September 2022

Volume 5, Issue 2

• Academic Affairs

  2022 Fall Business Idea Competition: Nov. 16
  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 develop their creative business ideas, receive valuable feedback from business professionals and win cash prizes. Finalists will present their business idea to a panel of experienced entrepreneurs. Students interested in participating should plan to attend one of the two information sessions in 116 McFarland Student Union: 2:30 p.m., Sept. 14, or 11 a.m., Sept. 15. The due date for students to submit their business idea is Tuesday, Oct. 11. Additional information about the event can be found at Business Idea Competition website. The event will be streamed live 5-8 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 16.

  Center for Student Success and Academic Excellence
  The Center for Student Success and Academic Excellence provides students with individualized success plans, study skills support and connections to campus resources. The Center offers academic skills workshops and one-on-one consultations on study skills, time management, note-taking and learning strategies to enhance success inside and outside the classroom. For more information and resources, visit www.kutztown.edu/studentsuccess.

  Tutoring Services
  Utilize all your resources to achieve success with Tutoring Services. Whether your student is struggling in a class or wants to get a better grade, tutor request forms are available online in the student's MyKU account under academic services. If your student has questions, contact us at tutor@kutztown.edu.

  Starfish Student Success Platform
  Featured tools in Fall 2022 will include the “I need help” feature for students, allowing them to proactively connect to needed resources and information. For more information visit https://www.kutztown.edu/starfish.

• Administration and Finance

  Adding Bear Bucks Throughout the Semester
  Students can add Bear Bucks to their ID cards, in person with cash or check in 107 Academic Forum or online.  MyKU > KU Financial Account tile > Payment Dashboard – click on make payment in the top maroon bar. Flex dollars can be added the same way. Remember, flex dollars expire at the end of the school year and Bear Bucks carry over.

  Fall 2022 Overpayments from Financial Aid – Reduce Those Loans
  Has your bill changed from what you originally had or planned on? Remember, we don’t reduce loans just because your bill changed or reduced. You will need to evaluate your charges and your aid package. If you want to reduce the loans, do so before the end of the second week of the semester. Fall 2022 aid will start disbursing the third week of the semester, once add/drop has ended and Attendance Verification is completed. Simply not accepting a refund won’t reduce or cancel a loan. Loan Change Forms are online; one for students and one for parents.

  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.

  Student Refund Preference Selection
  Students who never selected a refund preference should go to www.refundselection.com to make this sele. The student will need the personal code mailed to them. 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 at www.bankmobilevibe.com and verifying address information, banking information and more.

  Parent Refunds
  Since students have the direct deposit option and parents do not, often parents will 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
  Our office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Reach out to us by email for all about bills and refunds at studentaccounts@kutztown.edu or by phone at 610-683-4133.

• Enrollment Management and Student Affairs

  Multicultural Greek Council Stomp the Yard: 6 p.m., Sept. 9
  Join us at the Multicultural Center (MCC) for a BBQ beginning at 6 p.m. before we head down to the Dixon Amphitheater for a stomp the yard show beginning at 7 p.m. Follow MCC on Instagram for more updates @KutztownMGC.

  Sorority Recruitment
  Is your daughter looking for her travel buddy? Forever friends? Future Bridesmaids? Encourage them to join us for sorority recruitment beginning Sept. 15, and ending with bid day Sept. 19. They can sign up for Fall 2022 Recruitment through this link. Registration ends Sept. 15. Minimum GPA required.

  Family Day Tickets: Dinosaurs with Dr. Simpson
  Tickets are available for the mock dinosaurs class 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 24. If you ever wondered what it was like sitting in a college class or maybe you are just curious about prehistoric creatures, Dr. Simpson is sure to give families a fun experience. You can get your free tickets here: https://kutztown.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?id=1736

  To learn more about Family Day and all the events happening, visit https://www.kutztown.edu/events/family-day.html. 

  Family Day Tickets: Planetarium Shows
  Tickets are available for our three planetarium shows Saturday, Sept. 24. Showtimes are 10 a.m., 10:45 a.m., and 11:30 a.m. Families interested in attending can secure tickets online here: https://kutztown.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?id=1739&r=f76c4058cd9340a8959b248b3e5c73e9.

  Encourage Your Student to Get Involved
  The Office of Student Involvement will host its Fall 2022 Involvement Fair 4-7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 8, 218 McFarland Student Union. This is a great way for students to meet all the amazing student clubs and organizations.

  Monthly Certification Requirements for Students
  Students who are using select benefits (Post 9/11 GI Bill, VA Chapter 1606 Selected Reserves, Montgomery GI Bill Chapter 30) must submit their monthly certification to the VA at the end of each month to receive their monthly stipend or housing allowance. Learn more here, https://www.kutztown.edu/about-ku/administrative-offices/military-and-veterans-services/get-started-next-steps/first-semester-students.html.

  First Military Benefit Payment
  The first military benefit payment typically arrives five to seven weeks after the first day of classes. Do not anticipate receiving this funding in time to help pay for housing, textbooks, etc. If students are using other military benefits and are expecting a refund, KU will issue refunds to eligible students during the semester.

  Additional Funding for Students Receiving Chapter 35 VA GI Bill Benefits
  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. Contact veterans@kutztown.edu for more information and to apply.

  Required Form to Use Military Benefits in Fall 2022
  If your student is eligible for military benefits but the benefits are not showing on the tuition bill or the student hasn’t applied for your military benefits, contact veterans@kutztown.edu for assistance.

• Equity, Compliance and Legal Affairs

  Disability Services Office (DSO)
  Please join the DSO on Family Day, Saturday, Sept. 24. The DSO will have a table/booth where we will be making stress/sensory items. Everyone is welcome. We will also be providing information on the benefits of sensory items and sensory spaces. Parents of juniors and seniors: is your student interested in obtaining a federal job? Check out the Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP). Registration deadline is Oct. 13.

• Housing and Dining

  Dining Services
  Kutztown University Dining Services is excited to welcome you back to campus this fall semester. Our program provides meal plan options that meet the nutritional and dietary needs of the university community. Dining Services offers a large selection of dining venues throughout the entire campus. In addition, there are programs and events that are offered during the academic year to meet the diversified needs of Kutztown University. As students, faculty and staff return to campus, here are the diversified options our community has to choose from. More information can be found at https://kutztown.campusdish.com/.

• University Relations and Athletics

  Mandolin Virtuoso Sam Bush in Schaeffer Auditorium Oct. 5
  KU Presents! offers a wide variety of performances for audiences of all ages. Whether you are looking for gospel, bluegrass or Broadway, the Performing Artists Series has something for you. Children of all ages can appreciate the fun and fascination of the Family Series. Experience mandolin virtuoso Sam Bush, London’s The Kingdom Choir, Tony® Award-winner Laura Benanti, Popovich Pet Theatre, illusionist Jason Bishop and so much more. Subscriptions are still available and can be purchased online or by calling 610-683-4092. Subscribers also receive access discounted tickets to special events. KU students can access $10 tickets by logging in for tickets with their MyKU login.

  Golden Bear Football Tickets
  Get your tickets for the Kutztown Golden Bears. Add your tailgate permits or parking passes for the season and save over individual game tickets. Tickets, tailgate permits and parking passes are also available. KU students can access one free general admission ticket per game by logging in 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.

  Kutztown University Radio (KUR)
  Is your Golden Bear looking for an award-winning campus organization to join where they will learn broadcasting in a fun and inclusive environment? Kutztown University Radio may just fit that bill. Absolutely no experience is required. The radio station will train and needs volunteers in all aspects including, but not limited to, sports broadcasting, music, DJing, news and promotions. For more information, email kur@kutztown.edu expressing interest or call 610-683-4059.

• KU Campus Store

  Dixon Marketplace
  Dixon Marketplace is a retail store comprised of student goods including convenience items, health and beauty aids, dorm and school supplies, logo apparel and trendy gifts. Located on the ground level of Dixon Hall and open until midnight, seven days a week. Additional information can be found at https://www.kutztown.edu/about-ku/administrative-offices/kussi/dixon-marketplace.html.

• KU Foundation

  Tuition Sweepstakes – Win a Semester of Free In-State Tuition
  Founded in 1997, the Kutztown University Presidential Ambassadors (KUPA) is a student organization whose mission is to help enhance KU pride and develop a culture of philanthropy among students. The Tuition Sweepstakes is KUPA's largest annual fundraiser, organized in conjunction with the KU Foundation. All proceeds from this initiative will support student programs and scholarships, university events and community service projects. Learn more here. 

  Mentoring Opportunities Available for Students – Alumni Mentors Needed
  Did you know students can be paired with KU alumni for mentoring through the KU Future Emerging Leaders (FUEL) initiative? Are you a KU alum interested in mentoring a student interested in your field? Through FUEL, current students connect with KU alumni to build professional skills, network in their field of study and see the power of a KU education firsthand. Learn more here.

  Registration Open for Homecoming 2022
  We are delighted to welcome alumni, current students and their families to campus for Homecoming, Saturday, Oct. 22. Register here.

• Campus Affiliates

  PSECU Fall 2022 Office Information
  The PSECU manager is available to answer your student’s questions about their account. Due to PSECU’s fall programming schedule, appointments are recommended. Encourage your student to email the PSECU manager, Kelly Ann Ryan, at kryan@psecu.com to set up an appointment. Questions can also be addressed via email or by calling 610-894-4814. Students and family members can check out all the benefits of banking with PSECU by visiting Student Banking - PSECU. Currently, PSECU is offering $100 when students open a free checking account and activate their online banking. Use promo code UPTO250STUDENT when applying online.

• Dates to Know

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

  Fall 2022 "W" Period	Sept. 7 to Nov. 4
  Fall 2022 Late Registration Billing Runs	Friday, Sept. 9
  80% Refund Period Ends Fall 2022	Friday, Sept. 9
  Fall 2022 Orientation Bills Due	Friday, Sept. 9
  Last day to request a bookstore account for Fall 2022 through Financial Aid Office	Friday, Sept. 9
  Last day to exchange/return textbooks to KU Campus Store without an Add/Drop Slip	Friday, Sept. 9
  Fall 2022- Last Day for 3 Payment Plan (Late Reg)	Sunday, Sept. 11
  Last day to make purchases on a Bookstore Account	Tuesday, Sept.13
  First Day Financial Aid can disburse Fall 2022 Refunds	Friday, Sept. 16
  60% Refund Period Ends Fall 2022	Friday, Sept. 16
  Fall 2022 Late Registration Bills Due	Friday, Sept. 23
  50% Refund Period Ends Fall 2022	Friday, Sept. 23
  40% Refund Period Ends Fall 2022	Friday, Sept. 30