September 2025

Volume 8, Issue 2

• Campus Announcements

  President’s Newsletter
  Kutztown University president, Dr. Philip Cavalier, launched his new monthly newsletter before the start of the fall semester. Dr. Cavalier will communicate with students monthly through his newsletter with important campus updates and initiatives. Read the newsletter online.

• Academic Affairs

  Middle States Self-Study Evaluation
  The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) will visit Kutztown University Oct. 5-8, for its self-study evaluation. KU completes this process every eight years to renew its institutional accreditation, which is essential for federal and state funding. The process began in Fall 2023 and will conclude with the upcoming visit. Over the past two years, the university has reviewed its mission, goals and dedication to students, employees and the community. Learn more at the Middle States Accreditation webpage.

  KU Advance
  KU Advance is excited to announce that Coursera’s AI Academy courses and certificates are here. Explore self-paced courses from world-class universities and industry leaders, covering everything from AI basics to cutting-edge applications in education and business. Build skills, earn certificates and get “future ready.” Your student can gain in-demand skills, earn industry-recognized certificates and bring new ideas back to their classrooms, offices and communities. Free to KU students, staff and faculty. Start learning today! For more information, go to KU's Extended Learning webpage.

  Miller Gallery
  The Marlin and Regina Miller Gallery is pleased to present the first exhibition of Fall 2025: The Faculty Biennial Art Exhibition, Thursday, Sept. 4 to Sunday, Oct. 5. This exhibition presents artwork by faculty teaching in animation, art, art education, art history and communication design in KU's College of Visual and Performing Arts. There is a free public reception 3-5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4. This is a great opportunity for art students to meet professors and see the artwork they make in their professional life outside of teaching. The gallery is located off the Atrium Lobby of Sharadin (fountain side entrance). 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 exhibitions and related programming are always free and open to the public.

  Rohrbach Library Open House
  Stop by the Rohrbach Library Open House 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 16. Explore library resources, join a scavenger hunt for prizes and see how the event may count toward course credit. For questions, contact spham@kutztown.edu. Library Open House

  KU Succeed Academic Recovery Program – Fall 2025
  Is your student navigating academic challenges at Kutztown University? The KU Succeed program is here to empower them with the tools, strategies and support they need to get back on track. Tailored for students who are ready to turn things around, this dynamic academic recovery program offers individualized coaching, hands-on skill-building workshops and seamless access to campus resources. It’s more than just academic support – it’s a pathway to renewed confidence and long-term success. Encourage your student to make the most of this opportunity and take charge of their future. Fall 2025 is the perfect time to make a fresh start. For more information, visit our website or email the Center for Student Success and Academic Excellence. Let's work together to help your student achieve their academic goals.

  KU Student Success Navigators: Supporting Your Student Every Step of the Way
  At Kutztown University, every new student is assigned a dedicated Student Success Navigator to provide personalized guidance and support. Navigators work alongside academic advisors to ensure a smooth and successful college experience. Students can access their Student Success Navigator through Starfish using their KU student email and password.

  Encourage your student to reach out in these situations:

  • They have a question.
  • They encounter an issue or obstacle.
  • They are facing a personal challenge.
  • There is a hold on their account.
  • They are unsure who to contact.

  Navigators know the ins and outs of KU and can point students in the right direction. No matter the concern, help is just a conversation away. Encourage your student to reach out to their Student Success Navigator whenever they need support.

  Transfer Student Success Coordinator
  Meet Briana Zdradzinski, coordinator for Student Success and Transfer Engagement, a key resource for your student’s transfer journey to KU. Briana is available for one-on-one meetings to support students as they transition and adjust to life at KU. Prospective and current transfer students are encouraged to connect with her to schedule an appointment and learn more online.

  Tutoring Services
  Tutors are available for most 100- and 200-level courses and some upper-level courses starting the second week of class. Students can sign up for a tutor directly 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 on the Tutoring Services website. Students may also contact tutor@kutztown.edu with questions.

• Finance and Facilities

  Best Practices: Mailing Items of Value to Campus
  Kutztown University would like to remind our students, families and campus community of some best practices when mailing anything of value and processing financial transactions.

  Statement/Bill Location
  MyKU > Student Accounts Card > Payment Dashboard. “View On Demand Statement” option will show you the most current up to date, as of that minute statement. The other statements that are listed are just of that moment in time and are not updated.

  Stafford Loans – Accept or Decline – New Requirement for All Students
  All students must accept or decline their Stafford loans in MyKU > Student Self Service > Dashboard > Financial Aid > Award Offer (second tab) > under Loans select Take Action and use the dropdown to accept or decline. Loans will not show until this is completed (3-5 days). Any changes after initial accept or decline must be done on a student loan change form. Financial Aid can lend guidance at 610-683-4077.

  Outside (non-KU) Scholarship Awards
  Many students receive scholarships, either as they graduate high school or awards that they renew each year. Student Accounts will not carry these items year to year. If you have an award that is renewed, please send an updated award letter to our office so we can add a courtesy credit to the statement that can reduce the charges due. We will only add courtesy credits for scholarships of $1,000 or more. Email these award letters to studentaccounts@kutztown.edu.

  Any award checks sent to you that are made payable to just the student do not have to come to our office and we don’t need those award letters. Only items that are payable to KU or KU and the student will need to come to our office. Call us with any questions.

  Authorized Users – Payment Dashboard Access (prior payer access not transferred)
  Students can sign their parents up to get their own access to the New Payment Dashboard including getting the statement email notifications as to not solely rely on the students to share their notice. Students go to MyKU > Student Accounts card > Payment Dashboard > Authorized Users. Payer Access from the old payment dashboard did not transfer to the new system.

  Parking Permits
  Parking Permits may be purchased online. Permits are $75 for the full year or $50 for the Fall semester. Students go to MyKU > Vehicle Services to purchase.

  Bear Bucks
  Bear Bucks will be purchased in a standalone store rather than in the students Payment Dashboard. More information about Bear Bucks can be found here. Students can view their balances by navigating to MyKU > KU Card.

  Fall 2025 – Payment Plans Reminder
  The payment plan does not look at your aid to see any changes, therefore, it will not adjust if you got late aid or scholarships. You must login and adjust the plan yourself. Go to the New Payment Dashboard and select “Payment Plans” on the top bar and then click “Edit Payoff Amount” to make an adjustment. To cancel the plan, adjust the plan to 1.00 and then email studentaccounts@kutztown.edu to cancel it completely. “Edit Payoff” will only be visible under the access that set up the plan (i.e., student or authorized user).

  Fall 2025 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. Credit balances are not transferred to the spring semester. You will need to evaluate your charges and your aid package. If you want to reduce the loans, do so now, before the end of the second week of the semester. Fall 2025 aid will start disbursing the end of 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. 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. 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.

  Summer 2025 and Prior Balances
  Fall 2025 aid cannot pay these balances. Holds, if not added, will be added, as well as late fees. Please take a moment to check that these items are cleared.

  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.

• Enrollment Management and Student Affairs

  KU Student Financial Emergency Support and Resource Team
  Kutztown University is committed to assisting students facing unexpected financial emergencies through the Student Financial Emergency Support and Resource Team. This initiative helps connect KU students facing unexpected financial emergencies with funds and resources, allowing them to remain focused on their education. Students can submit a request using the online Student Financial Emergency Assistance Request Form. Each request is reviewed individually by the team to ensure timely and appropriate follow-up and support.

  Parents and families are encouraged to inform their students about this valuable resource. For more information, visit the KU Student Financial Emergency Support and Resource Team webpage. By working together, we can help ensure that financial emergencies do not impede our students' educational journeys.

  Office of Student Assistance
  The KU Office of Student Assistance is dedicated to helping students navigate circumstances that may impact their academic and personal success. This office provides guidance, resources and support to students facing difficult situations such as financial concerns, academic struggles, personal hardships or accessing campus services.

  Parents and families play a vital role in student success, and the Office of Student Assistance is here to collaborate with you. If your student needs help, they can connect with the office for individualized support and referrals to the appropriate campus resources.

  Encourage your student to reach out if they are experiencing a difficult situation – early intervention can make all the difference. For more information, visit KU Office of Student Assistance or email studentassistance@kutztown.edu. Together, we can ensure every Golden Bear has the support they need to thrive.

  Military and Veteran Services
  Students are reminded to apply for all military-related education benefits ASAP if they have not already done so to avoid delayed payments and other disruptions. Don't forget to submit the enrollment certification form each semester if you are using any military/VA benefit. Our Military and Veteran Center is still considering work-study applications. If you are using a VA benefit and are considering joining our team, let us know at veterans@kutztown.edu. Be sure to visit the Military and Veteran Center early in the semester to check in with our team, connect with fellow MilVet students and check out our new look.

  Pride Night at Reading Fightin’ Phils
  Join us Wednesday, Sept. 10, for Pride Night at the Reading Fightin’ Phils. Gates open at 6 p.m., with game time at 6:45 p.m. The KU LGBTQ+ Resource Center is a sponsor of this night. We have free tickets available for students, parents, family and alumni. Tickets can be picked up at the Boxwood House or the MSU info desk. Transportation is provided for students – sign up on Engage. Wear your favorite KU garb and show your pride. Questions/request tickets at schearer@kutztown.edu.

  Berks Cultural Diversity Festival
  Join us noon to 7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 27, for the Berks Cultural Diversity Festival. For the third year, KU is one of the sponsors of this exciting, fun and delicious day at City Park in Reading. KU and our Diversity and Inclusion Centers will have a tent. We invite students, parents, family and alumni to stop by and say hello. Students will also be serving as volunteers and presenters/performers. Questions: schearer@kutztown.edu.

  Community Link Event
  We're excited to invite you to our upcoming Community Link Event, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 28, Schaeffer Lawn. Students will have the chance to meet and mingle with local businesses and places of worship. This is a great opportunity for them to discover all that our community has to offer, from finding a new favorite coffee shop to connecting with local leaders. Encourage them to stop by, say hello and start building their network outside of campus, it’s a wonderful way to feel more at home.

  September Blood Drive
  Don't forget to mark your calendars for the monthly blood drive 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 10, Student Recreation Center. Donating blood is a simple yet powerful way for students to make a real difference in our community and help save lives. It's a fantastic opportunity to give back and feel good about contributing to such an important cause.

  Pop-Up Thrift Shop
  Students won't want to miss the Pop-Up Thrift Shop 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 18, MSU Lawn. This is the perfect chance for them to refresh their wardrobe or their room décor with unique, sustainable finds while connecting with other students. It’s a fun, eco-friendly way to shop and show off their style.

  Kutztown Trivia
  Is your student a trivia whiz? Tell them to get ready to put their knowledge to the test at Kutztown Trivia 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 22, 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. It's a fun and competitive evening that’s all about campus community spirit.

  Commuter Tuesday
  For students who commute to campus, don't forget to remind them about Commuter Tuesday 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2, 223 MSU. It's the perfect chance for them to grab a free hot meal, connect with other commuter students and take a well-deserved break. It’s a great way to feel more connected to the campus community, even if they're not living on campus.

  “I Don’t Need to Fit In, I Belong Here: Real Inclusion, Like FRFR”
  Join author and keynote speaker, Tish Norman, 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, Rickenbach Auditorium. She'll challenge the traditional notions of "fitting in" and discuss taking personal responsibility for creating environments where everyone truly feels they belong. Or should we? This event is co-sponsored by SISTERS, FMLA, It’s On Us, MCC, and the Women’s Center. Learn more on Engage.

  Autumn Aware Fair – Fall for Success! Know More. Do More.
  Make sure your student knows about the Autumn Aware Fair - Fall for Success, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 18, 218 MSU. This event is a great opportunity for them to connect with resources that support their academic journey and learn how they can contribute to a safe and respectful campus community by taking the "It's On Us" pledge. They'll also have a chance to meet officers from KU Public Safety and the Borough of Kutztown, all while enjoying music, free food, games and prizes. It's an event packed with fun and valuable information.

  Get the Scoop on Involvement
  The Fall 2025 Involvement Fair is 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3, 218 MSU. Students can learn about our clubs and organizations across campus. More info on Engage.

  Sorority Recruitment
  Is your student interested in joining a sorority or learning more about the sororities on campus? Have them sign up for recruitment by Thursday, Sept. 11. Questions can be sent to Laura Fenimore in the Office of Student Involvement.

  JellyCat Bingo
  Play Bingo, Win Jelly Cats is 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, 183 MSU. Learn more on Engage.

  Family Day
  Mark your calendars for Family Day, Saturday, Sept. 20. Activities include Family Fun Zone, Planetarium shows, Kick for Tuition, KU Presents! Bindlestiff Family Cirkus, women's soccer and football.

  New York City Bus Trip
  Students have the opportunity to take a bus trip to the Big Apple Saturday, Oct. 4. Tickets go on sale Monday, Sept. 15. Learn more on Engage.

  Homecoming Spirit Court
  Nominations open Tuesday, Sept. 23 on Engage for Spirit Court. Students involved in any of the student organizations can nominate someone to represent their organization on our Homecoming Spirit Court. Court members host voter education sessions, participate in the KU Cares Day of Service and be in good academic standing.

  Kutztown University Activities Board (KUAB)
  Interested in helping plan events and programs for campus? Join the Kutztown University Activities Board, get experience with planning events, have a say in the performances and programs and gain valuable leadership experience. Interested? Reach out to KUAB@kutztown.edu.

• Equity, Compliance and Legal Affairs

  Disability Services Office: September Open Office Hours
  The Disability Services Office (DSO) will be hosting Open Office Hours for students 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 2, Wednesday, Sept. 3, and Friday, Sept. 5, 215 Stratton. Students are encouraged to stop by to ask questions, meet DSO staff and graduate assistants and pick up a free sensory item. For more information about DSO services and accommodations, visit the DSO website or email DSO@kutztown.edu.

  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.

  Social Equity to Open Soft Interview Space on Campus
  The Office of Social Equity is excited to announce the opening of its soft interview space on campus. The soft interview space will be a vital aspect of Kutztown University's trauma informed care when dealing with complainants and respondents in sexual misconduct matters. By utilizing privacy, comfortable furniture, calming colors and soft lighting, the soft interview space will create a safe, comfortable and supportive environment designed for interviewing individuals coping with trauma by promoting open communication and trust. For more information on our soft interview space and other upcoming Title IX education and awareness events, please follow us on Instagram @KutztownTitleIX.

• University Relations and Athletics

  KU Presents! 2025-2026 Season Subscriptions Available
  Performances for the whole family are waiting for you at Schaeffer Auditorium. Experience electrifying Mexican music with Mariachi Herencia de México, be captivated by a capella sensation Voctave, enjoy traditional Irish music with Lúnasa, laugh out loud with Mnozil Brass, try your hand at juggling with Bindlestiff Family Cirkus and so much more. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 610-683-4092. KU students can access $15 tickets by logging for tickets with their MyKU login, or get all 10 performances for just $25 with our new student membership.

  Golden Bear Football Tickets, Tailgate Permits and Parking Passes
  Get your season tickets for the Kutztown University Golden Bears. Add your tailgate permits or parking passes for the season and save over individual game tickets. Tickets, tailgate permits and parking passes for individual games 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. Information about the Golden Bear Tailgate Village for Homecoming 2025 will be posted soon.

• 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. Dixon Marketplace is located on the ground level of the Dixon Residence Hall and open until midnight, seven days a week.

  Pawbucks Sales
  Every Monday following a home football game, save on KU apparel for every touchdown the Golden Bears score. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date on sales and promotions.

  KU Campus Store Customer Appreciation Sale – Sept 25
  Follow @KUCampusStore on Instagram and Facebook to see what fall festivities and promotions we will have.

• KU Foundation

  Volunteers Wanted – Become a Golden Bear Ambassador
  Love Kutztown? Share that pride with others. We’re looking for enthusiastic alumni and friends to serve as Golden Bear Ambassadors – helping to spread the word about all the exciting things happening at KU and the KU Foundation. Click here to hear from two of our most active volunteers about getting involved. Ready to make an impact? Join us and help keep Golden Bear pride going strong.

  Registration for Homecoming 2025
  We are delighted to welcome alumni, current students and their families to campus for Homecoming, Oct. 17-18. Click here to view the schedule and to register.

  1866 Minute Giving Challenge Returns Oct. 15-16
  Imagine supporting team travel to an out-of-state tournament. Or, wouldn't it be amazing if an entire group of students could attend a professional conference – the first of their career? What if you could ensure that more than 25 students in financial crisis had the resources they need to cover food and housing expenses? You can help make this possible, and much more, by participating in the 1866 Minute Giving Challenge, Oct. 15-16. For 1,866 minutes, the KU community unites as one to support all. Because Together, We're Golden. Learn more online.

  Apply for the KU Legacy Scholarship
  The KU Legacy Scholarship is accepting applications through Monday, Nov. 3. This scholarship is open to any child or sibling of a KU graduate starting their sophomore, junior or senior year at Kutztown University. For details about scholarship eligibility or to apply, click here.

• Dates to Know

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

  Add/Drop Period - Fall 2025 Full Semester Courses	Monday, Aug. 25 – Tuesday, Sept. 2
  "W" Period – Fall 2025 First Half of Term Courses	Thursday, Aug. 28 – Thursday, Oct. 2
  Unity Day, 11 a.m., Schaeffer Lawn	Thursday, Aug. 28
  Last day for first half of term students withdrawing from the university to receive 80% reduction in charges or refund (First Half of Term only)	Friday, Aug. 29
  Saturday classes start at 8 a.m.	Saturday, Aug. 30
  Labor Day Holiday – No Classes – Administrative Offices Closed	Monday, Sept. 1
  W Period – Fall 2025 Full Semester Courses	Wednesday, Sept. 3 – Friday, Nov. 14
  Fall Involvement Fair, 218 MSU	Wednesday, Sept. 3
  Last day to request a Fall 2025 Bookstore Account based on pending authorized aid through the Financial Aid office.  Last day to make purchases is Tuesday, Sept. 9.	Friday, Sept. 5
  First day Financial Aid can be disbursed for Fall 2025	Monday, Sept. 15
  Rock the Lawn, 7:30 p.m., Schaeffer Lawn	Tuesday, Sept. 16
  Due date for Fall 2025 Late Registration Bills	Thursday, Sept. 18
  Family Day	Saturday, Sept. 20
  KU Presents Family Series: Bindlestiff Family Circus, 5 p.m., Schaeffer Auditorium.	Saturday, Sept. 20
  First day no reduction in charges or refund for university withdrawals for full semester students (Fall only)	Saturday, Sept. 27
  Heemet Fescht, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Heritage Center	Saturday, Sept. 27
  First Day of Fall 2025 10W Courses	Monday, Sept. 29
  Last day to return Fall 2025 textbooks with a drop slip	Friday, Oct. 3