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February 9, 2021
Greetings Students,
"The time is always right to do what is right," is one of my favorite quotes from Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He made this statement as a part of his remarks to Oberlin College students in 1964.
As we join with others from across the community to celebrate Black History Month, I hope that you will take advantage of opportunities to participate in events and activities designed to help us consider what is "right."
February is always a busy month for college students and this year is no exception. In addition to the requirements of virtual and for some, face-to-face studies, I know that many of you are juggling the care of family members and employment. However, if you find that you are able to squeeze in just one more class this semester, second eight week courses begin March 11. Taking just one more class could make it possible for you to complete your program in time to participate in May Commencement activities.
These times may not be easy, but it is always right to pursue your dreams and the goal of completing your associate degree or program certificate. As you continue to press ahead, the college community is here to support you.
Sincerely,
L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President
New Scholarship for Adult Learners now Available
Are you 25 years or older and pursing a degree or certificate at Kalamazoo Valley? If you are, you may be eligible for free tuition through the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Development's new program called Michigan Reconnect. Michigan Reconnect is a scholarship designed specifically for eligible adults who want to pursue an associate degree at a Michigan community college or a skills certificate at a training school. Michigan Reconnect pays the remaining balance of in-district tuition and mandatory fees after other state and federal financial aid have been applied. Students who attend out-of-district community colleges will receive a large tuition discount.
Who's Eligible? Adults age 25 years and older at the time of application who have lived in Michigan for a year or more, have a high school diploma or GED, are not in default on a federal student loan and have not yet completed an associate or bachelor's degree.
Apply today!
For more information about Reconnect at Kalamazoo Valley, call 269.488.4303 or visit www.kvcc.edu/reconnect.
Important Student Survey Coming Soon!
Students, we are going to need your help! Kalamazoo Valley is participating in an important national self-study project called Excellence in Academic Advising which serves to establish standards for colleges and universities to evaluate and improve academic advising. These standards acknowledge the role of advising in promoting student learning, success and completion.
In order to gather feedback from the most important stakeholders at Kalamazoo Valley, our students, you will be asked to complete a survey about your perceptions and experiences with academic advising. This survey will be coming soon to your Valley email address, with the subject line "Academic Advising Student Survey." Please be on the look out for the survey and plan 15-20 minutes to complete it. The survey will only be available for a short period of time. We thank you in advance for your participation and will be randomly awarding gift cards to students who participate. If you have questions, please contact Laura Cosby at lcosby@kvcc.edu.
Celebrate CTE Month
February is Career and Technical Education Month® (CTE Month®). This public awareness campaign that takes place each February celebrates the value of CTE and the achievements and accomplishments of CTE programs and students. Check out some of the great work being done in our CTE programs in these videos: Machine Tool, Automotive Technology, Welding, Electrical Technology, Chemical Technology, Computer Information Systems and Wind Turbine Technician Academy.
Valley CARES Application Available
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented both Kalamazoo Valley and our students with unprecedented challenges. In consideration of this, the college created the Valley CARES Emergency Assistance Fund. The Valley CARES Emergency Assistance Fund provides limited emergency financial support to students who have experienced unexpected technology and living expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus.
The Valley CARES Emergency Assistance Fund application can be found in your MyValley account, by selecting Valley CARES Application, under "My Links." Eligible students can receive up to $1,000 while Valley CARES funds are still available.
Please email the Financial Aid office or call 269.488.4340 with any questions.
Black History Month Workshop
Kalamazoo Valley's office of Diversity and Inclusion welcomes Dr. Tonya Bailey for "The Dismantling of Othering," a Black History month workshop on Feb. 23 from 12:30 - 1:45 p.m. This workshop will explore Dr. King's legacy, connecting it to our inter-relatedness and what it means in 2021 to "Do"! The interactive keynote is designed to engage participants in the Tonya Bailey Experience and emphasize Dr. King's words and theme of this year's community-wide celebration "None of us is free until all of us are free." Attendees will walk away with tools on how to dismantle othering and achieve educational equity, racial healing, and celebrate oneness. Contact Diversity and Inclusion Director Trice Batson at tbatson@kvcc.edu for the link to participate.
For the full list of Black History months events, including virtual art exhibits hosted by the Kalamazoo Valley Museum and Center for New Media, click here.
Get Involved on Campus (Virtually)
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, to 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 count. Upcoming events include:
Feb. 10 | Western Wednesday | 10 - 11 a.m.
Are you interested in attending Western Michigan University? Connect with advisors and admission representatives from the Office of Admissions from Western Michigan University. RSVP to get the Zoom link.
Feb. 11 | Laker Thursday | 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Are you interested in attending Grand Valley State University? Connect with admission representatives from GVSU. RSVP to get the Zoom link.
Feb. 23 | S2B | 3 - 5 p.m.
S2B events are for students looking to network, discover, and develop leadership skills. This month both sessions will be an introduction to the Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU) experience. Both dates will be facilitated by HBCU alumni who live and work in the Kalamazoo community.
Feb. 24 | WMU On-Site Admissions
Are you interested in attending Western Michigan University Wednesday? Connect with advisors and admission representatives from the Office of Admissions from Western Michigan University. Email Ezra Bell at ebell@kvcc.edu for details.
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. Check out the college calendar for a complete list upcoming events and activities at the college and in the community.
Need Assistance? Student Services can Help!
Students who need assistance should contact the departments below to schedule:
- Virtual appointments
- In-person appointments (by appointment only)
Call or email for an appointment so that we can best serve you. You can also self-schedule your appointment through MyValley. Click on "Schedule an Appointment with Student Services" under My Links.
Student Services Contact List
Admissions, Registration and Records: arr@kvcc.edu or 269.488.4281
Advising and Counseling: counseling@kvcc.edu or 269.488.4040
- In-person appointments available
- Virtual drop-ins - no appointment necessary on Tuesdays from 8:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. No drop-ins February 16, due to staff training. Simply call to get in a virtual line and wait for a call from an advisor or counselor.
Apprenticeships: apprenticeship@kvcc.edu or 269.488.4873
Financial Aid: finaid@kvcc.edu or 269.488.4340
Internships: intern@kvcc.edu or 269.488.4635
IT (Computer) Help Desk: IT@kvcc.edu or 269.488.4250
- Texas Township Campus Computer Lab
8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Monday - Thursday
8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Friday
- Arcadia Commons Computer Lab
8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday
- Phone and Email Support
During lab hours (as indicated above)
10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Kalamazoo Promise Services: mmorales@kvcc.edu or 269.488.4515
KVAAP: kvaap@kvcc.edu or 269.373.7946
Life Resources: cdunten@kvcc.edu or 269.488.4040
Office for Student Access: studentaccess@kvcc.edu or 269.488.4397
Office of Early/Middle College and Dual Enrollment: earlymiddlecollege@kvcc.edu or 269.488.4509
Pay Station: paystation@kvcc.edu or 269.488.4162 (open for in-person payments)
- Make payments online 24/7. Log into MyValley and select the Pay Tuition Bill option under My Links to be directed to the payment portal
- Payment plans are still available for the winter semester. Log into MyValley account and select Payment Plan under My Links to enroll today.
Prior Learning: lbrooks@kvcc.edu or 269.488.4873
Student Employment Relations: careercenter@kvcc.edu or 269.488.4040
Student Strengths Development: strengths@kvcc.edu or 269.488.4040
Student Success Services: success@kvcc.edu or 269.488.4040
Transfer Resource Services: ebell@kvcc.edu or lfunk@kvcc.edu or 269.488.4040
Testing Center
(TTC): testcenter@kvcc.edu or 269.488.4235
- In-person testing by appointment only
- Some remote services available
- 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday - Thursday | 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Friday
- In-person testing by appointment only
- Some remote services available
- 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday - Thursday | 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Friday
Tutoring: learningcenter@kvcc.edu or 269.488.4397
- Tutoring for math and writing will be available by drop-in remotely
- Remote appointments will also be available for other course offerings.
Veteran Services: cheidelberg@kvcc.edu or 269.488.4040
All students and guests who schedule in-person appointments are required to adhere to strict safety measures.
- Face coverings must be worn properly at all times.
- When possible, proper social distancing of a minimum of six feet must be observed.
- Frequent hand washing along with the use of hand sanitizer.
- Completion of a daily health assessment prior to arriving on campus.
Kalamazoo Valley Community College follows the guidance of the Kalamazoo County Public Health Department related to COVID-19 testing. Access the most up-to-date information about testing locations and appointments on its website.
Kalamazoo Valley Libraries: Contact the Libraries to Supercharge Your Success!
During this time of increased virtual learning, are you finding it more challenging to navigate the library's resources? Do you need help developing your research skills? Would you like someone to show you the library databases or how to evaluate information?
Our librarians are here to help.
The libraries are open for in person, curbside, and virtual assistance. Have an in depth research question? Librarians are available for Zoom appointments to help you with narrowing topics, locating resources, formatting assignments, and creating citations. Is there a book you need for your next project? Put the book on hold and our staff will set it aside for you. Need a laptop or hotspot to complete your assignments? Borrow a laptop or hotspot from the library.
The libraries are here to help you supercharge your success!
Virtual Hours:
Monday - Thursday | 7:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday | 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Chat with a college librarian 24/7
Library Open Hours:
Texas Township Campus Library (TTC)
Monday - Friday | 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Arcadia Commons Campus Library (ACC) (located in Anna Whitten Hall, Room 321)
Monday - Friday | 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Curbside Assistance:
Texas Township Campus Library (TTC)
Monday - Friday | 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Talking with Family and Friends about Politics without Fighting
It's a complicated dance but it can be done, as you consider a few of these tips:
1. Consider appropriate time and place. It might not be the time and place for a conversation about politics if:
- You're at work
- You're already feeling angry or upset
- You've never gotten along with the individual or do not respect the individual
- You don't have a relationship with the individual
2. Don't set out to prove your friend wrong - A conversation is an exchange of ideas. Trying to change someone's mind is a huge feat (especially when it comes to political ideals). Think about it: How likely are you to change your stance on any given political issue? How likely are you to take the opposing party's side? Probably not very likely. Research shows that people would prefer to deny new information if it challenges long-held beliefs and their worldview. So, don't expect to prove your friend or family member wrong. The goal is more about getting them to understand your viewpoint, and for you to understand their viewpoint. Mutual understanding and respect are the first steps towards change.
3. Stop thinking about what you'll say next - When friends have different political views, they have to listen to one another. Most of us are guilty of preparing our next spiel instead of listening to the person we're engaging with. Try to correct this bad habit; listen to what the individual in front of you is saying. This goes back to us feeling uncomfortable in the face of new information when it threatens what we know to be true about the world. Challenge yourself to push through any discomfort you might feel to hear your friend out.
4. Check your body language and tone - What are you communicating? Not just with your words, but your body language, your tone, your gestures. Your words won't come across as calm or friendly if you are...
- Shouting at the individual
- Pacing the room
- Scoffing or laughing
- Using emojis in a sarcastic or demeaning way
Need a Job? Career Coach Can Help
If you're looking for a job, Kalamazoo Valley has a tool to assist you. Career Coach, Kalamazoo Valley Community College's online job board, matches job seekers with careers based on their personal interests and skills. Career Coach is a free online tool anyone can use to explore, prepare for and find the right career. The Career Coach assessment tool identifies a person's interests and matches those to potential career areas. Using that information and a simple keyword search, job seekers can learn about the employment prospects for a variety of careers, wage information and current job postings in the area.
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. The college has provided students with shares once a week for the last year.
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 come on foot or on a bicycle, please wear a face mask.
If you have any questions, please email foodshare@kvcc.edu.
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