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Jan. 9, 2025
Greetings students,
Happy New Year! We are looking forward to starting winter semester classes with you the week of Jan. 13.
Kalamazoo Valley Community College is a great place for you. We are so glad you found us. Whether you are continuing with us to work toward a degree completion, plan to transfer to a four-year college, are joining us for the first time or returning after many semesters away from college, we welcome you! As you begin this winter semester, I offer you this simple advice:
- Attend and participate in your classes
- Complete and submit required assignments on time
- Stay in close communication with your instructors
- Seek assistance if you need it; staff members are available in the tutoring center, libraries and in Student Development Services
This new year will provide the chance for a fresh start or the opportunity to follow through on what you have already begun. We're here to support you as you work toward your goals! Thank you for choosing Kalamazoo Valley.
Sincerely,
L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President
Important Upcoming Dates
- First 14, 12 and seven-week classes begin Jan. 13. Last day to drop/add is Jan. 19.
- The college is closed in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday Jan. 20.
- Second 12-week classes start Jan. 28. Last day to drop/add is Feb. 3.
You may drop or withdraw from classes using the self-service registration feature in MyValley. Watch our how to video to learn how this is accomplished. You may also drop classes in person in the Admissions, Registration and Records office (Room 9140, TTC) or at the Student Service Center in Anna Whitten Hall on the Arcadia Commons Campus. Discontinuing class attendance and/or notifying the instructor is not an official drop. You must complete the paperwork or use the self-service feature. If you fail to officially drop a course, registration is continued until the end of class and the grade earned is recorded on your transcript. Discontinuing course attendance is a very important decision. We invite you to discuss this decision with your instructor, Student Development Services, Student Financial Services, the Learning Center and other resources available to you.
Need Help with Your Schedule?
No appointment is necessary to see an advisor or counselor through Jan. 17. Simply stop by Room 9300 on the Texas Township Campus or Room 120 at Anna Whitten Hall in downtown Kalamazoo to see someone. You can also call 269.488.4040 to get in a virtual line for a video or phone drop-in with an advisor or counselor.
Free Parking on all Kalamazoo Valley Campuses
Texas Township Campus: Ample parking is available free of charge at the Texas Township Campus. No parking pass needed. Do not park in reserved parking areas or you will be ticketed.
Arcadia Commons Campus: Kalamazoo Valley provides parking for students who are currently enrolled in at least one course at the Arcadia Commons Campus. Parking is validated in either the front office of Anna Whitten Hall or at the receptionist desk at the Center for New Media. Parking is in Ramp 4 only, located one block north of the campus at the corner of Eleanor and Rose streets in downtown Kalamazoo.
Bronson Healthy Living Campus: Kalamazoo Valley provides parking for students who are currently enrolled in at least one course at the Bronson Healthy Living Campus. Parking is free in the student parking lots located east of the Portage Creek on East Walnut Street and off John Street at the Food Innovation Center. Overflow parking is available at the Epic Center Parking Ramp.
Get Your Valley ID Card
Is this winter your first semester at Kalamazoo Valley? As a new student, you are required to get a Valley ID card. A Valley ID card is needed for many student services, including parking validation at our downtown campuses and for using our testing centers. You'll also need a Valley ID card to use the Wellness and Fitness Center at the Texas Township Campus and for door access at our downtown campuses. You can even get some great discounts with your student ID card when used at participating restaurants, art organizations and businesses.
Getting your Valley ID card is easy:
- Come to the Student Service Desk at the Texas Township Campus (269.488.4100) or at Anna Whitten Hall in downtown Kalamazoo (269.373.7800) to obtain your card by drop-in or by appointment. Make sure to bring a valid photo ID, such as a driver's license, state ID or Kalamazoo County ID.
- Or, you can upload your photo and required information at our Virtual ID station at the link on your MyValley page (you'll need to log into your MyValley account). We'll mail your ID card directly to your home.
You must be registered for classes in order to obtain your Valley ID Card. Your ID will remain valid for every semester that you are enrolled at Kalamazoo Valley.
Inclement Weather Closing Protocols
If the college needs to close for part or all of a day, due to inclement weather, students, employees and media outlets will be notified with one of the following announcements:
- College Closed
The college is closed for business. All classes, regardless of teaching and learning modality: face-to-face, virtual or hybrid/blended, and college activities are canceled for the morning, afternoon and evening. Employees need not report unless instructed by their supervisor.
- Morning Classes Canceled: Classes starting before noon are canceled
Regardless of teaching and learning modality: face-to-face, virtual or hybrid/blended, morning classes are canceled. However, the college is open for business; employees should work from their assigned location.
- Afternoon Classes Canceled: Classes starting between noon and 3:59 p.m. are canceled
Regardless of teaching and learning modality: face-to-face, virtual or hybrid/blended, afternoon classes are canceled. However, the college is open for business; employees should work from their assigned location.
- Evening Classes are Canceled: Classes starting between 4 p.m. through the remainder of the evening are canceled
Regardless of teaching and learning modality: face-to-face, virtual or hybrid/blended, evening classes are canceled. However, the college is open for regular business; employees should work from their assigned location.
- "Specific" Campus/Locations are Closed, i.e. Arcadia Commons Campus, Bronson Healthy Living Campus, Groves Campus, Texas Township Campus, Kalamazoo Valley Museum
The college or one or more campuses or facilities will be closed for business. Classes, regardless of teaching and learning modality: face-to-face, virtual or hybrid/blended, are canceled for the day and/or evening activities. Employees assigned to the campus/facility in question are not to report to work. All other campuses/facilities will be open and employees should work from their assigned location.
- Delayed Start: College Closed until 10 a.m.
The college will open for business at 10 a.m. Morning classes (regardless of teaching and learning modality: face-to-face, virtual or hybrid/blended), are delayed. Classes will begin at 10 a.m. or their regularly scheduled time.
Apply Now for Scholarships
Attention students! Kalamazoo Valley scholarship season is here, and the doors to financial support are wide open! If you are new to the college this winter semester, don’t miss out on your chance to apply for scholarships that can help fund your education. Whether you’re pursuing the technical trades, a health career, liberal arts or anything in between, there’s an opportunity waiting for you. Fill out one online scholarship application to apply for all of the available opportunities. Visit kvcc.edu/admissions/finaid/scholarships.
Students who completed an application in the fall do not need to reapply to be considered for winter semester scholarships.
Start Your Semester in the Library
Laptops, Hotspots, Calculators from the Libraries
Borrow a laptop computer, Wi-Fi hotspot and/or a graphing calculator. Technology is available on a first-come, first-served basis; bring your Valley ID for checkout. Borrowing begins on the first day of classes. All laptops have webcams and microphones, and access to Canvas, Zoom, Microsoft Office and Respondus Lockdown Browser.
Reserve Textbooks
The Libraries offer access to many textbooks used at the college. Check our Course Reserve Guide to see if books are available for your classes. Most reserve items may be checked out for up to three hours.
Print and Electronic Resources
Come browse our book collection, in person or online. We have titles to support both academic learning and personal interests. We also subscribe to several electronic book and journal databases for student research needs.
Hours and Contact Information
Financial Aid Can Be Used for Book Purchases
If you are new to Kalamazoo Valley Community College, you may not know that your winter financial aid can be used to buy books and school supplies at the Bookstore on the Texas Township Campus, starting right now. Either purchase your items in person or online at
bookstore.kvcc.edu – your choice! Online orders may be picked up at TTC or the Anna Whitten Hall Library at the Arcadia Commons Campus in downtown Kalamazoo, or mailed to any address you want. Shipping is $5.
Electronic Textbooks and Courseware Available for Classes
STOP! Read this before buying any textbooks this winter. Students, did you know you automatically get electronic versions of textbooks and other course materials for your classes? It's called Ready Day One! The cost is charged to your tuition bill. E-books tend to be at least 50 percent cheaper than hardcover and paperback textbooks. Please note that electronic materials are ONLY available in classes where the instructor selected the option for the course and many do!
What you need to know:
- Within 24 hours of registering for a class with the electronic materials option, Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s Texas Township Campus Bookstore sends an email indicating that you are enrolled in Ready Day One and that e-course materials will be available in your Canvas account on the first day of class. It’s important to watch for the email.
- If you wish to opt out and remove the Ready Day One charge from your bill (it will be itemized there), you must act within two weeks from the first day of class. You have three options for doing so: Complete the transaction via your Canvas account, email the Bookstore at bookstore.kvcc.edu or call the Bookstore at 269.488.4030.
Bookstore Selling Uniforms for Winter Semester Classes
Attention brewing, barbering and cosmetology students! The Bookstore is your place for uniforms. The Bookstore works with your faculty and vendors to get you the best value, and you can use your financial aid. Stop on by the Texas Township Campus Bookstore, or order online at bookstore.kvcc.edu. We also have class kits and relevant supplies such as stethoscopes, penlights, train cases, study aids and more. The Bookstore – so much more than books.
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.
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 have any questions, please email foodshare@kvcc.edu. The first distribution takes place Jan. 23 at the Food Innovation Center.
Connect with Resources at the Learning Center and Library Open House
Kalamazoo Valley's Learning Center and Libraries are hosting an open house for winter semester students on Jan. 29. Join them anytime from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. at the Texas Township Campus in Room 2220 or in Rooms 3210 and 8420. Participants can also join virtually via Zoom links located in MyValley. All open house visitors will be eligible for drawings and giveaways. Snacks will be provided for those who visit in person. Come learn about all the useful resources the Learning Center and the Libraries have to offer. For more information, email learningcenter@kvcc.edu or call 269.488.4397.
Food Service on Campus
Looking for a quick snack or something for lunch while on the Texas Township Campus? The Cougar Cafe offers a wide variety of grab-and-go items, including sandwiches, salads and soup. Subway is also located inside the Cougar Cafe. The Cougar Cafe on the Texas Township Campus is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Menu for Jan. 13 - 16
We have a lot of tasty options to enjoy at the Cougar Cafe this week! Monday through Thursday, warm up with some broccoli soup. Monday, enjoy our baked potato bar. Tuesday, we will be serving chicken enchiladas. Wednesday, come by for some hot beef sandwiches. Thursday, finish off the week strong with a pizza bar! We look forward to serving you!
Coffee Den Offers Starbucks
Need some caffeine? The Coffee Den, located in the Student Commons on the Texas Township Campus, serves a variety of Starbucks beverages Monday - Thursday from 7:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Student-Run Restaurant Opening Soon
Students enrolled in Kalamazoo Valley’s culinary arts and sustainable food systems programs put their training to work in the Havirmill Cafe. The cafe offers grab-and-go options, as well as a hot bar with freshly made entrees. It is located in the Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary and Allied Health Building, 418 E. Walnut St., in downtown Kalamazoo.
Havirmill Cafe hours are Monday - Thursday from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. beginning Jan. 16. Please follow the Havirmill Cafe Facebook page at www.facebook.com/KVculinaryeats.
Work Out for Free on Campus
The Wellness and Fitness Center on the Texas Township Campus is open to all currently enrolled students and offers:
- 40+ pieces of cardio equipment
- Complete lineup of selectorized strength equipment
- Easy-to-follow full-body circuit
- Spacious yoga room
- Complimentary towels
- Lockers upon request
- Locker room access with showers
- Pool access
- Free weight room
Wellness and Fitness Center hours are Monday - Thursday, from 6 a.m. - 8 p.m., and Friday, from 6 a.m. - 6 p.m.
The pool is open:
Monday | 4 - 7 p.m.
Tuesday | 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. and 4 - 7 p.m.
Wednesday | 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. and 4 - 7 p.m.
Thursday | 4 - 7 p.m.
Registration Underway for Valley's MLK Jr. Celebration on Jan. 30
Join us as we honor six people who’ve made extraordinary contributions for freedom, justice and democracy. Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s MLK Day discussion luncheon will take place on Thursday, Jan. 30 from noon - 1:30 p.m. at the Texas Township Campus. It is free, and open to the public and the campus community. Lunch is included. RSVPs are encouraged by Jan. 24 by clicking here for meal-planning purposes, but drop-ins are welcome. Read more about the honorees and the event here.
Find MLK Day Events at Valley’s Online Community Calendar
Are you looking for events to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2025? Or a volunteer opportunity to serve others in Dr. King's honor? Check out Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s online communitywide calendar of MLK Day events. Spread the word!
See the Valley Basketball Teams in Action – for FREE!
It’s officially basketball season! Cheer on the women’s and men’s basketball teams at their first home game of the new year on Saturday, Jan. 18, with start times at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., respectively, against Kellogg Community College, in the main gym at Kalamazoo Valley Community College's Texas Township Campus. Admission is free. Find the full season schedule at athletics.kvcc.edu. Below are upcoming home games in January and February:
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
- Wednesday | Jan. 22 | 5:30 p.m. (vs. Southwestern Michigan College)
- Saturday | Jan. 25 | 1 p.m. (vs. Marian University’s Ancilla College)
- Saturday | Feb. 1 | 1 p.m. (vs. Glenn Oaks Community College)
- Wednesday | Feb. 5 | 5:30 p.m. (vs. Lake Michigan College)
- Saturday | Feb. 8 | p.m. (vs. Lansing Community College)
- Saturday | Feb. 22 | p.m. (vs. Grand Rapids Community College)
MEN’S BASKETBALL
- Wednesday | Jan. 22 | 7:30 p.m. (vs. Southwestern Michigan College)
- Saturday | Jan. 25 | 3 p.m. (vs. Marian University’s Ancilla College)
- Saturday | Feb. 1 | 3 p.m. (vs. Glenn Oaks Community College)
- Wednesday | Feb. 5 | 7:30 p.m. (vs. Lake Michigan College)
- Saturday | Feb. 8 | 3 p.m. (vs. Lansing Community College)
- Saturday | Feb. 22 | 3 p.m. (vs. Grand Rapids Community College)
Did You Know Admission is Free to the Kalamazoo Valley Museum?
Visit kalamazoomuseum.org anytime for the Kalamazoo Valley Museum’s latest exhibits, musical performances, lectures, films, hands-on activities and outdoor programs. The museum is operated by Kalamazoo Valley Community College at 230 N. Rose St. in downtown Kalamazoo. It is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. (closed on Mondays). Planetarium shows are offered throughout the week for $3. Click here for the show schedule.
Two Mini-Exhibits Explore Local Black History
Learn interesting local Black history facts from two mini-exhibits at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, on display now through March 2. The “One Family's Legacy: The Williams-Johnson Family” mini-exhibit features photos and mementos representing over 100 years of Black history in Kalamazoo, curated with the assistance of community leader Jacob Mabry Pinney-Johnson. Pinney-Johnson is a fourth-generation Kalamazoo resident whose family members were important to the history of Southwest Michigan. The second mini-exhibit, "Collecting Black History: Murphy Darden's Legacy,” showcases items collected by late Kalamazoo historian and artist Murphy Darden, including artifacts, images and historic documents chronicling the achievements of African Americans, as well as his artwork. Admission is free.
Closing Next Weekend: ‘State Hospital’ Exhibit
Sunday, Jan. 19 is the last chance to see the “Kalamazoo State Hospital: 165 Years of Psychiatric Care” exhibit. It chronicles the fascinating story of the Kalamazoo Regional Psychiatric Hospital, examining the history of its patients, employees and buildings on its Oakland Drive campus. Admission is free.
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