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Kalamazoo Valley Community College

InFocus: News for Kalamazoo Valley Community College Students

January 19, 2022

Greetings Students!

As you are settling into your winter semester classes, we thank you for choosing Kalamazoo Valley!

My advice for a successful semester includes staying in close communication with your instructors, completing all of the assigned homework and being an active participant in all of your classes. Keep a close eye on your college email where you will receive important college information and updates. If you need assistance, reach out to your instructors or make an appointment with an advisor or counselor in Student Success Services. You can also self-schedule your appointment through MyValley.

We must remain diligent in our precautionary efforts related to the spread of COVID-19 and its variants. I have been very clear about our expectations for the use of face coverings, safe social distancing and other required protocols to help minimize the spread of germs and disease on our campuses. If you are physically present in any one of our buildings, we expect you to wear a face covering and abide by all the public health guidelines. These guidelines are prominently displayed throughout the college.  

Even with the many challenges facing our world, I continue to be optimistic about the future. The values that we champion at the college give me great hope for the weeks and months to come.

Creating a safe and healthy environment at the college is a shared responsibility. Practicing public health safety recommendations every day, both on and off campus, and conducting ourselves with dignity and respect will help keep us all safer, all of the time.


Sincerely,

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


Libraries
Kalamazoo Valley Libraries: Start Your Semester in the Library

The Kalamazoo Valley Libraries at the Texas Township Campus and Anna Whitten Hall are open and available to support you this winter. We are offering a mix of in-person and online services, including reserve textbooks, laptops and hotspots for loan, and assistance with your research and citations. 
 
Services and Hours
Library materials are available for checkout and staff are available to assist you. We also offer services remotely through email, phone, 24/7 chat and Zoom. Call us at 269.488.4328 or email us at libraries@kvcc.edu with any questions. See our website for up-to-date hours.
 
Laptops & Hotspots
Laptops and hotspots are available for students who do not have access to a computer or Wi-Fi at home. Students can borrow technology for the entire semester. Visit our website for more information and an online request form. 
 
Reserves & Textbooks
The Libraries offer access to many textbooks used at Kalamazoo Valley, including those used in the top 25 enrolled classes. Check our website to see if we have books for your class available. Most reserve items may be checked out for up to three hours.
 
Study Spaces
Both the TTC and AWH libraries have quiet study space with computer and printer access available on a walk-in basis; no appointment necessary.
 
Research & Citations
If you are looking for help finding/citing sources and researching for class projects, the Libraries have multiple ways to assist you. Visit us in person to talk to one of our Reference Librarians. From off campus, you can call or email us. Zoom appointments are available on request. For assistance during non-business hours, the Ask a Librarian 24/7 Chat is always available.
 
Book Displays
January's book displays at TTC feature self-improvement ideas to kick off the new year such as books on weight loss, yoga and study skills and much more. Come to the Texas Township campus to see the display or browse the virtual display here.
 
We look forward to connecting with you!
 
*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


New to Kalamazoo Valley? Order Your Valley ID Card Today

As a new student, you need to get a Valley ID card. A Valley ID card is needed to use many student services, including parking validation, testing and door access at our downtown campuses.

We are happy to produce your student ID card virtually using the Student Information Center. Here's what you need to do:
  • Take a clear, front-facing, head-and-shoulders photo of yourself
  • Upload your photo and required information here
    (you'll need to log into your MyValley account)
Once we verify your ID, we'll link your photo to class rosters and send your ID in the mail. It may take up to two weeks for you to receive your Valley ID in the mail, so upload your photo today. You must be signed up for classes for the winter semester and tuition must be paid before you will receive your ID.

If you are having trouble uploading your ID materials or wish to check the status of your ID, please call us and we would be happy to assist you at TTC 269.488.4100 or AWH 269.373.7800.
Cougar Cafe

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 and a variety of canned and 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.


418 restaurant and Havirmill Cafe reopening

Get Lunch at the Culinary and Allied Health Building
The Havirmill Cafe is now open Monday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The daily offerings are posted on the whiteboard outside the cafe. The 418 Restaurant will open on Wednesday, Jan. 26. Reservations will be taken on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Lunch reservation seating is from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.  Send a private message to the 418 Facebook page or call 269.548.3200 for reservations. Practicals will be the last week in February, so there will be no service that week.


Admissions, Registration, and Records
Need to Add a Class?
Do you have room in your schedule for another class? Additional winter classes start Jan. 31 and March 3. Click here for tips on how to search for second part-of-term classes.
Financial Aid
Apply Now for Valley CARES Funding
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented both the college 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 expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the pandemic.

The Valley CARES Emergency Assistance Fund application can be found in your MyValley account, by selecting Valley Cares Application, under "My Links." Students can receive up to $1,200 for personal expenses for this current semester.


Please email the Financial Aid office or call 269.488.4340 with any questions.

Scholarship Available for Students in the Skilled Trades
The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland area is looking for eligible applicants for the Haworth Skilled Trades Scholarship. See details below:

Haworth Skilled Trades Scholarship: This is a $2,000 scholarship for students who can confirm enrollment in a 12- to 24-month certification, associate (A.A.A.S.) or skilled trade/vocational program in one of the following areas: Carpentry, CNC Machining/Programming, Electrical, Electronics Technology, Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning [HVAC] Technician, Industrial Maintenance, Machinist, Machine Repair, Manufacturing Technology, Model Maker, Plumbing, Tool and Die or Welding. Applications are due at 5 p.m. EST on Feb. 14.

human resources
Order Free COVID-19 Tests
You can now order at-home COVID-19 tests to be delivered to your home with no out-of-pocket charges. As of Tuesday, Jan. 18, residents in Michigan and around the country could request up to four at-home antigen tests per address through COVIDTests.gov. The tests will be delivered by the U.S. Postal Service. According to the White House, the tests will typically ship within 7-12 days of ordering. To place orders, you must provide only your name and residential mailing address.
student services

Help Us Name Our New Student Center
We need your input. What do you think Kalamazoo Valley should name its new one-stop student center? This student center, opening late this year, will house a number of student services all in one convenient location. Please let us know your thoughts by selecting your top three favorite names out of the options listed here.

Need Assistance? Student Services Can Help!

If you have questions or need assistance, there are a number of departments within the college to help! 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 Life and Engagement 
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:


Jan. 19 | 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. For more information, please contact Mary McConnell.  
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
 
Jan. 19 | Zoom Office Hours: Your BFF | 2 p.m. 
An event focused on helping students understand the importance of feeling comfortable attending faculty office hours. This event will be held via Zoom. For more information, contact Beth Brandon.    
 
Jan. 19 | Western Wednesday | 3 p.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. For more information on how to attend, please contact Ezra Bell or Levi Funk.  
 
Jan. 19 | Women's Basketball Home Game | 5:30 p.m. 
Women's Basketball Home Game with Jackson College | TTC Main Gym
 
Jan. 19 | Mental Health Awareness Presentation | 6 p.m. 
Kalamazoo Valley Community College's Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the honor society for two-year colleges, will be resuming their Mental Health Awareness Speaker Series on Jan. 19 at 6 p.m. via Zoom. Kalamazoo Valley psychology instructor, Meredith Holland will be discussing behavioral health and tips for its management. All are welcome to join and attend this enlightening and informative event. If interested in attending the January presentation, click here. For more information, email ptk@kvcc.edu.
 
Jan. 19 | Men's Basketball Home Game | 7:30 p.m. 
Men's Basketball Home Game with Jackson College | TTC Main Gym
 
Jan. 22 | Women's Basketball Home Game | 1 p.m. 
Women's Basketball Home Game with Grand Rapids Community College | TTC Main Gym
 
Jan. 22 | Men's Basketball Home Game | 3 p.m. 
Men's Basketball Home Game with Grand Rapids Community College | TTC Main Gym
 
Jan. 24 | Student Veterans Resume Workshop | 1 p.m.  
Student veterans, come join Charles Heidelberg during this event for tips on translating their military skills into language that will enhance their civilian resumes!   For updated information on how to attend this event, email Charles Heidelberg
 
Jan. 24 | Valley Future Educators' Club (VFEC) | 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 as well. To attend the meeting virtually, click here. If interested in more information, please email Cheryl Almeda.    
 
Jan. 24 | Women's Basketball Away Game | 5:30 p.m. 
Women's Basketball Away Game Muskegon Community College. 
 
Jan. 24 | Men's Basketball Away Game | 7:30 p.m. 
Men's Basketball Away Game with Muskegon Community College. 
 
Jan. 25 | 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 and will include discussion on discovering and considering local employers that may hire for certain career paths. For more information, please contact Mary McConnell.  
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
 
Jan. 25 | Reconnect/Futures for Frontliners Eligibility Information Session | 5-6 p.m. 
The Kalamazoo Valley Community College Financial Aid Office invites you to attend an information session about how to maximize your Futures for Frontliners or Reconnect scholarship and remain eligible for continued tuition assistance. If interested in attending, register here. For more information, please email the Financial Aid office.   
 
Jan. 25 | Important Application Information: Health Majors | 6 p.m. 
A discussion about best practices and tools to use for success as well as important application information for the coming application period. This event will be held via Zoom. For more information, contact Beth Brandon.    
 
Jan. 26 | 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 and will include discussion on discovering and considering local employers that may hire for certain career paths. For more information, please contact Mary McConnell.  
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
 
Jan. 26 | Student Veterans Interview Workshop | 1 - 2 p.m.  

Student veterans, come join Charles Heidelberg for job interview tips including ways to utilize useful techniques for translating your military experience in a civilian job interview. For updated information on how to attend this event, email Charles Heidelberg.
 
Jan. 26 | Important Application Information: Health Majors | 2-3 p.m. 
A discussion about best practices and tools to use for success as well as important application information for the coming application period. This event will be held via Zoom. For more information, contact Beth Brandon.  
 
Jan. 26 | Women's Basketball Home Game | 5:30 p.m. 
Women's Basketball Home Game with Lansing Community College | TTC Main Gym
 
Jan. 26 | Men's Basketball Home Game | 7:30 p.m. 
Men's Basketball Home Game with Lansing Community College | TTC Main Gym
 
Jan. 29 | Women's Basketball Away Game | 1 p.m. 
Women's Basketball Away Game with Lake Michigan College. 
 
Jan. 29 | Men's Basketball Away Game | 3 p.m. 
Men's Basketball Away Game with Lake Michigan College. 


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 Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn for all of the latest campus news.


Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
Phi Theta Kappa Resumes Mental Health Awareness Speaker Series TODAY

Kalamazoo Valley Community College's Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the honor society for two-year colleges, will be resuming their Mental Health Awareness Speaker Series on Jan. 19 at 6 p.m. via Zoom. Kalamazoo Valley psychology instructor Meredith Holland will be discussing behavioral health and tips for its management. All are welcome to attend.
 
The Mental Health Awareness Speaker Series, which was launched last month, will feature presentations given by mental health professional guest speakers throughout the academic year. The goal is to bring awareness to the importance of understanding and nurturing mental health and to enrich the lives of our college community.  
 
For more information, email ptk@kvcc.edu.

cougars basketball food drive

Bring Canned Goods to Feb. 2 Basketball Games for Food Drive

The Cougar women's and men's basketball teams and the college are hosting a food drive at the Feb. 2 home games. Tipoff is at 5:30 p.m. (women's basketball) and 7:30 p.m. (men's basketball). Please bring canned goods and nonperishable food items. All donations made to the "Hunger Games" project go to Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes, whose mission is to end hunger in our community. Games are in the gym at the Texas Township Campus. Admission is free.


Kalamazoo Valley Museum

Special Video Series Honoring Dr. King Can Spur Deep Thinking

Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy this week is a great time to reflect on race. La'Ron Williams shared an historical perspective as part of the Kalamazoo Valley Museum's virtual Storytelling Festival. Click here to watch it and two other videotaped stories on topics relevant to King. The museum is operated by Kalamazoo Valley Community College and is governed by its Board of Trustees.

 

How Do Toys Work? Find Out at New Exhibit Opening Jan. 22  
Who doesn't like toys? You'll get a chance to not only play with them, but learn about their history and the mechanisms that make them work at the new "Toys II: Inside Story" exhibit opening Jan. 22 at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum in downtown Kalamazoo. It runs until May 1. The exhibit and museum entry are free. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 - 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 - 3 p.m. For more information, visit kalamazoomuseum.org.


Office of Diversity and Inclusion

Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Beyond the Dream III
A number of Martin Luther King Jr. Day activities are available through Kalamazoo Valley's annual collaboration with Western Michigan University and other local organizations. See the list of community events. Note that the web page is being updated.

In honor of Black History Month, Kalamazoo Valley Community College's Office of Diversity and Inclusion in collaboration with the Office of Student Engagement invites you to attend a virtual program "Beyond the Dream III" - a deeper look at the perspectives of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his impact on our nation, particularly throughout the South in 1967. This college and community-wide conversation, planned for Feb. 2 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., provides participants the opportunity to listen and share thoughts regarding Dr. King's philosophies and its relevancy in today's society. For accommodations and registration details, contact Trice Batson or Ezra Bell.


 

protect yourself and loved ones. get your flu vaccine today.

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Texas Township Campus
6767 West O Avenue
PO Box 4070
Kalamazoo, MI 49003-4070
269.488.4400







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Kalamazoo Valley Community College · 6767 W O Ave · Kalamazoo, MI 49009-7402 · USA