December 7, 2021
Greetings Students,
With the emergence of new COVID-19 variants, we need to do all that is possible to protect those around us. Our policy requiring face coverings in all college buildings by everyone when meeting in-person and indoors regardless of vaccination status still makes sense. Vaccinations, when combined with indoor face coverings, are proven to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
If you are eligible to receive a vaccine or booster, please do so. It is the single most important thing you can do to care for yourself and others. Those not vaccinated remain the most likely to be hospitalized and suffer severe illness or death because of the disease.
Students, you are so close to completing this semester, do not let anything stand in your way of completing this goal. Many of you will participate in commencement activities on Dec. 19, while others will return for winter semester and even others will transfer to continue their studies at a four-year institution. Do not stop now - the next exciting chapter of your life is on the horizon!
During this season of celebration, I continue to believe that by demonstrating resilience, grace and the determination to do what needs to be done, will get us past this pandemic. When we act out of concern for one another and care for our community, we offer a powerful witness to the mission of the college, which is the right thing to do any time of year.
Sincerely,
L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President
New CIS Course for Winter Semester
A new CIS course, Introduction to Computer Info Systems, CIS 105, is being offered winter, summer and fall semesters both online and in-person.
This three-credit hour, five-contact hour course is for students interested in information technology who have limited technical knowledge of computing systems. Students will explore foundational concepts related to computer hardware and software, networking, databases, programming, information systems and data security. The course includes hands-on labs to reinforce essential concepts. As the student performs real-world tasks associated with various IT fields, he/she will gain a broad understanding of available career options.
"This class is an introduction to all things computer - software, cybersecurity, smart house equipment set up," said instructor Christine Gearig. "It's a good option for anyone who wants to learn a little bit more about computers."
Extended Advising and Counseling Hours
Be sure you are prepared for the Winter 2022 semester by meeting with an advisor or counselor - virtually or in person.
Please note the following:
- No appointment is necessary on Tuesdays from 8:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Dec. 7 and Dec. 14 or on Dec. 21 from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- From Jan. 4 - 14, advisors and counselors will be available for drop-ins only. No appointment needed! The office will be open until 7 p.m. Jan. 4, 10 and 11. All other dates until 5 p.m.
To meet with someone virtually, simply call 269.488.4040 to get in a virtual line and wait for a call from an advisor or counselor. If you'd prefer to see someone in person, advisors and counselors will be available without an appointment at both the Texas Township Campus (Room 9300) and the Arcadia Commons Campus (Room 121 in Anna Whitten Hall). Last sign-in is one hour before advertised closing times.
Looking for Work?
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 different job than what is listed, we can help. Call 269.488.4040 or email careercenter@kvcc.edu to schedule an appointment with Student Employment Services.
Below are some of the jobs currently posted on Career Coach:
Accounting/Business/IT/Marketing
- Accounting/Administrative Associate - First Congregational Church
- Accounting Assistant - St. Joseph County ISD
- Office Assistant - KMG Presige
Culinary
- Line Cook - GT Wings LLC
- Culinary Assistant/Apprentice - The Food Circle, LLC
- Dietary Aide - Friendship Village
- Event Cook - Senior Services
Education
- Job Coach - KRESA (Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency)
- Preschool and Toddler Teacher - Little Explorer's Learning Center
General Studies
- Internship/Fellowship - Zed Factor Space and Aviation
- Formulation Specialist (several positions) - Zoetis
- Refurbishment Technician - Friendship Village
- Warehouse Positions - Imperial Beverage
Health Careers
- Medical Scribes - Helix Scribe Solutions
- Medical Assistant/Ophthalmic Tech (Will Train) - Kalamazoo Ophthalmology
- Home Health Aide/Companion/Direct Care - Multiple positions and companies seeking
Human Services
- Skill Building Technician / Behavior Technician - Residential Opportunities, Inc.
Trades
- Home Repair Technician - Senior Services
- Industrial Controls Technician - Inter-Source Recovery Systems
- Engineering Lab Tech - Humphrey Products
- Maintenance Clerk - Republic Services
- Maintenance - Residential/Commercial - KMG Prestige
Enjoy Lunch at the Student-Run Restaurants
The menus in the student-run restaurant and cafe in the Marilyn J. Schlack Building vary based on available ingredients. Upcoming culinary themes in the cafe follow:
- Week of Dec. 6 | California/Pacific Northwest/Hawaii
The 418 Restaurant will not be open this week due to the holiday. The last day the cafe and 418 will be open is Thursday, Dec. 9. The following week, students are doing practical exams.
PTK Speaker Series: Mental Health Awareness
The Kalamazoo Valley chapter of PTK, the honor society for two-year colleges, will host a series of speakers throughout the school year to bring attention to mental health. Join the group for its first presentation Tuesday, Dec. 7 at 12 p.m. Licensed professional counselor Chris Stroven will discuss the body's response to anxiety/anxiety attacks and also discuss intervention strategies. The presentation will last 45 minutes, followed by 15 minutes of Q and A. It will be held over Zoom. For more information, email ptk@kvcc.edu.
DHY Information Session
Interested in a career as a dental hygienist? Join us for a presentation about the college's dental hygiene program. Learn about the application process, program requirements and more.
- Wednesday | Dec. 8 | 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. | Room 4240
For more information, email healthcareers@kvcc.edu.
Get Involved on Campus
The Office for Student Life and Engagement is here to connect you with a number of events in our new virtual space. 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.
December | Tutoring | 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday-Thursday. 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Fridays
Ready for finals? Join our amazing tutors in the learning center or over Zoom to finish the semester strong. For more information, email learningcenter@kvcc.edu.
Dec. 7 | Resume Writing Workshop
Want tips and tricks for constructing a great resume? Then please join this virtual resume workshop event! Students can learn about the components of a standard resume and how to construct one, giving them a basic overview of resume writing.
10 - 11 a.m. | Resume Writing Workshop | This event will be held via Zoom, register here.
3 - 4 p.m. | Resume Writing Workshop | This event will be held via Zoom, register here.
Dec. 7 | FAFSA Night | 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Kalamazoo Valley Community College's Financial Aid Office is hosting several FAFSA Nights to assist families in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you have any questions or need help, stop by the Financial Aid Office at our Texas Township Campus. Staff will be available to answer questions as well as assist with the financial aid process. Students do not need to be attending Kalamazoo Valley to receive assistance in completing the FAFSA.
Dec. 7 | Taps on Tuesday | 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Sample student-made beers and appetizers during this happy hour-type event at Kalamazoo Valley's Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary/Allied Health Building.
Dec. 8 | Resume Writing Workshop
Want tips and tricks for constructing a great resume? Then please join this virtual resume workshop event! Students can learn about the components of a standard resume and how to construct one, giving them a basic overview of resume writing.
10 - 11 a.m. | Resume Writing Workshop | This event will be held via Zoom, register here.
3 - 4 p.m. | Resume Writing Workshop | This event will be held via Zoom, register here.
Dec. 9 | Men's Basketball Home Game | 7:30 p.m.
Men's Basketball Home Game with Spring Arbor University: Located at the TTC Main Gym.
Dec. 10 | Virtual KVAAP Informational Session | 3 p.m.
Come join this virtual informational session to learn more about the Kalamazoo Valley Accelerated Learning Program (KVAAP) at Kalamazoo Valley! If interested in attending, click here.
Dec. 13 | Art Student Cap Decorating Party | 12 - 4 p.m.
Art students are invited to gather at the Center for New Media to decorate their graduation caps to prepare for commencement!
Dec. 14 | Job Search Techniques
This event will offer the opportunity to learn about numerous techniques for utilizing various job search platforms including Career Coach, Indeed.com and ZipRecruiter. This event will also include discussion on discovering and considering local employers that may hire for certain career paths.
10 - 11 a.m. | Job Search Techniques | This event will be held via Zoom, register here.
3 - 4 p.m. | Job Search Techniques | This event will be held via Zoom, register here.
Dec. 14 | FAFSA Night | 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Kalamazoo Valley Community College's Financial Aid Office is hosting several FAFSA Nights to assist families in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you have any questions or need help, stop by the Financial Aid Office at our Texas Township Campus. Staff will be available to answer questions as well as assist with the financial aid process. Students do not need to be attending Kalamazoo Valley to receive assistance in completing the FAFSA.
Dec. 15 | Job Search Techniques
This event will offer the opportunity to learn about numerous techniques for utilizing various job search platforms including Career Coach, Indeed.com and ZipRecruiter. This event will also include discussion on discovering and considering local employers that may hire for certain career paths.
10 - 11 a.m. | Job Search Techniques | This event will be held via Zoom, register here.
3 - 4 p.m. | Job Search Techniques | This event will be held via Zoom, register here.
Dec. 15 | Developing Your Talents into Strengths | 2-3 p.m.
Dive deeper into a Strengths-based perspective on self-development with your Top 5 Clifton Strengths. This event will be held via Zoom, register here.
Dec. 17 | Wind Turbine Technician Academy Graduation Ceremony | 11 a.m.
Congratulations to Kalamazoo Valley's Wind Turbine Technician Academy graduates of Fall 2021! The academy's graduation ceremony will be held on Dec. 17 at 11 a.m. located at Kalamazoo Valley's Groves Campus.
Dec. 17 | Strengths & Well-being | 1-2 p.m.
Join us for a conversation about how Strengths discovery as well as development and application, leads to increased engagement and improvement in overall well-being. This event will be held via Zoom, register here.
Dec. 20 | Valley Future Educators' Club | 1 p.m.
Are you a student interested in pursuing a career in education? Valley Future Educators' Club provides a great opportunity to network with Kalamazoo Valley faculty and peers interested in the field of education. Join us at our next meeting for some informal learning, conversation and fun! This event will be held in person at the TTC campus in Room 4230 and will also be available via Zoom.
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. Want to start your own club? Contact Coty Dunten.
College Social Media
Be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on both Instagram and Twitter for all of the latest campus news.
Exhibit of Design Crew Class Work in December
Check out the marketing and advertising design work that present and past Kalamazoo Valley students did for nonprofit groups. The annual "Connecting Students to Community" exhibit is on display through the end of December at the college's Center for New Media, located on the Kalamazoo Mall.
For the past five years, students enrolled in the ANM 282 Design Crew course have gained real world experience through working on promotional projects for local organizations. This year's show opened at the Dec. 3 Art Hop.
Listen to graphics arts instructor Mark DeYoung talk about the exhibit on the WKZO radio station here! You may also see photos of the exhibition on the CNM's Facebook and Instagram pages.
Kalamazoo Valley Libraries: End-of-Semester Updates
Exam Treats and Study Space
Need a pick-me-up or a quiet place to work while writing that term paper or studying for finals? Kalamazoo Valley Libraries have you covered. Grab a piece of fresh fruit or a granola bar in either of our libraries. Come use one of our computers or lounge in a comfy chair while you work. Study rooms are available for groups or individuals.
Citation and Research Help
It's the end of the semester crunch time again. Need help with research or citations? Ask one of our friendly librarians for help. If you need individual attention, we offer a range of options including phone, email, Zoom meeting by appointment, 24/7 chat and in person assistance. See our contact information below for more information. You can also check out our Citation Research Guide. The guide will walk you through the basics of what citations are, the different citation styles, formatting guidelines, how-to videos and introduction to NoodleTools, as well as additional resources.
Book Returns
Have a stack of library books you've been meaning to return? Drop them off with our friendly staff at either location. If you are on the Texas Township Campus, drop them off at the metal book drop in front of the Flag Entrance. Please only place books in the book drop. Any electronic materials should be brought directly to the library's front desk.
December Book Displays and Activities
Give yourself the gift of a good book. Come to the Texas Township library and choose a wrapped book based on your interests and open it to reveal a library staff member's recommendation to you. Click here to see our December virtual book display which also features our staff's recommended reading. Take home something to read over break. While visiting the Texas Township library, check out the card making station and take a few minutes to make a seasonal card for your family, your friends, or your instructor.
*We appreciate you following Kalamazoo Valley's safety protocols and practicing social distancing when you visit us."
Visit us online
Call 269.488.4328 (TTC) and 269.373.7848 (ACC)
Email
Chat with a college librarian 24/7
Buy Winter Semester Books Starting Dec. 13
Winter 2022 books will be available for purchase starting on Dec. 13, 2021, and Winter 2022 Financial Aid will become available for use in the bookstore on Dec. 20, 2021. Meanwhile, those needing to return book rentals should note that they are due on Dec. 20, 2021.
Also mark your calendars for Textbook Buy Back! Textbook Buy Back will be Jan. 6 from 1 - 6 p.m., and Jan. 7 from 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. in Room 4380, both days.
Questions? Call the bookstore at 269.488.4030 or email bookstore@kvcc.edu.
Unique Button Exhibit Wraps Up Dec. 31
Visit the Kalamazoo Valley Museum for a special exhibit featuring collections of local Michigan Button Society members on display until the end of December. FREE. Michigan was the first state to have a button society. The Midwest also has bragging rights to the birth of the National Button Society. It was formed in Chicago in 1938 to help button collectors organize, classify and share their collections, as well as encourage the preservation and study of buttons.
Commencement to be Held at Miller Auditorium
Kalamazoo Valley's 85th Commencement Ceremony will be held on Sunday, Dec. 19 at 2 p.m. at Miller Auditorium on Western Michigan University's campus. Students who have petitioned to graduate should have received an email invitation to attend. If you did not receive an invitation, please contact Carey Stolsonburg.
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