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April 3, 2023
Greetings Students!
Together with the nearly 1,000 other community colleges across the country, Kalamazoo Valley Community College will celebrate Community College Month during April. This nationwide, monthlong initiative was designed to improve awareness about the economic, academic and equity advantages of attending community colleges and to break the stigma associated with public two-year colleges.
Community College Month is an opportunity to demonstrate not only that community colleges, like Kalamazoo Valley, should be the first choice of many college-bound students, but also why community colleges are first-class institutions that are vital to our local and state economies. Thank you for choosing Kalamazoo Valley!
I am proud of our staff and faculty and I am proud of you! More than 310,000 students have enrolled at the college since 1966 and many of our graduates stay in the area after degree completion and help to make the region prosperous and growing!
Therefore, during this month of celebration, I celebrate you and thank you for making Kalamazoo Valley your choice! For a full list of Community College Month activities, go to kvcc.edu/ccmonth.
Congratulations and thank you for positively influencing our community!
Sincerely,
L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President
Fall Semester Registration Open
Registration for the Fall 2023 semester opens this week and is based on earned credit hours.
| Registration begins for students who have earned: |
| 36 or more credit hours |
April 3 | 8 a.m. |
| 24 or more credit hours |
April 4 | 8 a.m. |
| 12 or more credit hours |
April 5 | 8 a.m. |
| Registration for all students |
April 6 | 8 a.m. |
Advisors and counselors are available to help select the correct courses. Call 269.488.4040 to make an appointment. Payment for fall semester classes is due by 7 p.m. on July 17.
Fall 2023 Fire Academy Applications Now Available
Kalamazoo Valley Community College's Fire Science Academy application period is open and will remain available until capacity is reached. Applications being accepted will be for the Fall 2023 Academy set to begin in August.
The Firefighter I and II Academy provides quality training that prepares graduates for careers as certified firefighters in the state of Michigan. Offered as part of the college's accredited Fire Science Program, the academy equips students with thorough competencies and valuable experience, including live fire evolutions and flashover training.
Click here to learn more about the program and the academy. For questions, contact Karen Rivard.
Summer Tuition Due April 4
If you are taking summer classes, be sure to have your bill paid by 7 p.m. on April 4. If payment is not made, your classes will be dropped. To see if you have a balance and to pay your bill online, log in to your MyValley account.
If you are unsure how you will be able to pay for the upcoming semester or have questions about your financial aid, consider the following:
- Apply for financial aid by completing the FAFSA. If you have already applied, you may have outstanding financial aid requirements. Please refer to your MyValley account to review any unfulfilled requirements. You can do this by selecting "My Links" and clicking "Financial Aid Information."
- Split up your tuition payments by signing up for the payment plan.
- Meet with a financial aid advisor to discuss additional options. You can schedule an appointment by calling 269.488.4340.
If you have additional questions about your account balance or paying your bill, please contact finaid@kvcc.edu or call 269.488.4340.
Please note: the Pay Station is now located in Student Financial Services (formerly the Financial Aid office), Room 9210 on the Texas Township Campus.
Science Majors Mixer
Tuesday, April 4, from 4 - 6 p.m. in the lower level of the Texas Township Campus library
Science faculty and current students are invited to meet informally to make connections, tell us how things are going and what they need as they finish up their studies. There will also be a celebration for those graduating. Refreshments will be provided. RSVP
Celebrate the Completion of Winter 2023 with April 13 You Did It Luncheon
As Winter 2023 comes to a close, come celebrate your achievements and commitment to your education by rewarding yourself with a free taco bar at Kalamazoo Valley's You Did It Luncheon on April 13. Join us in celebration of the completion of the semester and congratulate your peers who are graduating or transferring to the next phase of their academic journeys. Enjoy lunch, networking with fellow students and time to relax as you take a moment to reflect on your accomplishments from throughout the semester. Join us in Rooms 4370 and 4380 anytime from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at the Texas Township Campus. This event is free and all are welcome to join. Click here to RSVP.
To learn more, contact Ezra Bell.
Nominate Your Instructor Today
All students are invited to participate in the thirteenth Annual Faculty Instructional Awards nomination process. The awards are designed to recognize those instructors who actively encourage students' intellectual curiosity, engage them in the enterprise of learning, and have a life-long impact. Cast your vote here.
Food and Media Explored at April's Foodways Symposium
Mark your calendars for the 2023 Kalamazoo Foodways Symposium. This annual community celebration of the history and heritage of food and food systems in Southwest Michigan, sponsored by Kalamazoo Valley Community College, will take place in April.
This year's theme is "Food and Media." The public is encouraged to attend the free event. Food media authority, Emily Contois, Ph.D., will deliver a virtual keynote kickoff address on Monday, April 10, 6 - 8 p.m. An outdoor celebration follows on Saturday, April 15 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. in downtown Kalamazoo at Kalamazoo Valley Community College's Food Innovation Center, featuring food trucks, art, demonstrations, youth workshops, planting activities, live music and a special foraging session by Gabrielle Cerberville, a.k.a. @Chaoticforager. For a full list of activities, times and virtual keynote registration details, visit kalamazoofoodways.org. The Foodways Symposium is sponsored by Kalamazoo Valley Community College and its Kalamazoo Valley Museum, with support from the KVCC Foundation.
Time to Buy Commencement Caps, Gowns, Honors Regalia
Graduating in April? You can buy commencement regalia up until 5 p.m. Friday, April 28 at the Bookstore on the Texas Township Campus. Also for sale are diploma frames, graduation yard signs and mortarboard graphics. The graduation ceremony is Sunday, April 30 at 2 p.m. at Miller Auditorium at Western Michigan University.
The Office for Student Life and Engagement is here to connect you with a number of events on campus. From meeting with transfer colleges and making a budget to learning about your strengths, our office offers learning opportunities outside the classroom. Meet new people and connect with campus contacts to make your college experience more meaningful. For more information, contact Ezra Bell.
April 4 | Transfer Tuesday | 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Are you unsure of which four-year college or university you'd like to attend after completing your academic goals at Kalamazoo Valley? Would you like the opportunity to network with university and college representatives? If so, please join us for Transfer Tuesday, where guests can connect with admissions representatives from various universities and colleges. Winter 2023 Transfer Tuesday tables are located at the Texas Township Campus from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the Student Commons. For more information, contact Ezra Bell.
April 6 | Strengths Development Open Lab | 1 - 3 p.m.
Are you interested in learning more about identifying your natural talents and skills? Would you like the opportunity to learn how you can develop the potential of your strengths? If so, then please join us at an upcoming Student Strengths Development Open Lab on April 6. Open lab events provide you with the opportunity to uncover your top five strengths from the Clifton Strengths assessment's 34 talent themes. After completing the assessment, you are invited to join follow up conversations to discuss your results. Join us at Anna Whitten Hall, located downtown in Room 128. For more information, contact Ezra Bell.
April 7 | Nursing Information Workshop | 9 a.m.
Join us for this informative workshop to learn more about Kalamazoo Valley's Nursing Program and what we can offer you! Discover useful program information, requirements and how to prepare your application. Click here to RSVP. For more information, email nursing@kvcc.edu.
April 10 | KVAAP (Kalamazoo Valley Accelerated Associates Program) Information Session | 2 p.m.
Join this virtual information session to learn more about how KVAAP can help you achieve your educational goals. Upon signing up, a Zoom meeting link will be emailed to you. Click here to register. For more information, contact Kendall Walker.
April 13 | Valley Food Share | 2 - 4 p.m.
Valley Food Share is an initiative designed to meet the immediate food needs of Kalamazoo Valley students. Through the program, currently enrolled students can pick up a bag, or a "share," which includes food grown locally and sourced through our own Food Innovation Center as well as non-perishable items from Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes. For more information, visit kvcc.edu/foodshare.
Check the college calendar for other upcoming opportunities.
Student Organizations
Did you know Kalamazoo Valley has a number of student clubs and organizations? From dance club to anime, there is something for everyone. Clubs are a great way to meet people! Check out the complete list here.
College Social Media
Be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn for all of the latest campus news. And every Tuesday, you can check us out on TikTok!
KVAAP Program Showcase
Thursday | April 20 | 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. | AWH 128
- Register for classes
- Enjoy free pizza
- Interact with staff and students
KVAAP funds can be used for the following programs of study:
- Business
- Sociology
- Medical Assisting
- Culinary Arts
- Horticulture
- Brewing
- Liberal Arts (English and History)
- Communication
- Art and New Media
Looking for Work or Volunteer Opportunities?
Student Employment Services assists students with job searching, resume writing and practice interviewing. Visit Career Coach to see if there is something that interests you. If you are looking for a job that isn't listed, we can help. Call 269.488.4040 or email careercenter@kvcc.edu to schedule an appointment.
Below are some of the jobs currently posted on Career Coach:
Accounting/Business/IT/Marketing
Client Service Associate - Montmorency Financial Advisors of Oppenheimer & Co Inc.
Claims Specialist - Social Security Administration
Human Resources Coordinator - Greenleaf Hospitality Group
Culinary/Brewing
The Morning Dish Cook - Greenleaf Hospitality Group (several openings)
Sous Chef/Assistant Kitchen Manager - MRG Catering - Millennium Restaurant Group
Beach House Food Services Supervisor - City of Portage
Education
Paraprofessional - Portage Public Schools
Health Careers
Clinic Nurse - RN or LPN - InterCare
Dental Hygienist - several postings
Pharmacy Associate - Advanced Health Pharmacy
Medical Biller - Southwest Michigan Dematology
Human Services
Assistance Payments Worker - Department of Health and Human Services
Lifeguard at Kalamazoo Country Club - Greenleaf Hospital Group
Swim Instructor - Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center
Bus Driver - Portage Public Schools
Lawn Care Assistants - Clean Air LawnCare
Trades
Maintenance Mechanic - Green Bay Packaging, Inc.
Maintenance Supervisor - Humphrey Products
Automotive Lead Technician - Bridgestone Retail Operations
Transportation, Childcare Assistance Available
Are you or do you know of someone who is experiencing barriers to completing their education or getting employment? If so, you may be able to take advantage of Mi-LEAP funding to pay for training, credit programs, and receive supportive services such as transportation, childcare and other assistance that may lead to job placement. To learn more, reach out to Adam Westhouse, Program Navigator at awesthouse@kvcc.edu.
safeTALK
Kalamazoo Valley is hosting safeTALK suicide intervention training on April 7 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Culinary and Allied Health building. safeTALK training helps participants recognize a person with thoughts of suicide and connects them with resource people who can help them. These resources could include health care professionals, first responders or crisis line workers - among many others who have suicide intervention training. safeTALK participants will learn to:
- Notice and respond to situations where suicide thoughts may be present
- Recognize that invitations for help are often overlooked
- Move beyond the common tendency to miss, dismiss, and avoid suicide
- Apply the TALK steps: Talk, Ask, Listen, KeepSafe
- Know community resources and how to connect someone with resources for help
The training is open to faculty, staff and students. For more information or to register, contact Trice Batson, tbatson@kvcc.edu, or Cat March, cmarch@kvcc.edu.
Join Annual Respecting Differences Event on April 12
Increase your knowledge about "Disability Bias and Ableism: Implications for a Fully Inclusive Community" by attending the Annual Respecting Differences event on Wednesday, April 12 at Western Michigan University's Miller Auditorium, 2200 Auditorium Dr. in Kalamazoo. Choose between two sessions: 9 to 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 to 3 p.m. Admission and parking are free, and preregistration is not required. All are welcome to attend.
MORC, a human services agency providing expanded care for Michigan individuals with disabilities, including greater access to integrated acute physical and mental health services, will share about modern ableism. It is rooted in the assumption that people living with a disability require "fixing," defines them by their disability and is a form of systemic oppression.
This presentation will enable participants to:
- Recognize the impact that ableism and unchecked biases have on professions and communities
- Learn the steps to remedy disability bias and ableism
Be Prepared to Submit Your Health Careers Application
Geared up to apply for your health career program? Unsure of what the Holistic Model requires? Do you have any questions about the health careers application?
For the first time we are offering a collaboration between the Health Careers Department and our Strengths Department. We want to prepare you for your health career application. There are openings for the meeting on April 11 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the lower library classroom at TTC.
During this meeting we will provide you with an overview of the holistic application that has been implemented for all of our health career programs. You will also have an opportunity to meet with an advisor to discuss your application strength as well as take the Clifton Strengths Assessment. Learn more about yourself and our programs. We look forward to seeing you.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Ben Herbert, bherbert@kvcc.edu. RSVP today to secure your seat.
Kalamazoo Valley Libraries:
Kalamazoo Area Food Resources, Database Spotlight, Library Nature Walk
Visit the Kalamazoo Valley Libraries at both the Texas Township Campus and Anna Whitten Hall this spring. We look forward to sharing our spaces, support and resources with you!
Kalamazoo Area Food Resources
Visit the Kalamazoo Area Food Resources LibGuide for information about food resources on campus and in the surrounding communities. Find information about Valley Food Share, a free campus food resource available to students. Learn about local food pantries and farmer's markets, as well as Kalamazoo Valley's culinary and sustainable food systems programs. Also, find links to great books about gardening and cooking that are available in the Libraries.
Database Spotlight: Food Science Source
Food Science Source is an article database containing up-to-date research on the intersections of food, science and health. Looking for recipes that feature eggplant or chickpeas or chile peppers? Need to understand how calcium contributes to bone, heart or pregnancy health? Curious about the role of antioxidants in disease prevention? Explore these topics and more in Food Science Source.
Library Nature Walk: Wednesday, April 19 @ noon
The Texas Township Campus Library is famous for its wall of windows overlooking the campus woods. Students consistently name the beautiful view as a reason they come to the library to study. On Wednesday, April 19, students, faculty and staff can join Sara Tanis, Ph.D., director of the Horticulture and Sustainable Landscaping Program and Librarian Amy Brandt on a guided nature walk in the woods behind the library. Learn more about the trees and wildlife outside the windows and the benefits of our nearby nature. Dress for the weather and meet in the lower level of the TTC library at noon.
Kalamazoo Valley Community College is celebrating Earth Day with our community on Saturday, April 22! There are several opportunities to get involved.
Join us:
- EPS (Styrofoam) Recycling at Mayor's Riverfront Park; EPS and Electronics recycling at the Texas Township Campus in the front parking lot at 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- In partnership with the City of Kalamazoo and Schupan.
- Earth Day Community Celebration at Upjohn Park, Woods Lake Park and Davis Park
- Come see Kalamazoo Valley at the Upjohn Park event and join us for a public tour of the Food Innovation Center at noon.
- On Earth Day and every day, stop by for earth science-based kids and family activities all day at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, such as viewing a planetarium show and exploring the outdoor rain garden exhibits in front of the museum. You can also visit the KVM website for related information on the rain gardens, including virtual exploration.
- Our sciences faculty and their students are celebrating with a garlic mustard pull at our Texas Township Campus earlier in April. Garlic mustard is invasive and hand-pulling it before it flowers and goes to seed is the best way to slow its spread.
College, PTK and American Red Cross to Collaborate for Blood Drive
Kalamazoo Valley Community College and its chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international honor society for two-year colleges, will be collaborating with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive at the Texas Township Campus on April 25. The event will be held in the Student Commons with incremental appointments available throughout the day, from 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
All community members are welcome to schedule a time to donate blood. Interested donors are asked to register by going to redcrossblood.org and entering the sponsor code "KVCC" in the appointment search box. Appointments are required for blood donations during this event.
For more information, email ptk@kvcc.edu.
 Women's and Men's Basketball Coaches Honored
Felicia Thomas, head women's basketball coach at Kalamazoo Valley Community College for three seasons, and Jim Horn, Valley's head men's basketball coach for eight seasons, have each been named Coaches of the Year for the Western Conference of the Michigan Community College Athletic Association. The accolades come on the heels of both the women's and men's teams being declared Western conference champions for the recently concluded 2022 - 23 season by finishing No. 1.
Said Coach Thomas, "I'm proud of the team. Being at Valley for six years and having accomplished the things we did this year - Conference Champs and four players being awarded different things in the conference - is confirmation that we're headed in the right direction with the program. This is not the ending point for us. We want to continue to build on the things we accomplished this year."
Said Coach Horn, "I would say our staff and our players really bought into what we were trying to do this year on the defensive end and that's pretty much how we won all of our games. We had three guys on the All-Conference Defensive Team. That's pretty unheard of. Usually, a team will have one or two on the All-Conference Defensive Team. I give a lot of credit to our coaching staff and players for our hard work this year."
Read the full story about Felicia Thomas here, and about Jim Horn here.
Free, Free, Free - Baseball & Softball Games
Softball and baseball season is underway at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. You're invited to drop in at any time at the home games, which are always free at the college's Texas Township Campus. Here's the remaining home games through the end of the season in May.
BASEBALL
- 1 p.m. | Saturday | APRIL 1 vs. Marian University's Ancilla College (9 innings)
- 2 p.m. | Tuesday | APRIL 4 vs. Mid Michigan College
- 1 & 3:30 p.m. | Saturday | APRIL 8 vs. Kellogg Community College
- 2 & 4:30 p.m. | Thursday | APRIL 13 vs. Lake Michigan College
- 2 & 4:30 p.m. | Thursday | APRIL 20 vs. Lansing Community College
- 1 & 3:30 p.m. | Saturday | APRIL 29 vs. Glen Oaks Community College
- 1 & 3:30 p.m. | Saturday | MAY 6 vs. Marian University's Ancilla College
SOFTBALL
- 3 & 5 p.m. | Friday | MARCH 31 vs. Lake Michigan College
- 1 & 3 p.m. | Saturday | APRIL 1 vs. Lansing Community College
- 3 & 5 p.m. | Tuesday | APRIL 4 vs. Mid Michigan College
- 3 & 5 p.m. | Friday | APRIL 7 vs. Jackson College
- 3 & 5 p.m. | Tuesday | APRIL 11 vs. Cornerstone University
- 3 & 5 p.m. | Friday | APRIL 14 vs. Glen Oaks Community College
- 3 & 5 p.m. | Friday | APRIL 28 vs. Marian University's Ancilla College
- 3 & 5 p.m. | Friday | MAY 5 vs. Lake Michigan College
- 1 & 3 p.m. | Saturday | MAY 6 vs. Lansing Community College.
For the full and updated season schedule, click here.
Enjoy Free Planetarium Shows at Statewide Astronomy Night
Learn more about the amazing telescopes of today with free planetarium shows and a guest lecture from Kevin Iott, telescope designer and expert, when Statewide Astronomy Night comes to the Kalamazoo Valley Museum on Friday, April 29 from 5 - 8 p.m. Admission to the event and to the museum are free. Find more information at kalamazoomuseum.org.
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