August 2026

Volume 9, Issue 1

• Academic Affairs

  Kidder Named Dean of the College of Business
  Kutztown University has named Dr. Deborah Kidder as dean of the College of Business. Kidder brings more than 30 years of experience to KU and began her role June 29. Kidder most recently served as the dean of the Turner College of Business and Technology at Columbus State University from 2021-25. Learn more about Dean Kidder.

  Make Summer Count with Free Career-Building Courses
  Summer break isn't just time to recharge – it's also an opportunity for students to build skills that employers value. Through KU Advance, Kutztown University students have free access to Coursera, offering thousands of online courses and professional certificates in areas like artificial intelligence, project management, communication, digital marketing, data analytics and more. Whether exploring career interests, preparing for an internship or looking to strengthen a résumé, even a few hours of learning can make a meaningful impact. Courses are self-paced, flexible and designed to fit in with summer jobs, vacations and other commitments. Students can take advantage of this free benefit and start building skills that support their academic and career goals. Explore available courses through KU Advance.

  KU Students Study Abroad
  This past summer, 49 Kutztown University students participated in KU-led study abroad programs in Japan, Ireland, Spain and the United Kingdom (England). Our newest KU-led program brought students to London to work on independent research projects. Another six students pursued independent study abroad programs in Italy, United Kingdom (Scotland), Germany and France. Students interested in studying abroad are encouraged to attend the Study Abroad Fair 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, 218 MSU. See the MyGlobalKU website for study abroad advising resources.

  Disability Services: Start the Semester Prepared
  Students who have a disability and would like to request academic, housing, dining or other disability-related accommodations are encouraged to connect with the Disability Services Office (DSO) as early as possible. Registering with DSO before the semester begins helps ensure there is adequate time to review documentation, meet with a staff member and implement approved accommodations. Families are encouraged to support students in taking the lead throughout the accommodation process, as college students are responsible for requesting accommodations and communicating their needs. Students can learn more about eligibility, documentation requirements and how to register by visiting the Disability Services website or by contacting the office at 610-683-4108 or dso@kutztown.edu.

  Fall 2026 Schedule
  Students will be able to adjust their Fall 2026 schedule starting Tuesday, Aug. 4 during the Open Enrollment/Registration period. The Add/Drop period extends open enrollment/registration into the first week of classes from Monday, Aug. 24 through Wednesday, Aug. 31 for full semester courses. It is a good idea to carefully review program guides, instructions for how to register for classes in MyKU and course offerings before making changes. We also recommend consulting the following resources before making changes to your schedule:

  • New Student Orientation Advisor: orientation@kutztown.edu
  • Faculty Advisor: Log into your Student Profile in MyKU. Your advisor is listed under the "Advisors" section.
  • Department Chair: Academic Affairs Directory

  If you receive the message "Administrative Staff Are Reviewing Your Registration Records At This Time. Please Try Again Later," it can often be resolved by logging out of MyKU, waiting 10 minutes and then logging back in. The most common cause is having MyKU open in more than one browser tab or on multiple devices. MyKU only supports one active session at a time, even if another session appears to be idle. We recommend closing MyKU on all other devices, including your phone, and clearing your mobile browser's cache. Then, attempt to complete your registration on a computer, as the mobile version has more limited functionality.

  FAFSA 2026-27
  The new financial aid year begins with Fall 2026. Please have your students complete their 2026-27 FAFSA as soon as possible to ensure prompt processing of their financial aid awards. This will allow your students to have their financial aid awards reflected prior to the Fall 2026 due date Friday, Aug. 7. The 2026-27 FAFSA covers the following semesters: Fall 2026, Spring 2027 and Summer 2027.

  PA State Grant Requirement
  If you did not complete your 2026-27 FAFSA prior to the May 1 deadline for eligibility, visit the PHEAA website for additional guidance for late applicants.

  Financial Aid Awarding
  If your financial aid is not awarded, check your MyKU Portal on the Financial Aid Home Page to determine what required documents might be missing. Continuing students' financial aid awarding began Friday, July 10, will continue weekly and will reflect prior to the bill due date of Friday, Aug. 7, if all required documents have been received and processed accordingly.

  Fall 2026 Financial Aid Loan Options
  In addition to the Federal Direct Loans offered to students, parents may apply for additional loans for the next school year in the form of a Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan. Parents applying for this loan should begin the process now. This will allow your loans to reflect on the students’ account through their MyKU portal by the bill due date. Please note that applying after July may cause processing delays. When applying for a loan, we recommend applying for the academic school year. Your loan period for the 2026-27 year should be as follows:

  Fall 2026 – Spring 2027
  - Start Date: August 24
  - End Date: May 8

  Students and/or parents also have the option of applying for Private/Alternative Loans. These loans are based on credit worthiness and have various lenders to choose from. Please research the lender that works best for you as each lender offers differing rates. For general questions regarding loan options, please contact the Financial Aid Services Office by calling 610-683-4077, email us at financialaid@kutztown.edu or visit our office at 209 Stratton.

  New for 2026-27
  The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) established new loan limits for the Direct Parent PLUS Loan Program, impacting how much parents can borrow for their eligible dependent undergraduate students. The borrowing annual limit is not to exceed $20,000 per year, per student, up to the student’s cost of attendance. The lifetime limit is $65,000 total per student. Additional information can be found online. In addition to the Direct Parent PLUS Loan borrowing limits, students must maintain a full-time schedule to avoid having subsequent student loan(s) reduced based on changes in enrollment. More information can be found online regarding these changes. Please discuss with your students the importance of academic progress and leveraging all available academic resources here at KU.

  Tutoring Services – Tutor.com Reminder
  In addition to the peer tutoring program, support is available for fall courses through Tutor.com, a virtual 24/7 tutoring platform. For instructions on how to use this service, please have your students visit the Tutoring Services website. We encourage students to take advantage of this free tutoring resource, as well as the other services we provide. Contact tutor@kutztown.edu with questions.

  KU Succeed
  The KU Succeed Program is running again for the 2026-27 academic year. Academic difficulties can happen at any point during one's college career and it can be a struggle both in the moment and afterward. KU Succeed is designed to support students and help build or rebuild skills essential to their academic success. KU Succeed offers a structured multidimensional framework to help students stay on track via success coaching, mentorship and academically focused workshops. Over the past academic year (2025-26), 63.2% of students who have participated in the program have increased their cumulative grade point average and 54.4% have increased or maintained good academic standing. Of those participants, 67.6% re-enrolled for the following semester at KU. Those students who complete the required portion of the program are eligible for early enrollment for the Spring 2027 semester. Students can sign up for KU Succeed online or contact Dr. Austin Haytko (haytko@kutztown.edu) for more details about the program. KU offices and programs looking to refer students to the KU Succeed program should contact Haytko for the referral process. KU Succeed is free and open to all undergraduate students.

  Transfer Student Engagement
  Transfer students have a dedicated resource to guide them every step of the way. Briana Tyler, coordinator for Student Success and Transfer Engagement, works one-on-one with transfer students to help them navigate their transition to KU, understand university policies and stay on track toward their academic goals. Our office supports both current KU students and those planning to transfer to KU. Students are encouraged to connect early by scheduling an appointment through Starfish to start building their path to success at KU.

  University Writing Center Opens Monday, Aug. 24
  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. 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, screenshots and information about writing help during summer and winter sessions when the Writing Center is not open. Any questions can be directed to wrcenter@kutztown.edu or pytleski@kutztown.edu.

  Career Development Center Upcoming Events

  • KU Internship and Job Fair, noon Wednesday, Oct. 14, 218 MSU. More than 65 employers are attending.
  • Graduate School Fair, 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 26, 218 MSU.
  • Job Fair for Educators, 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, 218 MSU.

  KU Career Classic
  The Career Development Center, in partnership with the Men’s Golf Club and College of Business, is hosting the fifth annual fundraising golf outing Friday, Sept. 11, 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.

• Administration and Finance

  Spring/Summer 2026 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, as well as late fees.

  Statements
  MyKU > Student Account card > Payment Dashboard > Statements. The On-Demand Statement option will show you the most current real time statement – with any changes to aid, charges or payments. The static monthly statements are created at a moment in time and are not updated.

  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 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 due. 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 and 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.

  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 at 610-683-4133. We are open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to noon Fridays.

  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. Emails can be updated right in MyKU. Remember, KU email is our formal method of notification.

  Parking Permits Available for Purchase
  Any student wishing to park a vehicle on campus during the academic year must purchase a parking permit through their MyKU account. Assignments are made based upon residency and the number of credits completed entering the fall semester. A fall only permit is $50; an academic year permit is $75. Please visit our website for more information.

  Fall 2026 Payment Plans
  Payment Plans remain open for Fall 2026 semester charges. The three-payment plan closes Tuesday, Aug. 4. A student can sign up for a plan now and adjust the plan balance later, once the actual bills are prepared. There is no fee to increase or decrease the plans as needed, should a surprise scholarship show up or the bill increase due to a housing change, for example. MyKU > Student Account card > Payment Dashboard > Payment Plans.

  Authorized Users – Third Party Dashboard Access
  Students can grant their parents (or other third party) their own access to the Payment Dashboard, including getting the billing emails and even billing texts (if applicable) as to not solely rely on the students to share their notice. Students go to MyKU > Student Account card > Payment Dashboard (this is different from FERPA access). Authorized Users is on the right side. This is not limited to just one. Some students set themselves up as an authorized user so they can get the notices to their own personal emails.

  Authorized Aid vs. 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 show 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) and submit their final high school transcript (or college transcript) to Admissions. Students must 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 at MyKU > Financial Aid card > Financial Aid.

  Direct Loans – Accept or Decline – Requirement For All Students
  All students must accept or decline their Stafford loans in MyKU > Financial Aid card > Financial Aid > Offers (second tab) > under Loans select Take Action and use the dropdown to accept or decline. This is a common reason loans are not being shown on bills. 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.

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

  Bear Bucks and Flex Dollars
  These can be purchased online starting in mid-August to be ready on the students ID card when the semester starts. Flex dollars are for eateries on campus and expire at the end of the year. Bear Bucks can be used at the same spots on campus, plus the KU Campus Store and many venues in town including Weis and Giant. More information is online.

• Student Affairs

  E‑Mobility Devices on Campus
  After careful consideration and assessment of emerging safety concerns, Kutztown University will be prohibiting the use of all e-mobility devices on campus, including electric scooters, electric bikes and motorized skateboards. This decision has not been made lightly. It reflects increasing concerns about and incidents at KU with fire and life safety (i.e., exploding battery), in addition to pedestrian safety, congestion in high-traffic areas, and the potential for accidents and injuries involving both riders and those walking across campus. Read more online.

  What Every Incoming College Parent Should Know before September
  "If you are a parent who has spent years feeling confused, frustrated and honestly, a little resentful, wondering why your kid can't just do what they are asked … this is for you," says author Debbie Bolger. Check out this highly regarded article found on the Grown and Flown website about executive function and what parents can do this summer to better prepare their kids to make decisions in college.

  Monthly Conversation Starter Questions
  Are you seeking ways to engage with your student, but are not sure what to ask? Try these sample conversation starter questions, designed by our Dean of Students, tailored to mention current events/hot topics for each specific month and the month ahead.

  August (Arrival and Transition)

  1. What has surprised you most about college so far?
  2. Have you met anyone you think could become a good friend?
  3. What feels most exciting right now?
  4. What feels different or harder than you expected?
  5. Is there anything you're still trying to figure out about campus?
  6. (Resident students who have never shared space before) What have been some of the adjustments you’ve had to make regarding sharing a room?
  7. What are your favorite meals so far/places to eat?

  September (Finding Community)

  1. Are you planning to attend the Involvement Fair (early September)? What groups or types of groups might interest you?
  2. Have you joined any clubs, organizations or activities that interest you?
  3. Who are the people you're spending most of your time with?
  4. What part of campus feels most like "your place?"
  5. When do you feel most connected to other students?
  6. What are you enjoying most outside of class?
  7. (Commuter students) What spaces have you found to hang out before/between classes?
  8. **Remember that Family Weekend is the last weekend in September — are you planning to attend?

  Health and Wellness Services
  Action required by Monday, Aug. 3. All KU students must either upload proof of immunity or formally acknowledge the health risks and campus exclusion practices that may be enacted should a student without documented immunity be exposed to a vaccine-preventable illness. Please visit the Clinical Services webpage for more information and instructions for uploading documentation to their Student Health Portal.

  KU Student Financial Emergency Support and Resource Team
  Kutztown University is committed to assisting students facing unexpected financial emergencies through the Student Financial Emergency Support and Resource Team. This initiative helps connect KU students facing unexpected financial emergencies with funds and resources, allowing them to remain focused on their education. Students can submit a request using the online Student Financial Emergency Assistance Request Form. Each request is reviewed individually by the team to ensure timely and appropriate follow-up and support. Parents and families are encouraged to inform their students about this valuable resource. For more information, visit the KU Student Financial Emergency Support and Resource Team webpage. By working together, we can help ensure that financial emergencies do not impede our students' educational journeys.

  Office of Student Assistance
  The KU Office of Student Assistance is dedicated to helping students navigate circumstances that may impact their academic and personal success. This office provides guidance, resources and support to students facing difficult situations such as financial concerns, academic struggles, personal hardships or accessing campus services. Parents and families play a vital role in student success and the Office of Student Assistance is here to collaborate with you. If your student needs help, they can connect with the office for individualized support and referrals to the appropriate campus resources. Encourage your student to reach out if they are experiencing a difficult situation – early intervention can make all the difference. For more information, visit KU Office of Student Assistance or email studentassistance@kutztown.edu. Together, we can ensure every Golden Bear has the support they need to thrive.

  Welcome Week
  First-year Move-In and Welcome Week is right around the corner. The Office of Student Involvement and Office of New Student Orientation have been hard at work planning and preparing an exciting Welcome Week for our students. There are so many great events planned – check out the full schedule online. The schedule includes Campfireball - an interactive MadLibs night, Anthem and Aria Mentalist Duo, Paint KU – Splatter Painted Dance Party, KU Experience Expo – the reimagined Involvement Fair, Let's Glow – the night of glow fun and so much more.

  Get Involved, Join KUAB
  KUAB, the Kutztown University Activities Board, is looking for leaders, planners and students interested in planning and putting on a wide variety of events for fellow Golden Bears. With a full calendar, KUAB is a great organization to gain experience planning and hosting a variety of events. Email KUAB@kutztown.edu or fill out this form to learn more.

  Poster Sale is Back
  Poster sale will be available 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20 to Sunday, Aug. 23. Swing by the tent on the DMZ to check out the wide selection of posters available for purchase. This is a great fundraiser for KUAB, The Student Volunteer Coalition and United Greek Council.

  KUAB Welcome Movie Night: Pitch Perfect
  Get your ticket for “the long way 'round ...” You won't want to miss this free movie and Bingo Night. Bingo syncs with the movie to win fun prizes at the end, or just simply sit back and enjoy the film 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26, 183 MSU.

  Involvement Fair: The Race Toward Involvement
  Checkered flag? More like check out the Involvement Fair 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2, 218 MSU. Pit stop here for your next adventure and meet with 200 student organizations represented on campus. Golden Bears can win with leadership opportunities, rev up their resume, cross the finish line with community service or simply fuel up on fun. Whatever drives your student, encourage them to accelerate their potential and shift into gear this year. There is no speed limit on getting involved.

  Kutztown Fraternity and Sorority Life – Welcome Back Beach Bash
  Is your Golden Bear interested in going Greek? Kutztown University recognizes 15 social Greek organizations, including six sororities (Alpha Sigma Tau, Delta Phi Epsilon, Delta Zeta, Phi Sigma Sigma, Theta Phi Alpha and Zeta Tau Alpha), four fraternities (Lambda Chi Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Tau Delta Phi and Tau Kappa Epsilon), and five multicultural organizations (Mu Sigma Upsilon, Kappa Alpha Psi, Lambda Theta Phi, Lambda Sigma Upsilon and Omega Psi Phi). If your student is interested in learning more, encourage them to stop by the Welcome Back Beach Bash 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, DMZ, to meet with each chapter and learn about the membership process. To learn more, email involvement@kutztown.edu or visit the Greek Life website.

• University Relations and Athletics

  Golden Bear Football Tickets, Tailgate Permits and Parking Passes
  Get your season tickets for Golden Bears football. Add your tailgate permits or parking passes for the season and save. Tickets, tailgate permits and parking passes for individual games will be available starting Saturday, Aug. 1. KU students can access one free general admission ticket per game with their MyKU login starting Saturday, Aug. 1. KU Football Parents: your student can reserve their four free player passes up to four hours before game time.

• KU Campus Store

  New Products Available During Move-In
  Exclusively during move-in, shop popular brands such as Life's Good, Hello Kitty, Disney, Mon Ami and more. These will only be available in store. Don’t miss out, supplies are limited.

  How to Purchase Course Materials?
  Your student’s custom Virtual Shelf, which has been created with the required course materials for their Fall semester, is ready to view. We have included all our affordable options, which include rental, used and digital materials. To view your Virtual Shelf, sign into our website with your KU email and password, review your Virtual Shelf and complete your order.

  Why Purchase from KU Campus Store?
  As a non-profit affiliate of KU, our priority is student success and retention. We issue full refunds 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.

  Inclusive Access – Course Materials
  Inclusive Access is a collaboration between faculty, KU Campus Store, 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 digitally on the first day of class. For more information, visit https://kubstore.com/access-success.

• KU Foundation

  A Historic Year of Generosity
  Thanks to the generosity of our alumni, donors, parents and friends, the Kutztown University Foundation recently celebrated the most successful fundraising year in its history, securing $12,180,939 in philanthropic commitments to support Kutztown University students, programs and priorities. This milestone reflects a shared commitment to expanding opportunities for students through scholarships, experiential learning and other life-changing initiatives. We are deeply grateful to everyone who helps make this impact possible. Read more about this historic achievement and what it means for today's and future Golden Bears. 

  Homecoming Registration is Open
  Registration for Kutztown University's Homecoming 2026 opens Friday, July 31. Alumni, families and friends are invited back to campus Oct. 23-24 for a weekend filled with reunions, family-friendly activities, exciting new events and beloved Homecoming traditions. Whether you're cheering on the Golden Bears, reconnecting with classmates or making new memories with your family, there's something for everyone. Browse the full schedule and register.

• 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 for Fall 2026 for Graduate Studies. Contact the Office of Graduate Admissions for specifics as some programs fill courses prior to the application deadline.	Saturday, Aug. 1
  Registration for Fall 2026 courses reopens before the start of the semester.	Tuesday, Aug. 4
  Last day of STARS Program	Thursday, Aug. 6
  Residence Halls: Summer Session 2 Check Out	Friday, Aug. 7
  Fall 2026 bills due (subject to change)	Friday, Aug. 7
  First day to apply for Bookstore Account through Financial Aid Office for Fall 2026	Tuesday, Aug. 11
  Final decisions for cancellation of classes for the Fall 2026 semester (subject to change)	Tuesday, Aug. 11
  Summer 2026 Session 2 and 10 Week grades available through MyKU at 8 p.m.	Tuesday, Aug. 11
  Last day to set up a three-payment plan for Fall 2026 semester in MyKU > Payment Dashboard	Tuesday, Aug. 11
  Students emailed checklist of outstanding payments for Fall 2026. Late fees/drops processed after.	Wednesday, Aug. 12
  Undergraduate Orientation Program for Freshman	Tuesday, Aug. 18
  Undergraduate Orientation Program for Transfer Students	Wednesday, Aug. 19
  Welcome Weekend	Aug. 20-23
  New Student Move-In Day; 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (new students only)	Thursday, Aug. 20
  Fall Returning Student Move-In; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (returning students)	Friday, Aug. 21 to Sunday, Aug. 23
  First Day of Classes	Monday, Aug. 24
  Add/Drop Period for Fall 2026 First Half of Term Courses. The last day of this period is the deadline to drop a course at midnight without receiving a grade of "W".	Aug. 24-26
  Add/Drop Period for Fall 2026 Full Semester Courses. The last day of this period is the deadline to drop a course at midnight without receiving a grade of "W".	Aug. 24-31