December 2021

Volume 4, Issue 5

• Campus Announcements

  Fall Commencement
  More than 475 students will be awarded degrees during Kutztown University's fall commencement Dec. 17-18. Dr. Kenneth S. Hawkinson, university president, and Dr. Lorin Basden Arnold, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, will preside. For more information, visit https://www.kutztown.edu/commencement.

  Kutztown University Announces Spring 2022 Plans
  Kutztown University recently announces its plans for the 2022 spring semester, as they relate to COVID-19. Our plan is to conduct the 2022 spring semester similar to the current model that is in place for the fall. Classes will begin Monday, Jan. 24, 2022, with our course offerings primarily in-person. As in the fall, the university will offer additional online courses --- an overall increase from what we offered before the pandemic. Masks will remain required until further notice and testing will be available to all students and employees. Complete details for KU's Guide to the Spring 2022 Semester can be found at https://www.kutztown.edu/spring2022. Questions can be directed to KU's Office of University Relations at ur@kutztown.edu.

  Weekly COVID-19 Testing Available to All Students and Employees
  Kutztown University offers voluntary COVID-19 testing on a weekly basis for KU students and employees. Testing occurs every Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the East Gym of the Student Recreation Center. Weekly COVID-19 testing will continue through Wednesday, Dec. 15, and resume Jan. 26, 2022. Registration is required. While testing is voluntary for all students and employees, we strongly encourage our campus community to take advantage of this service, especially those who are unvaccinated. Registration information.

• Academic Affairs

  Rohrbach Library Exam Week Hours
  Rohrbach Library will operate under the following extended hours for exam week. For more information, please visit the library website at https://library.kutztown.edu/home.

  • Friday, Dec. 10, 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, Dec. 11, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Sunday, Dec. 12, 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.
  • Monday, Dec. 13, through Thursday, Dec. 16, 7:30 a.m. to 2 a.m.
  • Friday, Dec. 17, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

  Stress Relief at Rohrbach Library
  Rohrbach Library will once again offer stress relief activities for finals week. The library will host a stress relief kit distribution Dec. 13-15. There will also be a VIP Study Room Giveaway. Students can enter a drawing to win one, full-day access to a study room stocked with snacks, study materials and more. Two winners will be chosen. Follow us on Instagram @rohrbachlibrary or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RohrbachLibrary/ for more information and details on how to enter.

  KU Success Conference
  The KU Success Conference is an excellent opportunity for students on academic warning or probation to prepare for a successful spring semester. By attending the KU Success Conference, you will learn new academic success strategies, connect with faculty, staff and other students and gain insight from students who increased their academic success. You are invited to attend the KU Success Conference free of charge 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022. Click here to register. If you have any questions, please contact R. Chad Brown, assistant director for Student Success and Academic Excellence, at cbrown@kutztown.edu.

  KU Succeed
  KU Succeed is an academic recovery program for students that are no longer in good academic standing (academic warning or probation). The program was designed to help students return to good academic standing by providing a framework for academic success. This framework includes skill-building seminars, mentoring and educational and personal advising. KU Succeed seeks to provide academic services and guidance to support skills and attitudes that have been proven beneficial to students in their pursuit of excellence at KU. KU Succeed is a semester-long commitment and completion of the program will qualify you for early registration for fall 2022. Click here to register. If you have any questions, please contact R. Chad Brown, assistant director for Student Success and Academic Excellence, at cbrown@kutztown.edu.

  Student Success Center
  Have your student kick off the 2022 spring semester strong with the Student Success Center. The Student Success Center offers academic skills workshops and one-on-one consultations on study skills, time management, note-taking and learning strategies to enhance success inside and outside the classroom. For more information and resources, visit www.kutztown.edu/studentsuccess.

  Tutoring Services
  Tutoring Services is recruiting peer tutors and academic peer mentors for Spring 2022. If your student is interested in this employment opportunity, please have them complete the Tutoring Services Employment Application 2021-2022. If your student has questions, contact us at tutor@kutztown.edu.

  Kutztown University Writing Center Fall 2021
  Please have your student reach out to the KU Writing Center for help and to schedule a writing session concerning papers for any subject/discipline. We have in person and online sessions available. The Writing Center is located at 100C Rohrbach Library. Please call 610-683-4733 or email wrcenter@kutztown.edu to setup an in-person appointment. To begin using the WCOnline site and schedule an online session, please go to https://kutztown.mywconline.com. Please see our website for additional helpful instructions and screenshots https://kutztownwritingcenter.wordpress.com/. Please direct any questions to: wrcenter@kutztown.edu or pytleski@kutztown.edu.

  The KU Writing Center will be open through Thursday, Dec. 16. In-person hours are 2-8 p.m., Monday/Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday/Thursday/Friday, and 2-6 p.m., Sunday. Online hours are 2-8 p.m., Sunday/Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday/Tuesday/Thursday, and 12-4 p.m., Friday.

• Administration and Finance

  Payment Plans - Spring 2022 Open
  Sign up on the Payment Dashboard. MyKU > KU Financial Account tile > Payment Dashboard > Payment Plans. If the student provided a parent access to the dashboard, the parent can use this link to provide your own credentials. Parent access is created by Inviting a Payer on the Dashboard. You must meet your assigned due date regardless of how long a plan remains open as the later dates are for late registrants.

  Spring 2022 Billing
  Students who are registered for Spring 2022 semester were billed in MyKU with a due date of Jan. 3, 2022. Billing statements are online only in MyKU > KU Financial Account tile > Payment Dashboard > Statements. You must have payment posted, pending aid sufficient for the bill or a combination of pending aid and payment plan by the due date.

  Reminder Emails
  Students are emailed about their bills (as well as payers who are set up). If the statement is not opened and viewed in seven days, the student (or payer) will get a reminder email. On the payment dashboard the statements will show *NEW* if they have never been opened or viewed. The statements are maroon and gold and are a pdf to be saved or used for 529's and other purposes. If you are looking at a blue statement, that is old formatting and you are missing details the dashboard bills provide. A sample and more information can be found online.

  Parent Access to Statement Billing Emails and Texts
  Parents (and others) can get emails and texts when statement billing occurs, just like students. The student must go to MyKU > KU Financial Account tile > Payment Dashboard > Invite a Payer. There the student can set up a parent to get emails and texts when bills are created and ready.

  1098-T and Year-End Tax Information
  Payments must post in MyKU with a 2021 date (within 2021) to be reported for calendar year 2021. The office will be closed or unable to post payments received in the mail Dec. 23 through Jan. 3. If the payment posting in 2021 is critical for you, either pay online or mail any payments no later than Dec. 10. 529 payments should allow no less than two weeks for posting from the date of withdrawal request. 529 payments only release to KU via paper checks. For more information, click here.

  Registration Holds
  Students who owe money for the Fall 2021 semester (or before) may be blocked from transcripts, diploma or spring registration and may not be able to move back into their residence hall in January, unless they have a spring schedule. All federal aid must be disbursed by Dec. 10 if the funding is for the fall semester. Reach out to Financial Aid Services with urgency at 610-683-4077. Some alternative loans will work for fall once the semester is closed.

  Bear Bucks Donations
  If a graduating student would like to donate the remaining funds in their Bear Bucks account, please contact the KU Foundation at 610-683-4110 or info@kuf.org for more information and the donation form. Other questions about Bear Bucks and refunds from them should be directed to the KU Card office at kucard@kutztown.edu.

  Running low on Bear Bucks or Flex Dollars?
  Bear Bucks and Flex Dollars can be added throughout the school year. Bear Bucks do not expire, but Flex Dollars do at the end of the year. MyKU > KU Financial Account tile > Payment Dashboard > Make a Payment – boxes show up if you scroll down – one for Bear Bucks and one for Flex Dollars. Remember, Flex Dollars are limited in scope and expire, Bear Bucks do not.

  Student Accounts Office Holiday Hours
  The Office of Student Accounts will be closed Dec. 24 through Jan. 2. Please be sure to reach out for any concerns or inquiries before then. While we may check email over the break, we cannot guarantee a response nor action until we reopen in 2022 on the due date.

• Enrollment Management and Student Affairs

  Is Your Student Staying in Kutztown During Winter Break?
  The Community Outreach Center is looking for student volunteers living in the borough or on campus during winter break to serve as volunteers for Operation Snowflake. Student participants assist in shoveling sidewalks and driveways for senior citizens and residents with disabilities. It is a great way to get service hours over the break. Shovels and salt are provided by the COC. To sign-up, please encourage your student to visit GivePulse here.

  Spring 2022 Involvement Fair – Plant the Seeds of Involvement
  Is your student still looking to find their niche on campus? Encourage them to attend the Spring 2022 Involvement Fair 4-7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 3, McFarland Student Union. Students will be able to meet student clubs from all across campus and learn how they can get involved or attend some awesome events on campus.

  Activities Board and Student Involvement Events for Spring Welcome Week
  KUAB and OSI have some exciting events planned for students when they return for welcome week during the beginning of the 2022 spring semester. Students can get some great laughs Jan. 27 with comedian Carolyn Riley. Students can engage in a virtual escape room Feb. 2, and test their knowledge of ancient Egyptian history in the Wrath of Ra.

  Volunteer in Your Local Community for MLK Day of Service
  Does your student need service hours? Need to find something to do during the winter break? The Community Outreach Center is looking for students in Reading, Allentown and Philadelphia to participate in service opportunities on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. To find out about the available opportunities in your area, please visit ENGAGE and select the service tab or email blichar@kutztown.edu to find out more.

  Required Form to Use Military Benefits in Spring 2022
  Students planning to use their military benefits (e.g., VA GI Bill, TA, EAP) in the 2022 spring semester must submit their KU Veterans Services Enrollment Certification form after they enroll for spring semester classes. Benefits may be delayed if this form is not submitted before the last day of the fall semester. Students can access the Enrollment Certification form from the Brochures, Publications and Forms section of our website (www.kutztown.edu/veterans).

  VA Work Study Opportunity
  Students who are using VA GI Bill military benefits and are enrolled for at least nine credits may also be eligible with VA work-study benefits. The VA pays a stipend ($7.25/hour, non-taxable) for up to 25 hours per week. VA Work Study students perform general office work, creative content and design and a variety of other duties. Available positions will be posted on the Career Services Handshake webpage in mid-December.

  Military Benefit for Students Receiving Chapter 35 VA GI Bill Benefits
  PA Educational Gratuity program provides financial assistance to children of honorably discharged veterans who have service-connected disabilities and served during a period of war or armed conflict, or children of veterans who die or died in service during a period of war or armed conflict. Payment will not exceed $500 per semester per qualified child to each approved educational institution. Educational gratuity payments are paid directly to the educational institution and may not be made for longer than four scholastic years. The application process is simple. Contact veterans@kutztown.edu for more information.

  Women’s Center and LGBTQ+ Center
  Visit our open house at the Women's Center 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 25, at our new location in Boxwood House (on Main Street across from Old Main). Our open house at the LGBTQ+ Resource Center is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 27, at Boxwood House.

• Equity, Compliance and Legal Affairs

  Disability Services Office (DSO)
  The Disability Services Office and the Career Development Center are pleased to announce that nine students participated in the federal Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP) this past semester. This program connects federal employers with motivated college students and recent graduates with disabilities. Since this federal program expanded in 1995, thousands of students and recent graduates with disabilities nationwide have received temporary (summer internships) and permanent employment opportunities through the program. For more information on the Workforce Recruitment Program, please visit www.kutztown.edu/DSO/WRP.

• Housing and Dining

  Fall 2022 Room Selection
  The fall 2022 room selection timeline has been set. To select an awesome on-campus living space, we recommend students and families review this information on our website ahead of time. The fall 2022 room selection process information, including the timeline and necessary steps, can be found online. Please remember, current first-year students are required to live on campus for their second year. This is a part of Kutztown's two-year residency requirement. More information about Kutztown’s residency requirement can be found on our website.

  A Message from Dining Services
  As we reflect on the past semester, our Kutztown University Dining Services team is filled with gratitude for the continued support of the Kutztown community. While we have endured many challenges, we celebrate the return of students to campus and the ability to serve Golden Bears once again in our dining locations. The last several months have presented numerous obstacles that caused our staff to be pushed in their roles, with responsibilities and work schedules, and it became necessary to balance the desire to provide the level of service you expect and the welfare of our staff.

  • Our Dining Services team has not been immune to the labor shortage facing the hospitality industry across the country. We have worked to increase our wages to compete with the local market and continue to offer a competitive list of benefits. The satisfaction of our meal plan holders is a key priority, so we ensured the availability of Noodle: made-to-order pasta station, sushi, and True Balance at South Dining Hall; stacked deli at the Cub Café as well as Chick-fil-A.
  • Food shortages around the world continue to affect our supply chain, and our ability to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information on products. We receive a large number of substitute products to allow us to continue to serve the campus; however, these substitutes alter the nutritional and dietary information of a recipe. Because of this, we strongly encourage our community to talk to the dining manager or staff on duty to find out up-to-date menu and ingredient information.
  • The first floor of South Dining Hall has been available to students from 9pm-7am with a hot buffet and an assortment of grab & go entrees for students. As we have been able, our team has been adding additional menu items, such as the return of pizza to late night.
  • Throughout the semester, we have enjoyed being able to host events for students, including free premium nights, theme dinners including our Shipwrecked Dinner and novelty activities like cookie decorating and create your own spirit pendant, as well as food trucks on-campus for meal plan holders.
  • As finals approach, we look forward to hosting additional events as a part of our semi-annual Customer Appreciation Week and Finals Specials (December 6-18). We will be hosting events including Pizza & Karaoke and Trivia & Popcorn. Customer Appreciation Week offers a wide variety of student favorite meals like Ramen Bowls, Wing Bar, Breakfast Sandwiches, Sundae Bar, Sushi Specials and more!

  Despite the many challenges with staffing shortages and food inflation above seven percent, our team has worked to maintain access to high quality food 24/7 and variety of options at peak meal times. Kutztown University Dining Services has exhausted all options to maintain the program for our campus community during the fall semester. Due to the necessary investment to continue to serve our students, we will not be offering any financial adjustments for the fall. Our Kutztown University Dining Services team is looking forward to continuing to improve and providing a great spring semester on-campus full of special events and meals. We appreciate the continued support of students, parents, faculty, staff and University Administration during this semester.

  Have a safe and joyous holiday break, and we look forward to serving you in the spring semester.

  Desiree Reasoner, Executive Director of Housing, Residence Life & Dining

  Chris Wallace, General Manager of Kutztown University Dining Services

• University Relations and Athletics

  KU Photobook Available for Purchase
  Do you remember when you first walked onto Kutztown's campus? For most of us, our lives changed in that moment. Because we knew this place was special. That it felt like home. And that it was a springboard into the rest of our lives. Since 1866, KU has evolved into one of the most beautiful campuses in Pennsylvania and its beauty comes alive throughout each season. “Through the Seasons” provides a photographic tour of our amazing campus. Proceeds from the sale of this 56-page, hardcover book benefit the Kutztown University Foundation. https://kubstore.com/through-seasons-kutztown-university-photo-book

  KU Students can Access Discounted and Free Tickets to Events Across Campus
  Students can click here, log in with their MyKU login and create an account. Once they create an account in the university ticketing system, they will have access to discounted tickets to events across the KU Campus including Planetarium Shows, KU Presents! and a free ticket to each regular season Golden Bears basketball home game.

  Kutztown University Radio (KUR)
  Is your Golden Bear looking for an award-winning campus organization to join where they will learn broadcasting in a fun and inclusive environment? Kutztown University Radio may just fit that bill. Absolutely no experience is required. The radio station will train and needs volunteers in all aspects including, but not limited to, sports broadcasting, music, DJ'ing, news and promotions. For more information, email kur@kutztown.edu expressing interest or call 610-683-4059.

• KU Campus Store

  When is the best time to purchase course materials?
  Wednesday, Jan. 5, is the best time to view your Virtual Shelf at kubstore.com/Virtual-Shelf. By January, there typically are not changes to your student's course schedule and we have received course material information from most faculty members. We will also have the greatest number of used copies at this time, along with the best prices. Textbooks can be returned by Feb. 4 if not needed.

  Why purchase from KU Campus Store?

  • As a nonprofit affiliate of KU, our priority is student success and retention.
  • Savings up to 80% off the price of new with a large selection of rental, used and digital materials.
  • 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.

• KU Foundation

  Make a Year-End Gift to KU
  This holiday season, the most meaningful gift you can make is one that has the power to change lives. Your year-end support helps make education possible for KU students. To explore ways to give or support KU's greatest needs, visit the Kutztown University Foundation online. Make your tax-deductible gift before Dec. 31 online, via mail or phone. Contact us at together@kuf.org to learn more.

  Honor your KU Grad's Achievements
  Looking for a way to celebrate your Golden Bear? Consider having your graduate's name engraved on a brick in Alumni Plaza. Click here to learn how to purchase a brick in the plaza, one of the most popular spots on campus. Family and friends can also make gifts in honor of their graduate's achievements as part of our annual Class Gift campaign.

  Join the KU Giving Circle
  Building upon the collective impact of philanthropy, the new Kutztown Giving Circle (championed by the KU Foundation's Alumni Council) allows members to unite their financial power in a collective voice – to create, nurture and impact Kutztown University and encourage the development of members as philanthropic leaders. Through an annual gift of $500 per person ($120 for junior members who have graduated from KU within the last three years and $240 for years 4-5) to the Giving Circle fund, any KU graduate or friend can become a voting member. Funds are pooled annually and directed to support selected community grant recipients. Click here to learn more. 

  Together, We're Golden: The Campaign for Kutztown University
  This fall, the Kutztown University Foundation unveiled Together, We're Golden: The Campaign for Kutztown University, a 100% student-focused initiative with two goals: to raise $40,000,000 to provide scholarships and emergency funds and enhance student experiences and double our alumni engagement. To learn more, visit www.kuf.org.

• Campus Affiliates

  PSECU Membership – A Gift that Keeps on Giving
  This holiday season, give yourself the gift of PSECU membership. It's free and there's still time to take advantage of PSECU's current $250 bonus offer for new members. KU parents and immediate family members whose students are currently PSECU members are eligible to join. Membership perks include ATM rebates, cash back rewards, competitive loan rates and more. To qualify for the offer, open a free checking account with debit card, sign up for online banking and add a monthly payroll direct deposit of at least $200. Offer expires Dec. 31, 2021. For promotional rules, visit www.psecu.com/promo and enter code 250OFFER. Call 610-894-4814 with questions.

  PSECU's $100 student membership promotion will also expire Dec. 31, 2021. Students can get $100 for opening a checking account and activating online banking. Visit www.psecu.com/students for rules and to join with this promotion.

• Dates to Know

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

  Last Day of Regular Classes.	Saturday, Dec. 11
  Final Exams Begin	Monday, Dec. 13
  GRAD - Deadline for "I" Grades for Fall 2020	Wednesday, Dec. 15
  Residence halls close 6 p.m. for Fall 2021	Friday, Dec. 17
  Final Decision on Cancelling Classes - Winter 2022	Saturday, Dec. 18
  Last day to return rental textbooks to KU Campus Store	Saturday, Dec. 18
  Commencement: Graduate and Doctoral	Friday, Dec. 17, 5 p.m.
  Commencement: Undergraduate	Saturday, Dec. 18, 10 a.m.
  Final Exams End.	Saturday, Dec. 18
  Fall Grades Available in MyKU by 8 p.m.	Tuesday, Dec. 21
  Winter 2022 Classes Begin	Wednesday, Dec. 22
  Winter 2022 Add/Drop Ends	Thursday, Dec. 23
  100% Refund Periods Ends Winter 2022	Thursday, Dec. 23
  80% Refund Period Ends Winter 2022	Friday, Dec. 24
  University Closed	Friday, Dec. 24-Sunday, Jan. 2
  60% Refund Period Ends Winter 2022	Sunday, Dec. 26
  50% Refund Period Ends Winter 2022	Tuesday, Dec. 28
  40% Refund Period Ends Winter 2022	Wednesday, Dec. 29
  First Day No Refund (Winter)	Thursday, Dec. 30
  Deadline to withdraw from a Winter Session 2022 course and receive a grade of "W".	Friday, Jan. 7