Daily Brief

KU Awarded $2.2 Million in Grants from U.S. Dept. of Education to Prepare Future Educators and Expand Access to Braille Instruction

For children who are blind or visually impaired, access to a highly qualified teacher can be life-changing. Thanks to two new grants from the U.S. Department of Education totaling $2.2 million, Kutztown University's nationally recognized Visual Impairment program will help prepare more specialized educators, expand innovative braille instruction and create new opportunities for students across the country. The two five-year grants will support projects designed to address critical shortages in the field of visual impairment education while improving learning outcomes for children and young adults with visual impairments. The awards reflect Kutztown University's long-standing commitment to preparing highly qualified educators and advancing innovative practices that increase access, independence and opportunity for learners nationwide.

Grants to Prepare Future Educators and Expand Access to Braille Instruction

University Relations

Sharma Advocates for Social Work and Student Well-Being on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C.

Dr. Yasoda Sharma, professor of social work and board director for the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Region IV, took the voice of social work to Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Thursday, Sept. 24, advocating for policies that support students, families and communities. NASW Region IV represents social workers across Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky. During the visit, Sharma met with Senate offices and engaged with officials from the Education and Workforce Higher Education Subcommittee to highlight the critical role social workers play in education and student success. Sharma and her NASW colleagues advocated for legislation and policy priorities affecting school social work, student mental health, access to essential supports and universal school meal programs. Their discussions emphasized the importance of ensuring that students have access to the social, emotional, mental health and basic-need support necessary for them to succeed in school.

University Relations

Limited Parking in F1 by Stadium and F4

Parking will be limited in the lower lot of F1 near Andre Reed Stadium and in lot F4 Friday, Oct. 9. The Department of Counselor Education and Student Affairs will be hosting 100 guests on campus. Thank you for your assistance and understanding.

Danielle Santos, KU Public Safety and Police Services

Pedestrian Crosswalk Painting

All pedestrian safety crosswalks on campus will be repainted Friday, Oct. 9. Contractors will begin with less-used crosswalks and then move to more active crosswalks later in the day. Pedestrian travel controls will be utilized. We apologize in advance for any disruption. Questions or concerns should be directed to the Project Manager, Mark Prevoznik, at ext. 6-4272.

Bill Leech, Facilities Project Services

MSU Fall Break Hours

The McFarland Student Union will be closing at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, and will be closed Saturday, Oct. 10 and Sunday, Oct. 11. On Monday, Oct. 12, our hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. We will resume normal hours Tuesday, Oct. 13.

Amanda Garcia, MSU Operations

Free Tickets for "Centralia: The Fire Below"

This new play will premiere 7:30 p.m. Oct. 15-16, and 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, Schaeffer Auditorium. "Centralia: The Fire Below" is the saga of the Pennsylvania town consumed by an underground mine fire. The 90-minute play features several original films, including "The Murder and Trial of Alexander Rea" and "Centralia Hill: Silent No More." A museum of Centralia artifacts will be available in the Schaeffer lobby 30 minutes before and after the performance. The cast includes actors from New York City, Philadelphia and Kutztown University. Tickets are free. Use the following link to reserve your tickets today: Centralia Tickets. For more information, email Centralia@kutztown.edu.

Centralia: The Fire Below

Deryl Johnson, Communication Studies

Calling All Offices: Host a Donation Box for Our Military Care Package Event

Our deployed military service members spend months away from their families, friends and the comforts of home. A simple care package filled with thoughtful items can provide encouragement, boost morale and remind them that their community is thinking of them. We are seeking campus offices interested in supporting this effort by hosting a donation collection box. We are collecting new, unopened, nonperishable snacks, card games, self-care and body care products, hair care items, stationery supplies and letters of encouragement to include in care packages for deployed soldiers. At the conclusion of the donation drive, all collected items will be assembled into care packages and sent to deployed service members. If your office is willing to serve as a collection site, we will provide a donation box along with a flyer listing suggested donation items. Contact Brianna Mazza if your office is interested in hosting a collection box or for additional information. Thank you for helping us make a difference for those serving our country.

Brianna Mazza, Military and Veterans Services

Faculty Call: Fall 2027 Learning Communities

Interested in exploring new ways to build connections and a stronger sense of community among students? Learning Communities are faculty-led experiences that bring a group of students together as a cohort by enrolling them in two or more courses together. By sharing classes, students have opportunities to build relationships with one another and with faculty while developing a stronger sense of connection to the university. Faculty interested in learning more about Learning Communities are invited to attend an informational session at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, via Zoom. Faculty who are unable to attend at this time may contact Steve Lem, chair, Academic Advising and Student Development, for more information.

Steve Lem, Academic Advising and Student Development