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June 1, 2021
Dear Students,
Recently, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced modified COVID-19 (Coronavirus) emergency safety rules. I am communicating with you today to share the good news that the college continues to update and implement its COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Pandemic Response Plan, in accordance with the updated rules, to increase face-to-face instruction, programs and services. Kalamazoo Valley will continue to meet or exceed the minimum requirements for ensuring the health and safety of all people associated with the college.
As we continue the phased-in re-opening of campus buildings for administrators, staff, students and guests, certain health and safety precautions remain in effect, including:
- Face coverings, worn properly, will continued to be required for all people on college property.
- When possible, proper social distancing is still required, existing precautions related to offices, common spaces and classroom and labs will continue.
- Rigorous cleaning and disinfecting protocols will continue.
- Frequent handwashing and the use of hand sanitizer is recommended.
- Daily health screening will continue to be required for all those working, learning or visiting our campus buildings.
- The vaccine has been proven to be a safe and effective way to prevent the spread of the virus and we encourage everyone to become vaccinated.
The incidences of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) infection on our college campuses remain low and continue to decline. As some of the distractions associated with the pandemic begin to subside, I encourage you to stay focused on your summer semester classes. If you need assistance, please contact Student Success Services office to make an appointment with an advisor or counselor. Call 269.488.4040 or self-schedule through your MyValley account.
I thank all of you who have been diligent in protecting yourself and others from the spread of the disease.
Sincerely,
L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President
Fall Semester Registration is Now Open
Fall semester begins Sept. 8 and registration is now open. The college will again be offering a combination of in-person, online and hybrid classes - with nearly 60 percent of fall semester classes having some sort of in-person component. Register now! Not sure what classes to take? Make an appointment with an advisor or counselor by calling 269.488.4040 or self-schedule through your MyValley account.
Feeling Anxious as We Get Back to "Normal?"
COVID restrictions are relaxing, which allow us to get back to the people and things we love, but it's OK if you feel worried or anxious about going back to "normal" as lockdown restrictions loosen. The coronavirus outbreak has been hard for us all and we've all experienced the effects differently, including those of us who have been shielding. Even positive change can lead to anxiety, and it can take time to readjust to things we have not done for a while. Feelings of post-lockdown anxiety are likely to pass with time as we get used to the "new normal" but it's important to do what we can to take care of our mental health. There are lots of things that can help you to manage these feelings and make it easier to adjust. Here are a few tips for taking care of your mental health as things change.
1. Go at your own pace
It might be tempting to make lots of plans and say yes to everything as things start to open up, but there's no need to rush. Take it step by step, and only do what is comfortable and safe for you to ease back into socializing - then you can build your time back up as your confidence returns.
2. Do not avoid things entirely
Avoiding the things that make us anxious can sometimes feel like the easier option in the short term, but this can make it harder to start facing our fears in the longer term. Instead, try to set yourself small but manageable targets - like meeting 1 person for a coffee or snack outside, or getting a haircut - and gradually build up from there. It can help to confide in a friend or family member so they can support you to overcome your anxieties.
3. Communicate beforehand
Before socializing with others, talk about the situation with them to make sure everybody is on the same page about what feels comfortable. If you live with other people, it's a good idea to talk to them about changes to restrictions as well. Being aware of everybody's fears and expectations can help to avoid conflict.
Information for Students Expecting a Credit Balance/Refund
The earliest date financial aid refunds (not including loans) are available for Summer 2021 is Friday, June 4 by 5 p.m. Credit balance/refunds are available based on when your individual classes start and after class attendance standards have been verified. Students expecting a credit balance/refund should refer to the Financial Aid Disbursement Schedule for Summer 2021 for more detailed information. The earliest date loan refunds are available is June 11, 2021.
Student Choice Refunds
Kalamazoo Valley Community College has partnered with Nelnet Business Solutions, a leading provider of campus commerce for higher education, to offer an easy way to get your refund each semester if money is due back to you. The best part is you get to choose how we send you your refund.
The three options are:
> Direct Deposit: Simply provide your bank account information and we'll deposit your refund directly into that account.
> Prepaid Debit Cards: We can load your refund to any re-loadable debit card.
> Paper Check: We can mail a paper check to the address on file with the college. Please be sure the college has your current address.
To select how you prefer to receive your refund, log in to MyValley, click on the Student Choice Refund link, select how you want to receive your refund and fill in the necessary information. If you are due a refund, we will send it to you using the option you selected.
New to Kalamazoo Valley? Get Your Valley ID Card Now
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 will 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 summer semester and tuition must be paid before you will receive your ID.
Summer Semester Tutoring
Math Center
Drop-in Math Tutoring on Zoom. Please use the following link to visit the Virtual Math Center: https://zoom.us/j/95265827371
The hours of operation for the Virtual Math Center are:
Monday - Thursday: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Sunday: 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Writing Center
Drop-in Writing Tutoring on Zoom. Please use the following link to visit the Virtual Writing Center: https://zoom.us/j/94925726753
The hours of operation for the Virtual Writing Center are:
Monday - Thursday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Sunday: 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Course Specific Center
Course Specific Tutoring on Zoom is available by appointment for biology, chemistry, physics, geo-sciences, Spanish, economics and computer classes.To schedule an appointment, please email learningcenter@kvcc.edu or call 269.488.4397
For more information about tutoring, click here.
Need Something from the Kalamazoo Valley Bookstore?
Order online at bookstore.kvcc.edu, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Choose in-store pickup or ship for just $5 (orders ship within ONE business day -- usually faster!).
Need some extra help? Come see us at the Bookstore!
Monday - Thursday from 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Visit the bookstore website bookstore.kvcc.edu for additional information, great products and selection!
Need a Job? Career Coach Can Help
If you're looking for a job, Kalamazoo Valley has a tool to assist you. 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.
Kalamazoo Valley Libraries - Make Mental Health a Priority
The past year has brought our awareness of mental health challenges front and center. Expand your knowledge on this critical topic which affects not only ourselves, but so many of our friends, families, and communities. Explore our virtual book display about Mental Health.
This display features so much more than books:
- Statistics on mental illness in the United States
- Links to local resources
- Information about the college's psychology department for those interested in further studies
- Books highlighting the personal stories of those who have experienced mental illness, as well as general books covering the spectrum of disorders
- Links to more books and articles
Check out our How-To Videos if you need help creating an account to log into the ValleyCat Library Catalog or how to put a library book on hold.
Summer Hours 2021
Virtual Hours:
Monday - Thursday | 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Chat with a college librarian 24/7
Library Open Hours:
Texas Township Campus Library (TTC)
Monday - Thursday | 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.*
Arcadia Commons Campus Library (ACC)
(located in Anna Whitten Hall, Room 321)
Monday | 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Tuesday | 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Wednesday - Thursday | 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Curbside Assistance:
Texas Township Campus Library (TTC)
Monday - Thursday | 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.*
* The libraries are closed until 9 a.m. on Tuesdays for staff training.
Kalamazoo Valley's Tenth Alumni+ Art Show set for this Weekend
Kalamazoo Valley's Tenth Alumni+ Art Show begins during Art Hop at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, June 4 at the Center for New Media in downtown Kalamazoo. Works will be displayed at the Center for New Media as well as online at the Center for New Media Facebook and Instagram. Awards will be announced the night of the show. Guests will be required to wear face coverings and social distance when possible.
This juried art show enables Kalamazoo Valley alumni to showcase their works in a professional gallery setting. Works submitted will be considered for awards which will be presented to artists on the night of the show. Previous show entries have come from alumni with a variety of backgrounds including law enforcement, accounting, and medical coding. This year's exhibit will include 58 entries from 22 alumni artists who work in many different genres.
The art show is sponsored by Kalamazoo Valley's Alumni+ program, which was launched in April 2010 as a way for graduates, former students, and supporters of Kalamazoo Valley to stay connected to the college and each other. The exhibit will remain on display through the end of June.
 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 covering.
If you have any questions, please email foodshare@kvcc.edu.
Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom Takes Place June 19
Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom, a live-streamed event, will be viewable on Facebook from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 19 at SoulArtistryLLC and KalamazooMuseum.
This annual celebration to commemorate the history of Juneteenth, organized by Soul Artistry LLC, features some of Kalamazoo's most prominent Black creatives with dance, music, poetry and more.
Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to June 19, 1865, Juneteenth was established by African Americans and is observed annually in remembrance of emancipation.
Need Assistance? Student Services can Help!
Students who need assistance should contact the departments below to schedule:
- Virtual appointments
- In-person appointments
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.
As a reminder, the college adopts summer hours from May 17 through August 13. Hours are as follows: Monday - Thursday | 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., with a limited number of student services open until 7 p.m. on Tuesdays.
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 Apprenticeships: apprenticeship@kvcc.edu or 269.488.4873
Bookstore: bookstore.kvcc.edu or 268.488.4030
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
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 of Early/Middle College & Dual Enrollment: earlymiddlecollege@kvcc.edu or 269.488.4509
Office for Student Access: studentaccess@kvcc.edu or 269.488.4397
Pay Station: paystation@kvcc.edu or 269.488.4162
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
Tutoring: learningcenter@kvcc.edu or 269.488.4397
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.
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