October 2025

Volume 8, Issue 3

• Campus Announcements

  President's Newsletter
  This month's issue of the President's Newsletter includes a letter from President Cavalier, division updates and important articles you may have missed.

• Academic Affairs

  AI for Learning and Leadership
  KU students now have free access to Coursera’s AI Academy, along with the Coursera Career Academy Plus catalog. Learn the fundamentals of AI or dive into advanced applications, earn industry-recognized certificates and build the skills that will set you apart in your future career. Start today at the KU Advance website.

  University Writing Center
  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.

  Transfer Students
  Did you know Kutztown University has a dedicated coordinator for Student Success and Transfer Engagement, Briana Zdradzinski? Briana provides one-on-one support for transfer students, helping them connect with academic advising, understand university policies and stay on track toward graduation. Be sure to connect with Briana and other transfer support services at National Transfer Student Week events. From Oct. 20-24, students can celebrate their achievements and build their community with free activities. Encourage your student to contact Briana for guidance, resources and opportunities to get involved. Schedule an appointment in Starfish.

  Tutoring Services
  Tutors are available for most 100 and 200-level courses and some upper-level courses. Students can sign up for a tutor in Starfish using the Tutoring Services link next to their course or by using the "I Need Help" button in Starfish.

  An Academic Peer Mentor (APM) is a trained undergraduate student who offers academic readiness assistance like time management and academic organizational skills. For example, rather than helping understand math homework, an APM might help them plan time to do homework, connect with a math tutor or lab and suggest testing strategies for success on an upcoming math exam. Students can sign up with APMs in Starfish under My Services.

  Please encourage your student to take advantage of these resources. More information about Tutoring Services can be found at the Tutoring Services website. Students may also contact tutor@kutztown.edu with questions.

  Starfish
  Students can ask for help in Starfish by using the “I Need Help” feature, allowing them to proactively connect to needed resources and information.

  Mariachi Herencia de México brings a Bicultural Take on Mexican Music
  KU Presents! will kick off its Performing Artists Series with the Chicago-based Mariachi Herencia de México at 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, Schaeffer Auditorium. Fusing traditional instruments with other genres, they give a contemporary twist to traditional music while retaining the essence of mariachi. The band is known for their energy, virtuosity and innovative approach to their arrangements. 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 performances for just $25 with our new student membership. Join art education students for a free Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) ornament coloring activity in the lobby before the show.

  Rock the Lawn Concert Series
  Enjoy the music at 6 p.m. every Tuesday on the lawn behind Schaeffer Auditorium for an evening of incredible music under the sky. This event is free and open to everyone. Bring a blanket, some friends and get ready to be amazed by our talented commercial music students.

  KU Art Faculty Exhibition
  The Marlin and Regina Miller Gallery's first exhibition of the fall semester, the 2025 Faculty Biennial, featured artwork by faculty teaching in KU's College of Visual and Performing Arts. All gallery events are free and open to the public. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday; 12-4 p.m. Saturday; and 2-4 p.m. Sunday. The Miller Gallery is located off the lobby of the fountain side entrance of Sharadin.

• Finance and Facilities

  Winter and Spring Payment Plans to be Announced This Month
  Winter is generally condensed into a quick four-payment or three-payment plan, if signed up early. The Spring plan will start as a six-payment plan and work down to a three-payment plan.

  Winter 2025-26
  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 occurring on a rolling basis. Winter costs can be viewed online.

  Summer 2025 and Prior Balances
  Fall 2025 aid cannot pay these balances. Holds were added for any balances due in Spring 2025 or Summer 2025, regardless of the amount. Please take a moment to check that these items are cleared so students don’t miss their Spring registration window.

  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. This must be updated by Monday, Dec. 15 for 1098T’s – do not delay.

  Who Gets 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. 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. Overpayments that are the direct result of a credit card payment may be refunded to the credit card used.

  Student Refund Preference Selection
  Students who never selected a refund preference should go online to make this selection; the student will need the personal code mailed to them (click on Need a Code). To get a new personal code, the student may email student accounts from their KU email account to request one. Students who have previously made a refund preference will find that remains in place unless they change it. We encourage reviewing it online and verifying address information, 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 them but now wants the refund to go to the student, the parent can complete a release form allowing us to refund the student regardless of what aid causes the overpayment. The form requires a signature and can be faxed or scanned and emailed to us before refunds start.

  Student Accounts Office Semester Hours
  Our office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Reach out to us for all about bills and refunds at studentaccounts@kutztown.edu or 610-683-4133.

• Student Affairs

  Important Housing Dates
  Thanksgiving Break: students are encouraged to leave campus by Tuesday, Nov. 25. Residence Halls close 9 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26, and reopen 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30.

  End of Fall Semester: Residence Halls close 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12. Students must leave within 24 hours of their last in-person final or by the deadline – whichever comes first. Halls reopen for Spring 2026 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25.

  2026-2027 Room Selection
  We are so excited that students are already thinking about where to live for the 2026-27 academic year. Information about the room-selection process for next year will be sent to students’ KU emails this month. Students in their first two years at KU must live on campus unless they are approved for a residency requirement exception though the Residency Exception Request process. Students must be sure they have met the residency requirement before signing an off-campus lease. Please ask your Golden Bear to be on the lookout for emails about 2026-27 room selection.

  HARLOween Community Invite
  Residence Life, Housing and Dining Services invites you and your little ones to join us for a spooktacular day of fun at HARLOween, 12-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, DMZ. Enjoy free snacks and treats, games, prizes, live music, a bouncy house and more for the whole family. Costumes are highly encouraged, so come ready for some spooky fun. Bring your family, friends and festive spirit – we can’t wait to see you there (rain location: 218 McFarland Student Union).

  Special Event: Beck Hall’s Haunted Bash, 1-3 p.m., Beck Hall Rec Room. Admission to the Haunted House is a canned good or $1 donation to support a great cause.

  National Transfer Week Events
  Celebrate Transfer Week with a fun night of BINGO + Nachos 6-8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 21, South Dining Hall Room 1. Enjoy delicious food and play for a chance to win some great prizes. This is the perfect opportunity to relax, eat and hang out with your fellow transfer students.

  Don't miss out on “Transfer Treats & Resources,” 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, 250 MSU. Stop by for some sweet treats and get connected with helpful resources. We're here to help you succeed, and what better way to start than with some free food.

  Join us for a cozy evening of crafting at "Falling into Crafts," 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, Berks Hall Rec Room, to relax and create something awesome.

  Office of Military and Veterans Services
  The Office of Military and Veterans Services is hosting a series of visits this semester. On-campus partners and Veteran Service Organizations will be at the Military and Veteran Services Center to connect with military-connected students and provide information on their resources. Christopher Burchett, a Veterans Outreach Program Specialist, will visit 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 2. The Career Development Center will be there 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, followed by the Office of Student Assistance 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 20. Finally, the Disability Services Office will be at the center 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22. Stop by and learn about all the resources available to you.

  Remember Everyone Deployed (R.E.D) Button Fundraiser
  Show your support for our troops by participating in the Remember Everyone Deployed (R.E.D.) Button Fundraiser. You can get a button to wear on R.E.D. Friday, Nov. 7, by stopping by the MSU second-floor lobby between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Oct. 7, Oct. 14, Oct. 16, Oct. 23, or Oct. 30. For more information or to place a special order, contact Military and Veterans Services at 262 MSU or call 610-683-4228.

  KU Campus Store 10% Discount
  Don't forget that students and veterans using military benefits can receive a 10% discount at the KU Campus Store. Just show your KU ID or military ID at the register to get a discount on books, apparel, gifts and supplies.

  Using Military Benefits – Remember to Verify Enrollment Monthly
  Don't forget to verify your enrollment at the end of each month with the VA to ensure you receive your stipend. This is a required step for those using the Post 9/11 GI Bill, MGIB 1606/Reserves and MGIB 30/AD.

  Did You Forget to Submit Your Enrollment Certification Form?
  No form may mean no military benefits. Visit the Veteran’s Service website for more information.

  Ninth Annual Gender and Sexual Minorities Conference: LGBTQ+ History: Honoring our Past, Present and Future
  Celebrate and learn at the ninth annual Gender and Sexual Minorities Conference, Oct. 1-3, MSU. This annual educational forum highlights the experiences, struggles, progress and movements toward equity and visibility of the LGBTQ+ community. Visit the LGBTQ+ Resource Center website for details.

  Annual PrideFest Celebration
  Join us for this year's celebration of LGBTQ+ identity and community. This year’s theme is "Rooted in Resilience." Stop by the McFarland Student Union Building 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16. Learn more on Engage.

  Feminist Friday
  Join us for a fun afternoon of crafts, journaling and a variety of other activities with a feminist twist. Stop by Boxwood House 2-3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, or Friday, Oct. 31.

  Commuter Student Association
  Join the Commuter Student Association (CSA) for Commuter Tuesday at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, 223 MSU, for a chance to connect with other commuters and get a free lunch. If you're still looking for a place to live, don't miss the Off-Campus Housing Fair 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, 218 MSU, to find your perfect place.

  Community Outreach Center
  The Community Outreach Center has a full calendar of events for October. National Voter Education Week is Oct. 6-10. If you'd like to get involved, you can sign up for the Blood Drive Wednesday, Oct. 8, a Community Cleanup Sunday, Oct. 19, or volunteer at the Opportunity House Monday, Oct. 20. The center is also helping with the Main St. Trick or Treat Wednesday, Oct. 22, and the Saucony Cross Halloween Event Friday, Oct. 31. Sign up on GivePulse.

  Homecoming
  It is almost Homecoming season, a time for alumni and families to return to campus and celebrate all that is golden about KU. This year’s theme, Born to Be Golden, is more than just a theme, it is a proud declaration, honoring the glow that lives within each of us. Events throughout the week highlight the golden glow each of us holds through KU Cares Day of Giving, to Showing our Spirit at Bingo and the Spirit Rally. Additional details for the week’s events for students can be found on the Homecoming website. Weekend events hosted by the Kutztown University Foundation can be found on the Foundation’s Homecoming website.

  Anti-Hazing Week
  Each Fall, Greek Life on campus hosts anti-hazing week, where our social Greeks all reaffirm their commitments against hazing, taking the pledge against hazing with our Title IX office and the National Hazing Prevention Network, as well as wearing letters and purple ribbons to show our support and raising funds for the Hazing Prevention Network. Students in our social Greek Organizations were asked to complete a hazing prevention and education training this semester. Events are hosted to promote unity among the chapters and campus. Students can learn more about Anti-hazing week on Engage.

  Hocus Pocus Movie and Bingo
  Students can enjoy a screening of the movie Hocus Pocus while playing an interactive Bingo game along with the movie and potentially win some fun prizes Thursday, Oct. 23. Details can be found on Engage.

  Jason's Lawn Haunted Attraction
  Back by popular demand, the Office of Student Involvement is excited to bring back the Haunted House, Halloween Village and Spooky Carnival, 7-10 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, MSU Lawn. Students can volunteer at the event on the GivePulse website or get additional details to attend the event on Engage.

  Kutztown University Activities Board
  Kutztown University Activities Board (KUAB) is the event planning and activities board on campus, a student group that hosts and plans many fun events for students including a trip to Longwood Gardens in November, Hocus Pocus Bingo, Pet Therapy Day in December, as well as some of the welcome week events such as Philly Sports Trivia. KUAB helps with Homecoming and Family Day, as well as Make and Take Craft days throughout the year. KUAB meets 4:30 p.m. every Thursday, 166 MSU. We would love for your Golden Bear to join and help us plan fun events for the students on campus.

• Equity, Compliance and Legal Affairs

  Sensory and Quiet Space at Homecoming
  The Disability Services Office (DSO) will be facilitating a sensory/quiet space during KU’s Homecoming Day celebrations, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 18, Multicultural Center. Visitors can enjoy a calm environment with blankets and pillows, a silent headphone system for music, coloring pages, free sensory items, puzzles and other mindful activities. All are welcome.

  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.

  Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) Training
  Kutztown University Public Safety and Police Services will be hosting Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) training Nov. 3, Nov. 4, and Nov. 6. The R.A.D. program is designed to teach women vital self-defense concepts and techniques in a supportive and encouraging environment. The curriculum begins with a foundation of awareness, prevention, risk reduction and avoidance strategies before progressing to the fundamentals of hands-on defense training. Please note, R.A.D. is not a martial arts program, and no prior experience is required to participate.

  Key features of the R.A.D. program include:

  • Expert Instruction: All training is conducted by certified R.A.D. instructors from our own Kutztown University Police Department.
  • Empowerment: The course provides the knowledge and skills necessary for women to make an educated and confident decision about resistance.
  • Comprehensive Resources: Participants receive a workbook/reference manual to keep for continued practice. Courtesy of KUPD, all course materials are provided at no cost.
  • Lifetime Policy: The R.A.D. program offers a unique free lifetime return and practice policy, valid at any R.A.D. class offered anywhere in the world.

  We believe that empowerment through education is a critical component of personal safety. We strongly encourage all interested female students, faculty and staff to take advantage of this valuable training. To enroll, please visit the registration page on our university website.

• University Relations and Athletics

  Join the Golden Bear Tailgate Village for Homecoming
  Golden Bear fans can reserve spots in the Golden Bear Tailgate Village outside Andre Reed Stadium for Homecoming. Spaces will be assigned and reserved for fan groups. 20-ft. square grass spots are available for $150. Each spot includes one parking pass. Tables and tents not included. The Golden Bear Tailgate Village will open at noon on gameday, Saturday, Oct. 18. Load in for the village will be 10-11:30 a.m. Get your game tickets online. KU students can access one free general admission ticket per game by creating an account for tickets with their MyKU login. KU Football 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

  Homecoming Sale
  Shop our Buy More, Save More Sale during Homecoming Saturday, Oct. 18. Save $10 off $49, $20 off $99, and $40 off $199. Sale includes clearance items, is in-store only and while supplies last.

  Graduation Festival
  Grad Fest is 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, MSU Multipurpose Room. The Graduation Festival is a one-stop-shop for graduates to verify the status of their applications, purchase their cap and gown, receive graduation tickets and much more. Please encourage your graduating seniors to attend. For more information, visit the KUSSI website.

  Class Rings
  Order your official Kutztown University Class Rings and Announcements on the Balfour website.

• KU Foundation

  Only Days Away: The 1866 Minute Giving Challenge Happens Oct. 15-16
  For 1,866 minutes, the Kutztown University community will come together to create powerful change. Your support can send student-athletes to out-of-state tournaments, fund career-launching conference experiences and provide emergency assistance for students facing food or housing insecurity. Every minute and every gift matters. Join us Oct. 15-16 and help create more Golden Opportunities. Learn more about how you can get involved.

  Register for Homecoming
  We’re excited to welcome alumni, students and families back to campus for Homecoming Weekend Oct. 17-19. Join us for a weekend filled with tradition, celebration and Golden Bear pride. From reunions to campus events, there’s something for everyone. View the full schedule and register to be part of the excitement.

  Deadline Approaching: Apply for the KU Legacy Scholarship by Nov. 3
  Applications for the KU Legacy Scholarship are open through Monday, Nov. 3. This scholarship is available to children or siblings of KU graduates who will be sophomores, juniors or seniors at Kutztown University during the 2025-26 academic year. Continue your family’s Golden Bear legacy. Review the eligibility requirements and apply online.

• Dates to Know

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

  Last day to return Fall 2025 textbooks with a drop slip	Friday, Oct. 3
  Last day to drop a 10-week course with 100% reduction or refund ends at midnight. No reduction of charges or refunds for individual courses after midnight.	Friday, Oct. 3
  "W" Period - Fall 2025 10-Week Courses	Oct. 4 to Nov. 14
  Undergraduate students meet with advisors for assistance in building student schedules for Spring 2026. Web Registration by appointment Oct. 20 to Dec. 4.	Oct. 6 to Nov. 13
  Winter 2026 Registration begins.	Wednesday, Oct. 8
  Last day for Undergraduate and Graduate students to apply for Fall 2025 graduation.	Friday, Oct. 10
  Last Day of Fall 2025 First Half of Term Courses	Saturday, Oct. 11
  Fall Break Day. No Classes, Administrative Offices Open.	Monday, Oct. 13
  Follow Monday Schedule	Tuesday, Oct. 14
  Mid-Term	Tuesday, Oct. 14
  First Day of Fall 2025 Second Half of Term Courses	Tuesday, Oct. 14
  Add/Drop Period - Fall 2025 Second Half of Term Courses	Oct. 14-16
  1866-Minute Giving Challenge	Oct. 15-16
  Last day to drop a second half of term course with 100% reduction or refund ends at midnight. No reduction of charges or refunds for individual courses after midnight.	Thursday, Oct. 16
  Fall 2025 II Inclusive Access Opt-Out Deadline	Friday, Oct. 17
  Homecoming	Saturday, Oct. 18
  W Period - Fall 2025 Second Half of Term Courses	Oct. 17 to Nov. 26
  Incumbent Graduate Registration begins for Spring 2026 at 8:30 a.m.	Monday, Oct. 20
  Web Registration for Spring 2026 classes by appointment times only	Oct. 20 to Nov. 12
  Early Registration for Spring 2026 classes for Special Groups Seniors (completed 90+ credits prior to Fall 2025) online starting at 8:30 a.m.	Monday, Oct. 20
  KUSSI Graduation Festival, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., 218 MSU	Tuesday, Oct. 21
  First day no reduction in charges or refund for university withdrawals for 10-week students	Tuesday, Oct. 21
  Early Registration for Spring 2026 classes for Seniors (completed 90+ credits prior to Fall 2025) online starting at 8:30 a.m.	Wednesday, Oct. 22
  Admissions Open House	Saturday, Oct. 25
  Early Registration for Spring 2026 classes for Special Groups JR/SO/FR online starting at 8:30 a.m.	Monday, Oct. 27
  Advisement and registration of newly accepted Graduate, new Post Baccalaureate Certification and Professional Credit (non-matriculated) students for Spring 2026 opens at 8:30 a.m.	Monday, Oct. 27
  Early Registration for Spring 2026 classes for Juniors (completed 60+ credits prior to Fall 2025) online starting at 8:30 a.m.	Thursday, Oct. 30
  First day no reduction in charges or refund for university withdrawals for Second Half of Term Students.	Thursday, Oct. 30
  Last day for undergraduate students to make up “Incompletes” from Spring and Summer 2025.	Friday, Oct. 31
  Application deadline to Winter 2026 for Graduate Studies. Contact the Office of Graduate Admissions for specifics as some programs fill courses prior to the application deadline.	Saturday, Nov. 1
  Early Registration for Spring 2026 classes for Sophomores (completed 30+ credits prior to Fall 2025) online starting at 8:30 a.m.	Tuesday, Nov. 4
  Admissions Open House	Saturday, Nov. 8