February 2026

Volume 8, Issue 7

• 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

  Fresh Start, Smart Momentum: Start Spring Strong
  Spring semester is officially underway and now is the perfect time for students to build momentum beyond the classroom. With free access to Coursera through KU Advance, students can continue developing career-ready skills while balancing their coursework. Whether they want to strengthen a skill related to their major, explore emerging fields like AI or data analytics, or earn a certificate they can add to their résumé or LinkedIn, Coursera courses are flexible and self-paced to fit busy schedules. Encourage your student to take advantage of this free resource and invest a little time now in learning that supports their academic and career goals. Explore courses on the KU Advance website.

  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. 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.

  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 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.

  Tutoring Services
  Whether your student needs extra support in a challenging course or wants to boost their grade, Tutoring Services is here to help. Students can schedule tutoring appointments directly in Starfish by using the Tutoring Services appointment link next to their course or by clicking the "I Need Help" button. If a peer tutor is not available for a specific course, students also have access to Tutor.com, a 24/7 virtual tutoring platform. Please encourage your student to take advantage of these valuable academic support resources. Additional information is available on the Tutoring Services website. Students with questions may also contact us at tutor@kutztown.edu.

  Success Navigators
  At KU, every incoming student is paired with a dedicated Student Success Navigator. The Navigator is a full-time staff member who supports students throughout their entire academic journey. Assigned at deposit and available even before Orientation, the Navigator is a student’s first point of contact for questions, whether they need help navigating next steps, resolving holds, accessing resources or simply determining who to speak with next. Even after an academic advisor is officially assigned, the Navigator serves as a point of contact and remains available even if the student changes majors, providing consistency and confidence during the transition to college. We encourage you to remind your student that help is always within reach. Students can find their assigned Navigator in MyKU or Starfish and schedule a meeting at any time.

  National Collegiate Sports Sales Championship Finals
  Led by Dr. Soojin Kim, 11 talented sport management students represented Kutztown University in the first round of the National Collegiate Sports Sales Championship (NCSSC). Kim was honored with the NCSSC Teaching Award for outstanding mentorship, while Braden Neeson, a senior in sport management, earned a prestigious five-star recruit rating from the competition. As a result of this achievement, Neeson has received a $600 stipend and advanced to the final round of the NCSSC, set to take place at State Farm Arena in February. This accomplishment highlights Kutztown University's commitment to excellence in sports management education and its support for student success at the national level.

  AI-Powered Platform Enhances Hands-On Learning in Personal Selling in Sport Course
  Dr. Brad Congelio developed a web-based Sports Sales Training Platform to enhance the Personal Selling in Sport course. The platform is fully integrated into the class curriculum, allowing students to apply sales concepts in AI-powered simulated scenarios that mirror real-world sports sales interactions. Students receive immediate feedback on their performance, while the system enables Congelio to provide targeted, data-driven instructional support. This integration ensures that every student can develop practical skills, track their progress, and refine their sales techniques in a hands-on, immersive learning environment.

  KU Presents! Updates Spring Performances
  Cheyenne Jackson will be replacing Jessica Vosk 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 1, Schaeffer Auditorium. Fresh off his Carnegie Hall solo show debut, you will be treated to an evening of story and song, laughter and tears, celebrating his personal journey from rural Idaho to star of stage and screen. Before then, enjoy a tribute to the historic Semiquincentennial (250th anniversary) of America with the Pacifica Quartet. Laugh with the virtuosity and theatrical wit of Mnozil Brass. Be inspired by Lakota storytelling with “The White Buffalo.” These performances and more to beat the winter blues are waiting for you at Schaeffer Auditorium. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 610-683-4092. KU students can access $15 tickets by logging in for tickets with their MyKU login, or get all you want to see for just $25 with our new Student Membership.

• Administration and Finance

  Spring 2026 Charges, Billing and Statements
  The bill/statements are located at MyKU > Student Account card > Payment Dashboard > Statements. The On Demand Statement is the most recent and up to the minute for activity.

  Authorized Users (Billing Third-Party Access)
  Students can choose to grant parents or any other third party authorized user access to their own version of the Payment Dashboard. Student navigates to MyKU > Student Account card > Payment Dashboard > Authorized User. This will also allow for the user to get the statement emails that are sent and even text messages as well – a great backup for the student if they miss the billing emails.

  Payment Plans – Still Open for Spring
  Payment plans are set up in the Payment Dashboard and should be set up by your assigned due date. MyKU > Student Account card > Payment Dashboard > Payment Plans. If you have Authorized User Access, you can login online. Summer payment plans will open in late March.

  Prior Semester Charges – Past Due
  Prior semester charges cannot be paid with Spring 2026 aid. If you have an incidental fee, such as an ID replacement or Health Center visit fee, you need to login and pay that to remove that hold. To ensure it applies to the correct term – Make a Payment > Pay by Term.

  Bookstore Accounts
  If you took more aid than needed so you could get a refund and buy books, please know aid won't disburse and post until the end of the fourth week of the semester, no sooner than Monday, Feb. 16. We don’t want anyone to have to wait for their books, so we offer a Bookstore Account program for students who have their aid in Pending Status that exceeds their costs. A few requirements are needed to request this online. Requests end Friday, Feb. 6. Purchases are made with the KU Campus Store no later than Tuesday, Feb. 10; for options about how to make purchases, visit their website. One request per semester (Fall and Spring only).

  1098-T and Year-End Tax Information
  These are available on Maximus. These items are available online only at first. They are only mailed at the end of the month if they are not retrieved online. If you want them at their earliest, you will want to get them online. More information is available on the Student Accounts website.

  Refunds
  Overpayments that are the result of student-funded aid will be released to the student through the BankMobile refund program selection the student made online. Refunds start no sooner than the beginning of the fourth week of the semester. Overpayments that are the result of parent-funded aid (i.e. Parent PLUS loan or parent alternative loan) will be released to whomever the parent designated on the loan application. If the designation was the parent, the overpayment will be a paper check mailed to the parent. If the designation was the student, the overpayment would go through the student’s preference at BankMobile.

  Student Refund Preference Selection
  Students who never selected a refund preference should go to www.refundselection.com to make this selection. Students who have previously made a refund preference will find that remains in place unless they change it. We encourage reviewing it at www.vibeaccount.com  and verifying address, banking information and more.

  Parent Refunds
  Since students have the direct deposit option and parents do not, parents will often choose to allow the refund to go to the student. If the parent elected for the refund to go to the parent, but now want the refund to go to the student, the parent can complete a Parent PLUS Release Form, allowing us to refund the student regardless of what aid causes the overpayment. This form requires a signature and can be faxed or scanned and emailed to us before refunds start.

  Adding Bear Bucks Throughout the Semester
  Students will continue to use this online storefront to purchase Bear Bucks and Flex Dollars for the Spring semester. Allow at least one business day for processing and availability on the ID card (weekends and holidays are not business days). Remember, Flex Dollars will expire at the end of Spring semester. This online store gives you the option to select Bear Bucks or Flex Dollars.

  FAFSA Reminder
  If you are seeking financial aid for the Spring 2026 semester, there is still time to file the 2025-26 FAFSA. The 2026-27 FAFSA is now open. It is important to file early, as state grants require that your FAFSA be completed and submitted prior to May 1. Don’t delay.

  Withdrawal Information
  Has your student decided to not return to KU this spring? If so, we understand and are sad to see them go. Please help to ensure they have completed the withdrawal form to get this processed properly and closed out. If the student cannot remember their password, they can call the IT Help Desk at 610-683-1511.

  Spring 2026 Parking Permits Now Available for Purchase
  Students wishing to park a vehicle on campus at any point throughout the academic year may now register that vehicle through their Vehicle Services account (MyKU > Resources > Vehicle Services). If you purchased a full year permit in the Fall, you are ok for the Spring. If you just purchased a Fall-only permit, then you must get a Spring permit now for $50.

  How do I Get my Permit after Registering?
  Once you register and all necessary documentation has been submitted, bring your vehicle registration and driver’s license to KU Business Services, 107 Academic Forum.

  What if my Temporary Pass Expires Before I Will Be On Campus?
  If you register early and your pass expires before your return to campus, do not fret. Place the pass on your dash, park in one of your assigned lots in a white-lined space and the parking enforcement team will know you still need to pick up your permit during the first week of classes. For more information, contact KU Business Services at 610-683-4825 or parkingpermits@kutztown.edu.

  Summer Tuition Inquiries
  Summer tuition rates will be posted by early March, or sooner, for students to peruse the costs and determine if summer enrollment is desired. The only aid a student would have for summer would be if they did not use all their available aid in the fall and spring, they were making progress after spring grades post and are enrolled in the number of credits needed for the aid (such as minimum six credits). Some students may find it safest to take an additional spring loan to get the funds when they know they are meeting eligibility or if they only want to take only three credits in the summer. Summer payment information will be online by mid-March.

  Internships
  Just a reminder that internships are credits, which a student earns with a grade that affects their GPA. These credits have a cost just like any other credit does at KU. They have less fees for these experiences as they are off campus, but there are costs associated with them. Please budget accordingly for summer internships.

• Student Affairs

  Welcome New Members to the Kutztown University Public Safety and Police Services Team
  Kutztown University Public Safety and Police Services is pleased to announce the appointment of three new officers to our department: Officer Maroun Tabarani, Officer Salvatore Bellavia and Officer Luis Garcia. As we continue our commitment to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all, we are thrilled to have these professionals join our ranks. Their dedication to public service will be a vital asset to our university. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Officers Tabarani, Bellavia and Garcia as they begin their service to the KU campus community.

  Spring Welcome Week and Orientation
  Spring Welcome Week takes place during the first two weeks of classes and offers students a great opportunity to meet new people, have fun and get involved on campus. Be sure to visit the Welcome Week website for more information and a full list of events. Students can also explore upcoming campus events and activities throughout the rest of the semester on Engage. We were also thrilled to welcome our new spring class to Kutztown. We are excited to have our newest Golden Bears join the KU community and look forward to supporting them as they get connected, grow and thrive as successful Kutztown students.

  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 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. 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, email studentassistance@kutztown.edu. Together, we can ensure every Golden Bear has the support they need to thrive.

  Health and Wellness Services
  We still have a limited supply of flu shots for students. These are free and do not require insurance. Students may call the Health Center to schedule an appointment. Counseling Services begin again with the start of the academic semester. Licensed professional counselors are available varying hours between 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, to assist students. Students may call for an appointment or check our website for current walk-in hours, where no appointment is needed.

  Involvement is Brewing, Join the Blend
  The Spring 2026 Involvement Fair is 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, 218 MSU. This is the perfect opportunity to meet the student organizations across campus and learn how to get involved. Check out Engage for more information.

  Medieval Times
  Huzzah! Jousting and feasting await traveling students on this bus trip back in time to Medieval Times Saturday, Feb. 21. Tickets will be available early February for students. Visit Engage to get the details.

  Sexpert Bingo
  Join our Kutztown University Activities Board for a night of fun bingo, sex education and some heated prizes 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12. Engage has the scoop.

  Build a Bouquet
  These flowers can last forever. Join the Office of Student Involvement for this fun afternoon building mini-beaded bouquets 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, 250 MSU. Learn more on Engage.

  76ers Bus Trip
  Join the Office of Student Involvement for this exciting basketball game as the Sixers go up against the San Antonio Spurs Tuesday, March 3. Tickets for students include tickets to the game and the bus there and back. Visit Engage for ticket sale info and all the details.

  Join our Student Activities Board, KUAB
  Is your Golden Bear interested in planning awesome events for the rest of the students? Have them email KUAB at KUAB@kutztown.edu or come to a meeting 4:30 p.m. Thursdays, 166 MSU.

  Interested in Greek Life?
  Leadership, philanthropy and comradery. Consider Greek Life as we enter the Spring 2026 semester as many of our organizations are actively recruiting new members. If you have any questions, please reach out to involvement@kutztown.edu.

• University Relations and Athletics

  Golden Bear Basketball is Here
  Get your tickets for Golden Bear basketball. Advance tickets are $8, $4 for seniors and non-KU students. Gameday 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

  How to Purchase Course Materials
  Your student's custom Virtual Shelf for the spring semester is ready to view and has been created with the required course materials for their Spring semester. We have included all our affordable options, which includes Inclusive Access, used and digital materials. To view your Virtual Shelf, sign into our KU Campus Store website with your KU email and password, review your Virtual Shelf and complete your order. With a simple click of the mouse, this tool will allow you to conveniently locate all your course materials and affordable options. Manually searching your course schedule to find your materials will no longer be necessary. Virtual Shelf will do the work for you as your official course materials assistant.

  Paying for your Course Materials with Excess Funds
  If you are receiving financial aid that exceeds your tuition, fees, meals, etc., you may qualify for a Bookstore Account to purchase course-required books and supplies. Submit your request online to the Office of Student Accounts. Purchases can be made in store or online at the KU Campus Store with a Bookstore Account until Tuesday. Feb. 10.

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

  Save the Date for Spring Alumni Weekend
  Mark your calendars – Spring Alumni Weekend is April 25-26. Registration opens shortly – stay tuned to www.kuf.org for details.

• Dates to Know

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

  Add/Drop Period - Spring 2026 Full Semester Courses	Jan. 26 to Feb. 4
  Spring 2026 Saturday Classes Start	Saturday, Jan. 31
  100% Refund Period Ends Spring 2026 Full Semester Students	Monday, Feb. 2
  Last Day to Apply for Spring 2026 Graduation	Friday, Feb. 13
  Financial Aid Disbursement Process Begins	Wednesday, Feb. 18
  Master Schedule Online for Fall and Summer 2026 (approximate date)	Friday, Feb. 20
  Undergraduate Advisement	Monday, Feb. 23