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Aug. 30, 2024
Greetings students,
We look forward to having you in class next week!
It takes courage to start something new. Rest assured that we are here to help you along the way. My advice to you is to attend and participate in your classes, complete your assignments and, if you need assistance, do not hesitate to ask for help. Our experienced faculty and staff are ready to assist you! In addition, I encourage you to get involved. There are a number of opportunities coming up for you to meet classmates, connect with campus clubs and organizations and learn more about the resources available to you. Read more below.
We trust that you will find everything you need to achieve your educational goals here at the college. We are dedicated to your success and look forward to seeing you learn, grow and thrive with us. Thank you for choosing Kalamazoo Valley.
Sincerely,
L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President
Need Help with Your Schedule?
No appointment is necessary to see an advisor or counselor through Sept. 6. Simply stop by Room 9300 on the Texas Township Campus or Room 120 at Anna Whitten Hall in downtown Kalamazoo to see someone. You can also call 269.488.4040 to get in a virtual line for a video or phone drop-in with an advisor or counselor.
Important Upcoming Dates
- First 14, 12 and seven-week classes begin Sept. 4; last day to drop/add is Sept. 10.
- Second 12-week classes start Sept. 18; last day to drop/add is Sept. 24.
You may drop or withdraw from classes using the self-service registration feature in MyValley. Watch our how to video to learn how this is accomplished. You may also drop classes in person in the Admissions, Registration and Records office (Room 9140, TTC) or at the Student Service Center in Anna Whitten Hall on the Arcadia Commons Campus. Discontinuing class attendance and/or notifying the instructor is not an official drop. You must complete the paperwork or use the self-service feature. If you fail to officially drop a course, registration is continued until the end of class and the grade earned is recorded on your transcript. Discontinuing course attendance is a very important decision. We invite you to discuss this decision with your instructor, Student Development Services, Student Financial Services, the Learning Center and other resources available to you.
Free Parking on all Kalamazoo Valley Campuses
Texas Township Campus: Ample parking is available free of charge at the Texas Township Campus. No parking pass needed. Do not park in reserved parking areas or you will be ticketed.
Arcadia Commons Campus: Kalamazoo Valley provides parking for students who are currently enrolled in at least one course at the Arcadia Commons Campus. Parking is validated in either the front office of Anna Whitten Hall or at the receptionist desk at the Center for New Media. Parking is in Ramp 4 only, located one block north of the campus at the corner of Eleanor and Rose streets in downtown Kalamazoo.
Bronson Healthy Living Campus: Kalamazoo Valley provides parking for students who are currently enrolled in at least one course at the Bronson Healthy Living Campus. Parking is free in the student parking lots located east of the Portage Creek on East Walnut Street and off John Street at the Food Innovation Center. Overflow parking is available at the Epic Center Parking Ramp.
Start Your Semester in the Library
New Laptop Checkout Terms
Beginning with the Fall 2024 semester, laptops are checked out for two weeks at a time. Renewals are automatic for another two weeks, for a total of a four-week loan period. There are no additional renewals. After four weeks, you must return the laptop to the library. If you return the laptop on time, you may check out another one under the same guidelines if the library has laptops available. All laptops are first come first serve.
You can check out library items, including laptops, starting the first day of your first class. This gives you the maximum amount of time with the laptop while you are in class. You should check your email for the laptop due date.
Laptops are now considered overdue one day after the due date. Once the laptop is overdue, IT has the ability to lock the computer and make it unusable. IT will send a message to the laptop screen letting the user know before this happens. After the computer is locked, you have three days to return the laptop or your account may be charged for a replacement cost. You will not be eligible to borrow anything from the library for two weeks.
Technology Loan
Borrow a laptop computer, Wi-Fi hotspot and/or a graphing calculator. Technology is available on a first-come, first-served basis; bring your Valley ID for checkout. All laptops have webcams and microphones, and access to Canvas, Zoom, Microsoft Office and Respondus Lockdown Browser.
Reserve Textbooks
The Libraries offer access to many textbooks used at the college. Check our Course Reserve Guide to see if books are available for your classes. Most reserve items may be checked out for up to three hours.
Print and Electronic Resources
Come browse our book collection, in-person or online. We have titles to support both academic learning and personal interests. We also subscribe to several electronic book and journal databases for student research needs.
Study Spaces
Both the Texas Township Campus (TTC) and Anna Whitten Hall (AWH) libraries have quiet and scenic study spaces with computer and printer access. The TTC Library has study rooms available on a walk-in basis, and the lower level study room has a computer workstation with a webcam, so you can attend a Zoom class or take a test in the library.
Need Help Now?
Ask a Librarian
Librarians can answer your questions about research and citation. Visit us, schedule ahead or use our 24/7 chat service.
- Getting started with research
- Finding "scholarly" or "peer reviewed" articles or books
- Citing sources in MLA or APA
Hours and Contact Information
Financial Aid Can Be Used for Book Purchases
If you are new to Kalamazoo Valley Community College, you may not know that your fall financial aid can be used to buy books and school supplies at the Bookstore on the Texas Township Campus, starting right now. Either purchase your items in person or online at bookstore.kvcc.edu - your choice! Online orders may be picked up at TTC or the Anna Whitten Hall Library at the Arcadia Commons Campus in downtown Kalamazoo, or mailed to any address you want. Shipping is $5. Note that the Bookstore will be open an extra hour later, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., for the first two weeks of classes (from Tuesday, Sept. 3 through Friday, Sept. 13). The Bookstore is closed on Labor Day, Sept. 2.
Electronic Textbooks and Courseware Available for Classes
STOP! Read this before buying any textbooks this fall. Students, did you know you automatically get electronic versions of textbooks and other course materials for your classes? It's called Ready Day One! The cost is charged to your tuition bill. E-books tend to be at least 50 percent cheaper than hardcover and paperback textbooks. Please note that electronic materials are ONLY available in classes where the instructor selected the option for the course and many do!
What you need to know:
- Within 24 hours of registering for a class with the electronic materials option, Kalamazoo Valley Community College's Texas Township Campus Bookstore sends an email indicating that you are enrolled in Ready Day One and that e-course materials will be available in your Canvas account on the first day of class. It's important to watch for the email.
- If you wish to opt out and remove the Ready Day One charge from your bill (it will be itemized there), you must act within two weeks from the first day of class. You have three options for doing so, complete the transaction via your Canvas account, email the Bookstore at bookstore.kvcc.edu or call the Bookstore at 269.488.4030.
Need Food? Valley Food Share Can Help
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 box, or a "share," which includes food grown locally and sourced through our own Food Innovation Center as well as nonperishable items from Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes, to take home.
Valley Food Share distribution is currently a drive-thru service on Thursdays between 2 - 4 p.m., alternating between the Food Innovation Center and the Texas Township Campus. You will receive an email each Thursday afternoon with a link to sign up for a box of food for the next week. If you come by car, we ask that you remain in your vehicle and the share will be placed in your trunk by college employees. If you have any questions, please email foodshare@kvcc.edu.
New Eligibility Requirements and Fall Enrollment Goal
KVAAP recently expanded its eligibility requirements so more students can qualify. Students can now enter the program with up to 30 credit hours earned instead of 15 credit hours. Students are required to take nine or more credit hours per semester, instead of 12 credit hours. Prospective students can learn more about all of the eligibility requirements at kvcc.edu/kvaap, or they can email KVAAP staff at kvaap@kvcc.edu. KVAAP's Fall 2024 goal is to accept 75 new students into the program.
Upcoming KVAAP Info Sessions
- Tues., Sept. 3 | 5 p.m.
- Wed., Sept.4 | 10 a.m.
- Tues., Sept.10 | Noon
- Wed., Sept.11 | 10 a.m.
Attending a KVAAP Info Session is a required part of the application process. Interested students can register here.
Connect with Resources at Learning Center and Library Open House
Kalamazoo Valley's Learning Center and Libraries are hosting an open house for fall semester students on Sept. 25. Join them anytime from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. at the Texas Township Campus in Room 2220 or in Rooms 3210 and 8420. Participants can also join virtually via Zoom links located in MyValley.
All open house visitors will be eligible for drawings and giveaways. Snacks will be provided for those who visit in person. Come learn about all the useful resources the Learning Center and the Libraries have to offer.
For more information, email learningcenter@kvcc.edu or call 269.488.4397.
Food Service on Campus
Looking for a quick snack or something for lunch while on the the Texas Township Campus? The Cougar Cafe offers a wide variety of grab-and-go items, including sandwiches, salads and soup. Subway is also located inside the Cougar Cafe. The Cougar Cafe on the Texas Township Campus is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Need some caffeine? The Coffee Den, located in the Student Commons on the Texas Township Campus, serves a variety of Starbucks beverages Monday - Thursday from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Student-Run Restaurant Opening Soon
Students enrolled in Kalamazoo Valley's culinary arts and sustainable food systems programs put their training to work in the Havirmill Cafe. The cafe offers grab-and-go options, as well as a hot bar with freshly made entrees. It is located in the Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary and Allied Health Building, 418 E. Walnut St., in downtown Kalamazoo.
Havirmill Cafe hours are Monday - Thursday from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Sept.10 - Oct. 15 and Oct. 29 - Dec. 5. Please follow the Havirmill Cafe Facebook page at www.facebook.com/KVculinaryeats.
Workout for Free on Campus
The Wellness and Fitness Center on the Texas Township Campus is open to all currently enrolled students and offers:
- 40+ pieces of cardio equipment
- Complete lineup of selectorized strength equipment
- Easy to follow full-body circuit
- Spacious yoga room
- Complimentary towels
- Lockers upon request
- Locker room access with showers
- Pool access
- Free weight room
Wellness and Fitness Center hours are Monday - Thursday, from 6 a.m. - 8 p.m., and Friday, from 6 a.m. - 6 p.m.
The pool is open:
Mon: 4 - 7 p.m.
Tue: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. and 4 - 7 p.m.
Wed: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. and 4 - 7 p.m.
Thursday: 4 - 7 p.m.
Free Home Volleyball Games!
Volleyball 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. The Lady Cougars will have their first conference match on Tuesday, Sept. 12 at 6:30 p.m. against Lansing Community College. It'll be right here on campus! Come out and wear your college apparel! Below are the rest of the home games:
- 6:30 p.m. | Thursday | SEPT. 12 vs. Lansing Community College
- 6:30 p.m. | Thursday | SEPT. 19 vs. Lake Michigan College
- 6:30 p.m. | Tuesday | SEPT. 24 vs. Southwestern Michigan College
- 6:30 p.m. | Thursday | SEPT. 26 vs. Macomb Community College
- 6:30 p.m. | Tuesday | OCT. 1 vs. Glen Oaks Community College
- 6:30 p.m. | Thursday | OCT. 3 vs. Marian University's Ancilla College
- 6:30 p.m. | Thursday | OCT. 10 vs. Kellogg Community College
- 2 p.m. | Saturday | OCT. 12 vs. College of Dupage
- 4:30 p.m. | Saturday | OCT. 12 vs. Highland Community College - Illinois
- 10 a.m. & noon | Sunday | OCT. 20 vs. Muskegon Community College
- 1:30 p.m. | Saturday | OCT. 26 vs. St. Clair County Community College
Find the full schedule here. Read an article about the volleyball season here.
Did You Know Admission is Free at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum?
And that Kalamazoo Valley Community College operates the museum and that it is governed by the college's Board of Trustees? Click here anytime for the Kalamazoo Valley Museum's latest offerings. The museum works to develop cultural, historical, scientific and technological literacy through ever-changing interactive exhibits, augmented by planetarium shows, musical performances, lectures and films, suitable for children, adults and families. The museum is located at 230 N. Rose St. in downtown Kalamazoo. Hours are Tuesday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, from noon to 4 p.m. Planetarium shows are Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for $3.
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