May 10, 2022
Welcome to Summer Semester!
Thank you for choosing Kalamazoo Valley Community College for your summer studies. Many of you are taking classes during the summer semester to stay on track for Kalamazoo Valley degree or certificate completion. Others are joining us as guest students, taking advantage of affordable tuition rates and outstanding instruction before returning to a four-year institution in the fall. All learners are welcome here!
Beginning today, the college enters a new phase of response to COVID-19 virus and its variants. Employees, students and visitors are no longer required to wear a face-covering while on any Kalamazoo Valley campus or in its buildings, including the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. However, face coverings may still be required in specified areas where external entities or industry standards require this precaution.
Those who wish to continue to wear a face covering are encouraged to do so. I expect that regardless of the personal decision of others, all will be treated with dignity and respect. I am counting on you to do your part by demonstrating professionalism and compassion as we move into this post-surge and adaptation phase.
Creating a respectful and welcoming environment for all is a shared responsibility. We will continue to monitor data and conditions and I will keep you informed of any associated changes.
I am looking forward to an amazing summer semester and wish you much success as you pursue your educational goals!
Sincerely,
L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President
Summer Hours Begin Today
Beginning today and continuing through August 5, the college is open 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Thursday, with some student services available until 7 p.m. on Tuesdays. The college is closed on Fridays. Click here for specific building hours.
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 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 summer semester and tuition must be paid before you will receive your ID. IDs for the fall semester will be issued in August.
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 summer. 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 with any questions. See our website for up-to-date summer hours.
Laptops, Hotspots and Calculators
Laptops and hotspots are available for students who do not have access to a computer or Wi-Fi at home. We also have graphing calculators for loan. 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 the college. 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.
Winter Return Reminders
If you have library materials checked out before May 2, 2022, please return them at your soonest convenience. Loaner laptops will not renew for Summer; please return your laptop from last semester and fill out a new Loaner Laptop Approval Form to check out a fully updated model. The form and details are found here.
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
Valley Food Share Begins May 19
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 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 have any questions, please email foodshare@kvcc.edu.
Become a Kalamazoo Valley Lifeguard
In this role, individuals are responsible for providing lifeguard services for the swim classes, open swims and rental groups as needed. Additional hours may be available to work as a Wellness and Fitness Center Specialist, providing assistance in the operation of the Wellness and Fitness Center, Gym Cage and Weight Room.
Minimum Qualifications:
- A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
- Current First Aid, CPR, and Lifeguard certification is required by hire date.
- Knowledge of approved water safety, rescue methods, and specific first aid techniques is required.
- The ability to use good judgment, firmness, and tactfulness in enforcing rules and regulations is required.
Preferred Qualifications and Experience:
- Ability to stand for up to 2 hours at a time. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and push up to 100 pounds. Ability to climb stairs.
- Hours to be worked per week: Varies
- Core hours: Monday - Friday, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. with additional hours as needed.
- Apply by June 30, 2022. See jobs.kvcc.edu for more information or to apply.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Remember to check in on your mental health. As a reminder, professional help is available. On campus, counseling services are available for all students. Please call 269.488.4040, email counseling@kvcc.edu or visit Student Success Services, Room 9300 on Texas Township Campus. Off campus, or for a friend or family member, please contact one of these crisis hotlines:
Gryphon Place: 269.381.HELP (4357) or www.gryphon.org/help
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1.800.273.TALK (8255) or suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Veterans Crisis Line: 1.800.273.8255 and press 1 or Text 838255 or www.veteranscrisisline.net
For emergencies, call 911 or for information or referrals, call 211.
New Course Offerings
The foreign language department has two new courses on the menu for Fall 2022! Sign up for FRL 208: Spanish Language Through Film for Fall 2022 and travel with us to Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Chile and Peru through the magic of film and improve your Spanish along the way. Build your conversational Spanish, as well as your reading and writing skills. Learn useful regional Spanish expressions and slang.
While German languages courses are not new at Kalamazoo Valley, after a long hiatus, Elementary German I is back on the schedule for Fall 2022! This course offers an introduction to the German language and culture with practice in listening, speaking, reading and writing German.
A new CIS course, Introduction to Computer Information Systems, CIS 105, is being offered winter, summer and fall semesters both online and in-person. This three-credit hour, five contact hour course is for students interested in information technology who have limited technical knowledge of computing systems. Students will explore foundational concepts related to computer hardware and software, networking, databases, programming, information systems and data security.
Register now!
Foundation Scholarships Available
Need help paying for college? Apply now for Fall 2022 Foundation sponsored scholarships. Priority awarding deadline is July 1!
 Extended Hours for First Week of Summer Semester
Summer semester begins May 9. For the first week of classes only, the Texas Township Bookstore will extend hours to 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday, then start shortened summer hours of operation the week thereafter. Summer hours will be 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Thursday, in effect from May 15 through Aug. 4.
Attention Current PTK Members
Current and former PTK members are invited to participate in the inaugural PTK Charity Walk. Bring your friends and family and help us raise money for Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes.
Aug. 11 | 6:30 p.m. | Texas Township Campus
Register at www.kvcc.edu/ptk by June 30 | $20 | Registration includes commemorative t-shirt.
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. For more information, contact Coty Dunten or Ezra Bell.
Upcoming events include:
May 12 | Early/Middle College Completion Celebration | 7 p.m. | Gym
Come celebrate the accomplishments of our final year Early/Middle College students. For more information, please contact Deborah Coates.
May 15 | Faculty Instructional Awards Nominations Due
All students are welcome to participate in the Twelfth Annual Faculty Instructional Awards nomination process. The awards are meant to recognize instructors who actively encourage students' intellectual curiosity, engage them in the enterprise of learning and have a life-long impact. Students may nominate one instructor per year. Submit your entry by May 15. Email facultyinstructionalawards@kvcc.edu with questions. Nomination Form.
May 17 | Kalamazoo Promise Services Zoom Pop Up: College and Questions | 5 p.m.
Zoom Pop Ups are presentations focused on development of skills needed to be successful in college and life. Presentations are led by Kalamazoo Promise Services staff, Kalamazoo Valley faculty and community educators. Click here to join.
May 21 | Rube Goldberg: The World of Hilarious Invention: Exhibit Opening Day | KVM
This exhibit showcases Pulitzer Prize winning humorist and inventor Rube Goldberg's iconic contraptions, imaginative illustrations and humorous storytelling, celebrating his skills as both an artist and inventor.
May 31 | Kalamazoo Promise Services Zoom Pop Up: Q+A | 5 p.m.
Zoom Pop Ups are presentations focused on development of skills needed to be successful in college and life. Presentations are led by Kalamazoo Promise Services staff, Kalamazoo Valley faculty and community educators. Click here to join.
For a complete list of activities, check the college calendar.
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. And every Tuesday, you can check us out on TikTok!
Student Art Exhibit Winners Announced
Winners of the Center for New Media's end-of-year art exhibit were announced during Art Hop on May 6.
The award recipients are:
- Best of Show - (The Body) Alisha Richardson. Animation & Game Art
- Director's Choice (Stop Motion w Toys) Logan Pierce. Animation & Game Art
- 1st: Moth Queen | Alisha Richardson | Animation & Game Art
- 2nd: Purple Rage | Mekhi Norwood | Illustration
- 3rd: Zwarte Wolf Brewery Poster | Erica Angelo | Graphic Design
- Honorable Mention: Lore pine | Norah Palomaki | Studio Art
- Honorable Mention: Untitled | Layla Law | Graphic Design
2022 Ned Foskey Poetry Prize: Winners and Honorable Mentions
Congratulations to the 2022 Ned Foskey Poetry Prize winners and honorable mentions! This year's judge was poet, Robert Post. Thank you to all who entered the contest.
- 1st place: "A God Named Boy," Michael Montgomery
- 2nd place: "Sunflower of My Soul," Morgan Taylor
- 3rd place: "Try to Walk in Our Shoes," Jurnee Hastings
Honorable Mentions:
- "Pain Looks Beautiful," Samantha Chavez
- "Take an Adventure this Afternoon," Jeme Richards
- "Hose Shows," Elliot Russell
- "Bleeding Ink," Morgan Taylor
All winners and honorable mention recipients were invited to read their work during Art Hop at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, May 6 at Kalamazoo Valley's Center for New Media.
See photos here.
Kalamazoo Valley Museum Expands Hours Starting May 9
We're excited to announce that the Kalamazoo Valley Museum will now be open for longer hours and on more days. Starting May 9, the schedule is as follows: 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Tuesday - Friday; 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday; and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Note that the museum has lifted its face coverings mandate. And, as always, general admission to the museum is free; $3 for planetarium shows.
Zany Contraptions Focus of New Exhibit Opening May 21
Rube Goldberg's cartoons and zany contraptions come to life through 3D, life-size machines and more in a humorous investigation of classic engineering principles. The "Rube GoldbergTM The World of Hilarious Invention Exhibit!" was created by the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh in partnership with the Heirs of Rube Goldberg. It runs May 21 through Sept. 21.
Public Invited to Celebrate 'Wonder Media' Exhibit on May 24
Everyone is invited to a free public reception on Tuesday, May 24 from 3-5 p.m. to recognize the opening of the "Wonder Media: Ask the Questions!" exhibit at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. The event takes place at the museum and features remarks from Kalamazoo Valley Community College President L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D., Museum Director Bill McElhone and WMU Communication Professor Sue Ellen Christian, guest community curator. The exhibit, which explores issues surrounding media, news and information, opened April 9 and runs through December 2023. It was created through a collaboration between Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo Valley Museum, with assistance from other community supporters.
SAVE THE DATE: 'Forgotten Fighters' Film on Sept. 10
Come celebrate the famed Kalamazoo Boxing Academy on Saturday, Sept. 10 at 1:30 p.m. with a free reception at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, featuring guest speakers and a documentary screening about the history of the academy, whose roster included big names in boxing during its heyday. The museum has been hosting "The Forgotten Fighters of the Kalamazoo Boxing Academy" exhibit since February. It runs through Sept. 18.
For more details and hours, visit kalamazoomuseum.org. The museum is operated by Kalamazoo Valley Community College and is governed by its Board of Trustees.
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