December 2025

Volume 8, Issue 5

• Campus Announcements

  President's Newsletter
  The latest issue of the President's Newsletter includes a letter from President Cavalier, division updates and important articles you may have missed.

• Academic Affairs

  Lúnasa to Thrill Fans of Celtic Music at KU Dec. 5
  Dubbed "the hottest Irish acoustic band on the planet," Lúnasa will make a stop at Schaeffer Auditorium 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, as part of the KU Presents! Performing Artists series. Founded in 1997, the six-member band has toured throughout the world; their latest album is “Live in Kyoto” (2024). The players are known for their complex arrangements of traditional and original music, their impeccable musical chops and their collaborations with artists from outside the genre, such as Mary Chapin Carpenter and Bruce Springsteen. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 610-683-4092. KU students can access $15 tickets by logging for tickets with their MyKU login, or get all performances for just $25 with our new Student Membership.

  University Writing Center (Open through Thursday of Finals Week)
  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 and screenshots. Any questions can be directed to wrcenter@kutztown.edu or pytleski@kutztown.edu.

  Chill Out and Skill Up This Winter Break
  Classes are on pause, but your student's goals don't have to be. Between semesters, suggest to your student to trade Netflix binges for a quick Coursera course. With free access through KU Advance, they can explore topics from leadership to AI, earn a certificate or just learn something cool to brag about next semester. Take a break, stay cozy and come back smarter. Start learning at KU Advance.

  Tutoring Services
  Is your student enrolled in a winter course? We're here to help. Kutztown University offers free, 24/7 academic support through Tutor.com, a virtual tutoring platform available throughout the winter session. Students can find step-by-step instructions on how to access Tutor.com by visiting the Tutoring Services website. We strongly encourage them to take advantage of this valuable resource to stay on track and succeed in their winter coursework. If you have any questions, please contact tutor@kutztown.edu.

  Transfer Student Coordinator
  Did you know Kutztown University has a dedicated staff member to support transfer students, Briana Tyler (Zdradzinski)? Briana provides one-on-one guidance, helping them connect with academic advising, understanding university policies and staying on track toward graduation. If your student is transferring to KU in the spring, Briana is happy to help navigate the steps to prepare for the term. If your student is currently attending KU, Briana can discuss the benefits of taking a Winter course and review your student's Spring schedule for greater progress. Encourage your student to meet with Briana early for guidance by scheduling an appointment in Starfish.

• Finance and Facilities

  Payment Plans – Spring 2026 Open
  Students can sign up on the Payment Dashboard. MyKU > Student Account Card > Payment Dashboard > Payment Plans. If the student provided authorized user access to the Dashboard, the user would provide their own credentials online. Authorized User access is created by the student on the Dashboard. The assigned due date must be met regardless of how long a plan remains open, as the later dates are for late registrants.

  Spring 2026 Statements
  Students who are registered for the Spring 2026 semester will have a static statement prepared in MyKU in early December with a due date of Jan. 5, 2026. Static statements are online in MyKU > Student Account Card > Payment Dashboard > Statements. Likewise, an authorized user can access them online. You must have payment posted, pending aid sufficient for the bill or a combination of pending aid and payment plan by the due date. Note: on-demand statements are real time and may show updated information, as the static statement is a moment in time.

  Winter 2025-26
  Registration remains open for this session. There is one final, two-payment plan open for Winter. Students can access this from MyKU; Authorized Users can view online. More information on Winter session can be online. Winter courses are due upon registration and are removed weekly for non-payment.

  Statement Clarification – Static vs. On Demand
  There are two types of statements a student has available to them: a static statement is produced no less than twice a semester in fall and spring. On-demand statements are to be utilized at all other times to see changes, updates and balances due, this includes winter and summer sessions. We encourage checking monthly for changes that may not be expected.

  Parent Access to Statement Emails and Texts
  Parents (and others) can get emails and texts when statement billing occurs, just like students. The student must go to MyKU > Student Account Card > Payment Dashboard > Authorized User. These emails will only be related to finances.

  1098-T and Year-End Tax Information
  All payments posted in 2025 that cover 2025 Qualified Tuition and Related Expenses (QTRE) will be produced on a tax document 1098-T. This will also reflect scholarships the student received. More information on which charges are QTRE and how the 1098-T works can be found online. The Student Accounts office will be closed and unable to post payments received in the mail Dec. 22 through Jan. 2. If the payment posting in 2025 is critical for you, either pay online or mail any payments no later than Wednesday, Dec. 10. 529 payments should allow no less than two weeks for posting from the date of withdrawal request. Most 529 payments only release to KU via paper check; some are now online. More information is available online.

  Address Updates – 1098-Ts
  KU will first use the permanent address to mail the 1098-Ts; if none is available, KU will use the mailing address. Please ensure that these addresses are up to date and accurate to receive this item. Students will have access to print these items online sooner than them being mailed at no additional charge.

  1098-T Access
  Kutztown University uses a third party to produce and make available the 1098-Ts to students. These should be available online mid-January; if not retrieved online, they will be mailed at the end of January. We recommend retrieving these items online for ease and delays in receipt. Prior year documents are online as well. More information is available online.

  Registration Holds
  Students who still owe money for the Fall 2025 semester (or before) may remain blocked from Spring registration and diplomas. Students who reside in housing must have a spring schedule to keep their assignment over winter break. No one is allowed to move back in without a spring schedule. All federal aid must be disbursed by Wednesday, Dec. 10, if the funding is for 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.

  Fall 2025 Federal Aid
  All federal aid must be authorized and certified during the fall semester to apply to the fall semester. Do not wait until winter break to work on aid matters for fall; it will be too late. Fall Stafford Loans and Fall Parent Plus Loans must be finalized before finals week. Contact Financia Aid Services for assistance at 610-683-4077.

  Spring 2026 Housing – without Spring 2026 Classes
  Students with significant past-due balances for Fall 2025 will be contacted regarding their current housing assignment ending after finals, unless they are enrolled for spring classes.  To leave belongings over break and continue to occupy the room, the student must be enrolled in Spring semester. If they are not, they may need to move out after their last final. If the student later clears their balance and hold and enrolls, they can then work with housing to find a new assignment. Housing would assign a move-in date later in January.

  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 via email at 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.

  Student Accounts Office Holiday Hours
  The Student Accounts office will be closed Dec. 24 through Jan. 1. Please be sure to reach out for any concerns or inquiries before then. While we may check email over break, we cannot guarantee a response, nor action, until we reopen in 2026.

• Student Affairs

  Advice for Winter Break Family Adjustment
  You're excited and can't wait for your student to be home for an extended break; that is awesome. But during college, students grow and change – that's what we want for our children. This growth and change can be magnified during a freshman's first winter break at home after being gone for a whole semester. While this is especially true for freshman, it continues also for upperclassman; this break time can sometimes be an adjustment for parents, siblings, the student and others. Take some time to prepare for your students’ return. Here are a few good articles about this adjustment, and remember, every student and family is different.

  • Sharing the Nest Again
  • 5 Things to Know Before Your College Students Comes Home for the Holidays
  • Home for the Holidays: What to Expect...

  Happy Holidays from the Dean of Students Office.

  Winter Residence Hall Closings
  The residence halls will close 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12. Students will need to leave campus 24 hours after their last in-person final or by 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, whichever comes first. The halls will reopen 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25. Students will be sent detailed instructions to their KU email when they return from Thanksgiving Break.

  2026-2027 Room Selection and Housing Application
  Will your student be living on campus for the 2026-2027 school year? If so, please encourage them to complete the Housing Application as soon as possible. After completing the application, the next steps for room selection will begin in February. Please ask your student to look for information about room selection in their KU email. We are hosting a raffle every Friday through Dec. 19 as part of our First 10 Selection Spot Giveaway, where winners can pull in a group of friends (or select alone) as one of the first 10 groups to pick housing. All that's needed to enter the raffle is a completed housing application. If your student has any questions, please ask them to email housing@kutztown.edu or stop by Residence Life, Housing, and Dining in 106 Old Main.

  Required Form to Use Military Benefits in Spring 2026
  Students planning to use their military benefits (e.g., VA GI Bill, TA, EAP, MFEP) in the Spring 2026 semester must submit their KU Veterans Services Enrollment Certification form after they enroll for fall semester classes. Benefits may be delayed if this form is not submitted early. Continuing Students: access the Enrollment Certification form from the “Publications and Forms” section of our website. New/Incoming Students: send a request to the Military and Veterans Services Office at veterans@kutztown.edu to obtain the form.

  Students Receiving Chapter 35 VA GI Bill Benefits May Qualify for Additional Funding
  The 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. 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. Visit Educational Gratuity Program (pa.gov) for details. Contact veterans@kutztown.edu if you have questions.

  Veterans Affairs Work-Study Opportunity for Spring 2026
  Students enrolled for at least nine credits and using VA GI Bill military benefits may also be eligible with work-study benefits. This benefit is in addition to their VA benefits. The VA will pay students a stipend ($7.25/hour, tax free). VA work-study students support the Military and Veterans Services Office. Questions about open positions can be sent to albright@kutztown.edu.

  Commuter Student Lunch
  Stop by for a free lunch just for our commuter students, while supplies last, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, 223 MSU. It's a great chance to grab a bite, relax and connect.

  Holiday Trivia
  Grab your friends for a fun evening with our Holiday Trivia event 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1, 223 MSU. It's the perfect way to kick off the festive season.

  KUAB Pet Therapy
  Need a break from finals stress? Stop by 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, 218 MSU, for KUAB Pet Therapy. Get hands-on with some amazing reptiles: hold a snake, cuddle a skunk, or give a tortoise a gentle pat. It's the perfect way to relax, recharge and experience something unique. Don't miss this chance to meet these incredible creatures and take a moment for yourself. Visit Engage for all the details. Is your student interested in helping plan events on campus? Reach out to KUAB@kutztown.edu or have them pop into the weekly meeting 4:30 p.m. Thursdays, 166 MSU.

  Cookies and Cocoa Celebration
  Warm up your winter day. Join us 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, MSU, for a cheerful holiday break featuring cookie decorating, cozy winter coloring and a decadent hot cocoa bar. Bring your friends, sip something sweet and spread the seasonal joy, because nothing says winter like cookies and cocoa. Explore Engage to learn more.

• Equity, Compliance and Legal Affairs

  Social Equity
  Jesus A. Peña, Esq., vice president for Compliance, Equity and liaison for Legal Affairs, has announced his retirement effective Jan. 1, 2026. Peña has served Kutztown University for more than two decades, including as vice president since 2019. Peña oversees the offices of Disability Services, Human Resources, Public Safety and Police Services and Social Equity. Additionally, Peña has served as the interim Title IX coordinator for Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education, providing support and coordination for matters related to Title IX within the State System

  Celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities Dec. 3
  Each year on Dec. 3, the global community recognizes the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD). The theme, “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future,” celebrates the vital role of disability leadership in shaping inclusive communities and policies worldwide. At Kutztown University, the Disability Services Office (DSO) invites students, faculty and staff to reflect on the importance of accessibility, representation and allyship. Students are encouraged to stop by the DSO Wednesday, Dec. 3, to pick up a handout on their rights as college students with disabilities under the ADA and learn more about available campus supports. For more information, contact the DSO at 610-683-4108 or 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. 

• University Relations and Athletics

  Football Playoff Tickets
  Tickets, tailgate permits and parking passes are available for upcoming football playoff games. Tickets are available online for KU's NCAA Second Round game against Assumption University noon Saturday, Nov. 29, Andre Reed Stadium.

  Golden Bear Basketball is Here
  Get your tickets for Golden Bear basketball. Advance tickets are $8, $4 for seniors and non-KU students. Game day tickets are $10 and $5. Pick three games and save. KU students can access one free general admission ticket per game by logging in for tickets with their MyKU login. KU Basketball 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

  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.

• 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 by phone. Contact us today at together@kuf.org to learn more. 

  Honor your KU Grad's Achievements
  Looking for a way to celebrate your Golden Bear’s December graduation? Consider having your graduate's name engraved on a brick in Alumni Plaza. Learn more online to learn how to purchase a brick in the plaza, one of the most popular spots on campus. Completed order forms can be emailed to gautier@kuf.org.

• Dates to Know

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

  Thanksgiving Recess Ends	Monday, Dec. 1
  Spring 2026 Registration Closes	Thursday, Dec. 4
  Last Day of Regular Classes (Full Semester, 10W and Second Half)	Saturday, Dec. 6
  Final Exams Begin	Monday, Dec. 8
  Residence Halls close 6 p.m. for Fall 2025	Friday, Dec. 12
  Final Exams End	Saturday, Dec. 13
  Graduate and Undergraduate Commencement, 10 a.m.	Saturday, Dec. 13
  Fall Grades Available in MyKU by 8 p.m.	Tuesday, Dec. 16
  Winter 2026 Classes Begin	Wednesday, Dec. 17
  Winter 2026 Add/Drop Ends	Thursday, Dec. 18
  100% Refund Periods Ends Winter 2026	Thursday, Dec. 18
  Winter 2026 “W” period	Friday, Dec. 19
  University Closed	Dec. 25 to Jan. 1
  First Day No Refund (Winter)	Saturday, Dec. 27
  Spring 2026 Registration Opens	Wednesday, Jan. 7