June 2025

Volume 7, Issue 11

• Academic Affairs

  Make the Most of Summer with Coursera
  Summer is the perfect time to explore new interests, build skills or get ahead on your learning goals. With KU Advance’s partnership with Coursera, it’s never been easier. Kutztown University students, faculty and staff have free access to more than 200 online courses and 40 certificates. New courses are being added this summer, so there’s always something fresh to discover. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn at your own pace, from anywhere. Visit our website to get started.

  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, coordinator for Student Success and Transfer Engagement, who is 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 and learn more online.

  Student Success Navigators
  To enhance support for our students, every first-year student is assigned a dedicated Student Success Navigator. Navigators serve as a consistent, accessible point of contact that students can turn to for guidance, resources and referrals throughout their academic journey. Navigators work collaboratively with students, academic advisors, department chairs and College Success Coordinators to ensure coordinated support. They can answer questions, help navigate campus processes and connect students with relevant campus services. A student’s assigned navigator is listed in both MyKU (Banner) and Starfish. Students are introduced to their navigator and the navigator role after submitting their advanced registration deposit and again during New Student Orientation. Navigator assignments remain consistent throughout a student’s time at KU, even if they change majors, ensuring continuity of support.

  University Writing Center
  The University Writing Center opens Monday, Aug. 25, for the 2025 fall 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.

  Communication Design Senior Portfolio Review – A Smashing Success
  The 34th Annual Communication Design Senior Portfolio Review, held Thursday, May 15, was a smashing success. Twenty-seven design agencies, with 51 designer and creative director attendees, reviewed 46 students’ portfolios. The attendees were highly impressed with the students' work, with some noting it was the most outstanding they had seen among art and design programs in the region. The clients provided valuable feedback and encouraged the students to approach graduation and entry into the professional workforce with confidence. Several also expressed interest in following up with students for potential interviews. As a bonus, 32 of the 51 attendees are KUCD alumni, ranging from 1999–2024. The department is very grateful to have such a supportive alumni network. Several emeritus faculty attended as well.

• Finance and Facilities

  Spring 2025 Balances
  Some students still owe balances from Spring 2025, which require payment. Late fees continue to be added and holds can still be added even for smaller balances, based on aging. Residence hall damage fees will be added soon. Housing will email affected students.

  Fall 2025 Tuition, Fees, Housing and Meals Billing
  Tuition rates have not been set for the upcoming year. This will likely not occur until mid-July. Estimated tuition rates are online. In the meantime, we do have an estimating tool worksheet on our Financial Guide for First Time Students that all students can use to estimate their costs outside of their aid package. This will help the student to set up a payment plan or apply for loans (double the fall amount for loans).

  Fall 2025 Billing Due Date
  Billing will occur mid-July with a due date of Saturday, Aug. 9. Tuition bills will include tuition, required fees, on-campus housing and meals based on the student’s enrollment/selection as of that day (changes can affect charges and aid). Remember, only authorized aid will reduce the amount due on the bill. Aid that is not in authorized status (i.e., awarded aid, or loans not yet certified) may require action and will not be considered as a valid payment type. Undergraduate students having 12-18 credits of enrollment will see the same tuition line item, although required fees may change based on course selections and the method of instruction. Billing help can be found online.

  Statements
  MyKU > Student Account card > Payment Dashboard. There are two types of statements: static and dynamic. Static statements will be ones created at a moment in time, and they don’t change. Dynamic statements are called On Demand Statements; these will update with changes in charges, payments and aid. These are the statements we encourage students to use.

  Fall 2025 Payment Plans
  Payment Plans remain open for the Fall 2025 semester charges (you must use the estimated costs discussed above). The four-payment plan ends Friday, July 4, (this includes a down payment with three additional payments). The plan then becomes a three-payment plan Monday, Aug. 4. Take advantage now if you can. A student can sign up for a plan now and adjust the plan later once the actual bills are prepared. 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 Account card > Payment Dashboard > Payment Plans. Enter the amount you want for the plan as the Plan Balance > Click Update Schedule and proceed with the payment.

  Authorized Users – Third Party Dashboard Access
  Students can grant their parents (or other third party) their own access to the Payment Dashboard, including getting the billing emails and even billing texts (if applicable) as to not solely rely on the students to share their notice. Students go to MyKU > Student Account card > Payment Dashboard (this is different from FERPA access). Authorized Users is on the right side. This is not limited to just one. Some set themselves up as an authorized user so they can get the notices to their own personal emails.

  Additional Funding Options – Apply in June
  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 bills, thereby reducing the charges due. Don’t wait to apply on the due date, as it can take up to two weeks for a loan to be certified.

  • 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.
  • 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. These loans do not apply to students who have lost federal aid eligibility.

  Interest does not start until the funds are disbursed (i.e., September and February). Apply for the full school year now, loan period August 2025 to May 2026, and Financial Aid will split the loan in half for you. 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.

  More information on additional funding options is available online. You can also get more information by calling Financial Aid Services at 610-683-4077.

  Aid Eligibility/Progress
  If a student has lost their access to federal aid due to not meeting the minimum requirements, the student will only have the option to look at Alternative loans – parent plus loans are federal aid. The minimum requirements for federal aid are a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher and a completion rate of 66.67%. Questions on this matter can be directed to Financial Aid Services at 610-683-4077.

  Authorized vs. 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, the student must be eligible for aid (financial aid progress) and lastly, the student must accept the loans or decline them. Only aid that is shown as authorized will be considered as payment toward the charges due. Financial Aid will make outreach and show items needed on MyKU, or they can be contacted at 610-683-4077.

  Financial Guide for First Time Students (Freshman, Transfer and Graduate)
  We have a webpage dedicated to new students covering finances, bills, aid and more. There is a video that details orientation-like items, including a lesson on how aid works. Anyone can benefit from this 15-minute video. There are also wonderful handouts you will find helpful. Take a few minutes and check it out today.

  Parking Permits
  Student vehicle registration will open in early-to-mid August for the upcoming school year. This will be located on MyKU > Resources > Vehicle Services. This is also the same location where students pay any tickets they may incur.

• Enrollment Management and Student Affairs

  Virtual Summer Series for Incoming Residents and Families
  Over the course of the summer, we will host five informational Zoom sessions (including live Q&A) on various topics to help answer your questions about room selection, meal plans, residence hall policies, move-in day and more. These Zoom-based “What’s Up Wednesday” presentations occur on select Wednesdays at 7 p.m. We will also host two Instagram Live sessions for open Q&A (one in June and a second in July). Incoming students and their families are invited to attend both the Zoom presentations and the Instagram Live sessions, or whichever is more convenient for them. Links, topics and dates are published on the main Residence Life webpage under “Quick Links” > “Virtual Summer Information Series for Fall 2025 Incoming Residents.”

  File the FAFSA for Financial Aid Consideration
  There’s still time for your student to be considered for need-based financial aid. Complete the FAFSA and enter Kutztown University’s code, 003322, to be considered for federal and state aid. This can be combined with any merit scholarships your student may be already receiving. Questions? Contact Financial Aid Services at 610-683-4077 or financialaid@kutztown.edu.

  LGBTQ+ Pride Month
  In June, LGBTQ+ Pride month is celebrated far and wide across the U.S. What is it and why is it celebrated? Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month is celebrated in the month of June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. The Stonewall riots lasted for six days and were in response to the discrimination and harassment that the Gay community faced at that time. This is a historical and pivotal time in the LGBTQ+ rights movement and is celebrated each year in the U.S. with pride parades and festivals. Our KU LGBTQ+ Resource Center will participate in the local Pride celebrations: Reading Pride Sunday, July 20, and Lehigh Valley Pride Sunday, Aug. 17.

  Required Form to Use Military Benefits in Fall 2025
  Students planning to use their military benefits (e.g., VA GI Bill, TA, EAP, MFEP) in the 2025 fall 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
  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 Fall 2025
  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, non-taxable). VA Work Study students support the Military and Veterans Services Office. Questions about open positions can be sent to veterans@kutztown.edu.

  Office of Student Involvement
  Has your Golden Bear mentioned that they wish they joined a club? Are they looking to meet people with similar interests, but just have not had the time or have yet to “find their people?” Summer can be a great time to explore options and develop a plan to join this fall. Reminder: registered student organizations can be found in Engage. Returning students can log in with their KU credentials. Student Involvement is open all summer and the staff would be glad to assist any student with identifying involvement opportunities. Contact information: involvement@kutztown.edu, 610-683-1383.

  Bear Essentials Food Pantry Summer Hours
  The Bear Essentials Food Pantry remains open throughout the entirety of the summer, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Stop by and pick up snacks, ingredients for cooking, healthcare and hygiene products, clothing and more. We are always accepting and grateful for donations as well.

  Engage
  If your child is looking to get involved on campus, navigate to Engage. Engage is our campus resource where all registered student organizations are located. Find the Organization tab to browse through suitable clubs and organizations, or check out some upcoming events by navigating to the News tab.

  For Parents of Student Leaders
  Be sure to let your student leaders know to communicate with their clubs throughout the summer and work with their Eboard and advisor to submit the re-registration form on Engage for their organization.

• Equity, Compliance and Legal Affairs

  Requesting Accommodations – New Students
  Parents of incoming freshman and transfer students: now is the time to begin the accommodation request process. To get started, please visit www.kutztown.edu/DSO and click on "Requesting Accommodations" for detailed information. If you have any questions, feel free to email us at DSO@kutztown.edu or call 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.

  Public Safety
  In May, members of the Kutztown University Police Department attended the NYPD Dignitary Protection Course, hosted by the NYPD Intelligence Bureau at the NYPD training academy in Queens, N.Y. The course brought together representatives from 62 agencies across the United States, including sworn officers from federal, state, municipal and university law enforcement, as well as international participants from Aruba and Ireland National Police. This intensive three-day training focused on threat assessment, security planning and the execution of protective operations for dignitaries, public officials and others requiring specialized protection.

  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

  Keystone Hall to Undergo Renovation
  Kutztown University’s home for Golden Bear Athletics, Keystone Hall, will undergo a complete building renovation for the first time in its 54-year existence, beginning May 2026. The building will feature a modernized home for KU student-athletes, coaches, staff and fans and is slated to open January 2028. Learn more.

• KU Campus Store

  Inclusive Access – Course Materials
  Inclusive Access is a collaboration between your professor, the KU Campus Store, the Office of Student Accounts and publishers to provide required course materials at a significantly reduced cost. When a professor makes the decision to participate in this program, all students registered for the class automatically receive access to these materials digitally, on the first day of class. For your convenience, you will be billed for your materials on your MyKU account. For more information, visit our website.

• KU Foundation

  Celebrate Your KU Student’s Experience with a Year-End Gift
  Last month, the Class of 2025 crossed the academic finish line and received their diplomas at commencement. KU graduates are walking into the world prepared and confident – and many would not have had the opportunity to attend college without the support of generous donors. We are grateful to the thousands of individuals who supported scholarships, enrichment, athletics, emergency funds and more. As this fiscal year comes to a close, we ask you to consider making a gift to the KU Annual Fund, Helping Paws Emergency Fund or an area most meaningful to you. Thank you for leading with generosity and creating a culture of philanthropy at KU. Your support makes a difference.

  Honor your KU Grad's Achievements
  Looking for a way to celebrate your Golden Bear? Consider having your graduate's name engraved on a brick in Alumni Plaza. Visit our website to learn how to purchase a brick in the plaza, one of the most popular spots on campus.

• Dates to Know

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

  Undergraduate Orientation Program (Transfer Program)	Thursday, May 29, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  Deadline to add/drop a Summer Session 10W course without receiving a grade of “W”	Thursday, May 29
  Last day to drop a course with 100% reduction or refund ends at midnight. No reduction of charges or refunds for individual courses after midnight (Summer 10wk only).	Thursday, May 29
  Summer I Inclusive Access Opt Out Deadline	Friday, May 30
  Make-up classes will be held for Summer Session I	Saturday, May 31
  Graduate international student application deadline for Fall 2025 semester	Sunday, June 1
  Last day to set up a five-payment plan for Fall 2025 semester in MyKU > Payment Dashboard	Wednesday, June 4
  Refunds for overpayments of Summer Session I will begin no sooner than this date (subject to change).	Friday, June 6
  First day Financial Aid can disburse for Summer Sessions 2025 (subject to change)	Friday, June 6
  First day no reduction in charges or refund for university withdrawals (Summer Session I only)	Friday, June 6
  Last day for Undergraduate and Graduate students to apply for Summer Session I 2025 graduation	Friday, June 6
  Last Day to sign up for the Summer I and Summer 10W Payment Plan in MyKU > Payment Dashboard	Monday, June 9
  First day to set up a three-payment plan for Summer Session II 2025 in MyKU > Payment Dashboard	Tuesday, June 10
  Undergraduate Orientation Program (Transfer Program)	Tuesday, June 17, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  Registrar to create grade rosters for Summer Session I	Wednesday, June 18
  Juneteenth Holiday - University Closed	Thursday, June 19
  Last day to withdraw from a Summer Session I 2025 course and receive a grade of “W”. There is no withdrawal from individual courses after this date.	Friday, June 20
  First day no reduction in charges or refund for university withdrawals (Summer 10 Week only)	Tuesday, June 24
  Last day to set up a three-payment plan for Summer Session II 2025 in MyKU > Payment Dashboard	Thursday, June 26
  Final decisions for cancellation of classes for the Summer II 2025 Session (subject to change)	Friday, June 27
  Residence Halls: Summer Session I Check-Out	Friday, June 27
  Summer Session I 2025 ends	Friday, June 27
  All Summer Session I grades must be electronically submitted by noon.	Wednesday, July 2
  Summer Session I grades available through MyKU at 8 p.m., unless notified.	Wednesday, July 2
  Last day to set up a four-payment plan for Fall 2025 semester in MyKU > Payment Dashboard (subject to change)	Friday, July 4
  Independence Day – University Closed	Friday, July 4
  Residence Halls: Summer Session II Check-In	Sunday, July 6
  Summer Session II 2025 begins	Monday, July 7
  Undergraduate Orientation Program (STARS only)	Monday, July 7