January 2022

Volume 4, Issue 6

• Campus Announcements

  Kutztown University Announces Spring 2022 Plans
  Kutztown University recently announced 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 resume Jan. 26, 2022. Testing will also be offered Monday, Jan. 24, the first day of classes. 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

  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. 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.

  Earn Early Registration with 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.

  The Center for Student Success and Academic Excellence
  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.

  Rohrbach Library Spring Semester Hours
  Rohrbach Library's normal hours of operation are:

  • Sunday – 2 p.m. to midnight.
  • Monday through Thursday – 7:30 a.m. to midnight.
  • Friday – 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Saturday – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Administration and Finance

  Spring 2022 Charges, Billing and Statements
  The bill/statements are located at MyKU > KU Financial Account tile > Payment Dashboard > Statements. Any other billing or charge type page you find is not the bill and may cause you confusion as the bill adds in payment plan balances, pending aid by item and more.

  Payment Plans – Still open for Spring for Late Registrants
  Payment Plans are set up in the Payment Dashboard. MyKU > KU Financial Account tile > Payment Dashboard > Payment Plans. If you have parent access (now called payer access) you should use this link to provide your own credentials previously set up (see below). Summer payment plans will start in March 2022. Fall payment plans will start late April 2022.

  Assigning a Payer (billing parent access)
  Students can choose to grant parents or payers access to their own version of the Payment Dashboard. Designated Access in MyKU does not include finances or billing. Student logs into MyKU > KU Financial Account tile > Payment Dashboard > My Account > Payers > Send a Payer Invitation. This will also allow for the payer to get the billing emails that are sent and even text messages as well – a great back up for the student if they miss the billing emails.
  
  1098-T and Year-End Tax Information
  An announcement will occur when these documents are available online to view and print; we anticipate by mid-January. These will be in the same system we have used in the past Vangent (now called 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 soonest availability, you will want to get them online.

  If you have moved or never updated your home address prior to Jan. 1, and anticipate the document being returned by the mail, you will want to retrieve the document online. Update your home address with the Registrar's Office. You will need your state ID or Driver's License to do so in some instances. For more information about the 1098T’s, click here.

  Spring 2022 – Reduce Those Loans
  Did you recently cancel housing or meals? Did your bill end up smaller than you thought it would be? You do not have to take all of the loan funding available to you or that you applied for, if you don’t need it to pay the bill. Simply not accepting a refund won't reduce or cancel a loan. To reduce your loan or cancel it, you must complete a form Loan Change Forms before the aid comes in. These are online and easy to complete. If you need help determining how much to reduce or refuse, we can help (Stafford and PLUS loans have origination fees to consider).

  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 end of the third 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.bankmobilevibe.com and verifying address, banking information and more.

  Parent Refunds
  Since students have the direct deposit option and parents do not, often parents will 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 can add Bear Bucks to their ID cards, in person with cash or check at 107 Academic Forum, or this can be done easily online.  MyKU > KU Financial Account tile > Payment Dashboard > Overview > scroll down to Available Items and proceed.

• Enrollment Management and Student Affairs

  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.

  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.

  MSU Movie Series
  The Marine Science Club will host Moana (free to attend), Thursday, Jan. 27 to Sunday, Jan. 30, at 116 MSU. Showtimes will be 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. All are welcome. Learn more.

  Commuter Tuesday
  The Off-Campus Advisory Council and Commuter Student Association will host a free lunch for all off-campus and commuter students11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 1, 223 MSU. Nacho bar will be the lunch provided and only a KU ID is needed. Please contact Amanda Garcia (agarcia@kutztown.edu) or Alex Cruz (alecruz@kutztown.edu) for more information. Visit https://www.instagram.com/ocac_ku/.

  Women's Center and LGBTQ+ Resource Center Receive $27,866.50 Pennsylvania Governor's It's On Us Grant
  KU strengthens its commitment to stopping sexual violence on our campus and working toward making it a safer environment for all. The Women’s Center and LGBTQ+ Resource Center are the proud recipients of the Pennsylvania Governor's 2022-2023 It's On Us Grant. These funds will be used to bring in national expert speakers on combating sexual violence, launch an awareness campaign on the “Red Flags” of unhealthy relationships and dating violence, guide our student run It's On Us Chapter on how to engage in peer-to-peer training and educate our campus on advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community, especially those impacted by incidents of hate violence, sexual violence or intimate partner violence.

  Onsite Dental
  This spring we brought Onsite Dental, a comprehensive dental care team to our campus. More than 51 million school hours are lost annually because of illnesses related to dental problems, but that doesn't have to be the case at Kutztown University. With easy online booking, no wait appointments and in-network coverage with most major dental insurance plans, you can rest easy knowing that a tooth ache won't hold your back your Golden Bear. Students that book an appointment between Jan. 31 and May 1, will receive a Starbucks gift card after completing their first appointment. Click here, call or text 484-284-9899 or email pennsylvania2@onsitedental.com to talk to our practice manager and set up an appointment, learn about our services and inquire about your insurance coverage.

• Equity, Compliance and Legal Affairs

  Disability Services Office (DSO)
  Prospective students and families are invited to participate in a Disability Services Information Session. Participants will learn about services and facilities, the process for requesting accommodations, as well as tips for preparing for a successful transition to college. Sessions are scheduled at 5 p.m., on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, on Zoom. Contact the DSO at dso@kutztown.edu for more information and to obtain the Zoom link and password.

• Housing and Dining

  Community Assistants
  The Office of Residence Life, Housing and Dining Services is hiring Community Assistants for the 2022-2023 academic year. Community Assistants (CAs) are on the front lines and serve as a key component in the creation of a welcoming and inclusive environment within the residence halls. CAs are essential in the community-building process as they help the residents adjust to their new surroundings, solve problems, develop skills and establish relationships with others living on their wing, their floor, as well as within the hall. If your student is interested in being a leader on campus and wants to make a difference, then the CA position just might be the job for them. Applications and details about compensation can be found online: Community Assistant.   

  Dining
  Spring 2022 dining selection for students who currently do not have a meal plan is open until Jan. 24. Students who want to change their meal plan for Spring 2022 should email kudiningservices@kutztown.edu to make that request. Any requests for changes or cancellations to Spring 2022 meal plans must be made before 11:59 p.m., Friday, Feb. 4.

  Room Selection
  It's hard to believe we are getting close to on-campus housing and room selection for the 2022-2023 academic year. Please remember that Kutztown University has a two-year residency requirement. Information on our two-year residency requirement can be found online at https://tinyurl.com/Residency-Requirements.

  You may find the process and timeline for on-campus housing for the 2022-2023 academic year by going to https://tinyurl.com/Room-Selection. Returning students: the 2022-2023 Housing Application opens Monday, Jan. 24. If you have any questions, please reach out to housing@kutztown.edu.

• University Relations and Athletics

  Pioneering Women of Jazz: Feb. 16 at Schaeffer Auditorium
  Join KU Presents and Berks Jazz Fest for a celebration of three amazing women. Backed by Jazz at Lincoln Center's all-female jazz band and featuring three dynamic vocalists (Charenée Wade, Camille Thurman, and Tahira Clayton), this show delivers the popular music and tells the stories of Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday and Nina Simone who used their talents to combat racial prejudice, sexism and poverty during the Jim Crow era-South through the turbulent 1960s. Visit www.KutztownPresents.org for the complete listing of upcoming performances. Tickets: are $40, $34 for seniors and students and can be purchased online or by calling 610-683-4092. KU Students can access $10 tickets by logging for tickets with their MyKU log in.

  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

  How to purchase course materials?
  Your student's custom Virtual Shelf for this semester is ready to view, which has been created with the required course materials for their spring semester. We have included all of our affordable options, which includes Inclusive Access, rental, used, and digital materials. 

  To view your Virtual Shelf:

  1. Sign into our website www.kubstore.com with your KU email and password.
  2. Review your Virtual Shelf.
  3. Complete your order.

  What are the benefits of Virtual Shelf? With a simple click of the mouse, this tool will allow you to conveniently locate all of 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. Additional information can be found here www.kubstore.com/about-virtual-shelf.

  KU Campus Store is offering free standard shipping on all course materials orders over $50 through Jan. 14. KU Campus Store also offers contactless in-store order pickup. Textbooks in original condition can be returned for a full refund by Feb. 4 (or by March 4 with add/drop slip).

  Paying for Course Materials with Financial Aid?
  If you are receiving financial aid more than your tuition, fees, meals, etc., you may qualify for a bookstore account to purchase course-required books and supplies. Submit your request online by clicking here. Purchases can be made in-store or online with a bookstore account until Feb. 1.

• KU Foundation

  Do you have a Heart of GOLD?
  Feb. 7-11, we celebrate I HEART KU week. Kutztown University Foundation will host student activities throughout the week that include a “Give What You Can” food drive, as well as Heart of Gold messages from our students and their KU experiences. Stay tuned to Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to see all that makes KU special. The week will peak with outreach to our generous supporters, who will have an opportunity to give to what they love at KU, too. Valentine's Day is a perfect time to embrace how we're individually unique, but Together, We're Golden!

  Mentoring Available for KU Students
  The KU FUEL (Future Emerging Leaders) Mentoring Program helps students obtain and expand the knowledge and skills needed for future employment. This unique and progressive mentoring program connects students with alumni in their field of interest. Quality mentoring enhances a student's chances for success and provides professional socialization, networking, and personal support to facilitate success. Click here for more information.

  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

  Happy New Year From PSECU
  The new year is a time for setting resolutions. If your KU student would like to improve their personal financial management this year, PSECU's Financial Education Center at KU is here to help. The center presents educational programming on a wide variety of topics throughout the school year. Students are welcomed to stop by the office at 280 MSU with any general banking or financial management questions they may have. PSECU is proud to serve the Kutztown University community by offering these educational resources and providing best-in-class digital banking services. It’s free - and easy - to open a PSECU checking/savings account. To learn more about banking with PSECU, visit Student Banking - PSECU or email campus manager, Kelly Ann Ryan at kryan@psecu.com.

• Dates to Know

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

  Winter Grades Due from Faculty by 3 p.m.	Friday, Jan. 14
  Winter Grades Available in MyKU by 8 p.m.	Friday, Jan. 14
  MLK Holiday - University Closed	Monday, Jan. 17
  Clinical Exp Orientation	Tuesday, Jan. 18
  Spring 2022 Orientation Billing Runs	Thursday, Jan. 20
  Residence halls open 1 p.m. for Spring 2022	Sunday, Jan. 23
  First Clinical Experience Begins in Schools	Monday, Jan. 24
  Spring 2022 Classes Begin	Monday, Jan. 24
  Spring 2022 Add/Drop	Jan. 24-31
  Spring 2022 Saturday Classes Start	Saturday, Jan. 29
  Last Day to Add/Drop for Spring 2022	Monday, Jan. 31