January 2026

Volume 8, Issue 6

• 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

  Cozy Season, Smart Season: Make Winter Break Count
  Winter break is here – time for rest, recharge and maybe a little inspiration. If your student wants to stay sharp between semesters (or just explore something new), remind them that free Coursera courses through KU Advance are just a click away. Whether they're curious about career skills, technology or personal development, they can learn at their own pace and even earn certificates to boost their résumé or LinkedIn. Encourage them to grab a blanket, sip something warm and log into a course that sparks their interest. A smarter spring semester starts with a curious winter break. Explore courses at the KU Advance website.

  University Writing Center Opens Monday, Jan. 26 for Spring Semester
  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.

  Art Professor Draws for 24 Hours
  Anthony Smith Jr., assistant professor, Department of Art and Design, was joined by musical guest Planet Infamy as the JuxtaHub Resident Artist Dec. 7-8, Emmaus, Pa., for a performance event, drawing straight for 24 hours. As shared by JuxtaHub, this immersive event included a live, large-scale drawing unfolding over the first 12 hours. The second half of the event reserved the process, with the drawing being “erased methodically, line by line, over the following 12 hours.” "Drawing has always kept me grounded and this project lets me share that feeling with the community," Smith said, who recently finished an exhibition at Philadelphia's Magic Gardens. "From Poussin's 'Et in Arcadia Ego' to Carl Sagan's reminder that we are made of stardust, great thinkers have pointed to our connection to something larger than ourselves. The drawing and erasing will unfold over 24 hours and my hope is that the simplicity of the act invites reflection and a sense of connection at a time when the world could use unity." Juxtahub is a community art center for the greater Lehigh Area, supporting the intersection of arts and technology. They offer workshops, classes and events. Learn more about Smith's 24-hour drawing event.

  KU Presents! Hosts Irish Band Lúnasa
  KU Presents! ended the fall semester on high note, hosting Irish supergroup Lúnasa Friday, Dec. 5. The band also brought along Irish singer and multi-instrumentalist Dave Curley, whose sweet vocals added to Lúnasa’s core instrumental tunes. The evening was a bright and merry affair. The pre-show Irish Christmas dinner was sold out. The concert audience of nearly 500 people – who were on their feet clapping and cheering many times – was indicative of this season's upward trends. Members of the Kutztown Celtic Session also enjoyed a tunes session with Lúnasa Saturday morning, Dec. 6. Lúnasa members enjoyed playing tunes like Banish Misfortune and Blarney Pilgrim; they were wowed by the Wells-Rapp Center for Mallet Percussion Research as a setting; and (perhaps most of all) enjoyed our surprise birthday shoofly pie and serenade to their flautist, Kevin Crawford. KU Presents is under the direction of Deborah Justice. Look for upcoming event at KU Presents!

  KU Presents! has Spring Performances for the Whole Family
  Enjoy a tribute to the historic semi quincentennial (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 back up for the student if they miss the billing emails. Authorized User access can be found online.

  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 should provide your own credentials previously set up to log in. 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 log in 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 start Monday, Jan. 12 and 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
  An announcement will occur when these documents are available online to view and print. They will be online on or before Saturday, Jan. 31. These are not on MyKU. These will be in the same system we have used in the past, Vangent/TRA (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 the quickest, 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 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. Visit the Student Accounts website for more information and updates on availability regarding the 1098T’s.

  Spring 2026 – 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 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 Loan Change Form 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 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 visit the refund selection website to make this selection. Students who have previously made a refund preference will find that it remains in place unless they change it. We encourage reviewing it at the Vibe account website 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 as well as staff and faculty 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
  The FAFSA for the 2025-26 school year remains open if you never filed it for Spring 2026. The 2026-27 FAFSA is also open. It is not too early to file the 2026-27 item. Remember, there are strict deadlines for state grant recipients and we see too many needy eligible students lose out on free state grant funding because of simply filing the FAFSA late. The FAFSA for next school year (Fall 2026 and Spring 2027) must be processed (not just submitted) before Friday, May 1 to qualify for the state grant (need-based checks in place too). Do not wait and risk losing out if you would have otherwise been eligible.

  Withdrawal Information
  We know plans can change and students’ paths divert. Has your student decided not to 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 online to get this processed properly and closed out. This is also the same form for a leave of absence. If the student cannot remember their password, they can call the IT Help Desk 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, 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, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

  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.

  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. Is your student interested in working on campus? Students who work on campus build strong personal connections, gain work experience and learn valuable skills, while earning extra money with flexible times built around their class schedules and needs. Studies show that students who work on campus retain at a much higher rate than other students. Student job opportunities are listed in Handshake. Students working on campus for the first time will need to complete payroll paperwork 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. Depending on the position, they may also need to complete background checks.

• Student Affairs

  2026-2027 Housing Plans
  Will your student be living on campus for the 2026-27 school year? If so, please encourage them to complete the housing application as soon as possible. At KU, students decide to live on campus for many reasons, including:

  • Safety and security - our halls have 24/7 front desks, live in staff members and campus is patrolled by Public Safety.
  • Close proximity to everything - whether it's their friends, dining facilities or their classes, everything they need is a walk or shuttle ride away.
  • A community they can count on - there are regular events within the residence halls and even some leadership opportunities for residents too. 

  If your student has any questions, please ask them to email housing@kutztown.edu or stop by Residence Life, Housing, and Dining at 106 Old Main.

  Welcome Back Glow and Game Night
  Residence Life, Housing and Dining Services is hosting a Welcome Back Glow and Game Night 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, Berks Hall Rec Room. It's a great way to kick off the semester with an epic night of glowing fun and games. Enjoy a night packed with laughter, competition and good vibes. This is the perfect way to start the semester right.

  Community Outreach Center
  Every spring, the Community Outreach Center of Kutztown University takes a group of students to volunteer in an area of need for Spring Break called "Alternative Spring Break." A super fun destination has been selected and will be announced shortly. Interested in attending? Have questions about the trip? Please email volunteer@kutztown.edu.

  McFarland Student Union
  Olympics Trivia will be held 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 2, 223 MSU. Free food and prizes are available.

  Commuter Student Association
  The Commuter Student Association is hosting February Commuter Tuesday with a free hot lunch for all attending commuter students 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3, 223 MSU (while supplies last).

  February Blood Drive
  KU is hosting a blood drive 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, Student Recreation Center East Gym. Reserve your spot online.

  Food Pantry Services
  The Bear Essentials Pantry can be accessed 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Come to the Office of Student Involvement in 153 MSU, across from the KU Campus Store. The pantry is stocked with a variety of non-perishables, including canned fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, jelly, snack bars, crackers, rice, sauce, pastas, etc. Personal care items, clothing, food preparation supplies and school supplies are also available. No appointment necessary.

  The KU Student Food Pantry is a satellite of Friend, Inc. and is located at the Lutheran Center, diagonally across the street from Golden Bear West, 15175 Kutztown Road, Kutztown, PA 19530. Students may access fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, dry foods and canned foods. There are also personal care items available such as menstrual hygiene products, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap and shampoo. This pantry can be accessed 4-6 p.m. Wednesdays, and 11 a.m. to noon Thursdays.

• 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 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 beginning Monday, Jan. 12. 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

  Nominations Open for Wiesenberger Faculty Award
  Nominations are open for the 2026 Arthur and Isabel Wiesenberger Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching. Current full-time tenured faculty are eligible. Nomination deadline is Sunday, March 1. This award is presented annually to a faculty member who has served Kutztown University in a manner that sets them apart from colleagues. Please complete and return the form to gautier@kuf.org.

  Connect with Us
  The KU Foundation has been raising funds to support the students, faculty, programs and capital needs of Kutztown University since 1983, and the Alumni Relations team works hard to enhance the experience of KU grads. With the generous support of KU alumni and friends of the university, we've raised millions of dollars for student scholarships, endowment, building projects, academic programs, athletics and more. Check out our website and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

• Dates to Know

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

  Spring 2026 Registration Opens	Wednesday, Jan. 7
  Deadline to Withdraw "W" from a Winter course	Friday, Jan. 9
  First day to apply for Spring 2026 Bookstore Account through Financial Aid Office	Monday, Jan. 12
  First Day to Request Bookstore Account Spring 2026	Monday, Jan. 12
  Winter 2026 Classes End	Tuesday, Jan. 13
  MLK Holiday - University Closed	Monday, Jan. 19
  Winter Grades Available in MyKU by 8 p.m. (tentative)	Tuesday, Jan. 20
  Residence Halls open at 1 p.m. for Spring 2026	Sunday, Jan. 25
  Spring 2026 Classes Begin (Full Semester, First Half of Term, and 5-Week A Courses)	Monday, Jan. 26
  Add/Drop Period - Spring 2026 Full Semester Courses	Jan. 26 to Feb. 2
  Spring 2026 Saturday Classes Start	Saturday, Jan. 31
  100% Refund Period Ends Spring 2026 Full Semester Students	Monday, Feb. 2