March 18, 2024
Greetings students,
Welcome back! I hope that you enjoyed your spring break and have come back recharged and ready to tackle the rest of the semester. The halls and classrooms in our campuses were too quiet while you were gone and we're glad you're back.
As you head into the final stretch in these last five weeks before the end of the semester, stay strong. If you need motivation, remember your dreams and why you are here. Your hard work will pay off in the future in more ways than you can imagine.
If you need help, don't be afraid to ask for it. That's what we're here for - to help you attain your goals. Ask your instructors for help when you are stuck or don't understand. Reach out to Student Development Services at 269.488.4040 if you need food or other life resources, mental health support or assistance with planning for the future.
I have observed that Kalamazoo Valley Community College students are among the most dedicated individuals in the nation. I'm impressed by how hard you work and am looking forward to celebrating your success when you cross the finish line.
Sincerely,
L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President
Fall 2024 Registration Begins April 1, Class Schedule Available
Registration for the Fall 2024 semester begins the week of April 1 and is based on earned credit hours. Click here to view the Summer 2024 course schedule. Fall registration dates are as follows:
- Students with 36 or more credit hours | April 1 at 8 a.m.
- Students with 24 or more credit hours | April 2 at 8 a.m.
- Students with 12 or more credit hours | April 3 at 8 a.m.
- Registration for all other students | April 4 at 8 a.m.
Payment is due July 15 by 7 p.m., when registration temporarily closes for non-payment cancellations. Upon reopening on July 18, classes that are not paid for, on a payment plan, covered by financial aid or covered by a third-party will be dropped after five business days of registration. Advisors and counselors are available to help students select the correct courses for each degree plan. To schedule an appointment, call 269.488.4040.
Deadline to Petition to Graduate is March 31
Are you planning to graduate in April? The deadline to petition to graduate for winter semester completion is March 31. Students who petition after the deadline may not have their names printed in the April 2024 Commencement program book. Click here to submit your application.
Students are encouraged to take part in celebrating their achievements by attending commencement on April 28 at 2 p.m. at Miller Auditorium. Information will be emailed to eligible participants on April 1. Click here to see highlights from the December commencement. For questions, call the Admissions, Registration and Records office at 269.488.4281.
Volunteers Wanted
The American Red Cross of Southwest Michigan is currently seeking Youth Members (ages 17-24) to join its Board of Directors. The Youth Board Member will serve in an honorary capacity by providing perspective and input to improve our overall engagement with youth in our community: as volunteers and recipients of Red Cross services. Please contact Adam Castle, executive director, at adam.castle@redcross.org for more information.
(l-r) Dusti Morton, L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D., Heather Weinert, Abigayle Minger
PTK Members Awarded All-Michigan Academic Team Acknowledgment
Three members of Kalamazoo Valley Community College's Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) chapter were recently named to the PTK All-Michigan Academic Team, one of whom was awarded a Coca-Cola Silver Scholarship and named to the Coca-Cola Academic Team. The chapter's winners attended an awards luncheon with Kalamazoo Valley President L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D., March 11 in Lansing, Michigan.
Recognized Kalamazoo Valley PTK members include:
Abigayle Minger - Liberal Arts
Dusti Morton - Administrative Assistant
Heather Weinert - General Studies, Coca-Cola Academic Team Silver Scholar
Looking for a Job, Internship, Apprenticeship and/or Volunteer Opportunity?
Student Employment Services assists students with job searching, resume writing and interview practicing. Visit Career Coach, Kalamazoo Valley's online job board, to see if there is something that interests you. If you are looking for something other than what is listed, we can help. Call 269.488.4040 or email careercenter@kvcc.edu to schedule an appointment.
Here are some of the jobs currently posted on Career Coach:
Business Pathways (Accounting/Business/Information Technology/Marketing/Administrative Assistant)
Retail Personal Banker Associate I - Fifth Third Bank
Computer Tech & Customer Service - Afftech Inc.
Customer Service Representative - AtWork Personnel
Parks & Recreation Event Program Manager - City of Portage
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement/Public Service
Campus Safety Officer - Kalamazoo College
Michigan Department of Corrections - Corrections Officer
Culinary/Brewing (Sustainable Food Systems)
Bakery Staff - Dessert First
Cook - Vineyard Assisted Living
Pastry Chef - Firekeepers Casino and Hotel
Education
Several education-related openings
Engineering & Skilled Trades
Maintenance Technician - Ram Partners, Willow Creek Apartments
Engineering Technician - FBN Sales, Inc.
Facilities Technician II - Kalsec
Apprentice Electrician - ControlNET
Maintenance Mechanic - Kalsec
General Studies
Picking/Packing Clerk - AtWork Personnel
Web or Converting Extra - Graphic Packaging International
Health Careers
Donor Support Technician/Phlebotomy Assistant & Phlebotomy jobs - CSL Plasma
Dental Hygienist - Several Postings
Medical Scribe - Helix Scribe Solutions
Graduate Respiratory Therapist - Bronson Healthcare Group
Patient Care Assistant - Bronson Healthcare Group
Multiple direct care worker/home health aide postings
Human Services/Social Sciences/Public Services
Peer Support Specialist NAVIGATE Team - Integrated Services of Kalamazoo
Skill Building Technician - Residential Opportunities, Inc.
Housing Resource Specialist - City of Portage
Volunteer/Unpaid Internship Opportunities
Various remote volunteer and internship opportunities with The Borgen Project
Companionship Volunteer - Elara Caring
Sonya Bernard-Hollins, Stephanie Lemmer, Susan Miller, Nancy Young
Inspiration Celebration: Women's History Month at Kalamazoo Valley
In celebration of Women's History Month, the college is hosting a luncheon for faculty, staff, students and community members. Four noteworthy women will be honored and will participate in a panel discussion: Sonya Bernard-Hollins, CEO and Founder of Merze Tate Explorers; Stephanie Lemmer, Superintendent of Pennfield Schools; Susan Miller, Kalamazoo Valley Community College Trustee Emeritus; and Nancy Young, Serials Supervisor at Kalamazoo Valley Community College Library.
Friday, March 29 | Noon - 1:30 p.m. | Texas Township Campus, Room 4240
A luncheon featuring lemon chicken, build-your-own spring salad, roasted potatoes and asparagus and assorted dessert bars will be served. Please RSVP here by March 22.
Student Nurses Association Collection Drive
The Student Nurses Association is sponsoring a collection drive to benefit the women's and children's program at the YWCA from March 18 - April 22. Collection boxes will be set up in all the buildings. Specific needs are diapers (size 3, 4, 5 and 6), baby wipes, gift cards, personal care items like body wash, deodorant, hair care supplies and lotions, linens such as twin bed sheets, blankets, towels, etc. See more details here.
Submissions Accepted for Ned Foskey Poetry Prize Contest
Submissions for the annual Ned Foskey Poetry Prize Contest are being accepted until March 22. All Kalamazoo Valley students are eligible to enter. Foskey was a tutor in Kalamazoo Valley's Writing Center and the contest was established by his family to honor his memory and the students who he enjoyed helping. Winners will receive a cash prize. All winners and honorable mentions will be invited to read at the Ned Foskey Poetry Prize Reading on May 3. Access the entry form here.
Kalamazoo Valley Libraries:
Open House Library Egg Hunt and ScienceDirect Database
Open House and Library Egg Hunt
Attend the Library Egg Hunt at TTC:
- Tuesday, March 19, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Take part in our egg hunt, win prizes, enjoy refreshments and learn about the academic support we offer.
Database Spotlight: ScienceDirect-Health & Life Sciences
If you need top-notch academic articles from nursing, dentistry and medicine to biology and neuroscience, access Elsevier's ScienceDirect database through our Articles & Research Databases page on the Libraries website:
- Find full-text sources among some 19 million articles and chapters from over 2,650 peer-reviewed journals and 43,000 ebooks.
- Browse over 600 open-access journals from one of the fastest-growing open-access publishers in the world.
- Click on embedded Topic Page links within documents to gain additional context, updates and insight into the field you are studying.
Hours and Contact Information
Spring into Baseball, Softball Seasons on March 19
One sure sign that spring is here is the start of the 2024 baseball and softball season at Kalamazoo Valley Community College! The first official conference game for men's baseball will be home at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 19 versus Kellogg Community College. All home games are free. The Lady Cougars softball team's first conference game is away at 3 p.m. Tuesday, March 19 at Marian University's Ancilla College in Plymouth, Indiana. Read a season preview article here. Below are the other games planned for March. Home games are bolded. Visit athletics.kvcc.edu for the full schedule and scores.
Baseball
- THURSDAY, MARCH 21 | 2 p.m. (@Lake Michigan College)
- SATURDAY, MARCH 23 | 1 p.m. (@Lansing Community College)
- MONDAY, MARCH 25 | 2 p.m. (@Concordia University JV)
- WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27 | 2 p.m. (@Davenport University JV)
- THURSDAY, MARCH 28 | 2 p.m. (Home vs. Glen Oaks Community College)
- SATURDAY, MARCH 30 | 1 p.m. (@Marian University's Ancilla College)
Softball
- FRIDAY, MARCH 22 | 3 p.m. (Home vs. Jackson Community College)
- SATURDAY, MARCH 23 | 1 p.m. (Home vs. Glen Oaks Community College)
- TUESDAY, MARCH 26 | 3 p.m. (Home vs. Cornerstone University)
- FRIDAY, MARCH 29 | 3 p.m. (@Lake Michigan College)
- SATURDAY, MARCH 30 | 1 p.m. (@Lansing Community College)
Learn about Valley's Used Name Policy on March 29
Registration is underway for "Understanding the Used Name Policy," to be held Friday, March 29, from 9 - 10:30 a.m., in Room 1350 on the Texas Township Campus. All are welcome to attend. Please email Trice Batson at tbatson@kvcc.edu to reserve your spot. Together, Trice Batson and Franki Hand will give an update of Kalamazoo Valley Community College's Used Name Policy and how to support those interested in requesting a used name. The policy supports the college's commitment to creating inclusive and equitable classrooms, campuses and communities. This process allows students, faculty and staff to use a name of their choosing in many places where a legal name is not required, recognizing that people have many reasons for doing so. It also allows for the self-designation of appropriate pronouns.
Next Mental Health First Aid Training Offered April 3 at TTC
Open to staff, faculty and students! FREE! Join us for Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training on Wednesday, April 3 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the Texas Township Campus (room to be determined). RSVP by March 27 to Trice Batson at tbatson@kvcc.edu. Ten registrants are required or the session is canceled. It will be led by Integrated Services of Kalamazoo. MHFA is the help offered to a person who may be developing a mental health challenge or is in a mental health crisis. There will be light snacks and beverages during the morning and afternoon. Lunch is on your own.
Invasive Species Pull Scheduled for April 19
Sponsored by the Kalamazoo Valley Sustainability Committee
Friday, April 19 | 1 p.m. | Meet at the south end of the faculty parking lot
Volunteers will pull garlic mustard from the woods adjacent the south side of the Texas Township Campus. Consider wearing long sleeves and pants and bring gloves and hats. All are welcome.
Recycling Event Planned for April 19
Continuing a partnership with the City of Kalamazoo and Green Earth Electronics Recycling, the college will once again be hosting an Earth Day recycling event on Friday, April 19 from 1 - 4 p.m. at the Texas Township Campus. EPS foam (commonly known as Styrofoam) and electronics will be accepted. The event is open to both the public and the college community. Volunteers are needed to help assist with the collection of the materials. If you are interested in volunteering, please email Facilities@kvcc.edu for more information. A volunteer sign-up sheet will also be released in an upcoming Friday Focus publication.
 Free Spring Break Activities Planned for Kids from March 26 - 30
Looking for something free to do with the kids for spring break? The Kalamazoo Valley Museum will offer a mix of entertainment and learning experiences for all ages, from March 26 - 30. Explore exhibits, participate in art or science activities, attend themed events and enjoy fun, educational days. All events are connected with the newest exhibit, "Skin: Living Armor, Evolving Identity," which illuminates the wonders of skin, the body's largest organ. Preregistration is not required for activities, and admission to the museum and exhibits are also free. Find the schedule of events, including times and dates, at kalamazoomuseum.org.
African Cuisine Explored at 2024 Foodways Symposium April 5 - 6
Enjoy free African cuisine and culture on April 5 and 6 at the 2024 Kalamazoo Valley Foodways Symposium, an annual food celebration sponsored by Kalamazoo Valley Community College. This year focuses on African heritage foodways. Festivities open with a keynote address and exploration of the gardening of some delicious plants of Africa on Friday, April 5, from 6 - 8:30 p.m., at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. Expect hands-on cooking classes, lectures, African dancing, youth activities, a brewery open house and more on Saturday, April 6, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., at the Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary and Allied Health Building, located at 418 E. Walnut St. in downtown Kalamazoo. Visit kalamazoofoodways.org to view the schedule and register for cooking classes.
Free Viewing Glasses Available for April's Solar Eclipse
Prepare for the April 8 solar eclipse by picking up a free pair of solar eclipse glasses at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum or the Texas Township Campus Bookstore. Get one per person while supplies last. You're also invited to come to the museum on the day of the eclipse to participate in indoor and outdoor viewing opportunities. Witness the solar eclipse in totality as a live feed in the museum's Mary Jane Stryker Theater from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Or, join the crowd just behind the museum from 1:45 - 4:30 p.m. to safely observe the phenomenon (weather permitting). It is important to note that looking directly at the sun can seriously damage your eyes. For your protection, use solar eclipse viewing glasses or a viewing device. Check out kalamazoomuseum.org to learn how to create a pinhole viewer to safely view the eclipse.
Join Statewide Astronomy Night April 12 at the Museum
The Kalamazoo Valley Museum will participate in Statewide Astronomy Night (SWAN) Friday, April 12, from 5 - 8 p.m., with free astronomy-related activities for all ages, including games, crafts and interactive demonstrations. The evening will also feature free planetarium experiences. Interactive games in the planetarium begin at 5 p.m. At 7 p.m., visitors can go on a sky tour in the planetarium to explore the beauty and wonder of the night sky and learn what noteworthy stars and constellations are visible in the evening skies of early April. Admission is free to this event and to the museum. SWAN is coordinated by Michigan State University's annual Science Festival.
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