February 28, 2022
Greetings Students,
Women's History Month 2022 will take place from Tuesday, March 1 through Thursday, March 31. Women's History Month is a celebration of women's contributions to history, culture and society and has been observed annually in the month of March in the United States since 1987.
The actual celebration of Women's History Month grew out of a weeklong celebration of women's contributions to culture, history and society organized by the school district of Sonoma, California, in 1978. A few years later, the idea had caught on within communities, school districts and organizations across the country. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation declaring the week of March 8 as National Women's History Week. Some years later, the National Women's History Project successfully petitioned Congress to expand the event to the entire month of March.
Kalamazoo Valley Community College has benefited from a rich tradition of women leaders including President Marilyn Schlack's more than 40 years of service and founding Board of Trustee member Anna Whitten's tireless support of the college. Additionally, many women serve in roles throughout the college as faculty and staff, administrators, trustees and volunteers.
Recognizing the achievements of women in all facets of life, including our homes, workplaces and in our communities has a huge impact on the development of self-respect and new opportunities for girls and young women.
During the month of March, I invite you to visit the college libraries and access college events and programs to learn about more ways you can celebrate the contributions of women.
Sincerely,
L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President
Mental Health Counseling Available
In light of the attack on Ukraine and the continued uncertainty of COVID-19, racial and political unrest, injustice, loss and general turmoil, this is all more than enough to cause distress and mental health impairment. Let us take time to check in on our mental health, self-care, those that we love, our neighbors and our communities.
As a reminder, professional help is available.
On campus, counseling services are available for all students. Please call 269.488.4040, emailcounseling@kvcc.edu or visit Student Success Service, Rm 9300.
Off campus, or for a friend or family member, please contact one of these Crisis Hotlines:
Gryphon Place: 269.381.HELP (4357) or www.gryphon.org/help
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1.800.273.TALK (8255) or suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Veterans Crisis Line: 1.800.273.8255 and press 1 or Text 838255 or www.veteranscrisisline.net
For emergencies, call 911 or for information or referrals, call 211.
Men's Basketball Team Head to Quarterfinals
The Kalamazoo Valley Cougars basketball program finished their conference season on Wednesday, Feb. 23 at Lansing Community College. The men's and women's teams fought through the adversity of a canceled season in 2020-21 due to COVID concerns to compete admirably in 2021-22. They have not only performed well on the court but also in the classroom.
Men's basketball finished their regular season 13-5 (conference) and 22-8 (overall). They will next compete on March 1 at 7 p.m. against Lake Michigan College in a NJCAA District Tournament Quarterfinal game. The game takes place at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Come cheer them on!
Women's basketball finished regular season 5-13 (conference) and 5-18 (overall) last Wednesday.
Summer Intent Forms Available March 1
Future for Frontliners and Reconnect students who plan to enroll for the summer semester must submit a Summer Intent form to the Financial Aid Office to ensure their award is in place for the summer semester. The Summer Intent Form will be available on the Financial Aid office webpage starting March 1.
FAFSA Help Available
Need assistance with your FAFSA©? Kalamazoo Valley Community College's Financial Aid Office will be hosting FAFSA© Clinics on Mondays and Thursdays from 1:30 - 4 p.m. at our Texas Township Campus in the Financial Aid Office. All are welcome to attend the clinics. If interested in scheduling a FAFSA© Clinic appointment, please fill out this form.
 
PTK Welcomes Dr. LaSonda Wells to Speaker Series
Kalamazoo Valley Community College's Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the honor society for two-year colleges, will be continuing its Mental Health Awareness Speaker Series on March 2 at 3 p.m. via Zoom with Dr. LaSonda Wells, licensed professional counselor, national certified counselor and United States Air Force veteran, as the guest speaker. The title of the presentation will be "Maintaining Your Mental Health." During this presentation, Wells will provide insightful discussion about the importance of mental health maintenance.
The Mental Health Awareness Speaker Series, which was launched by Kalamazoo Valley's chapter of Phi Theta Kappa in December 2021, features presentations given by mental health professionals throughout the academic year. The goal of these presentation events is to bring awareness to the importance of understanding and nurturing mental health and to enrich the lives of the college community.
If interested in attending the March 2, presentation click here. For more information, email ptk@kvcc.edu.
March Art Hop Features Staff Members Amanda Byrd and Larry Sandt
The March 4 Art Hop at the Center for New Media will feature a collaborative photography show by Larry Sandt and Amanda Byrd. Amanda Byrd is primarily inspired by the natural world and enjoys working with subjects that pertain to the environment and humanity. Her favorite muse is her son, whom she lives and breathes for.
Byrd is a natural visual communicator and has always demonstrated interest and ability in art and design. Born in Detroit, Michigan, Byrd's family moved to the Kalamazoo region during her youth. Byrd continued to enjoy creative exploration into her rebellious, extroverted teenage years with drawing, painting and cartooning. In her high school years, Byrd enrolled in photography and fine art classes at the nearest community college and quickly fell in love with the medium, photography. more
Don't Miss Important Class Announcements!
Did you know you can personalize your Canvas notifications to work for you? You can set up your notifications to make sure you never miss another class announcement or grading update. Watch this video to learn how to change your email and push notification settings for your Canvas account and for your individual Canvas courses.
Fretboard Festival Offers Free, Livestreamed Music on March 5
The Fretboard Festival is a celebration of Kalamazoo's stringed-instrument legacy and musical heritage. The 17th Annual Fretboard Festival presented by the Kalamazoo Valley Museum will take place virtually on Saturday, March 5. This year's festival will feature seven musical performances and three workshops. To register and for the full program rundown, visit the Kalamazoo Valley Museum website at kalamazoomuseum.org and the Fretboard Festival website at fretboardfestival.com.
Register for Summer Classes Beginning March 7
The summer semester starts May 9 and registration opens next week, using a tiered registration schedule based on the number of completed credit hours earned at the time of registration and does not include in-progress courses.
Monday, March 7 36 Credit Hours
Tuesday, March 8 24 Credit Hours
Wednesday, March 9 12 Credit Hours
Thursday, March 10 Everyone
This short video will show you how to search and register for classes. If you need assistance picking out your classes, make an appointment now to meet with an advisor or counselor by calling 269.488.4040. If you work with someone in the Office for Student Access, call 269.488.4397. Students who are part of KVAAP should call 269.373.7945. Hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesdays. Full payment for registration between March 7 and April 5 is due by 7 p.m. on April 5.
The summer schedule is now available.
CNM Students! Get Connected with an Advisor or Counselor
Center for New Media students are encouraged to participate in Get Connected events next month. Get Connected with an Advisor or Counselor runs on Wednesday, March 9 from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. and Thursday, March 10 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Center for New Media.
This is your chance to check in with a counselor to review your progress. Don't wait until the end of the semester! During these sessions, CNM students will have the opportunity to discuss:
- How classes are going
- Any issues either in the classroom or outside of class
- Specific needs to help boost confidence in academic work
- Any other concerns
Visiting Writers Series Welcomes Robert Haight, Tommy Orange
Kalamazoo Valley's "About Writing" Visiting Writers Series welcomes retired English instructor Robert Haight, March 22 at 10 a.m. in the Student Commons Theater. Haight has published four books of poetry, "Shimmer" (Kelsay Books, May 2021), "Feeding Wild Birds" (Mayapple Press 2013), "Emergences and Spinner Falls" (New Issues Poetry and Prose, 2002) and "Water Music" (Ridgeway Press, 1995), and has written essays and articles on fly fishing, the environment, education and spirituality for a variety of anthologies, journals and magazines. More
 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.
Upcoming events include:
March 2 | Western Wednesday | 10 a.m.
Are you interested in attending Western Michigan University? Connect with advisors and admission representatives from the Office of Admissions and the College of Arts & Sciences from Western Michigan University. Western Wednesday sessions are live, interactive presentations designed to answer your frequently asked questions about becoming a Bronco. This event will be held virtually, click here to register. For more information, contact Ezra Bell or Levi Funk.
March 2 | What is Right with You? | 1 p.m.
Take the Clifton Strengths Assessment and discover your Top 5 Strengths! For more information, please contact Sabrina Kooy.
March 2 | Dental Hygiene Program Informative Presentation | 6 p.m.
Learn more about Kalamazoo Valley's Dental Hygiene programs at an upcoming informative presentation on March 2 from 6-7 p.m. at the Texas Township Campus in Room 4240. Learn about the application process, program requirements and more! For more information, email healthcareers@kvcc.edu.
March 8 at 6 p.m. & March 9 at 2 p.m. | Prep Today, Spring Break Tomorrow
This event aims to assist students with prep for exams and classes as well as to help them create a study schedule before Spring Break so they can truly relax. Click here to attend on March 8 at 6 p.m. and click here to attend on March 9 at 2 p.m. For more information, please contact Beth Brandon.
For a complete list of activities, check the college calendar.
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 Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn for all of the latest campus news.
Find a Good Book to Read at the Kalamazoo Valley Libraries
Library Displays
The Kalamazoo Valley Libraries want to help you connect with great books! To make this easier for you, we have expanded our book displays. Drop by either the Texas Township Campus Library or our downtown location on the third floor of Anna Whitten Hall, to browse our physical displays. Each physical display also has a virtual version you can view from anywhere.
- New Book Display: Be the first to see all of our new titles. Click here to browse them online.
- Visiting Writers Display: Take advantage of a wonderful program offered yearly at Kalamazoo Valley! The "About Writing" Visiting Writers series offers students the opportunity to talk with professional writers, as well as listen to their work. Two visiting authors this year include Robert Haight and Tommy Orange. Our Libraries have copies of their books available for you to read. Visit our Visiting Writers LibGuide for more information.
- Reading Together Display: Get connected with your community and celebrate this annual reading event. Copies of this year's book "The Best We Could Do", by Thi Bui are available for checkout on our display, along with past Reading Together books. Click here to browse them online and find more information about this event.
- Changing Monthly Display (TTC Location): Look for a new display every month on great topics such as Black History Month or women's history. This display is located on the lower level of the TTC Library or click here to browse online.
Display Locations:
Displays at our TTC location are now centralized on the upper level of the Library, with the exception of our changing monthly display, which is on the lower level. See the picture below to see a sneak picture of some of our new displays.
*We appreciate you following Kalamazoo Valley's safety protocols and practicing social distancing when you visit us.
Visit us online
Call 269.488.4328
Email: libraries@kvcc.edu
Chat with a college librarian 24/7: https://www.kvcc.edu/library/asklib.html
Zoom by appointment, please email libraries@kvcc.edu
Follow us on Instagram @kalamazoovalleylibraries
Discounted Tickets Available for 2022 Gilmore Piano Festival
Kalamazoo Valley is proud to be a partner of the 2022 Gilmore Piano Festival, a world-renowned music festival that brings the top classical and jazz pianists to West Michigan venues every two years. As a benefit of our partnership, students can purchase (in advance) $7 tickets to most in-person Festival events. The Festival Artist Lineup is now available. Tickets must be purchased in advanced and online at The Gilmore's Ticket Site.
In addition, Cougar Rush Tickets are also available. Students can get a free ticket to most Gilmore Festival events two hours before a performance. One ticket per student, subject to availability. Valid student ID required. Tickets available at the performance venue.
Cafeteria, Starbucks Hours
The Cougar Cafe, located on the Texas Township Campus, is open 7:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday - Thursday. Offerings include: Subway, coffee/tea, breakfast pastries, grab-n-go items, Coke fountain drinks, variety of canned & bottled drinks. Gift cards are now available!
Starbucks, located in the Student Commons on the Texas Township Campus, is open 7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Monday - Thursday.
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 different job other 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
Membership and Marketing Manager - Battle Creek Area Association of REALTORS
Accounting Support Specialist - Aldevra LLC
Sales and Service Specialist - Bridgestone Retail Operations
Assistant Township Treasurer/Clerk's Assistant - Oshtemo Charter Township
Sales Support - Polymershapes
Marketing Coordinator - Watts Homes & Construction
Venue Representative - Bell's Brewery
Personal Office Assistant - Friends with Disabilities
Accounts Payable Specialist - Friendship Village
Culinary/Brewing
Upper Hand Production Intern - Bell's Brewery
Line Cook - Gull Lake Golf Club
Lead Cook - Senior Services, Inc
Education
Lead Preschool Teacher/Assistant Teacher - Bullfrogs and Butterflies Christian Learning Center
School Age Childcare Staff - YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo
Paraprofessional - KRESA
Day Camp Counselor - Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan
Teaching related positions (multiple) - Tri-County Head Start
General Studies
Security Officer - Bronson Healthcare Group
Front of House Support - Bell's Brewery
Manager on Duty/Gym Supervisor - YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo
Custodian - Part-time - Kalamazoo Public Library
Packaging Specialists (multiple positions) - Zoetis
Health Careers
Home Health Aide/Companion/Direct Care - Multiple positions and companies seeking
Full Time Dental Hygienist - Earl E. Gaball, DDS
Direct Support Professional - WMU Adult Wellness Programs
Infection Control Nurse - Friendship Village
Human Services/Social Sciences/Public Health
Assistant Supervisor - Oshtemo Charter Township
Family Program Facilitator (three-to-six hours per week) - Prevention Works
Behavioral Case Manager - Senior Services
Science Related
Strike Team Crew Member - Van Buren Conservation District
Lab Tech/Lab Assistant - Next Stage Labs
Trades
CNC Machine Operator - Parker Hannifin Corporation
Maintenance Mechanic - Graphic Packaging International
Maintenance Technician - City of East Grand Rapids
Technician III - QC - Kalsec, Inc
Automotive Tech - Wenger Automotive LLC
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