kalamazoo valley community college

InFocus: news for the kalamazoo valley community college students

MISSION STATEMENT
Kalamazoo Valley Community College creates innovative and equitable
opportunities that empower all to learn, grow and thrive.

Aug. 8, 2024

Greetings Students,

Congratulations! You've almost finished your summer semester courses! I hope that you feel focused and ready for the end of the semester. In just a week or so, you will have earned a much-deserved rest.

When you finish your coursework, you might find yourself in a pause between now and the next stage of your life. Some of you may be between summer vacations and preparing for fall semester. Others might be in between wrapping up chores related to outdoor projects and preparing for the change of seasons. Some of you might be waiting to send your children off to school.

Regardless of your situation, I invite you think deeply about your future. Instead of just passing time, consider how you will prepare for something new. That could mean deciding to take an additional class during fall semester. Registration continues to be available at www.kvcc.edu/register. Maybe there is a change coming in your household or a new job that will require some adjustments to your schedule. Alternatively, maybe it is time to find a cause or activity you really care about in which you can invest your time and effort. 

Sincerely,

signature: L. Marshall Washington
L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President


advising and counseling
DegreeWorks Unavailable Aug. 8 - 14
To improve mobile responsiveness, DegreeWorks will be unavailable Thursday, Aug. 8 - Wednesday, Aug. 14 while upgrades are installed. If you need your DegreeWorks plan during this time, please download it and/or print it out prior to Aug. 8.
 
Advising and Counseling Appointment Information
There will be no same-day advising and counseling appointments on Tuesday, Aug. 13. Please call 269.488.4040 to preschedule an appointment.
 
To prepare for the start of the fall semester, no appointment is necessary to see an advisor or counselor Monday, Aug. 19 - Friday, Sept. 6. Stop by Room 9300 on the Texas Township Campus or Room 109 in Anna Whitten Hall or call 269.488.4040 to get in a virtual line
.

student financial services
State Announces Michigan Community College Guarantee
Many Kalamazoo Valley Community College students are eligible for free tuition this fall thanks to Michigan's new Community College Guarantee program and other existing scholarship opportunities. These funds are not loans, do not need to be repaid after college and eligibility is not tied to family income.

The free college funds are available to Kalamazoo Valley students from the class of 2023 and 2024 who enroll in classes for the Fall 2024 semester. To qualify, students must complete the FAFSA form and list "Kalamazoo Valley Community College" as the "first college of choice" on the form. more


Payment Plans Available for Fall Semester
Make college more affordable by paying for tuition and fees over time. Tuition payment plans break down your tuition balance into affordable monthly payments. There's no interest, payment options are flexible, setup fees are affordable and it's easy to enroll! Click here for more information.
michigan reconnect
Apply Now for Michigan Reconnect

If you're 21 or older, you could qualify for free tuition through the Michigan Reconnect scholarship. The application process is simple and takes less than five minutes. Learn more at www.kvcc.edu/reconnect.
campus sustainability
New Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Four new electric vehicle charging stations have been installed at the Texas Township Campus and will be ready to use starting on Monday, Aug. 5. The new stations are located in the southeast corner of the main parking lot and are free to use on a first come, first served basis. These are in addition to the four stations on the south side of the building near the entrance to the ATC wing, bringing the total of charging stations on campus to eight. Any questions or issues with these stations can be directed to facilities@kvcc.edu.
libraries
Library Returns
During the end-of-the-semester hustle, don't forget to return borrowed library materials.
  • All borrowed material must be returned by the last day of the semester.
  • A student account hold and replacement fees are assessed for unreturned material.
  • To return books and media, please drop off materials at any book drop or library service desk. Laptops and hot spots should be returned to the circulation desk at either library location.
  • A convenient 24/7 book drop is located outside the tower entrance at the Texas Township Campus.
Study Spaces
The Libraries are great hot-spots for keeping cool this summer. Both libraries feature quiet, cozy air-conditioned study spaces in unique environments. We have tables, computers, comfy armchairs and isolated study cubicles with plenty of room to situate yourself and your belongings. Relax and have a drink or snack. The Texas Township Library has closed study rooms for extra privacy. Please ask about availability. The Anna Whitten Hall Library features a unique scenic lookout over downtown Kalamazoo and the TTC library offers a panoramic, two-story view of the surrounding nature preserve.

Hours and Contact Information
kalamazoo valley accelerated associate program (KVAAP)
KVAAP Announcements
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. We are currently at 19% of our goal!


Upcoming Event - KVAAP College Experience (KCE)
The KVAAP College Experience (KCE) is a free one-week experience that prepares incoming KVAAP students for college success! During this weeklong program, students will learn about college resources, receive advising assistance and learn college success strategies. Students must complete a KVAAP application in order to participate in KCE. They can visit kvcc.edu/kvaap to apply. KCE will take place from 1:30 - 4 p.m. from Aug. 26 - 30. Participants have the opportunity to earn a free laptop upon successful completion of the program. Students can apply for KCE here.

Upcoming KVAAP Info Sessions
-  Wednesday, Aug. 14 | 10 a.m

Attending a KVAAP Info Session is a required part of the application process. Interested students can register here.

student employment services
Looking for a Job, Internship, Apprenticeship or Volunteer Opportunity?
Student Employment Services assists students with job searching, resume writing and practice interviewing. Visit Career Coach, Kalamazoo Valley's online job board, to see if there is something that interests you. If you are looking for something different other than what is 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:

Business Pathways (Accounting/Business/Information
Technology/Marketing/Administrative Assistant)
Shipping and Receiving - Burchett Quality Tool LTD
Document Scanner - Charter Township of Kalamazoo
Program Supervisor - Community Living Options
Accounting Specialist - Community Living Options
Web or Converting Extra - Graphic Packaging International
 
Culinary/Brewing (Sustainable Food Systems)
Kitchen Cook - Vineyard Assisted Living
Culinary Intern - Greenleaf Hospitality Group
Multiple opportunities at Greenleaf Hospitality Group
Culinary Assistant - Pasadena Villa Great Lakes
 
Education
Several education related openings
College Completion Coach - Michigan College Access Network
 
Engineering & Skilled Trades
CAD Engineer - Canvas Innovations
CNC Operator - Burchett Quality Tool LTD
Automotive Delivery Driver - Fisher Auto Parts
Tool and Die Journeyman - Harloff Manufacturing Company
Machine Operator - AtWork Personnel
Electrician - Graphic Packaging International
 
General Studies
Atrium Attendant, Room Attendant and similar positions - Greenleaf Hospitality Group
Pool Attendant - Lockhart Management & Consulting, LLC
Automotive Delivery Driver - Fisher Auto Parts
Day Custodian - Portage Public Schools

 Image is a photo of a variety of vegetables in a pile. Text to the white space to the right reads Food 4 Thought culinary student competition
Kalsec Food for Thought Culinary Contest Returns on Oct. 24
Culinary students are invited to compete in the Kalsec Food For Thought Culinary Contest on Oct. 24. Applicants who qualify to participate in the Food for Thought contest will be paired with a research chef or food scientist from Kalsec to create an appetizer to be sampled by guests at the event.

Submit your recipe and application by Sept. 15 to foodforthought@kvcc.edu to qualify for a $50 prize simply for entering. more

The official kalamazoo valley community college cougar bookstore
Fall Books Available Beginning Aug. 12
Students can start buying fall textbooks at the Texas Township Campus Bookstore beginning Aug. 12! Shop in person from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or anytime online at bookstore.kvcc.edu.
Image is a flyer that includes a simple illustration of a stack of book with bookmarks hanging out the bottom. text reads summer 2024 textbook buyback august 19 to 23 from 8am to 5pm texas township campus bookstore get cash for used summer 2024 textbooks. questions? call 269-488-4030 or visit bookstore.kvcc.edu
A colorful flyer titled "STEAM Ahead: Back to School" featuring playful illustrations of school supplies like books, scissors, a ruler, a magnifying glass, and a pen. The event is scheduled for August 24, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the Children's Nature Playscape in Bronson Park, downtown Kalamazoo. Additional text highlights interactive activities such as exploring nature, creating art, and investigating science, led by faculty and staff from Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Kalamazoo Valley Museum, and KRESA.
STEAM AHEAD
Back to School
________________________________________
AUGUST 24
10 A.M. – NOON
CHILDREN’S NATURE PLAYSCAPE
In Bronson Park
DOWNTOWN KALAMAZOO
________________________________________
EXPLORE NATURE! CREATE ART!
INVESTIGATE SCIENCE, CHEMISTRY, AND BIOLOGY!
Science faculty from Kalamazoo Valley Community College and staff members from the Kalamazoo Valley Museum and KRESA will be leading activities.
________________________________________
The CNP was opened by a nonprofit organization. College faculty members worked to help build a unique natural playground for children 2–7 years old.
Kalamazoo Valley Community College
office of diversity and inclusion

Neurodiversity Workshops Planned for Sept. 23 and Oct. 24

You are invited to attend one of two FREE training sessions about neurodiversity. The "Introduction to Neurodiversity" workshop will last two hours with activities exploring the diversity of human brains and minds. There is space for only 45 people per workshop, so preregistration is required by Sept. 18, regardless of session date. Reserve your spot at https://bit.ly/NeurodiversityTalk2024. Trainings are available Monday, Sept. 23, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., at the Groves Campus in Room B-1100, and Thursday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the Texas Township Campus in Room 4240. Light snacks will be served. Facilitated by the Disability Network Southwest Michigan, the workshop will cover how neurodiversity contributes to sensory, movement and communication differences; how ableism impacts people with brain-based disabilities; and how you can support neurodivergent individuals.
what's happening at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. the kalamazoo valley museum is operated by kalamazoo valley community college and is governed by its board of trustees.
 
A stylized album cover for Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon. The image features a black background with the album title in multicolored, gradient text at the top: "PINK FLOYD'S DARK SIDE OF THE MOON." Below the text is a black triangular prism. A white light beam enters the prism from the left, refracting into a spectrum of rainbow colors exiting on the right. The design is minimalist and iconic, representing the album's themes of light, sound, and complexity.
















Planetarium Show of Pink Floyd's Music Coming in August
Calling Pink Floyd fans (and rock music lovers)! Enjoy a light show set to the band's progressive eighth album, "Dark Side of the Moon," every Saturday at 2:30 p.m. in August at our Kalamazoo Valley Museum. Tickets are $3 for the planetarium show, with free general admission to the museum. Get your tickets here. The show is suitable for grades five and up.

Exhibit Exposes Youth to Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math
The newest exhibit at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum brings to life New York Times best-selling children's book series "The Questioneers," which centers on five fearless, problem-solving second graders who dream big, persevere and aspire to science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) careers. The free traveling exhibit "The Questioneers: Read. Question. Think. PLAY!" is open now through Sept. 1. The exhibit poses questions, identifies challenges and sparks creative problem-solving. Admission is free to the exhibit and the museum. Visit kalamazoomuseum.org for more details.

Free, Interactive Rain Garden Tours Offered Through Aug. 31
Explore the museum's Rain Garden with free interactive tours available at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays through Aug. 31. The 20-minute tours are designed for all ages. Preregistration is encouraged. Tours will be canceled or moved inside in cases of inclement weather. Visit kalamazoomuseum.org for more information.
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Texas Township Campus
6767 West O Avenue
PO Box 4070
Kalamazoo, MI 49003-4070
269.488.4400