March 12, 2020
 
Dear College Community,

On Monday, I wrote to you about steps the college was taking to minimize exposure to COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Tuesday evening the state of Michigan confirmed two cases in Wayne and Oakland counties. On Wednesday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced specific suggestions for institutions of higher learning. 

Regarding classes both for credit and non-credit at Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s four campus locations and the Kalamazoo Valley Museum

Although there are no known cases of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, effective Monday, March 16 Kalamazoo Valley is suspending face-to-face instruction in all campus learning environments - moving coursework to virtual, tele-learning, online or alternate methods of instruction. In-person instruction will resume on April 6.

The Kalamazoo Valley Museum will be closed during the same period reopening on April 6.

During this period all faculty and staff members are expected to report for work, as  buildings will remain open. Students will be able to access assistance in student services, computer labs, the libraries and in the tutoring centers.

We will continue to monitor this rapidly changing situation and determine by Wednesday, April 1 if this time frame needs to be extended. 

Regardless of where our students complete their course work I encourage everyone to practice appropriate preventative public health measures such as those we’ve previously discussed in our communications and are available at www.kvcc.edu/coronavirus.

Events
Corporate training and community education courses will be suspended during the March 16 to April 6 time period.

All campus special events including athletic contests, concerts, receptions, special events and Women’s History Month activities will be suspended during this period.
  
Travel
All college-related domestic and international travel has been suspended. This includes new travel as well as any currently booked trips between now and April 6.

Our priority remains the health and safety of our students, staff and faculty. I know that there are many logistical questions related to these decisions and we are working to address them.

I want to thank the individuals who have been working around the clock to help us respond to this rapidly changing situation. Providing remote learning opportunities for so many classes is a tall assignment. We will do our best to provide equitable solutions for all of our learners. Your understanding and continued cooperation in the coming days is appreciated.

Communication during this time is essential. More direction will be provided to faculty later today and students can anticipate more guidance and support in coming days. Employees should work directly with their immediate supervisor if there are questions.

Please continue to visit www.kvcc.edu/coronavirus for information. The website is updated frequently.

Kalamazoo Valley Community College has a strong, well-deserved reputation for addressing the needs of the communities we serve. I am confident that we will continue this tradition. Thank you.

Sincerely,
L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President