July 2025

Volume 7, Issue 12

• Academic Affairs

  Tutoring Services
  Is your student taking a summer class? Support is available for summer courses through Tutor.com, a virtual 24/7 tutoring platform. For instructions on how to use this service, please have your student visit the Tutoring Services website. We encourage students to take advantage of this free tutoring resource. Contact tutor@kutztown.edu with questions. 

  Transfer Student Success Coordinator
  Meet Briana Zdradzinski, the coordinator for Student Success and Transfer Engagement, a key resource for your student’s transfer journey to KU. Briana is available for one-on-one meetings to support students as they transition and adjust to life at KU. Prospective and current transfer students are encouraged to connect with her to schedule an appointment. Learn more online. 

  KU Succeed Academic Recovery Program – Fall 2025
  Is your student at Kutztown University facing academic challenges? The KU Succeed program is here to help. This comprehensive academic recovery initiative is designed to support students in improving their academic performance and regaining their confidence. Offering personalized coaching, skill-building workshops and a connection to campus resources, KU Succeed equips students with the tools and strategies they need to thrive. Encourage your student to take advantage of this valuable resource and make Fall 2025 their semester of success. For more information, visit our website or contact the Center for Student Success and Academic Excellence at success@kutztown.edu. Let's work together to help your student achieve their academic goals. 

  Business Students Showcase Research Excellence at International Congress in Greece
  Three students from the College of Business proudly represented Kutztown University at the 33rd International Congress on Physical Education and Sport Science, held at the Democritus University of Thrace in Komotini, Greece. They showcased their academic excellence by delivering three well-prepared and professionally presented research projects. In addition to their scholarly achievements, the students enjoyed rich cultural experiences, including a guided tour of the Acropolis and the historic city center of Athens. They also joined Greek students on a memorable sailing trip to the picturesque island of Thasos – an ideal way to relax and foster international friendships beyond the academic setting.

  KU Students Join Flyers College Sales Program for Fall 2025
  Kutztown University's Sport Management program is thrilled to participate in the Philadelphia Flyers College Sales Program for the Fall 2025 semester. As part of the SPRT 236 course, students will gain valuable, hands-on experience in sports sales and marketing. The program includes professional sales training provided directly by Flyers staff, offering students real-world opportunities to sell tickets for Flyers games. In addition to practical experience, students will benefit from professional development sessions and networking opportunities within the sports industry. This unique collaboration bridges classroom learning with industry application, helping students build essential skills and connections for future careers in sport management.

  University Writing Center (Opens Aug. 25)
  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.

• Finance and Facilities

  Spring/Summer 2025 Balances
  Please review for any balances that remain due from Spring 2025 and Summer 2025. We have many students who forgot about ID replacements or Health Center visits or received hall damage bills that are all past due and eligible for late fees or holds. Please review your students’ account to ensure these are paid immediately. Parking tickets that were issued this past year would be paid for through Vehicle Services directly. MyKU > Student Self Service > Vehicle Services > Tickets.

  Fall 2025 Tuition, Fees, Housing and Meals Billing
  Tuition rates for academic year 2025-26 have not yet been set; therefore, we are not showing any Fall charges in MyKU and we have not prepared statements (bills). To estimate your costs for the Fall, you can do a few of the following:

  1. Use the Estimated Undergraduate Tuition Costs.
  2. Use the estimated costs in your Financial Aid package that was emailed to students.
  3. Use this estimating calculation sheet tool we created just for you. This shows housing rates for this coming year and how to view the aid.

   

  We hope to prepare actual statements in late-July with a due date of Friday, Aug. 8. Please note, however, that this is dependent on the tuition rates being officially approved and set by our Board of Governors in conjunction with the Governor. Statements (bills), when produced, will include tuition, required fees, on-campus housing and meals based on the students’ enrollment/selection as of that day (later changes can affect charges and aid).

  Only authorized aid will reduce the amount due on the statement. Aid that is not in an authorized status (i.e., awarded aid, or loans not yet certified) may require action and will not be considered as a valid payment type to reduce charges. After we prepare the statements, students will be notified to their KU email account. Authorized users in the payment dashboard will also receive an email. Billing help is found online.

  Statement/Bill Location
  Static statements will start at the end of July – these are a moment in time and will not update. On-demand statements show up-to-the-minute activity (recommended). MyKU > Student Accounts Card > Payment Dashboard > Statements.

  Prepare for Statements
  Using the estimating options above, students can still take advantage of the four-payment plan through Friday, July 4, or the three-payment plan beginning Saturday, July 5, through the due date. Students can also use the estimating options to apply for loans as needed and complete federal loan requirements. Apply for loans if desired now, as they can take a few weeks to certify and add to the account.

  1. Fall 2025 payment plan is open at MyKU > Student Accounts Card > Payment Dashboard > Payment Plans.
  2. Stafford Loan requirements
     1. New students go to https://studentaid.gov and log in with their own FSA ID and password.
        1. Complete Master Promissory Note and Direct Loan Entrance Counseling.
  3. Additional Loan options listed below

   

  Stafford Loans – Accept or Decline – Requirement for All Students Each Year
  All students must now accept or decline their Stafford loans in MyKU > Student Self Service > Dashboard > Financial Aid > Award Offer (second tab) > under Loans, select Take Action and use the dropdown to accept or decline. Loans will only show on the bill if accepted. Any changes after initial acceptance or decline must be made on a student loan change form. Financial Aid can lend guidance at 610-683-4077.

  Outside (non-KU) Scholarship Awards
  Many students receive scholarships either as they graduate high school or awards that they renew each year. Student Accounts will not carry these items over year to year. If you have an award that is renewed, please send an updated award letter to our office so we can add a courtesy credit to the statement that can reduce the charges due. We will only add courtesy credits for scholarships of $1,000 or more. Email these award letters to studentaccounts@kutztown.edu. Any award checks sent to you that are made payable to just the student do not have to come to our office and we don’t need those award letters. Only items that are payable to KU or KU and the student will need to come to our office.  Call us to answer any questions.

  Additional Funding Options – Apply for Loans Now
  Many students will need additional funding after their awarded aid package from the FAFSA completion. Some will pay the difference; some will use a payment plan (see below) and some will use additional loans. Additional loans should be applied for now so that Financial Aid Services will have time to certify the loan and allow it to show on the Fall account thereby reducing the charges due.

  • Alternative Loans are loans in a student’s name with a credit-worthy co-signer (some even have a parent option now). These can take up to two weeks to show as pending aid in MyKU. Don’t delay. You can always reduce these loans before they disburse.
  • Parent PLUS loans are loans in a parent’s name they take to help a student. Approvals and denials (parent denials may offer students some additional Stafford Loans). These can take up to two weeks to show as pending on the account.
  • Apply for the full year – so double the cost need for Fall and use the loan period of August 2025 to May 2026. Financial Aid will split the loan evenly between Fall and Spring.

   

  Interest does not start until the funds are disbursed (i.e., September and February). Do not delay, apply for these extra loans now. You can easily reduce the loans later by completing a loan change form once the actual charges are on the account and you see all of the figures in one place. For more information on additional funding options, visit our website. You can also get more information by calling Financial Aid Services at 610-683-4077.

  The Difference Between Authorized and Awarded Aid
  Once the FAFSA is completed, an aid package is prepared for a student by Financial Aid Services. This is awarded aid. This aid will not reduce charges on a bill at this point. To move from awarded aid to authorized aid, students must complete all requirements, such as verification if selected, Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling (if not already completed at KU), submitted their final high school transcript, be enrolled in courses and lastly, the student must be eligible for aid (financial aid progress). Only aid that is shown as authorized will be considered as payment towards the charges due. Students can check if they have any outstanding aid items at MyKU > Student Self Service card > Dashboard > Financial Aid > Federal Tasks.

  Fall 2025 Payment Plans
  Payment plans remain open for the Fall 2025 semester charges. The three-payment plan opens Saturday, July 5, through Friday, Aug. 8. A student can sign up for a plan now and adjust the plan later if charges change. There is no fee to increase or decrease the plans as need, should a surprise scholarship show up or the bill increase due to a housing change for example. MyKU > Student Accounts card > Payment Dashboard > Payment Plans.

  • Estimate your costs using the estimating tool worksheet.
  • Enter this amount as the plan balance – click update schedule twice.
  • Scroll down and pay the fee and first payment.

   

  Authorized Users – Payment Dashboard Access
  Students can sign their parents up to get their own access to the Payment Dashboard, including getting the statement email notifications, so you are not solely relying on the students to share their notice. Students go to MyKU > Student Accounts card > Payment Dashboard > Authorized Users. Tip: students can set themselves up with a personal email as well.

  Bear Bucks / Flex Dollars
  Bear Bucks are dollars that students add to their ID cards to use on campus and various establishments in town, including the two major grocery stores. These do not expire. Flex Dollars are dollars that students add to their ID cards to use on campus for food establishments on campus only. These are limited and do expire. Flex Dollars are not available to purchase until mid-August. More information is online.

  Student Accounts Summer Office Hours
  Over the summer, we are still available to help you. We recommend email as our preferred method of communication to allow us time to research and review the account for a good answer; however, you may always call us as well at 610-683-4133. We are open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

  Address and Email Updates
  Now is a great time for students to review their addresses on MyKU and their personal emails. Students can update their mailing address. Home address changes must be done online with a request to the Registrar’s Office. They can update their mailing address under their profile on MyKU. The student must log in to do so. We also ask that students review their personal emails so that we have another way to reach them. High schools often disable those emails after graduation and many students forget to remove these and may miss out on critical information or outreach. Please review these today. Emails can be updated in MyKU. Remember, KU email is our formal method of notification.

  Parking Permits
  We know this is always a common concern around billing season. The August Parent Bulletin will have information regarding when permits will be available to purchase online and more. Stay tuned. Semester permits will be $50 and the annual permit will be $75. Expect these to go on sale online in early August. They may be available online earlier in July for Orientation pickup – stay tuned. Parking information is online.

• Enrollment Management and Student Affairs

  New Student Orientation
  Welcome Weekend 2025 is Aug. 21-24. This is part two of the new student orientation experience for all first-time attending students with free events for all students. Welcome Weekend includes events such as convocation, pet therapy, goat yoga and more. A schedule of all activities and events can be found online. The fun doesn't stop after the weekend; more events will be announced that continue through the first weeks of classes.

  Health and Wellness Services
  Medical forms are now available on the Student Health Portal. It is requested that all students complete health portal forms prior to returning to the start of the semester. Students may log in to their health portal to see which forms need completion or updating. NCAA student-athletes with questions about medical forms or requirements should contact KU Sports Medicine at 610-683-4664. The Health Center will be open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for Housing Preview Day, Friday, July 18. Please visit Beck Hall, first floor, to say hello and ask any questions you may have about medical, counseling or health education services available to students.

  Diversity and Inclusion Centers Open for Housing Preview Day
  Our Multicultural Center, Women's Center, LGBTQ+ Resource Center and Veterans and Military Center will all be open for tours, questions and to meet the directors on Housing Preview Day, Friday, July 18. Students and families are welcome to stop by any or all of the centers from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please contact Jerry Schearer (schearer@kutztown.edu) or any of the center's directly for more information.

  Pride Night at Reading Fightin' Phils: Sept. 10
  KU and the LGBTQ+ Resource Center will be sponsoring Pride Night at Baseballtown's FirstEnergy Stadium, the oldest baseball park in Double AA Eastern League. The game is at 6:45 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10. KU gear is encouraged; come early to get your souvenir cup. Free tickets will be available on campus in August. Please contact Jerry Schearer (schearer@kutztow.edu) for more information.

• Equity, Compliance and Legal Affairs

  Disability Services – Freshman and Transfer Students
  If your student is an incoming freshman or transfer and had an IEP, 504 Plan or accommodations at a previous college, now is the time to start the accommodation request process at KU. Visit our website and click “Requesting Student Accommodations” for details. The Disability Services Office (DSO) will be available at all upcoming orientation sessions. Students are encouraged to stop by the DSO table if they haven’t connected with the office yet. For questions, contact DSO at DSO@kutztown.edu or 610-683-4108.

  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. 

  Faculty/Staff Employment Opportunities
  KU is a great place for your students to learn and grow, but did you know our beautiful campus is also a great place to work? Eligible employees are offered a wide range of benefits, career growth and development opportunities and tuition waiver. Current opportunities are listed on our website.

  Sexual Misconduct Awareness Programming
  During the 2024-2025 academic year, Kutztown University's Title IX Office hosted more than 25 events aimed at raising students' awareness of sexual misconduct, consent, healthy relationships and active bystander intervention. In addition, more than 200 students participated in Kutztown University's Green Dot Bystander Intervention Workshops during the program's first year. We thank all the students that attended these programs and look forward to continuing to raise awareness of these issues during the 2025-2026 academic year. Follow the Title IX Office on Instagram to stay up to date on all our events and awareness campaigns at @KutztownTitleIX.

• University Relations and Athletics

  Kutztown University Radio
  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. 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 regensbu@kutztown.edu expressing interest or call 610-683-4059.

• 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.

  Inclusive Access – Course Materials
  Inclusive Access is a collaboration between faculty, KU Campus Store, the Office of Student Accounts and publishers to provide required course materials at a reduced cost. When a professor chooses to participate in this program, all students registered for the class automatically receive access to these materials.

  Benefits of Inclusive Access:

  • Day 1 access to required course materials for all students registered in the class.
  • Digital Access on mobile and desktop devices, print copies available for select courses.
  • Lowest price available, even directly from the publisher.
  • Conveniently charged with tuition, no out of pocket expense required.
  • You do not need to source and purchase materials elsewhere. For more information, visit our website.
• KU Foundation

  1866 Minute Giving Challenge Returns Oct. 15-16
  You are an important part of our upcoming seventh annual 1866 Minute Giving Challenge, Oct. 15-16. For 1,866 minutes, the KU community unites as one to support all – because together, we’re golden.

  Save the Date: Homecoming 2024 is Oct. 17-18
  We are delighted to welcome alumni, current students and their families to Homecoming 2025, Oct. 17-18. Registration opens in August.

• Dates to Know

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

  Final Decision on Cancelling Classes-Summer II 2025	Friday, June 27
  Summer Session I Ends	Friday, June 27
  Summer Session I Grades Available in MyKU by 8 p.m.	Wednesday, July 2
  Independence Day – University Closed	Friday, July 4
  Summer Session II 2025 Begins	Monday, July 7
  Last day to drop a Summer Session II course	Tuesday, July 8
  Summer II 2025 Inclusive Access Opt-Out Deadline	Thursday, July 10
  Summer II Graduation Application Deadline	Monday, July 14
  First Day No Reduction in Charges Refund (SSII)	Thursday, July 17
  Last day to withdraw from a Summer 10W course	Monday, July 28
  Last day to withdraw from a Summer Session II course	Friday, Aug. 1
  Fall 2025 Registration Opens	Monday, Aug. 4