October 2019

Volume 2, Issue 3

• Academic Affairs

  Fall Break: Oct. 13-15
  Kutztown University’s fall break is Oct. 13-15. There are no classes held Monday, Oct. 14, or Tuesday, Oct. 15. All classes will resume Wednesday, Oct. 16. Administrative offices will be open.

  College of Business
  Kutztown University's Entrepreneurial Leadership Center is seeking students of all disciplines of study who have a business idea. The Business Idea Competition provides students with an opportunity to explore their creative business ideas and receive valuable feedback from accomplished business owners. All finalists will present their business idea to a panel of experienced entrepreneurs 5 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 7, in 135 Rickenbach Learning Center. Presentations are open to the KU community and the general public. For more information visit www.kutztown.edu/business-idea-competition.

  Tutoring Services
  Utilize all your resources to achieve success with Tutoring Services. Whether your student is struggling in a class or just wants to get a better grade, free peer tutoring is available in both individual and group settings. To request a peer tutor, students can stop by Tutoring Services, located in 30 Rohrbach Library, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday-Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday. To see a complete list of courses that has tutors currently available as well as drop-in lab hours please visit www.kutztown.edu/tutoringservices.

  Act 101/RISE
  The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) knows that college can be a bewildering experience. That’s why the agency underwrites Act 101 for students with financial and academic need. We are experts in getting answers to students’ questions and making sure that our students get the help they need to be successful. Questions about financial aid? Tutoring? Contacting a professor? Being stressed out? Paying a parking ticket? Talk to us. Oh, and we do fun stuff too. Contact Dr. Patricia Derr, faculty director, at act101@kutztown.edu, or stop by 5 Rohrbach Library.

  The Center for Academic Success & Achievement (CASA)
  Fall into good student habits with CASA. Procrastination is a difficult habit to defeat; however, learning how to redirect your efforts can be a great place to start. That subject you least enjoy or that assignment you have been dreading, is precisely the one you need to do first. It can be daunting, but it will be worth it in the end. Students can meet with a CASA coordinator to discuss how to overcome procrastination and best manage their time. For more information visit www.kutztown.edu/casa.

  Career Development Center: Handshake
  Handshake is the new career platform at KU for on-campus jobs, internships and events for students. Students can activate their account by signing in with their KU email address. Questions can be sent to careerhelp@kutztown.edu.

  Graduate School Fair
  Representatives from area college and university graduate programs will be visiting KU to share information regarding their programs, schools and application procedures. The fair will be held 1-3 p.m., Monday, Nov. 4, in 218 McFarland Student Union.

  Cybersecurity Awareness Month
  October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Did you know 91% of cyberattacks begin with a phishing email? A phishing attack is an attempt to trick individuals into giving up important information like username, password, date of birth or SSN. Take a moment to review these simple tips that will help you avoid falling victim to a phishing attack:

  1. Do not click on any suspicious or potentially misleading.
  2. Be suspicious of poorly written emails.
  3. Never enter your login information to sites that you do not recognize.
  4. Verify the sender’s email address.
  5. Avoid messages from unrecognized senders that cause you to feel panic or anxiety.

  To learn more about phishing, try this quiz: https://phishingquiz.withgoogle.com/.

• Administration and Finance

  Payment Plans - Spring 2020 Open Now, Winter 2019-2020 Opens Oct. 15
  Students were sent an email Oct. 1 from director of Student Accounts Wendy Pursell with information regarding these two payment plans. This email can be shared with parents from the students. Parents can also access this information online. The Payment Dashboard can be accessed via MyKU, clicking the KU Financial Account tile and using the student’s login information. If the student provided a parent with a Parent PIN created account in the Dashboard, the parent can use this link to provide your own credentials. The best way to estimate costs and needs for Spring 2020 is to review the Fall 2019 semester activity, showing costs and aid. Adjustments can always be made when the actual bill is prepared.
  
  Winter 2019-2020
  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 2019 semester - not the spring. Any unused Fall aid could be considered for Winter as well as alternative loans. 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. Winter costs are online now to review as well as a winter payment options webpage and of course the winter payment plan mentioned above. Financial Aid Services can be reached at 610-683-4077 or have your student stop by their office to discuss.
  
  Spring 2020 Billing
  Students will soon be advised and start registering for Spring 2020 courses. Charges will not appear until billing occurs the day before Thanksgiving (subject to change). Due date will be Jan. 2, 2020. Payment plan options are available.

  1098-T and Year-End Tax Information
  Payments must post in MyKU, with a 2019 date (within 2019) to be reported for calendar year 2019. The office will be closed and unable to post payments received in the mail Dec. 24 through Jan. 1, 2020. If the payment posting in 2019 is critical for you, either pay online or mail any payments no later than Monday, Dec. 16. 529 payments should allow no less than two weeks for posting from the date of withdrawal request. 529 payments only release to KU via paper checks. For more information, click here.

  Registration Holds
  Students who still owe money for the Fall 2019 semester (or before) may be blocked from Spring registration and could be asked to move out of their residence hall after finals in December if not registered for classes and owing Fall costs. Students will be emailed in mid-November if they should prepare to check out of their assignment after finals. There is still time to apply for additional loans if needed, but don’t delay. Payment plans for Fall 2019 are all closed at this time. Financial Aid Services is a great resource found at 610-683-4077. Now is a great time to review the MyKU account activity!

• Enrollment Management and Student Affairs

  Demonstrations and Free Speech on Campus
  It is a priority for our campus leadership to advocate for an environment, wherein all those associated with Kutztown University, can feel valued and safe. Periodically throughout the year, our campus is the site of spontaneous demonstrations. Often, the demonstrators are from outside organizations not affiliated with our university. As a state institution, these individuals are permitted to demonstrate on our grounds, provided they do not disrupt daily operations. While we must keep in mind that all individuals have the right to free speech on our campus, our university rejects all forms of racism, bigotry and discrimination.

  Bias Response Task Force
  Our Bias Response Task Force, chaired by Dr. Donavan McCargo, dean of students, proactively works to promote a welcoming campus for all. Parents and families are encouraged to visit the Task Force website to better understand its mission and goals. We also remind our students that if they feel they have been harassed or discriminated against, the trusted offices below (which we feel are important to share with parents and families as well) are excellent resources.

  Faith-based Organizations (via Office of the Dean of Students): 610-683-1396
  GLBTQ Resource Center: 484-646-4111
  KU Police: 610-683-4002
  Office of the Dean of Students: 610-683-1396
  Office of Multicultural Services: 610-683-4197
  Office of Social Equity: 610-683-4700
  University Counseling Center: 610-683-4072
  Women's Center: 610-683-4655

  Ride Share App
  Did you know that your student has access to ride-sharing with fellow students via the MyKU app?

  Second Year Students
  Is your student in their second year at KU? The Residence Life office has a program just for them. Our Golden Paw Second Year Experience Program offers all of our second year students programs and resources to support their continued journey at KU. Our Second Year Experience Meetings are held at 11 a.m. every Thursday in 123 Old Main. For more information about the meetings and other programs, please visit our website.

  Movie Series
  Please click here for a full listing of the free movies offered weekly in the McFarland Student Union.

  Wild ’N Out: 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 24, Schaeffer Auditorium
  With the one and only hit show Wild ’N Out, students know what’s about to go down. Rip Michaels and Hitman Holla from the MTV show are coming to give a good time filled with jokes and laughter in an unforgettable event.

  Day of the Dead: 10 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 30, 218 MSU
  Students take part in the celebration of culture and experience at the Day of the Dead Festival. Not only will they learn more about the importance of this event, but there will also be delicious food to try.

  Haunted House/Halloween Party: 6 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 31, South Dining Hall (upstairs)
  After enjoying some food at the Halloween Party, students can come over to the KUAB Haunted House and see if they can make it through without screaming. You never know what to expect around every twist and turn!

• Housing and Dining

  2020-2021 Room Selection
  Believe it or not, it is time to begin thinking about on-campus living for next year. We will kick off our four-step housing selection process mid-November for our current students. Please remind your students to check their KU email and follow our social media handles later this month for details of the process. All students with less than 60 credits, under the age of 21, must have an approved residency-exception request on file in our office to be able to live off-campus. Please contact our office if you have any questions at 610-683-4027 or housing@kutztown.edu.

• University Relations and Athletics

  Steep Canyon Rangers Come to KU Wednesday, Oct. 23
  This Grammy Award-winning bluegrass sextet has affirmed its place as one of the most versatile bands in American music, blending elements of pop, country and folk rock into something that both embraces and transcends tradition. Celebrated solo recordings and frequent collaborations with Steve Martin have made the Steep Canyon Rangers one of the most exciting bands pickin’ and strummin’ on the road. They take the Schaeffer Auditorium stage at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 23. Visit www.KutztownPresents.org for more information about the show and the Americana buffet beforehand at the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 610-683-4092. KU students can access $10 performance tickets by using their MyKU login to register at https://kutztown.universitytickets.com/w/. Once registered, students can then purchase online or with cash, check or Bear Bucks at the MSU Information Desk.

  Attend the 2019 Kutztown University Athletics Hall of Fame Ceremony
  Registration is now open for the 2019 Kutztown University Athletics Hall of Fame induction ceremony Friday, Nov. 8, at the Nancy Jean Stump Seiger ’54 Multipurpose Room of the McFarland Student Union. A reception will start at 5:30 p.m., followed by a buffet dinner at 6:30 p.m., and the induction ceremony at 7:30 p.m. The newest inductees, KU's 41st Hall of Fame class, are: Michael Baldwin ’05 (football), Justin Collins ’04 (men's track & field), April Doyle ’13 (women's track & field), John E. Frownfelter ’00 (men's track & field), Shayne Houck ’16 (baseball), Lisa (Rawa) Morgan ’89 (women's lacrosse) and Ashley (Singer) Garrett ’08 (women's swimming). More Information.

  Follow KU on Social Media
  Stay connected with Kutztown University on social media. Links for KU’s official pages, including its “Class of…” pages, can be found on our social media website.

  Lost and Found
  The McFarland Student Union information desk is now the home of the Kutztown University campuswide Lost and Found. In order to expedite the process of recovering lost items, we will be utilizing a 24/7 web-based inventory and claim system. Students can search through the lost and found items that have been logged at the information desk and claim an item as theirs online as well. In order to search for lost items or to file a claim, click here. Items will only be held until the last day of each semester; please claim any lost items by Friday, Dec. 13, 2019.

• KU Campus Store

  Homecoming Sale
  KU Campus Store and Dixon Marketplace will have a special Homecoming sale. $10 off $49; $20 off $99; or $40 off $199. The sale will begin Friday, Oct. 25, through Sunday, Oct. 27. On Saturday, Oct. 26, KU Campus Store hours will be 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Dixon Marketplace hours will be 10 a.m. to midnight.

  Graduation Festival: Winter Commencement
  11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 29, MSU Multipurpose Room.

  The Graduation Festival is a one-stop-shop for winter graduates to verify the status of their applications, purchase their cap and gown, receive graduation tickets and much more. Please encourage your winter graduating seniors to attend. For more information, click here.

• KU Foundation

  Mark your Calendar for Homecoming: Oct. 23-26
  Mark your calendar and join the KU Foundation for KU’s annual homecoming festivities! Visit www.kuf.org/homecoming for more information.

  Hampton Inn and Suites of Kutztown – Now Open
  We are pleased to announce that the new Hampton Inn & Suites of Kutztown is now open for business. Make your reservation today. Please take a minute to review this feature story about the great investment in our community and for our great university.

• Dates to Know
  • KU Central Calendar
  • 2019-20 Printable Academic Calendar

  Student Recital I	Thursday, Oct. 10, 7:30 p.m.
  KU Wind Ensemble	Friday, Oct. 11, 7:30 p.m.
  Last day for undergraduate and graduate students to apply for Fall 2019 graduation	Saturday, Oct. 12
  Science Technology Math Open House, Boehm lobby	Saturday, Oct. 12, 8 a.m. - noon
  Fall Break	Sunday, Oct. 13 - Tuesday, Oct. 15
  First half communication design courses end	Wednesday, Oct. 16
  Second half communication design courses begin	Thursday, Oct. 17
  Percussion Ensemble	Thursday, Oct. 17
  First clinical experience assignment ends	Friday, Oct. 18
  String Trios, Faculty Chamber Music, Faculty Artist Series	Sunday, Oct. 20, 7:30 p.m.
  Undergraduate students meet with advisors for assistance in building student schedules for Spring 2020	Monday, Oct. 21, to Tuesday, Nov. 19
  Returning graduate student registration begins for Spring 2020	Monday, Oct. 21
  Second clinical experience assignment begins in schools	Monday, Oct. 21
  SAI Recital	Wednesday, Oct. 23, 7:30 p.m.
  First day students can completely withdraw from the Fall 2019 semester without having their federal financial aid adjusted	Monday, Oct. 28
  Winter 2020 registration begins	Tuesday, Oct. 29
  Graduation Festival, 218 MSU	Tuesday, Oct. 29, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  Single Reed Concert	Wednesday, Oct. 30, 7:30 p.m.
  Student Recital II	Thursday, Oct. 31, 7:30 p.m.
  Last day for undergraduate students to make up “Incompletes” from Spring and Summer 2019	Friday, Nov. 1
  Last day to withdrawal from a course for Fall 2019 and receive a grade of “W”.  There is no withdrawal from individual courses after this date	Friday, Nov. 1
  Web Registration for Spring 2020 classes by appointment times only	Monday, Nov. 4 – Tuesday, Nov. 19