August 2025

Volume 8, Issue 1

• Campus Announcements

  Tuition Rates for 2025-26
  The following letter was emailed to students Wednesday, July 23.

  Dear Kutztown University Students,

  Kutztown University and the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) understand the importance of an affordable quality education for our students and their families. The PASSHE Board of Governors, which is responsible for setting tuition for KU and our sister institutions, has supported this effort by keeping in-state tuition the same for seven consecutive years.

  PASSHE is requesting a 6.5% increase in state funding from the Legislature to maintain flat tuition again this year. However, it is too soon to know if this request will be funded. As a result, the Board of Governors approved new tuition rates for the 2025-26 academic year July 17 and would roll back the rate if the state provides sufficient funding as part of the current state budget negotiations. Setting tuition now with the option to revisit the decision gives clarity to our students who will start the semester next month. This decision also provides flexibility to state leaders as their budget negotiations continue.

  In-state undergraduate tuition for the 2025-26 academic year will increase by $139 per semester to $3,997. Full-year tuition will increase by $278 to $7,994. Even with this increase, KU and PASSHE schools remain the most affordable four-year option in Pennsylvania.

  Students are being billed at the adjusted rate set last week by the Board of Governors. If the Board of Governors make further adjustments to tuition after state funding is finalized, the university will reduce the tuition expense accordingly.

  Students who are currently benefiting from KU’s out-of-state reduced undergraduate tuition rate will not experience an increase this year. For undergraduate students who don’t qualify for the reduced out-of-state tuition rate, the out-of-state max tuition rate will increase in line with the Board of Governors proposal.
  Graduate tuition will increase by 3.5% ($18 per credit for in-state students and $27 per credit for out-of-state students).

  Students and their families can find complete information on 2025-26 costs and the full news release from PASSHE at the links below.

  We wish you a safe and happy remainder of summer and will keep you informed as further updates become available.

  KU Office of University Relations

  Undergraduate Tuition and Fees
  https://www.kutztown.edu/affordability/tuition-and-fees-(undergraduate).html

  Graduate, Doctorate Tuition and Fees
  https://www.kutztown.edu/affordability/tuition-and-fees-(graduate).html

  Housing Tuition and Fees
  https://www.kutztown.edu/about-ku/administrative-offices/residence-life-housing-and-dining-services/housing-information-and-residence-halls/housing-costs.html

  Financial Aid and More
  https://www.kutztown.edu/affordability.html

  PASSHE Sets 2025-26 Tuition with Option to Reduce if Funding Becomes Available
  https://www.kutztown.edu/news-and-media/news-releases/july-2025/passhe-sets-2025-26-tuition-with-option-to-reduce-if-funding-increases.html

• Academic Affairs

  Free Summer Learning Just Got Smarter – Explore New AI Courses
  Students can enjoy free access to Coursera courses all summer long. It is the perfect time for your student to boost their skills with short, flexible learning – from business and tech to today’s hottest topic: artificial intelligence. For more information, visit KU’s Extended Learning website.

  KU Succeed Academic Recovery Program – Fall 2025
  Is your student navigating academic challenges at Kutztown University? The KU Succeed program is here to empower them with the tools, strategies and support they need to get back on track. Tailored for students who are ready to turn things around, this dynamic academic recovery program offers individualized coaching, hands-on skill-building workshops and seamless access to campus resources. It is more than just academic support – it is a pathway to renewed confidence and long-term success. Encourage your student to make the most of this opportunity and take charge of their future. Fall 2025 is the perfect time to make a fresh start. For more information, visit our website or contact the Center for Student Success and Academic Excellence. Let us work together to help your student achieve their academic goals.

  KU Student Success Navigators: Supporting Your Student Every Step of the Way
  At Kutztown University, every new student is assigned a dedicated Student Success Navigator to provide personalized guidance and support. Navigators work alongside academic advisors to ensure a smooth and successful college experience. Once your student’s Advanced Registration Deposit (ARD) is processed, they can access their Student Success Navigator through Starfish using their KU student email and password.

  Encourage your student to reach out in these situations:

  • They have a question.
  • They encounter an issue or obstacle.
  • They are facing a personal challenge.
  • There is a hold on their account.
  • They are unsure who to contact.

  Navigators know the ins and outs of KU and can point students in the right direction. No matter the concern, help is just a conversation away. Encourage your student to reach out to their Student Success Navigator whenever they need support.

  Transfer Student Success Coordinator
  Meet Briana Zdradzinski, coordinator for Student Success and Transfer Engagement, a key resource for your student’s transfer journey to KU. Briana is available for one-on-one meetings to support students as they transition and adjust to life at KU. Prospective and current transfer students are encouraged to connect with her to schedule an appointment and learn more online.

  University Writing Center
  Please have your student(s) reach out to the KU Writing Center for writing help or to schedule a writing session concerning papers for any subject or discipline. The Writing Center opens Monday, Aug. 25, for the Fall 2025 semester. Students can call 610-683-4733 or email wrcenter@kutztown.edu to set up an in-person appointment. They can also schedule an online appointment. Please see our website for additional helpful instructions and screenshots. Any questions can be directed to wrcenter@kutztown.edu or pytleski@kutztown.edu.

  Rohrbach Library Hours
  The Rohrbach Library hours for Fall 2025 are:

  • 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
  • 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday.
  • 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday.
  • 2-10:30 p.m., Sunday.

  Further exceptions can be found by visiting our website. 

  Library Technology Resources
  In addition to five fully equipped computer labs, our library offers a wide variety of technology and equipment for KU students, faculty and staff use. Laptops are available for checkout, along with digital cameras, graphing calculators, headphones, chargers and Kindle tablets. For a complete list of available items, please visit our Library Equipment website.

  Career Development Center Upcoming Events

  • KU Internship and Job Fair: noon to 3 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 15, 218 MSU. 65+ employers attending.
  • Graduate School Fair: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday, Oct. 27, 218 MSU.
  • Job Fair for Educators: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 13, 218 MSU.

  KU Career Classic
  The Career Development Center, in partnership with the men’s golf club and College of Business, is hosting the fourth annual Fundraising Golf Outing Friday, Sept. 12, Golden Oaks Golf Club, Fleetwood, Pa. In addition to the golf outing, this event features a networking lunch with KU business students and faculty. Players of all skill levels are welcome. Great food, prizes, contests and more. All funds raised through both registrations and additional donations will benefit KU students directly. Learn more and register today on the KU Career Classic Golf Outing webpage.

  KU Students Study Abroad
  This summer, 47 Kutztown University students embraced global learning experiences by studying abroad with KU professors. Students explored the rich cultures and histories of Greece, Ireland, Japan and Germany/Austria. Eight students pursued independent study programs in Spain, the United Kingdom, France and Italy. We are proud of our Golden Bears for embracing new experiences and representing Kutztown University around the globe. View the MyGlobalKU website for study abroad advising information.

  Summer Art Camps for Kids Hosted at Kutztown University
  It may be quiet on the rest of campus, but Sharadin was bustling with hundreds of young artists in June and July. KU’s Community Kids Art Camp offered full days of studio-based making and learning for community children in grades one through nine. Focusing on textiles, printmaking, ceramics, drawing and painting, these camps were taught by accomplished alums from KU’s art education teaching program and were assisted by current KU studio art and art education majors. KU studio art students were given grants from the Bierman mentorship program and art education students were given class credits. This continues to be a hugely popular program with the community and KU students.

• Finance and Facilities

  Spring/Summer 2025 Balances
  Students are encouraged to check their MyKU > Payment Dashboard > Make a payment > Pay by term, to clear up any small charges they may have forgotten about from last year and the summer. Holds have already been added and late fees are being applied shortly.

  Student ID Number Change
  Reminder that all students have an ID number that starts with a P as of July 2024. Incumbent students have continued to use their old ID number, which delays posting and replies.

  Statement/Bill Location
  MyKU > Student Accounts Card > Payment Dashboard > Statements. The On Demand Statement option will show you the most current real time, as-of-that-minute statement. The static monthly statements that are created at that moment in time and are not updated.

  Stafford Loans – Accept or Decline – Requirement for All Students
  All students must accept or decline their Stafford loans in MyKU > Student Self Service > Dashboard > Financial Aid > Award Offer (second tab) > under Loans, select Take Action and use the dropdown to accept or decline. Loans will not show until this is completed (3-5 days). Should a student need to change their action chosen, they would need to complete a student loan change form. Financial Aid can lend guidance at 610-683-4077.

  Transcripts for New Students
  Incoming freshmen need to be sure their final high school transcript was sent to Admissions. Incoming transfer students who earned an associate’s degree need their final college transcript only. Aid will not show as authorized until this is on file.

  Outside (non-KU) Scholarship Awards
  Many students receive scholarships either as they graduate high school, or awards that they renew each year. Student Accounts will not carry these items over from year to year. If you have an award that is renewed, please send an updated award letter to our office so we can add a courtesy credit to the statement that can reduce the charges you need to pay. We will only add courtesy credits for scholarships of $1,000 or more. Email these award letters to studentaccounts@kutztown.edu. Any award checks sent to you that are made payable to just the student do not have to come to our office; we don’t need those award letters. Only items that are payable to KU or KU and the student will need to come to our office. Call us to answer any questions.

  Additional Funding Options – Apply for Loans
  Many students will need additional funding after their awarded aid package from the FAFSA completion. Some will pay the difference; some will use a payment plan (see below) and some will use additional loans. Additional loans should be applied for quickly, as it will take up to two weeks or more for Financial Aid Services to certify loans and allow it to show on the Fall account, thereby reducing the charges due. 

  • Alternative Loans are loans in a student’s name with a credit-worthy co-signer (some even have a parent option now). These can take up to two weeks to show as pending aid in MyKU. Don’t delay. You can always reduce these loans before they disburse.
  • Parent PLUS loans are loans in a parent’s name they take to help a student. Approvals and denials (parent denials may offer students some additional Stafford Loans) can take up to two weeks to show as pending on the account.
  • Apply for the full year – so double the cost need for Fall and use the loan period of August 2025 to May 2026. Financial Aid will split the loan evenly between Fall and Spring.

  Interest does not start until the funds are disbursed (i.e., September and February). Do not delay; apply for these extra loans in June. You can easily reduce the loans later by completing a loan change form once the actual charges are on the account and you see all of the figures in one place. More information on additional funding options is available online. You can also get more information by calling Financial Aid Services at 610-683-4077.

  The Difference Between Authorized Aid and Awarded Aid
  Once the FAFSA is completed, an aid package is prepared for a student by Financial Aid Services. This is called awarded aid. This aid will not be shown as a reduction to the charges on a bill. To move from awarded aid to authorized aid, students must complete all requirements, such as accepting the loans in MyKU, verification if selected, Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling (if not already completed at KU), submitted their final high school transcript (or college transcript), be enrolled in courses and lastly, the student must be eligible for aid (financial aid progress). Only aid that is shown as authorized will be considered as payment toward the charges due. Students can check if they have any outstanding verification aid items online: MyKU > Student Self Service card > Dashboard > Financial Aid > Federal Tasks.

  Fall 2025 Payment Plans
  Payment Plans remain open for the Fall 2025 semester charges until Wednesday, Aug. 13. The three-payment plan is open until Aug. 13. A student can sign up for a plan now and adjust the plan later if charges or aid changes. There is no fee for increasing or decreasing the plans as needed. MyKU > Student Accounts card > Payment Dashboard > Payment Plans.

  Authorized Users – Payment Dashboard Access
  Students can share access to their Payment Dashboard, including getting the billing notification emails. Students go to MyKU > Student Accounts card > Payment Dashboard > Authorized Users.

  Student Accounts Summer Office Hours
  Over the summer, we are still available to help you. We recommend email as our preferred method of communication to allow us time to research and review the account for a good answer; however, you may always call us as well at 610-683-4133. We are open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

  Address and Email Updates
  Now is a great time for students to review their addresses on MyKU and their personal emails. Students can update their mailing address. Home address changes must be done online with a request to the Registrar’s Office. The student must log in to do so. We also ask that students review their personal emails so that we have another way to reach them. High school email accounts are often disabled after graduation and many students forget to remove these. Please review these today. Emails can be updated in MyKU. Remember, KU email is our formal method of notification.

  Parking Permits
  Parking Permits may be purchased online at $75 for the full year or just $50 for the Fall semester. Students go to MyKU > Vehicle Services to purchase.

  Parking Ticket Payments
  Parking Ticket payments are paid online at MyKU > Vehicle Services. Students can check to be sure any tickets from last year are paid to avoid additional fines or penalties.

• Enrollment Management and Student Affairs

  Move-In Day Dates and Times
  New (Incoming/First-Year) and Transfer Move-In is Thursday, Aug. 21; exact move-in times, based on room numbers, can be found online. Returning Student Move-In occurs Friday, Aug. 22, through Sunday, Aug. 24. Returning students can move in any of these three dates anytime between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Please view our website to see what times are recommended for the halls and which items are prohibited.

  Welcome Weekend
  Welcome Weekend 2025 is Aug. 21-24. This is part two of the new student orientation experience for all first-time-attending students and free events for all students. Welcome Weekend includes events such as convocation, pet therapy, goat yoga and more. A schedule of all activities and events can be found online. The fun doesn't stop after the weekend; more events will be announced that continue through the first weeks of classes.

  Health and Wellness Services
  Medical forms are now available on the student health portal. It is requested that all students complete health portal forms prior to returning to the start of the semester. Students may log in to their health portal online to view which forms need completion or updating. NCAA student-athletes with questions about medical forms or requirements should contact KU Sports Medicine at 610-683-4664.

  Pride Night at Reading Fightin’ Phils: Mark Your Calendars for Sept. 10
  KU and the LGBTQ+ Resource Center will be sponsoring Pride Night at Baseballtown's FirstEnergy Stadium, the oldest baseball park in Double AA Eastern League. The game is 6:45 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10. KU gear is encouraged and come early to get your souvenir cup. Free tickets will be available on campus. Please contact Jerry Schearer (schearer@kutztow.edu) for more information.

• Equity, Compliance and Legal Affairs

  Disability Services – Freshman and Transfer Students
  The Disability Services Office (DSO) is excited to welcome our new and returning Golden Bears. Students registered with the DSO who have approved academic accommodations will be able to share their electronic accommodation letters with course professors starting one week before the fall semester begins. All eligible students will receive a friendly email reminder from the DSO with step-by-step instructions for how to send letters through their Accommodate Portal. For more information about the accommodation process, please visit www.kutztown.edu/DSO or contact the DSO at DSO@kutztown.edu.

  Student Employment Opportunities
  Data shows that students who work on campus remain in college at a much higher rate than other students. Students who work on campus learn valuable skills and earn extra money under flexible schedules that accommodate their class schedules and academic needs, while building strong connections with staff and faculty. Student job opportunities are listed in Handshake. Students working on campus for the first time will need to complete payroll paperwork and background checks and present I-9 documents, so your student will need to bring their original unexpired document(s) to Human Resources before they can begin to work. 

  Faculty/Staff Employment Opportunities
  KU is a great place for your students to learn and grow, but did you know our beautiful campus is also a great place to work? Eligible employees are offered a wide range of benefits, career growth and development opportunities and tuition waiver. Current opportunities are listed on our website.

  Social Equity to Open Soft Interview Space on Campus
  The Office of Social Equity is excited to announce the opening of its soft interview space on campus. The soft interview space will be a vital aspect of Kutztown University's trauma informed care when dealing with complainants and respondents in sexual misconduct matters. By utilizing privacy, comfortable furniture, calming colors and soft lighting, the soft interview space will create a safe, comfortable and supportive environment designed for interviewing individuals coping with trauma by promoting open communication and trust. For more information on our soft interview space and other upcoming Title IX education and awareness events, please follow us on Instagram @KutztownTitleIX.

• University Relations and Athletics

  KU Presents! 2025-2026 Season Subscriptions Available
  Performances for the whole family are waiting for you at Schaeffer Auditorium. Experience electrifying Mexican music with Mariachi Herencia de México, be captivated by a capella sensation Voctave, enjoy traditional Irish music with Lúnasa, laugh out loud with Mnozil Brass, try your hand at juggling with Bindlestiff Family Cirkus and so much more. Subscribers also receive access to additional discounted tickets and invitations to special events. Subscriptions can be purchased online or by calling 610-683-4092. Tickets to individual performances are also available. KU students can access $15 tickets by logging for tickets with their MyKU login, or get all 10 performances for just $25 with our new student membership.

  Golden Bear Football Tickets, Tailgate Permits and Parking Passes
  Get your season tickets for the Kutztown University Golden Bears. Add your tailgate permits or parking passes for the season and save over individual game tickets. Tickets, tailgate permits and parking passes for individual games are also available. KU students can access one free general admission ticket per game by logging in for tickets with their MyKU login. KU Football Parents: your student can reserve their four free player passes up to four hours before game time. Don't let them forget to add you.

• KU Campus Store

  Order Course Materials
  Purchase your course materials online beginning Friday, Aug. 6, to receive a coupon in your order. Conveniently grab your completed order in-store when you get to campus with free in-store pick-up. Order now and skip the wait.

  We Made some Big Changes
  KU Campus Store has a new look, better flow and more ways to shop, including textbook counter service, new art department and expanded apparel department. Learn more about our exciting changes online.

  Why Purchase from KU Campus Store
  As a non-profit affiliate of KU, our priority is student success and retention. Full refunds are available for materials in original condition throughout the add/drop period. We contribute our surplus to student scholarships, activities and campus athletics. Our goal is for students to have access to the most affordable course materials available to support their academic success. Shop course materials online.

  Inclusive Access – Course Materials
  Inclusive Access is a collaboration between faculty, KU Campus Store, the Office of Student Accounts and publishers to provide required course materials at a reduced cost. When a professor chooses to participate in this program, all students registered for the class automatically receive access to these materials. Please check the student’s KU email for what courses are using Inclusive Access and instructions on how to use them.

  Benefits of Inclusive Access:

  • Day 1 access to required course materials for all students registered in the class.
  • Digital Access on mobile and desktop devices, print copies available for select courses.
  • Lowest price available, even directly from the publisher.
  • Conveniently charged with tuition, no out of pocket expense required.
  • You do not need to source and purchase materials elsewhere. For more information, visit our website.
• KU Foundation

  Registration is Open for Homecoming 2025
  We are delighted to welcome alumni, current students and their families to campus for Homecoming, Oct. 17-18. View the schedule and register online.

  1866 Minute Giving Challenge Returns Oct. 15-16
  Imagine supporting team travel to an out-of-state tournament. Or, wouldn't it be amazing if an entire group of students could attend a professional conference – the first of their career? What if you could ensure that more than 25 students in financial crisis had the resources they need to cover food and housing expenses? You can help make this possible, and much more, by participating in the 1866 Minute Giving Challenge, Oct. 15-16. For 1,866 minutes, the KU community unites as one to support all. Because Together, We're Golden. Learn more online.

  Apply for the KU Legacy Scholarship
  The KU Legacy Scholarship is accepting applications through Monday, Nov. 3. This scholarship is open to any child or sibling of a KU graduate starting their sophomore, junior or senior year at Kutztown University. For details about scholarship eligibility or to apply, visit our website. 

• Dates to Know

  KU Central Calendar
  A full listing of upcoming events and academic deadlines can be found on KU's central calendar.
  
  

  Application deadline to Fall 2025 for Graduate Studies. Contact the Office of Graduate Admissions for specifics as some programs fill courses prior to the application deadline.	Friday, Aug. 1
  Last day to withdraw from a Summer Session II 2025 course and receive a grade of “W”. There is no withdrawal from individual courses after this date.	Friday, Aug. 1
  Fall 2025 Registration will reopen for returning students.	Monday, Aug. 4
  Residence Halls: Summer Session II Check-Out	Thursday, Aug. 7
  Summer Session II and Summer Session 10-Week Courses End	Thursday, Aug. 7
  Fall 2025 bills due (subject to change).	Friday, Aug. 8
  Last day to set up a three-payment plan for Fall 2025 semester in MyKU > Payment Dashboard	Monday, Aug. 11
  Final decision for cancellation of classes for the Fall 2025 semester (subject to change)	Monday, Aug. 11
  First day to apply for Fall 2025 Bookstore Account through Financial Aid Office	Monday, Aug. 11
  Students emailed checklist of outstanding payments for Fall 2025. Late fees/drops processed after.	Tuesday, Aug. 12
  Summer Session II and 10W grades available through MyKU at 8 p.m., unless notified.	Tuesday, Aug. 12
  Undergraduate Orientation Program (Freshman/Parent Program), 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Final Fall 2025 Freshman Orientation	Tuesday, Aug. 19
  Undergraduate Orientation Program (Transfer Program), 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Final Fall 2025 Transfer Orientation	Wednesday, Aug. 20
  Fall New Student Move-In Day, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (new students only)	Thursday, Aug. 21
  Welcome Weekend	Thursday, Aug. 21 to Sunday, Aug. 24
  Fall Returning Student Move-In Days	Friday, Aug. 22 to Sunday, Aug. 24
  On or about this date, Fall 2025 Orientation billing process will run electronically in MyKU.	Friday, Aug. 22
  Add/Drop Period - Fall 2025 Full Semester Courses	Monday, Aug. 25 to Tuesday, Sept. 2
  Add/Drop Period - Fall 2025 First Half of Term Courses	Monday, Aug. 25 to Wednesday, Aug. 27
  Fall 2025 Classes Begin (Full Semester and First Half of Term)	Monday, Aug. 25
  "W" Period - Fall 2025 First Half of Term Courses	Thursday, Aug. 28 to Thursday, Oct. 2
  Saturday classes start at 8 a.m.	Saturday, Aug. 30
  Labor Day Holiday – No Classes – Administrative Offices Closed	Monday, Sept. 1
  Last day to drop a full semester course with 100% reduction or refund ends at midnight. No reduction of charges or refunds for individual courses after midnight.	Tuesday, Sept. 2
  1st Attendance Verification Period (Full Semester and First Half of Term Courses)	Thursday, Sept. 4 to Wednesday, Sept. 10
  Last day to request a Fall 2025 Bookstore Account based on pending authorized aid through the Financial Aid office. Last day to make purchases is Tuesday, Sept. 9.	Friday, Sept. 5
  Due date for Fall 2025 Orientation Bills	Friday, Sept. 5
  Fall 2025 Inclusive Access Opt Out Deadline	Friday, Sept. 5
  Last day to exchange/return textbooks to KU Campus Store without an Add/Drop Slip	Friday, Sept. 5