Kalamazoo Valley Community College

InFocus: News for Kalamazoo Valley Community College Students

MISSION STATEMENT
Kalamazoo Valley Community College creates innovative and equitable
opportunities that empower all to learn, grow and thrive.

Nov. 7, 2022

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 am looking for additional ways to share my gratitude and thankfulness with our Kalamazoo Valley community, this includes 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 so 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,

Signature: L. Marshall Washington
L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President


Our Future. Our Voice. Our Vote.

Vote Tomorrow!
As the largest and most diverse generation alive right now, young people have a chance to make a real impact in Michigan and the rest of the country if every eligible voter participates in elections. Make a plan to vote by clicking here to find out more about upcoming local elections and important deadlines.


Pay Station
Tuition is Due TOMORROW
Tuition for winter semester registration is due by 7 p.m. tomorrow, Nov. 8. If payment or payment arrangements aren't made, your classes will be dropped. Check your MyValley account to see if you have a balance.
Registration will be closed to process drops for non-payment after 7 p.m. Nov. 8 and will reopen Friday Nov. 11 at 7a.m..  Students registering for classes on or after Friday 11/11, will have five business days to make payment arrangements.  
Athletics

Volleyball Team Delivers Strong Performance at Regionals

Kudos to the Lady Cougars volleyball team for winning two matches at last week's Regionals. They won their first two matches against Alpena Community College and Terra State Community College, then lost to Grand Rapids Community College in a semi-final match. Ultimately, they were eliminated in the consolation bracket, falling to St. Clair County Community College at the National Junior College Athletic Association Region 12 Tournament held Nov. 3 - 5 in Muskegon. In the end, Grand Rapids Community College and Muskegon Community College earned the right to advance to the national championship tournament in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
 

2022 Cougars Kalamazoo Valley Women's Volleyball team
 
String of Home Kalamazoo Valley Basketball Games Planned
With several home women's and men's basketball games scheduled between this week and next, there's sure to be a day and time that fits your schedule to check out and cheer on the Cougars!
 
  • TUESDAY, NOV. 8, 7:30 p.m. 
    Men's Basketball, Valley vs. Aquinas J.V.  
  • FRIDAY, NOV. 11, 5:30 p.m. 
    Women's Basketball, Valley vs. Milwaukee Technical Community College 
  • FRIDAY, NOV. 11, 7:30 p.m. 
    Men's Basketball, Valley vs. Milwaukee Technical Community College
  • TUESDAY, NOV. 15, 5:30 p.m. 
    Women's Basketball, Valley vs. Trine University J.V.
  • TUESDAY, NOV. 15, 7:30 p.m. 
    Men's Basketball, Valley vs. CBG Prep
Games take place in the main gym at the Texas Township Campus. Admission is free. For the full season schedule, click here.
Admissions, Registration, and Records
Winter Registration is Underway

Financial Aid Office
Get Help Paying for College
  • The 2023-2024 FAFSA is now available. Get help filling out the FAFSA every Tuesday night from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at the Financial Aid office on the Texas Township Campus, Room 9210.

Veterans Day. Honoring all who served. Thursday, November 10, 6:30pm: Modern Warrior Live video presentation in Room 9130 at Texas Township Campus. Friday, November 11, 7:30am. Flag raising ceremony at Flag Pole entrance. Texas Township Campus. 1pm Modern Warrior live video presentation in Room 9130 at Texas Township Campus. 5:30pm and 7:30pm, Veteran's Recognition Men's and Women's Basketball Games versus Milwaukee Technical Coallege Main Gym at Texas Township Campus. Color Guard presentation, free t-shirts for veterans and/or dependent. Admission is Free!
Watch Modern Warrior LIVE
All students are encouraged to attend one of two upcoming screenings of Modern Warrior LIVE. The film is a uniquely immersive narrative and music experience that chronicles one veteran's journey. U.S. Army Veteran Jaymes Poling shares the story of his three deployments in Afghanistan and subsequent transition back home. Watch the trailer here.

"I am very pleased we will be presenting the film version of Modern Warrior LIVE to the public this year," Veteran Coordinator Charles Heidelberg said. "For our Global War on Terror veterans at Kalamazoo Valley, this is an opportunity to continue processing their experiences, and for our Kalamazoo Valley community it is a chance to learn about the veteran experience of the last 20 years."

Student Life and Engagement 
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 Ezra Bell.

Upcoming events include:

Nov. 8 | KVAAP Information Session | 5 p.m.
Join this virtual information session to learn more about how Kalamazoo Valley Accelerated Associate Program can help you achieve your educational goals. Upon signing up, a Zoom meeting link will be emailed to you. Click here to register. For more information, contact Kendall Walker
 
Nov. 8 | Kalamazoo Promise Services Zoom Pop-Up | 5 p.m.
Zoom Pop-Ups are virtual presentations dedicated to the 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 more information, contact Beth Brandon.
 
Nov. 10 | Employer On-Campus Recruitment Visit - Vicksburg Family Home Care | 11 a.m.

Employer On Campus Recruitment Visits are interactive events where students can learn about local area employers and job opportunities. Join us at the Texas Township Campus Cafeteria on Nov. 10 from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Our special guest will be a representative from Vicksburg Family Home Care. For more information, contact Mary McConnell.
 
Nov. 14 | Employer On-Campus Recruitment Visit - WMU Dining Services | 12 - 1:30 p.m.
Employer On Campus Recruitment Visits are interactive events where students can learn about local area employers and job opportunities. Join us in the Culinary Allied Health Building Lobby on Nov. 14. Our special guest will be a representative from WMU Dining Services. For more information, contact Mary McConnell.
 
Nov. 15 | Taste of Culture: An International Thanksgiving Dinner | 5 - 7 p.m.
Join us for an international Thanksgiving dinner at the Texas Township Campus from 5 - 7 p.m. in the Student Commons Theater, Room 4240. During this exciting event, guests will be able to enjoy a variety of tasty dishes from around the world. To learn more, contact Kristina Pudasaini.
 
Nov. 16 | EmployU Workshop | 3 p.m.
EmployU Workshops are events designed to equip participants with knowledge and skills that prepare them for entering today's competitive workforce. This month's event will feature discussion about various job interview platforms as well as typical interview questions and how to professionally answer them. Representatives from Kalamazoo Valley's human resources department will be the guest speakers. Join us on the Texas Township Campus in Room 4230 at 3 p.m. Snacks will be provided. For more information, contact Mary McConnell.
 
Nov. 16 | Born 2 Succeed | 3 - 5 p.m.
Are you a male student looking to connect with others pursuing a degree? Are you interested in networking with successful individuals from within the community? If so, you are encouraged to join the Born 2 Succeed (B2S) program. B2S provides mentoring, leadership development, career exploration, strength/talent identification, peer support, tutoring, workshops and chill nights for male students. Join us on Wednesday, Nov. 16 from 3 - 5 p.m. at Anna Whitten Hall in Room 128. For more information, contact Ezra Bell.
 
Nov. 17 | International Cultural Showcase | 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Join us in the Student Commons on Nov. 17 from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. to celebrate the diversity of cultures within our campus community. During this exciting event, students, faculty and staff will take part in showcasing their cultures with interactive welcome tables. To learn more, contact Kristina Pudasaini.
 
Nov. 18 | LGBTQ Ally Training | 10 a.m. - Noon
Join this event to learn more about being a better advocate and ally to the LGBTQ+ community. Participants receive information on practical strategies for addressing homophobia, learn ways to support students who are "coming out" and gain an understanding of respectful language use. The training includes the viewing of a one-hour video. This video is a PowerPoint presentation with audio and closed captioning that can be viewed on YouTube. To learn more or to register, contact Trice Batson.
 
Nov. 18 | Strengths and Well-Being | 1 p.m.
Join us for this informative event to learn about the five universal elements of well-being and how your strengths can connect you to what you find engaging, important and valuable in creating a resilient and thriving life. This exciting event will be at 1 p.m. in Room 128 at Anna Whitten Hall located downtown. For more information, contact ebell@kvcc.edu

Check the college calendar for other upcoming opportunities.
 
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.

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!


Kalamazoo Valley is Celebrating International Education Week, November 14 to 18. Tuesday, November 15, 5 to 7pm, room 4240 Texas Township Campus. Taste of Culture: An international Thanksgiving Dinner. Join us for an international thanksgiving dinner, as cultural dishes are shared from around the world. Wednesday November 16 from 1 to 2pm, room 4240 Texas Township Campus. International Student Panel. Hear from international students about their experiences in the United States. Light refreshments will be served. Thursday, November 17, 1:30 to 3:30pm, student commons texas township campus International Cultural Showcase. Celebrate the diversity of cultures found at Kalamazoo Valley. This showcase will include tables where students, faculty, and staff will display their culture. Friday, November 18 or Saturday November 19. Meet, Eat, and American life. Faculty and staff host international students at their home for dinner. For any questions regarding international Education week. Please contact Kristina Pudasaini at kpudasaini@kvcc.edu


Valley Food Share Thanksgiving
Special Food Share Distribution
Students have the opportunity to pick up a special Thanksgiving Food Share on Monday, Nov. 21 from the Food Innovation Center or Tuesday, Nov. 22 from the Texas Township Campus. Pick up will take place between 2 - 4 p.m. at both locations.

The share will include all of the ingredients for a Thanksgiving-style meal. Students will receive a chicken, potatoes, apples, stuffing, parsnips, squash, celery, carrots, onions and much more to complete a Thanksgiving meal. Holiday recipes also will be included. A total of 100 shares are available. You will receive an email on Nov. 10 with a link to register. Please note, due to the special Thanksgiving share there will not be a food share distribution on Nov. 17. If you have any questions, please email foodshare@kvcc.edu or call 269.488.4620.

libraries

Kalamazoo Valley Libraries:
Research and Citation Help, Database Spotlight

Research and Citation Help
We are more than halfway through the fall semester, which means it's time to buckle down on that research paper. Do you need some help getting started, finding appropriate research or formatting citations? 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.
 
You can also check out our How-To Videos or our Citation Research Guide. Our collection of How-To Videos includes information about the basics of library searches and formatting, while the Citation Research Guide will show you why, when and how to cite as well as provide links and instructions for other resources such as Zotero, a free online reference manager and citation generator.
 
Database Spotlight:  Opposing Viewpoints: Gale in Context
Need some ideas for a paper topic? Or maybe you've already chosen a topic often in the news, but don't know where to find accurate information? Check out Opposing Viewpoints: Gale in Context. Opposing Viewpoints provides information on hundreds of current social issues. Each topic comes with an educational overview and related viewpoint, newspaper, magazine, and journal articles as well as relevant books, statistics, videos, and graphics. You can search by keyword or browse a long list of current issues. You can also click on advanced search to find a link to the Topic Finder tool, which will help break down your topic into related terms and ideas. It is a great way to brainstorm and help narrow your focus. Make sure to use the cite button to populate a citation for each article in the citation style of your choice.
 
We look forward to connecting with you!
 
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
Follow us on Instagram @kalamazoovalleylibraries

Student Employment Services
Student Employment Services assists students with job searching, resume writing and practice interviewing. Visit Career Coach  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:

Accounting/Business/IT/Marketing
Store Manager - Goodwill Industries SWMI
Accounts Payable Specialist - Armstrong International, Inc.
IT Coordinator - Green Bay Packaging, Inc.
Registration/Scheduler - WMU Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine
 
Culinary/Brewing
The Morning Dish Cook - Greenleaf Hospitality Group
 
Education
Conservation Educator - Kalamazoo Nature Center
After-School Care Supervisor - St. Monica Catholic School
Special Education Paraprofessional - Portage Public Schools
 
General Studies
Concession Staff - Kingdom Sports
Housekeeping - Friendship Village
Soccer Class Instructor - Kingdom Sports
Ticket Office Associate/Wings Event Center - Greenleaf Hospitality Group
Park Ranger - Rentals - Oshtemo Charter Township
 
Health Careers
LPN/RN - Friendship Village
Dental Hygiene - several postings
Assisted Living Assistant Director - Friendship Village
 
Human Services
Behavior Technician - Residential Opportunities
Assistance Payments Worker - Department of Health and Human Services
Services Specialist - Department of Health and Human Services
 
Trades
Test Lab Technician / Test Engineer - Western Diversified Plastics
HVAC Technician - Greenleaf Hospitality Group
Automotive Senior Technician - Bridgestone Retail Operations

The official Kalamazoo Valley Community College Cougar Bookstore

Commencement Caps, Gowns, Honors Regalia Ready for Purchase

Did you know that December graduates can buy commencement regalia up until 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16 at the Bookstore on the Texas Township Campus? Also for sale are diploma frames and graduation yard signs! Congratulations to those receiving their degrees and certificates at the graduation ceremony scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. at Miller Auditorium at Western Michigan University.


Merze Tate Explorers: Exploring the possibilities
The Legacy of Merze Tate: Merze Tate Explorers
The Merze Tate Explorers are on the move and are once again joining Kalamazoo Valley this academic year. Merze Tate Explorers is a local organization dedicated to providing educational, career, life enrichment and travel opportunities to girls in Michigan, grades three - 12.  More
Kalamazoo Valley Museum

The Apollo Story Takes Flight in Planetarium Show in November
The Kalamazoo Valley Museum is offering a planetarium show about the Apollo program that placed 12 men on the moon from 1969 to 1972. "CAPCOM GO!" will be offered at 2 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays in November. Learn about the goals and mission of the program in a presentation that is suitable for all ages. Each show is $3, with free general admission to the museum. Purchase tickets online at kalamazoomuseum.org.

 

Tickets Available Now to Two 'HeLa' Play Encore Screenings
On the heels of the successful debut of "HeLa," a play about Henrietta Lacks at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, two encore shows have been scheduled. A film version will be offered for free at 1:30 p.m. Nov. 13 and Jan. 15 at the museum. Seating is limited. Tickets are now available online here. Choose "Mary Jane Stryker Theater" in the dropdown menu. The play chronicles the accomplishments and local family connections of Lacks, whose cells, taken without her consent in 1951, are still leading to major breakthroughs today. Be sure to see the mini exhibit about Lacks, on display at the museum through Feb. 27, 2023.

Museum Offers Crafts and Santa Visit After Holiday Parade
Enjoy free craft activities at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum before and after the Nov. 19 Holiday Parade in downtown Kalamazoo. And for a limited time after the parade, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting the museum. Find them in front of the special display of a spare outfit that Santa wore during his days at the Gilmore department store in downtown Kalamazoo. While here, check out the museum's other exhibits. Crafts will be available starting at 10 a.m. Mark your calendar for more hands-on holiday fun from the KVM at the Tree Lighting in downtown's Bronson Park on Friday, Nov. 25, from 5 - 7 p.m.


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Texas Township Campus
6767 West O Avenue
PO Box 4070
Kalamazoo, MI 49003-4070
269.488.4400