October 2026

Volume 9, Issue 3

• Academic Affairs

  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. Any questions can be directed to wrcenter@kutztown.edu or pytleski@kutztown.edu. 

  Course Withdraw and Enrollment Status
  If a student withdraws from a course and their total credits fall below the full-time requirement, their enrollment status will change to part-time. This may affect their financial aid, scholarships, grants, athletic eligibility or other benefits. Students must consider these impacts carefully before withdrawing from courses. After the course withdrawal is processed, students will receive confirmation and a copy of the form. Please visit the following websites for more information: Course Withdrawal Form, Important Withdrawal Deadlines, Withdrawal and Refund Policy.
  - Undergraduate Students: Full-Time: 12 or more credits. Part-Time: 11 or fewer credits.
  - Graduate Students: Full-Time: nine or more credits. Part-Time: eight or fewer credits.

  Advisor Holds
  Advisor Holds are placed on student records through Monday, Jan. 18, 2027. This hold prevents students from registering for courses until they meet with their academic advisors during the Advising Period, Tuesday, Oct. 13 to Friday, Dec. 4. Students are assigned a Time Ticket to Register between Monday, Nov. 2 and Saturday, Nov. 21. Here is the sequence:
  - Nov. 2: Registration tickets open for current Graduate students online starting at 8:30 a.m.
  - 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.
  - Nov. 5: Registration tickets open for new Graduate students online starting at 8:30 a.m.
  - Nov. 9: Early Registration for Spring 2027 classes for Seniors (completed 90+ credits prior to Fall 2026) online starting at 8:30 a.m.
  - Nov. 11: Early Registration for Spring 2027 classes for Special Groups JR/SO/FR online starting at 8:30 a.m.
  - Nov. 13: Early Registration for Spring 2027 classes for Juniors (completed 60+ credits prior to Fall 2026) online starting at 8:30 a.m.
  - Nov. 16: Early Registration for Spring 2027 classes for Sophomores (completed 30+ credits prior to Fall 2026) online starting at 8:30 a.m.
  - Nov. 18: Early Registration for Spring 2027 classes for Freshmen online starting at 8:30 a.m.

  Open Enrollment
  Spring 2027 Open Enrollment, when all students can register, goes from Monday, Nov. 23 to Friday, Dec. 4. Registration re-opens before the start of the semester, Thursday, Jan. 7, 2027. Winter Session 2027 Open Enrollment goes from Thursday, Oct. 8 to Friday, Dec. 18. Students will want to meet with their advisors early to release the hold to register for winter session courses.

  October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month – Explore the Workforce Recruitment Program
  Is your student a junior, senior or recent graduate interested in a federal job? The Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP) connects college students and recent graduates with disabilities to internship and permanent employment opportunities with federal agencies. Registration for the 2027 cycle is open through Sunday, Oct. 4. Eligible students registered with the Disability Services Office received an email with full details. Questions can be directed to the Disability Services Office.

  Learning Beyond the Classroom
  Classes are underway, but learning doesn't have to stop at the classroom door. Encourage your student to explore opportunities that can complement their education and future goals. Through KU Advance, Kutztown University students have free access to Coursera Career Academy, offering thousands of online courses and professional certificates they can complete alongside their coursework. Students can build on what they're learning in their major, explore new areas of interest or develop knowledge employers value in fields like AI, leadership, marketing, data analytics, communication and more. With flexible, self-paced learning, students can choose what fits their interests and schedule - whether that's a single course or a professional certificate. Questions can be directed to Dakota Sell at sell@kutztown.edu or explore KU Advance.

  Tutoring Services
  Whether your student needs extra support in a challenging course or wants to boost their grade, Tutoring Services is here to help. Students can schedule tutoring appointments directly in Starfish by using the Tutoring Services appointment link next to their course or by clicking the "I Need Help" button. For times when peer tutoring is not available, students also have access to Tutor.com, a 24/7 virtual tutoring platform. Please encourage your student to take advantage of these valuable academic support resources. Additional information is available on the Tutoring Services website. Students with questions may also contact tutor@kutztown.edu.

  Transfer Student Engagement
  Transfer students have a dedicated resource to guide them every step of the way. Briana Tyler, coordinator for Student Success and Transfer Engagement, works one-on-one with transfer students to help them navigate their transition to KU, understand university policies and stay on track toward their academic goals. Our office supports both current KU students and those planning to transfer to KU. Students are encouraged to connect early by scheduling an appointment through Starfish to start building their path to success at KU.

  Sport Management Students Gain Hands‑On Experience with Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs
  College of Business Dean Dr. Deb Kidder joined department chair Dr. Soojin Kim and assistant department chair Jayden Kim in chaperoning 65 students in SPRT 285 Sport Marketing and SPRT 330 Event and Facility Management classes for an experiential learning opportunity at the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown. The group met with KU alumni Emme Wolfel, manager of Group Sales, and Logan Kingsley, manager of Ticket Operations and Analytics, who provided a stadium tour and shared insights into the operations and business of professional sports prior to the game. Students also had the opportunity to see KU sport management alumni Andrew Batista, who works in Guest Relations, as well as other Sport Management students working as interns. The students collected information from the game-day experience to implement into their class presentations.

  Need a Quiet Moment? Visit the Old Main Sensory Space
  Thanks to the collaborative work of partners across campus, KU proudly opened a new Sensory Space this fall in 121A Old Main. Students are welcome to stop by whenever they need a calm, quiet place to relax and recharge during the busy semester. The space is open during Old Main's regular building hours and is available to any KU student. For more information, contact the Disability Services Office.

  Marlin and Regina Miller Gallery Welcomes Artist‑in‑Residence Ben Zamora
  The Miller Gallery is pleased to host nationally recognized artist Ben Zamora (Seattle) as this fall's Artist‑in‑Residence. Zamora will be on campus through early October, creating a large‑scale LED light installation with the help of KU students and volunteers. The exhibition will be on view beginning Thursday, Oct. 1 and will remain open through the end of the semester in Sharadin's Miller Gallery. Students are encouraged to stop by, meet the artist and participate in the creative process. For gallery hours, directions and additional details, please visit the Miller Art Gallery website.

  Wells-Rapp Center for Mallet Percussion Research
  The Wells-Rapp Center for Mallet Percussion Research at Kutztown University proudly presents its 2026-2027 season, featuring an exciting series of concerts and special performances celebrating the artistry, diversity and creativity of mallet percussion. Upcoming events include Arthur Lipner (Oct. 2) and Maria Finkelmeier (Nov. 7). The spring schedule features Strokes and Syllables (Feb. 5), Brian Zator (March 2) and Patricia Islas (April 6). Advance purchase is recommended and students attend free. Whether you are a longtime percussion enthusiast, a student, educator, musician, researcher or simply curious about the world of mallet percussion, the Wells-Rapp Center invites you to experience these performances and discover something new. For tickets, additional information and updates, visit the Wells-Rapp website or call 610-683-4177.

  The 2027-28 FAFSA is Open
  The U.S. Department of Education announced that 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. The application can be accessed online.

  Financial Aid Disbursements
  Financial aid disbursements began in September and continue weekly throughout the semester until all students' fall semester funds are processed. If your students' funds have not yet been disbursed, please have your student review their Financial Aid home page to identify any processing delays or call Financial Aid Services at 610-683-4077.

  New for 2026-27
  Under recent federal financial aid regulatory changes resulting from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), 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).

• Administration and Finance

  Fall 2026 Payment Plans
  Payment Plans are not automatically adjusted when a student's balance changes or if their aid changes. The person who set up the plan would need to access the plan and edit the payoff to adjust the plan balance. The Office of Student Accounts occasionally will review and try to reduce student plans when they see that the plan is too high to avoid overpaying and refunds; however, it is not a guaranteed action. Please monitor your plans with each monthly billing statement.

  Summer 2026 and Prior Balances
  Fall 2026 aid cannot and did not pay those balances. Holds from any balances due in Spring 2026 or Summer 2026, regardless of the amount, may still require payment, even if a student got a refund. Please take a moment to encourage students to check that these items are cleared up so students don't miss their Spring registration window.

  Winter and Spring Payment Plans Coming Soon
  Winter will have a quick condensed four-payment or three-payment plan, but you must sign-up early using estimated costs that are online. The Spring 2027 plan will start as a six-payment plan and work down to a three-payment plan. For Spring plans, use your out-of-pocket costs for the Fall as a guide. When the bills come out you can adjust the plan as needed.

  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 occurring on a rolling basis. Winter Costs can be viewed online.

  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) 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 activated their account nor selected a refund preference would navigate to www.refundselection.com. Students who have activated their account and not selected a refund preference, or had previously selected a refund preference, would navigate to www.vibeaccount.com to view, modify or select their method. Students who have trouble can email student accounts from their KU email account to request assistance or guidance. Their new enhanced system does require OTPs (One-Time Passcodes), so a phone is needed. If they cannot provide a phone number, their options will be limited.

  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 they now want 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. Feel free to do this now if you want the Spring refund to updated.

  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 that it is current (the permanent address is where we will mail 1098Ts 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 Tuesday, Dec. 15 for 1098Ts – do not delay.

  Student Accounts Office Semester Hours
  Our office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with extended hours Monday nights from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Reach out to us by email for information about bills and refunds at studentaccounts@kutztown.edu or by phone at 610-683-4133.

  Visiting KU This Semester?
  Save yourself some time and pre-register for a KU Visitor Parking Pass. The pass will be good for three days, starting on the day of your choosing. For other parking related questions, please visit the Visitor Parking and Permits website.

• Student Affairs

  Residence Life, Housing and Dining: A Strong Start to Fall at KU
  We are excited to navigate week six of the semester. Residents are acclimated, engaged across campus and connected with resources. Johnson Hall, our newly renovated residence hall, is in full swing with residents enjoying their new home. Residence Life programming is underway with great energy, including Hall Councils' participation in the KU Foundation's 1866 Giving Challenge, Bears at Night 7-9 p.m. every Friday in South Dining Hall, Bearchella 3-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, DMZ, and preparations for HARLOween noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, DMZ, including the Haunted House from 1-3 p.m. in Beck Hall. The 2027-2028 housing application process is open. Families, encourage your student to apply now. South Dining Hall remains a hub for connection and community, while Freshens and Burgers and Fries offer exciting new dining options in the Academic Forum.

  Remember Everyone Deployed (R.E.D) Button Fundraiser
  Show your support for our deployed service members by joining Student Veterans of America (SVA) and Military and Veteran Services for the Red Button Sale in honor of Red Fridays. For just $1, you can purchase a red button at the MSU Front Tables noon to 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, Oct. 15, or noon to 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, and receive a free coffee from Starbucks or Book and Brew. Wearing red on Fridays keeps active service members in our thoughts and sends a powerful message of solidarity, with all proceeds directly benefiting Kutztown University's military- and veteran-connected students.

  Pumpkin/Gourd Hunt
  Mark your calendars our Pumpkin/Gourd Hunt 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, MSU Table B (while supplies last). Search for mini gourds and pumpkins hidden around the MSU. Only one prize per person and they will be hidden in common areas only.

  Hershey Haunt
  Mark your calendars for the Hershey Haunt Saturday, Oct. 17. Tickets are $30 per KU student and are available to purchase online.

  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, One Team One Roar, is more than just a theme, it is a proud declaration, honoring the KU pride that lives within each of us. Events throughout the week highlight the golden glow each of us holds through Movie Nights, 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.

  KU Make and Take Pillow
  Celebrate Homecoming by making your very own Kutztown-themed pillow. Mark your calendars 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19, 223 MSU (while supplies last).

  10 Things I Hate About You Movie and Trivia
  Come watch the movie "10 Things I Hate About You" and compete for prizes in a game of trivia 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, 183 MSU.

  Free Daps
  Save the date for Wednesday, Oct. 21. Free Daps is an improv freestyle comedic hip-hop rap group coming to campus at 7 p.m. in 218 MSU. Enjoy the show while also enjoying a “build your own ice cream sundae” bar.

  Spirit Stations
  Get free stuff at spirit stations for the upcoming Homecoming events 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, MSU Table A.

  Jason's Lawn Haunted Attraction
  Everyone's favorite annual event is back 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, MSU Lawn (rain location: West Gym, Student Recreation Center). Encourage your golden bear to volunteer via GivePulse.

  Pantry Drive
  Support your campus pantry by donating nonperishable food items. In collaboration with the Car Club, we will be accepting donations in the F6 parking lot from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31.

  NYC and Broadway Bus Trip
  KU students can choose to either explore NYC all day or explore NYC and see Stranger Things on Broadway Sunday, Nov. 8. It will be $25 for the regular NYC ticket and $50 for NYC and Broadway show ticket. Tickets are for KU students only and will be available to purchase Saturday, Oct. 17.

  Dog Toy Making
  Want to give back to your community's furry friends? Come help us make dog toys 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5, 223 MSU. Pizza will be provided. All toys will be donated to Lehigh Valley Humane Society.

  Harry Potter Trivia
  Is your student the ultimate Harry Potter fan? Tell them to get ready to put their magical knowledge to the test at Harry Potter Trivia 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, 223 MSU. This is a fantastic way for students to meet new friends, enjoy some free food and maybe even walk away with some great prizes.

  Off Campus Housing Fair
  If you're looking for a place to live, don't miss the Off-Campus Housing Fair 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, 218 MSU, to find your perfect place.

  Community Outreach Center
  Mark your calendar for an action-packed October. We have plenty of opportunities to serve your community, get informed and have some fun. Blood Drive is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7. KU Votes Table is 11 a.m. to noon Thursday, Oct. 8. Book Sale is Tuesday, Oct. 13. Volunteer at the Opportunity House Monday, Oct. 19. Main St. Trick or Treat 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21. Post-Homecoming Community Clean-Up Sunday, Oct. 25. KU Votes Bingo is 6-8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26. Contact Amanda Garcia for more information.

• University Relations and Athletics

  Read the Fall 2026 Tower Magazine
  The Fall 2026 issue of Tower, Kutztown University's fully online magazine, is now available. Check out the articles and catch up on alumni news.

  Support the Nationally Ranked Kutztown University Football Team
  Starting Saturday, Oct. 10, Kutztown University will be implementing a Clear Bag Policy that will limit the size and type of bags that may be brought into Andre Reed Stadium. All bags are subject to screening. Homecoming is almost here. The E2 tailgating lot is sold out and there are only a few spaces remaining in the F1 lot. There is free first-come, first-serve parking available in the A2 and A3 lots (located by the MSU) with a shuttle to the stadium starting at 11 a.m. Get your game tickets today. 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 24 hours before game time. Don't let them forget to add you.

  Explore the Decorated Barns around Kutztown with the “Back Roads and Barn Stars” Tour
  Join us Friday, Oct. 9, for an exploration of the vibrant barn stars or “hex signs” of the decorated barns of Northern Berks County, a uniquely American art form and the best-known symbol of the Pennsylvania Dutch culture. Guided by Patrick Donmoyer of the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center and celebrated barn star artist Eric Claypoole, this charter bus tour will feature over two dozen of the region's finest decorated barns tucked away in the heart of Berks County's farm country. All proceeds from the tour support cultural programming at Kutztown University.

  Bear Essentials: Weekly Student E-Newsletter
  Did you know that all KU students receive a weekly email, titled Bear Essentials, that contains important announcements and events happening for that week? The email is sent every Wednesday during the fall and spring semesters. Please encourage your student to look for the email from bearessentials@kutztown.edu every week. More information and links to all of this year's newsletters.

• KU Campus Store

  Homecoming Sale
  Shop our Buy More, Save More Sale during Homecoming Saturday, Oct. 24. 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. 20, 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

  New Solar Project Breaks Ground
  The KU Foundation recently broke ground on an exciting new solar power generation project. The 4.6-megawatt solar array represents an innovative approach to generating sustainable, long-term revenue that will help the Foundation advance its mission and support Kutztown University for decades to come. 

  Only Days Away: The 1866 Giving Challenge is Oct. 20-21
  During the 1866 Giving Challenge, the KU community comes 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. 20-21 and help create more Golden Opportunities. Learn more about how you can get involved.

  Register Now for Homecoming 2026
  We're excited to welcome alumni, students and families back to campus for Homecoming Weekend, Oct. 23-24. 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 KU Legacy Scholarship by Nov. 2
  Applications for the KU Legacy Scholarship are open through Monday, Nov. 2. This scholarship is available to children or siblings of KU graduates who will be sophomores, juniors or seniors at Kutztown University during the 2027-28 academic year. Continue your family's Golden Bear legacy – review the eligibility requirements and apply today. Send your completed application to together@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.
  
  

  Deadline for early decision to the Ed.D. cohort for Summer 2027	Thursday, Oct. 1
  Graduate international student application deadline for Spring 2027 semester	Thursday, Oct. 1
  Withdraw Period for Fall 2026 First Half of Term 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, Oct. 2
  Add/Drop Period for Fall 2026 10 Week Courses. The last day of this period is the deadline to drop a course at midnight without receiving a grade of "W".	Friday, Oct. 2
  Last day to drop a Fall 2026 10 Week course with 100% reduction or refund ends at midnight. No reduction of charges or refunds for individual courses after midnight.	Friday, Oct. 2
  Last day to return Fall 2026 textbooks with a drop slip.	Saturday, Oct. 3
  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.	Oct. 3 to Nov. 13
  Winter 2027 Open Enrollment Period. Registration for classes is open to all students.	Oct. 8 to Dec. 18
  Registrar to create grade rosters for Fall 2026 First Half of term classes.	Thursday, Oct. 8
  Last day for Undergraduate and Graduate students to apply for Fall 2026 graduation.	Friday, Oct. 9
  Fall Break Day. No Classes, Admin Offices Open.	Monday, Oct. 12
  Students are dropped for non-attendance from courses for Fall 2026 Full Term. Faculty must verify a student's attendance in a course for them to be reinstated.	Monday, Oct. 12
  Add/Drop Period for Fall 2026 Second Half of Term Courses. The last day of this period is the deadline to drop a course at midnight without receiving a grade of "W".	Oct. 13-16
  Undergraduate students meet with advisors for assistance in building Spring 2027 class schedules.	Tuesday, Oct. 13
  Undergraduate students meet with advisors for assistance in building Spring 2027 class schedules.	Oct. 13 to Dec. 4
  Follow Monday class schedule.	Tuesday, Oct. 13
  Fall 2026 Second Half Term	Oct. 13 to Dec. 12
  Mid-Term	Thursday, Oct. 15
  Add/Drop Period for Fall 2026 Second Half of Term Courses. The last day of this period is the deadline to drop a course at midnight without receiving a grade of "W".	Friday, Oct. 16
  Fall 2026 Inclusive Access Opt Out Deadline 2.	Saturday, Oct. 17
  Withdraw Period for Fall 2026 Second Half of Term 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.	Oct. 17 to Nov. 25
  Fall 2026 KUSSI Graduation Festival, MSU 218, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.	Wednesday, Oct. 21
  First day no reduction in charges or refund for university withdrawals for Fall 2026 10 Week students.	Wednesday, Oct. 21
  Homecoming	Saturday, Oct. 24
  Last day for Undergraduate students to make up “Incompletes” from the Spring 2026 semester.	Friday, Oct. 30
  First day no reduction in charges or refund for university withdrawals for Fall 2026 Second Half of term students.	Saturday, Oct. 31