Nov. 6, 2023
Dear students,
When we express gratitude and appreciation, our brains release specific, marvelous chemicals. These chemicals make us feel good from the inside out because they are associated with feelings of hope, peace and contentment - in short, happiness.
During this season of thankfulness, I want to share my gratitude for you.
We all know that you have many college options. I am so pleased that you made the decision to join us here. Thank you! It is our great hope that you will continue to learn, grow and thrive with us here and that you will have a strong finish to the fall semester.
Again, thank you for selecting your favorite community college - Kalamazoo Valley Community College!
Sincerely,
L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President
Winter Semester Tuition is Due Nov. 7
Payment for early registration is due Tuesday, Nov. 7 by 7 p.m. If payment or payment arrangements aren't made, your classes will be dropped. Payment after Nov. 10 is due within five business days. Winter semester classes begin Jan. 8.
- A payment plan is available for winter semester. Go to www.kvcc.edu/myvalley and select: Payment Plan to enroll today.
- Registration will be closed for nonpayment cancellations from 7 p.m. Nov. 7 - 7 a.m., Nov. 10. Beginning Nov. 10, 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.
- Students are responsible for dropping all classes they are not planning to attend, and are responsible for payment of classes in which they are enrolled. Students should not assume they will be dropped from their class(es) for nonpayment. It is the student's responsibility to verify his or her enrollment status.
- If you have registered for classes and are no longer planning to attend, you must drop those courses yourself before the end of the add/drop period or you will be responsible for the tuition owed. Contact Admissions, Registration and Records at or 269.488.4281 if you have questions about dropping a class.
Campus Closing Protocols
Winter weather is fast approaching. Please note that one of the following six announcements will be used when notifying you if the college closes for a portion or full day.
- 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, and activities are canceled for the day and/or evening. 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.
Adjusted Operating Hours
In the event hours of operation are adjusted (NOT closed or delayed start), facilities will remain open for all employees to report to work. Employees are encouraged to use discretionary judgment in their decision to report to work. Additionally, public meetings/events/activities scheduled during affected hours may be rescheduled.
Be sure to be logged in to your MyValley account before voting.
Get Involved on Campus
The Office for Student Life and Engagement is here to connect you with a number of events on campus. 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 Miranda McDowell. Check the college calendar for other upcoming opportunities.
Student Organizations
Did you know Kalamazoo Valley has a number of student clubs and organizations? From Gaming Club to Valley Writers Association, there is something for everyone. Clubs are a great way to meet people! Check out the complete list here.
College Social Media
Be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn for all of the latest campus news.
Major Match-Up at WMU
The Haworth College of Business/Zhang Career Center puts on a student-led event each semester called Major Match-Up. This event is a few hours long and students are welcome to come and go as they please. The event consists of a few students from each business major representing their respective majors. They are there to answer questions that other students have about the classes, internships, requirements, and other specifics about their field of study. Students can also pick up materials detailing each major to take home. We encourage freshmen, sophomores, transfer students, and any student still undecided between the business majors to attend, however briefly. It's also a great way to make new connections! This event will be taking place on Nov. 15 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in the dean's conference room of Schneider Hall. Kalamazoo Valley students are more than welcome to attend!
Texas Township Testing Center Moving Locations
The Texas Township Testing Center is moving to Room 2350 on Monday, Nov. 27. To accommodate the move, the TTC Testing Center will be closed Wednesday, Nov. 22. Faculty and students can use the Testing Center at Anna Whitten Hall from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Nov. 22. The TTC Testing Center will reopen Monday, Nov. 27 at 8:30 a.m.
Kalamazoo Valley Libraries:
Financial Wellness Resources
Kalamazoo Valley Libraries has you covered for any academic information needs. We also offer resources to enhance your personal life, including money advice. Take a look at some of the personal finance tools we offer.
Kiplinger's Personal Finance
Kiplinger's is a premier magazine for news and advice on saving, investments, building wealth and making sound financial choices. The TTC library has this title in print from five years ago to the present day. You can also access it digitally by going to the Libraries' website and clicking List of Full-Text Magazines, Journals and Newspapers. Type "kiplinger's" in the search window and then select Kiplinger's Personal Finance in Academic Search Complete to view articles dating from the present back to 1984. If you are off campus, you will be asked for your Kalamazoo Valley login credentials before accessing the database.
Consumer Reports
Make every purchase count. If you are looking for unbiased reviews of cars, appliances, home and garden items, and baby products before you buy, Consumer Reports is the place. Kalamazoo Valley students and staff can read the digital version of this popular magazine by going to the Libraries' website and clicking List of Full-Text Magazines, Journals and Newspapers. Type "consumer reports" in the search window and then select Consumer Reports in MasterFILE Complete to read articles dating back from over 30 years ago to present day. If you are off campus, you will be asked for your Kalamazoo Valley login credentials before accessing the database.
Money Management Books in Print
Kalamazoo Valley has collected choice titles for your personal finance needs. In Personal Finance Quickstart Guide, a certified financial advisor gives advice on how to establish good money habits, conquer debt and attain financial freedom. Finance for the People illustrates how to apply mindfulness to your financial life and break self-defeating patterns of thinking about money and debt. Financial Adulting provides simple step-by-step guidance for budgeting, establishing a monetary safety net, investing for retirement, planning for college and much more. These are just a few of the print books on personal finance available in our collection. Browse them by visiting our home page and typing "finance, personal" into the ValleyCat Online Catalog search window.
Hours and Contact Information
'Tis the Season for Discounts at the Bookstore - 20% Off!
From Dec. 6 - 7 ONLY, get 20% off nearly everything in the Bookstore at the Texas Township Campus, just in time for gift giving (or for yourself)! Buy stocking stuffers, art supplies, backpacks, jackets, sweatshirts, hoodies, T-shirts and baseball caps, plus mugs, water bottles (even Hydro Flask) and more. Note that electronics, course materials and candy are excluded. Receive a FREE vinyl, college-branded backpack if you spend at least $25! If purchasing online, use "PROMO CODE: holiday" at bookstore.kvcc.edu. 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.
Looking for Work or Volunteer Opportunities?
Student Employment Services assists students with job searching, resume writing and practice interviewing. Visit Career Coach, Kalamazoo Valley's online job board, to see if there is something that interests you. If you are looking for a different job other than what is listed, we can help. Call 269.488.4040 or email careercenter@kvcc.edu to schedule an appointment. Below are some of the jobs currently posted on Career Coach:
Business Pathways (Accounting/Business/Information Technology/Marketing/Administrative Assistant)
IT Tech Support Intern - Duncan Aviation
Elementary Attendance Secretary - Portage Public Schools
Document Scanner - Charter Township of Kalamazoo
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement/Public Service
Security Officer - Wings Event Center
Safety and Loss Prevention Officer - Greenleaf Hospitality Group
Court Services Specialist - 8th District Court
Culinary/Brewing (Sustainable Food Systems)
Multiple culinary postings
Education
Several education-related openings
Engineering & Skilled Trades
Wiring Technician - Express Employment Professionals
Apprentice Mold-Maker - Concept Molds
General Studies
Varsity Tennis Coach - Portage Public Schools
Health Careers
Graduate Nurse - Bronson Healthcare Group
Dental Hygienist - several postings
Human Services/Social Sciences/Public Services
Skill Building Technician/Outpatient Services Tech - Residential Opportunities, Inc.
Volunteer/Unpaid Internship Opportunities
Various remote volunteer and internship opportunities with The Borgen Project
Care Collective Volunteer
PTK Members Receive Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship
Three of Kalamazoo Valley Community College's Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) chapter members were recently awarded $1,000 each from Coca-Cola's Leaders of Promise Scholarship Program. PTK is the international honor society for two-year colleges. Among the college's awarded PTK members are:
- Dusti Morton, administrative assistant
- Janice Swager, nursing
- Heather Weinert, general studies
"Receiving the Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship is not just a recognition of my achievements; it's a testament to the power of dreams, hard work and unwavering determination," Weinert explained. "It's not just financial support. It's a vote of confidence that has ignited the fire in me to lead, serve and make a difference." more
College's PTK Chapter Inducts New Members
Kalamazoo Valley Community College's chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international honor society for two-year colleges, held an induction ceremony for new members on Oct. 25 in the Theater at the college's Texas Township Campus. The student organization also swore in five new chapter officers to serve as the presidents and vice presidents for the 2023 - 2024 academic year. Those officers include:
- Jean Mupupuni, co-president
- Christie White, co-president
- Nicholas Burrill, vice president of service
- Kasey Hudon, vice president of scholarship
- Connor Reeves, vice president of communications
L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D., president of Kalamazoo Valley Community College, was the keynote speaker. Click here to view to more photos.
 
Volleyball Team Wraps up Another Season
Congratulations to the Cougar volleyball team players for their hard work this season under new Head Coach Rhonda Sturgeon! The Lady Cougars wrapped up their 2023 season on Thursday, Oct. 26. They finished with a 5-7 Conference record and a 10-20 overall record. "It's been a building year for the Lady Cougars with a new head coach and a team consisting of four sophomores and eight freshmen, but we hope for greater success in 2024," Athletic Director Russ Panico said. Read full story.
Women's Basketball Team Looks to Defense this Season
Head Women's Basketball Coach Felicia Thomas plans to make defense the biggest part of the team's identity and create a crisp team-oriented style of offense that will be fun to watch during the 2023-24 season. Conference play officially begins on Jan. 13, but there are opportunities to see the players in action now, including four more home games in November. Those games are scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7; 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11 and Nov. 18; and 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29, in the main gym at the Texas Township Campus. Admission is free. Find the full season schedule at athletics.kvcc.edu. Read the full story.
Men's Basketball Team Project Another Strong Season
With the men's basketball team coming off a Michigan Community College Athletic Association West Conference Championship and losing in the Region 12 Championship, Head Coach Jim Horn is optimistic his players can battle as contenders again this 2023-24 season. Fans won't have to wait until official Conference play on Jan. 13 to watch them. Home games are underway, including this month at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11 and Nov. 18; and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29, in the main gym at the Texas Township Campus. Admission is free. Find the full season schedule at athletics.kvcc.edu. Read the full story.
Museum Launches Adult Discovery Series and Retro Café
Join the Kalamazoo Valley Museum for an enriching journey through time and space at its NEW immersive adult program. The next session is Tuesday, Nov. 14 at 2 p.m. Cost is $3. Themes change monthly, discovering the past and exploring what cultivates our local heritage together. Visit different galleries and the planetarium, and enjoy a pop-up cafe. Light refreshments will be provided. The series will be offered the second Tuesday of the month through March 2024. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required at kalamazoomuseum.org or 269.373.7990.
Enjoy Winter-Themed Activities After Nov. 18 Holiday Parade
The Kalamazoo Valley Museum will offer FREE crafts and activities after the Nov. 18 Maple Hill Holiday Parade in downtown Kalamazoo, from noon to 3 p.m. The family-friendly event is suitable for all ages. Mr. & Mrs. Claus will make a short visit immediately after the parade. Guests will also have a chance to create their own "hot chocolate" ornaments, then show off their coloring talents while learning about the museum's upcoming winter break programming. In the Innovation Lab, attendees will learn about density and how to make a marshmallow sink. Visit the planetarium to experience "Let It Snow," a full-dome video with images choreographed to classic holiday music. The showtimes are noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Planetarium tickets are $3 per person. Museum general admission is free.
NOW OPEN - Furniture Exhibit Featuring Two Centuries of History
The Kalamazoo Valley Museum's new "Off the Shelves: Exploring the Kalamazoo Valley Museum's Furniture Collection" exhibit treats the public to a rare peek at its furniture collection that spans over 200 years of history, from one-of-a-kind items to mass-produced pieces. See Dobbin the horse, which was used to train cavalry officers; a reproduction of King Tut's throne that was on display at Gilmore's department store for years; the neon Hoekstra Hardware sign that graced the back entrance of the store for several decades; and other pieces that all tell stories. The exhibit runs through Jan. 21. Entry to the museum and exhibit are free.
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