September 2026

Volume 9, Issue 2

• Academic Affairs

  Welcome from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean's Office
  The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean's Office welcomes all new and returning students and families to the 2026-27 academic year. The Dean's Office is here to support all students in their academic journey. If any students need assistance, they can contact Assistant Dean of Student Success Maddie Anthes for help. Feel free to reach out to clas@kutztown.edu if you have any questions or concerns. We look forward to another wonderful year together. 

  Start the Semester with a Career Boost
  As students head back to campus and begin a new semester, it's a great time to set goals beyond the classroom. Through KU Advance, Kutztown University students have free access to Coursera, with thousands of online courses and professional certificates designed to help them build career-ready skills. Students can explore topics that complement their major, discover new career interests or strengthen their résumés with credentials in areas like artificial intelligence, project management, data analytics, digital marketing, communication and more. Whether they dedicate an hour a week or pursue a full professional certificate, students can make their learning work alongside their academic schedule – and take another step toward their future career. Start exploring free career-building opportunities through KU Advance.

  PA State Grant Requirement
  If you did not complete your 2026-27 FAFSA prior to the May 1 deadline for eligibility, visit the PHEAA website for additional guidance for late applicants.

  Financial Aid Awarding
  If your financial aid is not awarded, check your MyKU Portal on the Financial Aid Home Page to determine what required documents might be missing. All student financial aid awards have been awarded if applied early and on time. Late applicants will be reviewed weekly, once all required documents have been received and processed accordingly. If you are missing financial aid awards, please contact the Financial Aid Services Office by calling 610-683-4077, emailing financialaid@kutztown.edu or visiting our office at 209 Stratton.

  Fall 2026 Financial Aid Loan Options
  In addition to the Federal Direct Loans offered to students, parents may apply for additional loans for the next school year in the form of a Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan. Parents applying for this loan should begin the process now. This will allow your loans to reflect on the students’ account through their MyKU portal by the bill due date. Please note that applying at this point, you may encounter processing delays and may incur a late fee through the Office of Student Accounts. When applying for a loan, we recommend applying for the academic school year. Your loan period for the 2026-27 year should be as follows:

  Fall 2026 – Spring 2027
  - Start Date: Aug. 24, 2026
  - End Date: May 8, 2027

  Students and/or parents also have the option of applying for Private/Alternative Loans. These loans are based on credit worthiness and have various lenders to choose from. Please research the lender that works best for you as each lender offers differing rates. For general questions regarding loan options, please contact the Financial Aid Services Office by calling 610-683-4077, emailing us at financialaid@kutztown.edu or visiting our office at 209 Stratton.

  New for 2026-27
  The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) established new loan limits for the Direct Parent PLUS Loan Program, impacting how much parents can borrow for their eligible dependent undergraduate students. Borrowing annual limit is not to exceed $20,000 per year, per student, up to the student's cost of attendance. The lifetime limit is $65,000 total per student. Additional information can be found online.

  Enrollment Requirements
  In addition to loan borrowing limits, students must maintain a full-time schedule to avoid having their student loan(s) reduced based on changes in enrollment. More information can be found online regarding these changes. Please discuss with your students the importance of academic progress and leveraging all available academic resources here at KU. Should your student seek to withdraw from a course(s), please have them speak with their Academic Advisor or Student Success Navigator for guidance on academic resources and Financial Aid Services on the impact to their student loan(s).

  Looking Ahead
  The 2027-2028 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens Thursday, Oct. 1. Financial Aid Services will begin communication with students beginning this month on applying. Please remind your student to apply early. Please note: Continuing students are awarded financial aid for the new year after the end of the spring semester, as we must review academic progress before next year's financial aid can be awarded. This is different than incoming new students, as these students do not yet have an established full year at KU and are awarded financial aid earlier.

• Administration and Finance

  Spring 2026 and Summer 2026 Balances
  Some students still owe KU for Spring and Summer. These balances have resulted in a hold on the student's account, blocking diplomas, registration and in some cases transcripts. Please take a minute to be sure these are cleared up.

  Fall 2026 Balances
  Most students had a due date of August 10 and late registrants have a due date of Friday, Sept. 4. One final two-payment plan is now available as all plans must end Monday, Oct. 5. Please review your billing emails for the options of payment, including loans and more. Please note that charges can be incurred throughout the semester for a variety of items. We encourage students and authorized users to review the statements whenever we send a notification. Please contact our office if you are still unsure how to rectify your balance.

  Aid Disbursement and Refunds
  Aid will start to disburse no sooner than Monday, Sept. 14, and could occur after. Refunds will only be issued when the account is overpaid with disbursed items, not authorized or pending items. Aid can only be disbursed when KU receives the funds, so not all aid is disbursed right away.

  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 selected a refund preference should go online to make this selection. 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. Note: Address changes on MyKU are not sent to BankMobile. Students must change addresses themselves.

  Parent Refunds
  Since students have the direct deposit option and parents do not, parents often choose to allow the refund to go to the student. If the parent elected for the refund to go to them, but now they 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 be updated.

  Spring 2027 Payment Plan Reminder
  Spring payment plans will start with a six-payment plan in October. Please plan to use your Fall out-of-pocket balances as a guide to set these up if you want the best plan we have to offer.

  Winter 2026-27
  Winter sessions are 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 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 drops for non-payment will occur on a rolling basis. Winter Costs will be online in October.

  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 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 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. Reach out to us by email for all about bills and refunds at studentaccounts@kutztown.edu, or by phone at 610-683-4133.

  Parking Permits
  Parking permits remain available online on MyKU under Vehicle Services. $50 for the term and $75 for the full academic year. Parking tickets can also be paid in this same location.

  MSU Parking Lot
  Parking lot A1 (MSU) has been repaved and had the physical meters removed and replaced with a digital payment system. A1 remains a pay-to-park lot, through the new digital system, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday during the academic year. The cost will be $0.75/30 minutes, with a maximum of 90 minutes. The only method of payment is mobile – no app is required. Instructions are available on parking lot signage and include the options of a QR code to scan, or a number to text. Vehicle license plate will need to be entered into the mobile payment portal. Questions can be directed to the MSU Information Desk at 610-683-4018. For longer-term parking, students, faculty and staff should utilize the parking permit process and park in their assigned lot on campus. Visitors should obtain a visitor parking permit.

• 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 as soon as possible if they have not already done so to help avoid delayed payments or other disruptions. Students using any military or VA education benefit must submit the enrollment certification form each semester. Our team is still accepting work-study applications. If you are using a VA benefit and are interested in joining our team, please contact us at veterans@kutztown.edu.

  Monthly Conversation Starter Questions
  Hello Golden Bear families! Are you seeking some ways to engage with your student, but are not sure what to ask? Try these sample conversation starter questions, designed by our Dean of Students, tailored to mention current events/hot topics for each specific month and the month ahead.

  September (Finding Community)

  1. Are you planning to attend the Involvement Fair (this is in early September)? What groups or types of groups might interest you?
  2. Have you joined any clubs, organizations, or activities that interest you?
  3. Who are the people you're spending the most time with?
  4. What part of campus feels most like "your place?"
  5. When do you feel most connected to other students?
  6. What are you enjoying most outside of class?
  7. (Commuter students) What spaces have you found to hang out before/between classes?
  8. **Remember that Family Weekend is the last weekend in September — are you planning to attend?

  October (Academic Adjustment)

  1. Have you received anything in your KU email about housing for next year (this info comes in early October)?
  2. How are your classes comparing to what you expected?
  3. Which professor has made the biggest impression on you so far and why?
  4. How are you keeping track of your academic requirements (due dates for readings, quizzes, etc.)?
  5. What's one academic challenge you're working through?
  6. Have you found study strategies that work well for you?
  7. If you could change one thing about this semester, what would it be?

  Fraternity/Sorority Life
  Involvement in a fraternal organization can be very rewarding. There are many opportunities to gain valuable leadership experiences and make friendships that will last a lifetime. Staff from the Office of Student Involvement provide guidance and support to all nationally affiliated fraternities and sororities at Kutztown University and coordinates hazing prevention programming. Housed in the McFarland Student Union, all councils and chapters are assisted in the areas of scholarship development, leadership development, recruitment/intake, new member education, community service/philanthropy, risk management and programming. Note: The Kappa Sigma fraternity is not recognized by the university and has chosen to operate without any regulation or oversight.

  25th Anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001
  We invite our students, faculty, staff and campus community to join us in commemorating the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, at 10 a.m., Alumni Plaza. Our office will be hosting a special 9/11 Memorial Ceremony to honor the lives lost, remember those who answered the call to serve and recognize the lasting impact of that day. We hope you will join us as we come together to remember, reflect and honor.

  Flu Vaccine
  Thanks to our continued partnership with Lehigh Valley Health Network, KU Health and Wellness Services are again able to offer free flu vaccines for students this year. Details about clinic dates and times will be emailed to the students and posted on social media later in September.

  Pride Night at Reading Fightin' Phils
  Join KU students, staff, faculty, friends and families Tuesday, Sept. 8, 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 Boxwood House, the Student Affairs Office in 109 Stratton 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 6 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 26, for the Berks Cultural Diversity Festival. For the fourth 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 can be sent to schearer@kutztown.edu.

  September Blood Drive
  Don't forget to mark your calendars for the monthly blood drive, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 218 MSU. 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 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, 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. Tuesday, Sept. 15, 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. 1, 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.

  Community Outreach Center: The REAL Church Shoe Giveaway
  The Community Outreach Center is partnering with the REAL Church to give away 1,000 pairs of free shoes to our students from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1, MSU Lawn.

  National Anti-Hazing Week
  Our Fraternity and Sorority Life Organizations host a week-long concentrated effort to raise awareness and increase education about hazing. Join the Greek Life organizations and councils September 21-25. Check Engage to learn more.

  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. 10. Questions can be sent to Kelly Gillis in the Office of Student Involvement.

  JellyCat Bingo
  Test your luck in this fun filled bingo game where the prizes are awesome Jellycats! Join us 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2, 183 MSU. Details on Engage.

  Family Day
  Mark your calendars for Family Day, Saturday, Sept. 26. Activities include Family Fun Zone, Planetarium shows, Kick for Tuition, field hockey and football.

  Slime Time
  Create your very own slime! Join us 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29, 218 MSU, while supplies last. Details on Engage.

• University Relations and Athletics

  Golden Bear Football Tickets, Tailgate Permits and Parking Passes
  Get your season tickets to Golden Bears football. 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 48 hours before game time. Don't let them forget to add you.

  Heemet Fescht
  Indulge your interest in regional folk culture at the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center's Heemet Fescht: a celebration of the harvest and Pennsylvania Dutch farm life, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 26. Heemet Fescht features live music in the barnyard, traditional arts, barn star painting, folklife demonstrations, hayrides, pumpkin painting and children's crafts. Heemet (pronounced HAY-met), means “home” in Pennsylvania Dutch. Located on the historic Sharadin Farmstead at 22 Luckenbill Road, Kutztown, the event is free, fun and educational for the whole family.

• 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.

  Pawbucks Sales
  Pawbucks Sales for this year's football season are every Monday following a home football game. Save on KU apparel for every touchdown the Golden Bears score.

  Vinyl and Record Sale
  Stop in the KU Campus Store 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sept. 15-16, to shop a wide variety of vinyl records, band posters and patches. Our vendor takes credit card and Venmo.

  KU Campus Store Customer Appreciation Sale: September 24
  Follow @KUCampusStore on Instagram and Facebook to see what fall festivities and promotions we will have.

  KU Campus Store Family Day Sale: Sept. 26
  Follow @KUCampusStore on Instagram and Facebook to see our sale.

  Kick for Tuition
  Look for the KU Campus Store table located in 218 MSU at Family Day, Saturday, Sept. 26, to sign up for the kick for tuition. Learn more about the opportunity to win a free semester of in-state tuition.

• KU Foundation

  Registration Open for Homecoming 2026
  We are delighted to welcome alumni, current students and their families to campus for Homecoming, Oct. 23-24. View the schedule and register online.

  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 Giving Challenge, Oct. 15-16. For 1,866 minutes, the KU community unites as one to support all.

  Apply for the KU Legacy Scholarship
  The KU Legacy Scholarship is accepting applications through Monday, Nov. 2. This scholarship is open to any child or sibling of a KU graduate starting their sophomore, junior or senior year at Kutztown University. Details about scholarship eligibility and application are online. Please send completed applications 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.
  
  

  Withdraw Period for Fall 2026 Full Semester 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.	Sept. 1 to Nov. 13
  Involvement Fair, 4 p.m., 218 MSU	Wednesday, Sept. 2
  Due date for Fall 2026 Orientation Bills	Friday, Sept. 4
  Last day to request a Fall 2026 Bookstore Account based on pending authorized aid through the Financial Aid office. Last day to make purchases is Wednesday, Sept. 9.	Friday, Sept. 4
  Fall 2026 Late Registration invoicing process will run electronically in MyKU. Due date Thursday, Sept. 17.	Friday, Sept. 4
  Fall 2026 Inclusive Access Opt Out Deadline 1	Saturday, Sept. 5
  Last day to exchange/return textbooks to KU Campus Store without an Add/Drop Slip for Fall 2026	Saturday, Sept. 5
  Labor Day Holiday. No Classes. Administrative Offices Closed.	Monday, Sept. 7
  Last day to make purchases on a Fall 2026 Bookstore Account	Tuesday, Sept. 8
  First day no reduction in charges or refund for university withdrawals for Fall 2026 First Half of term students	Wednesday, Sept. 9
  First day Financial Aid can disburse for Fall 2026	Monday, Sept. 14
  Refunds for overpayments of Fall 2026 accounts will begin no sooner than this date (subject to change).	Monday, Sept. 14
  Rohrbach Library Open House, 10 a.m.	Tuesday, Sept. 15
  Town Hall with President Cavalier, 7 p.m., 183 MSU	Tuesday, Sept. 15
  Last day for Fall 2026 Full Semester students withdrawing from the university to receive 50% reduction in charges or refund.	Friday, Sept. 18
  Due date for Fall 2026 Late Registration Bills	Friday, Sept. 18
  Family Day	Saturday, Sept. 26
  Heemet Fescht, Heritage Center	Saturday, Sept. 26
  First day no reduction in charges or refund for university withdrawals for Fall 2026 Full Semester students.	Saturday, Sept. 26