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March 22, 2021
Greetings Students,
Kalamazoo Valley Community College welcomes students from all backgrounds. We consider this diversity one of our strengths. We strive to make Kalamazoo Valley a safe place where every person can learn, belong and achieve success.
That is why we are deeply saddened by the recent uptick in violence against Asian Americans and Asian Pacific Islanders. The college remains dedicated to the changes we seek in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion.
The outcry for social justice and tolerance for all people compels us to examine our own beliefs and values. Our college values provide the high standard for interactions with one another during these challenging times.
Just one year ago, college buildings closed and Kalamazoo Valley transitioned all classes and support services to remote or virtual instruction as the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) spread across the region. Last week we commemorated an ominous anniversary, yet are still determined to move forward.
In spite of the college's low infection rate for students, faculty and staff, we mourn with those who have lost loved ones and friends to the ravages of the pandemic. We are mindful of the economic hardship thrust upon many of you resulting from job losses. To one degree or another, the fallout caused by the virus and situations around the country and world have taken a toll on our mental health and well-being.
However, your response has been and continues to be nothing short of remarkable. Throughout these past 12 months, you have found the strength and developed the perseverance to take care of your loved ones and yourself while showing compassion and offering grace to others. I am proud of your efforts and I am proud of you. We must remain steadfast in our efforts. Thank you.
Sincerely,
L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President
Petition to Graduate
Students planning to graduate May 2 should petition to graduate by March 31. You can access your Degree Works audit via MyValley, under the My Links section to view the list of required courses for your declared program of study, what courses have been completed and applied toward your degree, the semester completed and the grade you received.
If, after reviewing your Degree Works program, you find discrepancies or have questions, call Student Success Services to make an appointment with an advisor or counselor at 269.488.4100 (TTC) or 269.373.7834 (ACC) before filing your Petition for Graduation. To be eligible for graduation, you must meet all of the prescribed course and credit hour requirements for your specific curriculum. Courses below a 100 level do not apply toward degree requirements.
You must complete and submit your Petition for Graduation online before you can graduate. Click on the Graduation/Petition to Graduate link within your My Links section of MyValley
Summer Semester Classes
Summer semester begins May 10 and registration is now open. The college will be offering in-person, online and hybrid classes. For a complete list of in-person classes click here. As a reminder, tuition for summer semester is due by 7 p.m. April 6, 2021. If tuition is not received or payment arrangements made, classes will be dropped.
Fire Science Academy Accepting Applications Soon
Interested in a career as a firefighter? Apply for the next Fire Science Academy beginning April 1. The academy meets on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights from 6 - 10 p.m. and every other Saturday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. beginning August 17 and ending December 16. The application deadline is May 28. For more information, email Karen Rivard at krivard@kvcc.edu.
Kalamazoo Valley Community College to Host May 2 Drive-Thru Celebration
To honor its May 2021 graduates as well as those students who attained their degrees last spring, summer, and fall, Kalamazoo Valley is hosting a May 2, 2 p.m. Drive-Thru Celebration in the Texas Township Campus parking lot. The event is being held as an alternative to the traditional gathering at Western Michigan University's Miller Auditorium. Due to safety precautions put in place to guard against the spread of Covid-19 (Coronavirus), the college is not hosting large, indoor events.
Graduates who choose to participate in the event will be invited to park their cars and will then be routed across the flag pole entrance to receive their diplomas and certificates. Dr. Washington will provide brief congratulatory remarks. Graduates will be required to RSVP.
Invitations will be mailed to previous graduates and pending 2021 students on April 1. RSVP is required in order to attend. The deadline to RSVP is April 23.
Do You Need MATH 115 for your Degree Program?
Students who need MATH 115 for their degree program but have not yet met the prerequisite requirements for that math course have a new option beginning in the Fall 2021 semester. Students who do not yet meet the prerequisite requirements for MATH 115 can simultaneously enroll in a three-credit support course, MATH 095, along with MATH 115. While this will require seven credits of math in one semester, this option provides the opportunity to potentially complete your college-level math requirement in one semester, rather than two or more. There will be three scheduled versions of this class pairing offered in Fall 2021: one at TTC, one at AWH and one through Zoom. If you are interested in this opportunity, please reach out to your academic advisor for more information.
Fall Semester Registration
It's not to early to begin thinking about fall semester classes. The schedule will be available May 10, with registration beginning the week of May 17. Classes start Sept. 8.
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
The Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services Department is reporting that healthcare partners such as hospitals, federally qualified health centers, pharmacies, and local public health departments have administered 97,273 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to Kalamazoo County residents. This represents 29.1% of residents over the age of 16 who have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to date.
Recently, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) made several announcements expanding eligibility for COVID-19 vaccinations. Adults over the age of fifty became eligible as of March 8. Beginning March 22, individuals over the age of 16 with disabilities or medical conditions will be eligible. All Michiganders age 16 and up will be eligible to receive a vaccination beginning April 5. Despite this expanded eligibility, vaccination efforts in Kalamazoo County will continue to prioritize residents based on highest risk, including older adults, those with underlying medical conditions, and frontline workers.
Due to the eligibility expansion by MDHHS, Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services Department will no longer maintain a pre-registration process or a "waitlist" for Phase 1A, Phase 1B, and those 65 years or older. Rather, the health department has introduced an online self-scheduling tool for Kalamazoo County residents who are eligible to make appointments for upcoming clinics.
Appointment scheduling process for people over the age 65: Kalamazoo County residents over the age of 65 continue to be prioritized for vaccination. The health department reserves special appointment slots at upcoming clinics for this age group. If you are 65 or older and have not yet received the COVID-19 vaccine and wish to do so, call the health department's COVID-19 Call Center at 269.373.5200 to schedule your appointment.
Appointment scheduling process for people over the age 50 and people over the age of 16 with disabilities or medical conditions: Starting March 22, people over the age of 50 and people over the age of 16 with disabilities or medical conditions may use the online self-scheduling system. Appointments are released on Mondays at 7 a.m., 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. at www.kalcounty.com/hcs/covid19vaccine. Residents with limited internet access are encouraged to call the COVID-19 Call Center at 269.373.5200 for assistance in scheduling appointments. Please note, those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at the clinic.
Appointment scheduling process for caregivers of individuals with special needs: Caregivers of individuals with special needs can now pre-register on the waitlist form at www.kalcounty.com/hcs/covid19vaccine. You will receive an invite to schedule your vaccine from the health department by email or phone. If you provide an email address, please make sure the email is entered correctly and you check it regularly.
Appointment scheduling process for Phase 1A and Phase 1B: Phase 1A and Phase 1B workers are continuing to be prioritized with the limited vaccine supply received until eligibility is expanded to all Michiganders age 16 and older on April 5.
Though these opportunities are not sponsored by Kalamazoo Valley Community College, we are encouraging all people to access the vaccine when it becomes available to them.
 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
March 23 | Sister2Brother | 3 - 5 p.m.
S2B events are for students looking to network, discover and develop leadership skills.
March 24 | Western Wednesday | 10 - 11 a.m.
Are you interested in transferring to Western Michigan University after goal completion at Kalamazoo Valley? Meet with admission representatives to learn more about the transfer process. RSVP to get the Zoom link.
March 25 | Western On-Site Admissions
Western Michigan University is hosting a virtual on-site event on Thursday, March 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. During this event you can take advantage of the opportunity to receive an on-site admission decision from WMU. This event is designed for Kalamazoo Valley transfer students to:
- Learn about WMU's undergraduate majors.
- Discover how your credits will transfer to WMU.
- Speak with representatives from academic colleges and advising.
- Apply for FREE! ($40 application fee is waived for attendees).
- Receive your decision the same day.
Sign up now to reserve your spot!
March 26 | Strengths & Wellbeing | 12- 1 p.m.
Know your top 5 Strengths, but still wondering what it looks like to apply them to your daily life and goals intentionally? Join us for a conversation about how Strengths discovery, development, application and relationship building leads to increased engagement and improved wellbeing.
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 virtually! Check out the complete list here. Want to start your own club? Contact Coty Dunten at cdunten@kvcc.edu.
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 of upcoming events and activities at the college and in the community.
Virtual International Student Showcase
International Student Services and the Kalamazoo Valley Global Student Union are excited to announce the 2021 International Student Showcase, a series of educational student-produced videos highlighting some of the countries represented among Kalamazoo Valley's student body. Kalamazoo Valley welcomes students from over 20 countries - learn more about them by enjoying the International Student Showcase!
March 24 | Virtual Student Showcase | 11 a.m.
Videos will be released via Facebook and Instagram.
Celebrate Women's History Month
The college has been hosting different events during the month of March and providing multiple opportunities to recognize the achievements and challenges of women. The last event will provide reflections on the pandemic. Presenters will share creative works including: photography and creative writing; social science research; reflections on their daily lives, reflections on mental health concerns; care-giving and other work/life issues; women in the academy; pedagogical concerns and strategies, and struggles with maintaining connection with friends and colleagues. All presenters are faculty and employees of Kalamazoo Valley Community College and their talks will relate to women's experiences during the pandemic.
March 25 | Kalamazoo Valley Community College Women: Reflections on the Pandemic | 12:30 - 3 p.m.
RSVP to get the Zoom link.
Many of Kalamazoo's trailblazing women are featured in the history gallery and online collection at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. Learn more here.
The Kalamazoo Valley Libraries have also created a virtual display of books related to Women's History. Check out the full display here.
Virtual Workshop "A Year of Grief and Loss"
We've all been heavily impacted by the multitude of events that have transpired over this past year. Join Kalamazoo Valley counselors as they explore the different types of grief and loss that have been experienced, as well as the impact. Counselors will address coping strategies, normal emotions and reactions that coincide with grief/loss and how to support others. For more information, contact Chris Stroven at cstroven@kvcc.edu.
March 29 | A Year of Grief and Loss |1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Join via Zoom.
Friday Virtual Employer of the Day Events for ANM and ART Students
These events are meant to give students an opportunity to learn about Art and New Media and Art career paths from local employers.
April 9 | Newhall Klein Brands | 1 p.m.
This is a great opportunity to learn about your career path from a local employer. Newhall Klein has been in business for more than 30 years offering clients branding, media, packaging, photography, print and web design services. For more details about the company, click here.
Join via Zoom.
April 16 | LKF Marketing | 1 p.m.
LKF Marketing has offered Intelligent Marketing Solutions since 1989. Our work hard, play hard team specializes in full-service advertising, marketing, public relations, and website design and development. While Kalamazoo is our home, we thrive on holistically partnering with clients - or family as we prefer to call them - across the country and worldwide. To learn more about the company, click here.
Join via Zoom.
Apply Now for the Women's Coalition Grant
The Women's Education Coalition Grant program is a cooperative venture of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc, the YWCA of Kalamazoo and the former Kalamazoo Network. Its purpose is to provide renewable grant assistance to women who are currently underemployed or unemployed and are in need of education to become financially self-sufficient. The deadline to apply is May 15, 2021.
Eligibility for this grant follows:
- Women residing in Kalamazoo, Barry, Calhoun, Allegan, St. Joseph or Van Buren Counties are eligible for WEC grants. Priority will be given to underemployed working mothers and those enrolling or enrolled in not-for-profit educational institutions.
- Applicants must be adult women who have had a significant break in their formal education.
- Demonstrate how post-high school education will help them reach their goals of increased financial independence. They may enroll in any educational curriculum or program or professional development opportunity which will lead to employment or improved employment.
- They must have been admitted to the institution of their choice.
- Both part-time and full-time students may apply for assistance.
- Must demonstrate financial need.
Click here for more information and here to apply.
Kalamazoo Valley Libraries: Check Out Our New Virtual Book Displays
Do you miss walking through the library and seeing displays filled with great books on important and exciting topics? Are you looking for something interesting to read or watch? Great news, the library now has virtual book displays available! Each display features an easily browseable collection of suggested books and movies available at Kalamazoo Valley that are perfect for you.
Displays Available Now:
- Women's History: Explore the amazing contributions of women to our society with books and movies on Women's history, fiction by or about women, as well as children's books.
- Black History: It doesn't need to be February to learn about Black History! Featured are an assortment of resources on African-American history, fiction, as well as podcasts.
- Poetry: Stay tuned for this display in April.
Check out the display home page for information about locating, reserving, and checking out these books.
Look for a new display each month!
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.
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.
Need Assistance? Student Services can Help!
Students who need assistance can schedule:
- Virtual appointments
- In-person appointments (by appointment only)
Click here for a complete Student Services contact list.
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.
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.
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