November 2026

Volume 9, Issue 4

• Academic Affairs

  One More Reason to Love Being a Golden Bear
  Did you know being a KU student comes with free access to thousands of online courses and professional certificates? Through KU Advance, students can explore Coursera and learn from leading companies and universities - all at no additional cost. From emerging AI skills to marketing, communication and leadership, there's something for every interest and career goal. And with flexible, self-paced options, students can learn on their own schedule. Explore this extra KU benefit at KU Advance. For help choosing a course or certificate, contact Dakota Sell at sell@kutztown.edu.

  The 2027-28 FAFSA is Open
  The 2027-2028 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form is online and available to the public, marking the earliest launch in the program's history for the second year in a row.

  Apply for 2027-28 Scholarships
  Beginning Sunday, Nov. 1, students may access the Kutztown University Foundation Scholarship Portal to apply for hundreds of donor-funded scholarships. The application period will remain open through April 11, 2027. We encourage students to complete their application as early as possible. Although scholarship awards are not guaranteed, submitting an application ensures your student is considered for a wide range of scholarship opportunities that may help reduce educational costs.

  How Withdrawing from a Course May Affect Your Finances
  Under recent federal financial aid regulatory changes resulting from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, schools are now required to adjust annual federal loan eligibility for students who are not enrolled full-time. This includes students who withdraw from courses and their enrollment falls below 12 credit hours (for undergraduate students) or nine credit hours (for graduate students).

  Join the Music Department for Concerts and Performances
  Join the Music Department for the many concerts and performances throughout the fall semester.

  Communications Studies Career Day
  The Communication Studies program, in partnership with the Career Development Office, will host Career Day 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2, 218 and 250 MSU. The event includes lunch and a panel of Communication Studies alumni.

  Cinema, Television and Media Production Department hosts NYC Filmmaker
  The Department of Cinema, Television and Media Production welcomes NYC-based writer/director Matthew James Thompson 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, 135 Rickenbach Learning Center. The department will host a screening of his feature film debut, Handle with Care (2026), followed by a Q&A. In August, Handle with Care had its world premiere at the Rhode Island International Film Festival, taking home the Grand Prize for Best Feature and Best Actor (Justin H. Min). Film Synopsis: In the wake of a short-lived marriage, a young man sells his unused wedding gifts online and learns valuable life lessons from the people he meets along the way.

• Administration and Finance

  Registration Holds
  Students who owe money for the Fall 2026 semester (or before) may be blocked from Spring 2027 registration. Please remember that students must have a spring schedule in order to move back into their room assignment in January. There is still time to apply for additional loans or make a payment. Don't delay, as some loan options will no longer be available after the last week of classes. Financial Aid Services is a great resource, call 610-683-4077.

  Winter 2026-27
  Winter session is unique at KU. Courses are online only. This session is not an aid-bearing session, which means any aid would go through the Fall semester, not the Spring. Any unused Fall aid could be considered for Winter, as well as alternative loans taken in the Fall (August to December loan period). Spring aid cannot be used for Winter. Since each student’s situation is different, we do encourage a discussion with Financial Aid Services to assess options. Do not delay, as Winter has rolling due dates and drop for non-payment will occur on a rolling basis. Winter costs can be viewed online.

  Spring 2027
  Spring charges will show in early December and be due Monday, Jan. 4. 

  Payment Plans
  Winter 2026-27 and Spring 2027 both have payment plans open. The better and longer options are available. Payment Dashboard > Payment Plans.

  Permanent Address and Personal Email Changes
  Now is a great time for students to review their permanent home address and personal emails on MyKU to ensure they are current (the permanent address is where we will mail 1098Ts at the end of January). Emails can be reviewed in the Profile on MyKU (many students use their high school email and forget to update it). Students can visit the Registrar’s Office, or the student can use the online form under the Registrar tile. This must be updated by Monday, Dec. 15 for 1098T’s – do not delay.

  Bear Bucks Donations
  If a graduating student would like to donate the remaining funds in their Bear Bucks account, please contact the KU Foundation at 610-683-4110 or info@kuf.org for more information and the donation form. Other questions about Bear Bucks and refunds from them should be directed to the KU Card office at kucard@kutztown.edu.

  Running Low on Bear Bucks or Flex Dollars?
  Bear Bucks and Flex Dollars can be added online throughout the year. Bear Bucks do not expire, but Flex Dollars expire at the end of the academic year.

• Student Affairs

  Commuter Student Events
  Need a break from packing your lunch? We're treating you! Stop by for a free mac and cheese bowl while supplies last. It’s a great chance to grab a bite, relax and connect. Mark your calendar 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, 223 MSU. No RSVP necessary. Don't miss out on this tasty perk.

  Pop Culture Trivia
  Test your Pop Culture Trivia Knowledge 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, 223 MSU. No RSVP necessary.

  Community Outreach Center
  Mark your calendar for an action-packed November. We have plenty of opportunities to serve your community, get informed and have some fun. Halloween Clean-Up 9-11 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 1; Golden Bear Bazaar 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, 218 MSU; Volunteer at Saucony Cross 2-4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13; Rock Painting Table 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16; Hunger Banquet 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, 223 MSU; Blood Drive 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18; Volunteer at Friend, Inc. Thursday, Nov. 19. Contact Amanda Garcia for more information.

  Hollywood Murder Mystery
  Students are invited to a glamorous evening of entertainment at the KUAB Hollywood Murder Mystery Dinner 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, 218 MSU. Dressed as their favorite Hollywood stars, the audience becomes part of an interactive murder mystery theater experience. Throughout the night, students will gather clues, question suspects and work together to solve the mystery before the final reveal. Dinner is included, making this a great opportunity for all students. Free tickets will be available beginning Tuesday, Nov. 3; and students are encouraged to reserve their spot early as they are limited. Details coming soon on Engage.

  Lego Bingo
  Join Student Involvement for Lego Bingo 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, 183 MSU. Students can play bingo for the chance to win exciting Lego set prizes. Whether they are Lego enthusiasts or simply looking for something new, we hope to see your Golden Bear. Details are on Engage. This event offers a great opportunity to connect with friends, unwind and test their luck.

  Pet Therapy
  Come to KUAB's Pet Therapy 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1, 218 MSU. Participants can interact with a variety of reptiles and amphibians, including snakes, geckos and turtles, while relieving stress and recharging before finals. Students are welcome to stop by, meet some new animals and enjoy a calming break during the last week of classes. Details are on Engage.

  Finals Snacks
  Finals are stressful enough without having to worry about having time for breakfast. Students should stop by the table in the MSU Lobby 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Dec. 8-9, for a quick treat before heading off to their next exam.

• University Relations and Athletics

  Pennsylvania Germans and the Revolution Conference
  The Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center will host “Pennsylvania Germans and the Revolution” a collaborative, interdisciplinary conference Nov. 13-14, exploring Pennsylvania German experiences in the era of the Revolution and beyond. The conference is co-sponsored by the German Society of Philadelphia and part of America 250 PA Berks County. The event is free and registration is required, with Pennsylvania Dutch themed lunch available for $30.

  Continue to Support Golden Bear Athletics
  The Golden Bears are off to a great start this fall. Visit KUBears.com to stay up to date with future playoff schedules, news and postseason tickets.

• KU Campus Store

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

  Thank You for Supporting the 1866 Giving Challenge
  The KU Foundation would like to thank everyone who participated in the 1866 Giving Challenge Oct. 20-21. In just 1,866 minutes, the KU community raised $500,386 to support academic and athletic programs, student organizations, experiential learning, emergency funds and scholarships – and gifts through Homecoming weekend brought the total to $601,312. Thank you for helping us build a culture of philanthropy here at KU.

  Honor your KU Grad's Achievements
  Looking for a way to celebrate your Golden Bear’s December graduation? Consider having your graduate's name engraved on a brick in Alumni Plaza. Learn how to purchase a brick in the plaza, one of the most popular spots on campus. Completed order forms can be emailed to gautier@kuf.org.

• Dates to Know

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

  Application deadline for Winter 2027 for Graduate Studies. Contact the Office of Graduate Admissions for specifics as some programs fill courses prior to the application deadline.	Sunday, Nov. 1
  Incumbent Graduate Registration begins for Spring 2027 at 8:30 a.m.	Monday, Nov. 2
  Time tickets for Spring 2027 registration sequentially open for students followed by an open enrollment period for all students.	Nov. 2-21
  Advisement and registration for Spring 2027 of newly accepted Graduate, new Post Baccalaureate Certification and Professional Credit (non-matriculated) students opens at 8:30 a.m.	Thursday, Nov. 5
  Early Registration for Spring 2027 classes for Special Groups Seniors (completed 90+ credits prior to Fall 2026) online starting at 8:30 a.m.	Thursday, Nov. 5
  Registration tickets open for new Graduate students online starting at 8:30 a.m.	Thursday, Nov. 5
  Last day for faculty to submit change of grades for Undergraduate “Incompletes” from the Spring 2026 semester.	Friday, Nov. 6
  Visit KU for an Admissions Open House	Saturday, Nov. 7
  Early Registration for Spring 2027 classes for Seniors (completed 90+ credits prior to Fall 2026) online starting at 8:30am	Monday, Nov. 9
  Early Registration for Spring 2027 classes for Special Groups (JR/SO/FR) online starting at 8:30 a.m.	Wednesday, Nov. 11
  Early Registration for Spring 2027 classes for Juniors (completed 60+ credits prior to Fall 2026) online starting at 8:30 a.m.	Friday, Nov. 13
  Withdraw Period for Fall 2026 10-Week Courses. The last day of this period is the deadline to receive a grade of “W”. There is no withdrawal from individual courses after this date.	Friday, Nov. 13
  Early Registration for Spring 2027 classes for Sophomores (completed 30+ credits prior to Fall 2026) online starting at 8:30 a.m.	Monday, Nov. 16
  Town Hall with President Cavalier, 7 p.m., 183 MSU	Tuesday, Nov. 17
  Early Registration for Spring 2027 classes for Freshmen online starting at 8:30 a.m.	Wednesday, Nov. 18
  Spring 2027 Open Enrollment Period. Registration for classes is open to all students.	Monday, Nov. 23
  Thanksgiving Recess. No Classes. Administrative Offices Open.	Wednesday, Nov. 25
  Residence Halls close at 9 a.m. for Thanksgiving Break.	Wednesday, Nov. 25
  Thanksgiving Break.	Nov. 26-29
  Residence Halls open at 1 p.m.	Sunday, Nov. 29