical training, interprofessional collaboration and sustainable workforce pipelines that meet the needs of diverse communities. Founded in 1863 by an Act of Congress signed by President Abraham Lincoln, the National Academies function as a private, non-governmental institution charged with advising the U.S. government on issues of science, engineering and medicine. Today, it remains a global convener for evidence-based policy and innovation across disciplines. Kutztown University's involvement in this prestigious body underscores the institution's expanding role in addressing national health-workforce challenges through research, innovation and partnership. As Sheperis noted during the sessions, "ensuring access to quality training sites is central to preparing the next generation of compassionate and competent health professionals."

Melissa Lincoln, Office of the Vice Provost

Percussion Ensemble Concert Featuring the World Premiere of "Chainsaw Dance"

Join us for an unforgettable evening of rhythm, energy and artistry as the Kutztown University Percussion Ensemble presents its fall concert 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, Wells-Rapp Center for Mallet Percussion Research Performance Hall. Under the direction of Dr. Frank Kumor, the KU Percussion Ensemble will showcase an exciting program highlighting the incredible talent and versatility of Kutztown's percussion students. The concert will feature the world premiere of "Chainsaw Dance," an electrifying new work by composer Caleb Pickering. The premiere will spotlight Dr. Andrew Veit, KU percussion faculty member, as snare drum soloist. Known for his dynamic performances and technical command, Veit brings this bold and innovative composition to life in its first public performance. From driving rhythms to shimmering textures, this concert offers a fresh and immersive percussion experience for audiences of all ages. Whether you're a longtime percussion enthusiast or simply curious about the art of rhythm, this event promises to inspire and entertain. Admission is free and open to the public. Seating is limited, so early arrival is encouraged. Experience the cutting edge of contemporary percussion, right here at Kutztown University.

Wells-Rapp Center for Mallet Percussion Research

Dr. Andrew Veit, Wells-Rapp Center for Mallet Percussion Research

Campuswide Turf Application

TruGreen will be on campus Wednesday, Oct. 22, to perform our annual fall fertilizer and weed control application. This application is weather dependent. If rain is imminent, the application will be rescheduled. If the application occurs, please stay off treated areas until they are dry. Thank you for your patience.

William Meeker, Facilities

Student Organization Advisor Needed

The former official Kutztown University student chapter of Turning Point is preparing to re-activate as a student organization in Spring 2026. The group is in need of a faculty/staff advisor. If you are willing to serve in this capacity, please contact Xavier Bartholomew at xbart749@live.kutztown.edu. The Turning Point national website says, "Turning Point USA's student program exists to educate young people about the importance of limited government, free markets and freedom. Students are encouraged to be leaders in their communities and educate others on American ideals in a fun and compelling way." More information about the role of a student organization advisor can be found online.

Leah Cassellia, Office of Student Involvement

Join the Phi Kappa Phi Advisory Board

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi celebrates academic excellence in all disciplines and our Kutztown University chapter is looking for a few new voices to join our advisory board. If you are already a member of Phi Kappa Phi or are interested in becoming one, and you enjoy supporting students and connecting with colleagues across campus, we'd love to have you involved. The time commitment is minimal and it's a great way to contribute to our university community by supporting our outstanding students. The current advisory board is Lyn McQuaid, mathematics, Michael Gabriel, history, Allan Back, philosophy and government, and Briana Zdradzinski Tyler, Student Success and Academic Excellence. If you are interested or just want to learn more, please reach out to McQuaid at mcquaid@kutztown.edu.

Phi Kappa Phi

Lyn McQuaid, Mathematics

Midterm Progress Survey Available

The Fall 2025 Midterm Progress Survey is available for faculty in Starfish through Thursday, Oct. 30. This is a great opportunity to support and motivate students. Faculty are encouraged to use the survey to send kudos to acknowledge strong performance, reinforce positive habits and encourage students to finish the semester strong. The survey also allows faculty to raise flags of concern for students who may be in danger of failing, who might benefit from withdrawing or who are facing specific academic challenges. Each kudos and flag message includes the option to add additional content, with two templates fully open to personalize messages. All message templates can be viewed in Starfish D2L. If you have any questions, please email starfish@kutztown.edu, call 610-683-4106 or join an Starfish Express Workshop.

Nancy Brynildsen, Center for Student Success and Academic Excellence

Apply Now: KU Grant to Support Affordable Course Materials

Faculty are invited to apply for the Kutztown University Open Educational Resources (OER) Affordable Course Materials Grant. This program supports faculty in transitioning their courses from expensive, commercially produced textbooks or other paid course materials to free, high-quality OER, directly lowering the cost of education for our students. Five selected applicants will each receive a $1,000 award plus benefits for adopting OER and completing assessment reports. The grant is open to all permanent tenured and tenure-track faculty. A dedicated support team, including OER Sourcing, accessibility, instructional design and pedagogy experts, is available to assist applicants in finding and integrating materials for their courses. For complete guidelines and to apply, please visit the KU OER Grant webpage. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, Nov. 5. If you have questions, please contact Dan Stafford at stafford@kutztown.edu.

Dan Stafford, Rohrbach Library