Greetings Students,
Over the last several weeks, I had the opportunity to meet with dozens and dozens of you during Snacks with the President sessions. I loved hearing about your dreams for the future and your plans for life after college. Our conversations reminded me about the many roles you juggle in life – student, partner, parent, caregiver, community volunteer and employee.
The courage and determination you exhibit as you balance all of the demands on your time inspires me. In fact, you inspire many of us. Please know that you are valued and everyone at Kalamazoo Valley Community College remains dedicated to working with you to help you achieve your goals.
Doing our part in supporting your success includes creating a safe and respectful community. On Thursday, Nov. 4, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) issued its long-awaited Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) requiring COVID-19 (Coronavirus) vaccinations or weekly testing for all workers at most companies with 100 or more employees. The new standard and related materials can be found here.
Kalamazoo Valley’s response to the pandemic has always included the recommendation that all employees and students seek vaccination. Moving forward, the college will offer vaccination clinics, for students and employees, as it has in the past.
College administrators continue to work with local and state organizations to ensure our complete compliance with all COVID-19 (Coronavirus) health and safety guidelines. As additional details become available, I will share them with you.
As you count down to the end of the semester, remember we are all cheering for you.
Sincerely,
L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President
Celebrate National Allied Health Professionals Week
This week, Nov. 7 -13, we applaud and celebrate the five million allied health professionals in the United States working in more than 80 different professions - including the emergency medical sciences - who make a significant difference in our health care system. We invite you to thank an allied health professional this week!
Tuition is Due Tomorrow for Winter Semester Classes
As a reminder, payment for the Winter 2022 semester is due Tuesday, Nov. 9 by 7 p.m. Classes that are not paid for, on a payment plan, covered by financial aid or covered by a third-party will be dropped. To set up a payment plan, go to your MyValley account and select: Payment Plan to enroll today.
Registration will be closed for non-payment cancellations Nov. 9, 7 p.m. - Nov. 11, 7 a.m. Beginning Nov. 11 when registration reopens, 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.
You are responsible for dropping all classes you are not planning to attend, and are responsible for payment of classes in which you are enrolled. You should not assume you will be dropped from your 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 269.488.4281.
Student-Run Restaurants Reopen this Week
The Havirmill Cafe is reopening to the public for lunch service beginning Wednesday, Nov. 10. Lunch, packaged in grab-and-go containers, will focus on weekly themes oriented around regions of the United States. There will be limited seating available for dine-in.
The 418 Restaurant will be open for lunch starting on Thursday, Nov. 11. Important changes have been made to the Culinary Arts curriculum in order to better serve our students, including moving this restaurant service class from the evening to daytime. Guests can still expect a fine dining, a la carte experience. The 418 Restaurant will serve guests lunch on Wednesdays and Thursdays and offer seating reservations between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. To make a reservation, call 269.548.3200.
Scholarship Applications for Winter 2022 Semester Due this Wednesday
The Financial Aid Office is currently promoting scholarships sponsored through the Kalamazoo Valley Community College Foundation for the 2022 Winter Semester.
To view and apply for Kalamazoo Valley Foundation-Sponsored Scholarships, go to www.kvcc.edu/scholarships.
The deadline to submit an online scholarship application is Nov. 10, unless noted otherwise. Applications will not be returned for missing information.
Michigan ECHO Scholarship Offers New Tuition-Free Pathway
The Michigan Equity, Courage, Hope, and Opportunity (MI ECHO) Scholarship allows people living in Michigan to access associate's degree and certificate programs. The scholarship covers tuition, contact hours, and other mandatory fees. Through MI ECHO, students can earn a degree or certificate to gain stable employment and boost their standard of living. This scholarship is only for people who cannot access federal financial aid and who worked on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic. The candidate must be eligible for acceptance into a certificate or associate degree program and cannot have earned an associate or bachelor's degree in any country.
WHO’S ELIGIBLE
In order to be eligible for the MI ECHO Scholarship, you:
- must be an individual who cannot access federal financial aid (ex. DACA, Temporary Protected Status immigrants, Asylum pending, Special Immigrant Juveniles).
- must have worked an essential job anytime during the declared COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020–present).
- Please refer to the State of Michigan list of essential industries to see if you qualify.
- must currently live in Michigan.
- must enroll at a 2-year institution (community college) or a participating institution.
- must not have previously earned an associate or baccalaureate degree.
- must have graduated from high school with a diploma or certificate of completion or a high school equivalency certificate.
- OR you must be near completion of earning a high school diploma, certificate of completion, or high school equivalency certificate. (Includes seniors in high school.)
- OR if you have completed high school outside of the United States you can submit a diploma evaluation report.
- must not be in default on a federal student loan.
- must enroll in the associate degree or certificate program within six months of being accepted or reapply.
Click here to learn more.
Need Help with Your FAFSA?
Kalamazoo Valley Community College's Financial Aid Office is hosting several FAFSA® Nights to assist families in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). Staff will be available to answer questions. If you have questions or need help, stop by the Financial Aid Office, Room 9210 on the Texas Township Campus between 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. on the following dates:
Veterans Day Flag Raising
Join Kalamazoo Valley on Veterans Day, Nov. 11 at 7:30 a.m. for a flag raising ceremony to pay tribute to our veteran community members who have served our nation. During this brief ceremony, the college will honor our veteran students, faculty, staff and community members for their service. All members of the community are welcome and encouraged to attend.
The ceremony will be conducted at Kalamazoo Valley’s Texas Township Campus flagpole entrance. College President Dr. L. Marshall Washington will be present and will offer words of respect during the ceremony. U.S. Army veteran and Kalamazoo Valley Computer Information Systems instructor Marty Adams will also speak at the ceremony.
If interested in more information, please contact Charles Heidelberg at: cheidelberg@kvcc.edu.
2021 Summit on Racism Scheduled for this Friday, Saturday
On Nov. 12 and 13, SHARE will present the 2021 Summit on Racism virtually considering the current health status of COVID-19 which allows us to market to a wider audience. Kalamazoo’s Summit on Racism has been a unique and important venue to bring the community together for open dialogue regarding race and to create solutions to eradicate racism.
The goals of the Summit on Racism are:
- To educate the community on issues of racial inequity.
- To share testimonials from current activists and organizations.
- To provide inspiration for self-empowerment.
The Role of the Summit on Racism is to:
- Challenge White Privilege by acknowledging how racism based on mainstream privilege works and to eliminate institutional structures and social practices that thwart equality, equity, and justice for all.
- Focus on Racism by addressing racism in any proposed community solution to a problem.
- Promote Cultural Competence by fostering general cultural competence among and between groups, and to replace white privilege with multiculturalism as the dominant paradigm.
- Eliminate Institutional Racism by focusing on changing systems that perpetrate racism.
- Take Direct Action by engaging in action-oriented initiatives via research or study.
Register now.
Get it Done: Get Ready for Winter Semester
Winter semester at Kalamazoo Valley begins Jan. 10. Are you ready? Join us Tuesday, Nov. 16 at the Texas Township Campus or Wednesday, Dec. 1 at the Center for New Media on the Arcadia Commons Campus for Get it Done - Get Ready for the Winter Semester!
At this special event you may:
- Apply to Kalamazoo Valley
- Receive financial aid application assistance
- Complete Placement Testing
- Meet with an advisor or counselor
- Enroll in classes
Advanced registration is required. Click here to confirm your attendance and reserve a time slot. As a reminder, face coverings are required on all Kalamazoo Valley campuses, regardless of vaccination status.
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 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 more meaningful.
Upcoming events include:
Nov. 9 | Resume Writing Workshop
Want tips and tricks for constructing a great resume? Then please join this virtual resume workshop event! Students can learn about the components of a standard resume and how to construct one, giving them a basic overview of resume writing.
10 - 11 a.m. | Interview Skills
3 - 4 p.m. | Interview Skills
Nov. 9 | Virtual KVAAP Informational Session | 3 p.m.
Come join this virtual informational session to learn more about Kalamazoo Valley Accelerated Associate Program (KVAAP) at Kalamazoo Valley. Attend here.
Nov. 9 | Taps on Tuesday | 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Sample student-made beers and appetizers during this happy hour-type event at Kalamazoo Valley’s Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary/Allied Health Building.
Nov. 9 | Test Anxiety Workshop | 6 p.m.
Come join us for this interactive workshop event where students will be able to learn about test anxiety as well as useful tools and techniques to help manage it. This event will be held via Zoom. For more information, please contact Beth Brandon.
Nov. 10 | Resume Writing Workshop
Want tips and tricks for constructing a great resume? Then please join this virtual resume workshop event! Students can learn about the components of a standard resume and how to construct one, giving them a basic overview of resume writing.
10 - 11 a.m. | Interview Skills
3 - 4 p.m. | Interview Skills
Nov. 10 | Western Wednesday | 10 a.m.
Are you interested in attending Western Michigan University? Connect with advisors and admission representatives from the Office of Admissions and the College of Arts & Sciences from Western Michigan University. Western Wednesday sessions are live, interactive presentations designed to answer your frequently asked questions about becoming a Bronco. This event will be held virtually. Register now. For more information, please contact Ezra Bell or Levi Funk.
Nov. 12 | Virtual KVAAP Informational Session | 10 a.m.
Come join this virtual informational session to learn more about Kalamazoo Valley Accelerated Associate Program (KVAAP). Attend here.
Nov. 15 | Valley Future Educators’ Club (VFEC) | 1 p.m.
Are you a student interested in pursuing a career in education? Valley Future Educators' Club provides a great opportunity to network with KVCC faculty and peers interested in the field of education. Join us at our next meeting for some informal learning, conversation and fun! This event will be held in person at the TTC campus in room 4230 and will also be available via Zoom.
Nov. 16 | Get It Done (TTC) | 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Need assistance with completing the necessary steps to begin or continue your journey at Kalamazoo Valley? If so, then please join us for Get It Done, where you will be able to receive assistance with completing the various important steps to prepare for classes at Kalamazoo Valley. Those attending this event will be able to get assistance with steps such as academic advising/counseling, admissions, registration, financial aid and more! Advanced registration is required. RSVP here.
Nov. 16 | Faculty Reading by Denise Miller | 10 a.m.
Come join us for a faculty reading session by Denise Miller in Room 4550 at the Texas Township Campus.
Nov. 16 | Job Search Techniques
This event will offer the opportunity to learn about numerous techniques for utilizing various job search platforms including Career Coach, Indeed.com and ZipRecruiter and will include discussion on discovering and considering local employers that may hire for certain career paths.
10 - 11 a.m. | Job Search Techniques
3 - 4 p.m. | Job Search Techniques
Nov. 16 | Transfer Tuesday
Are you unsure of what four-year college or university you want to attend after you complete your academic goals at Kalamazoo Valley? Connect virtually with college and university admission representatives at Transfer Tuesday.
10 - 11 a.m. | Olivet College | This event will be held via Zoom
11 a.m. - 12 p.m. | U of M Flint | This event will be held via Zoom
1 - 2 p.m. | Davenport University | This event will be held via Google Meet
Nov. 16 | Do You Know the Truth? Alcohol and Drug Trends Locally | 12 - 1 p.m.
Join us for this informative event where we will discuss local stats on drug/alcohol use and abuse trends. Register in advance for this meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Nov. 16 | Taps on Tuesday | 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Sample student-made beers and appetizers during this happy hour-type event at Kalamazoo Valley’s Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary/Allied Health Building.
Nov. 16 | Prep Today, Turkey Tomorrow! | 6 p.m.
This event aims to assist students with prepping for finals as well as helping them create a study schedule before the Thanksgiving break so they can truly relax. This event will be held via Zoom. For more information, contact Beth Brandon.
Nov. 17 | Job Search Techniques
This event will offer the opportunity to learn about numerous techniques for utilizing various job search platforms including Career Coach, Indeed.com and ZipRecruiter and will include discussion on discovering and considering local employers that may hire for certain career paths.
10 - 11 a.m. | Job Search Techniques
3 - 4 p.m. | Job Search Techniques
Nov. 17 | Develop Your Talents Into Strengths | 2 p.m.
Dive deeper into a Strengths-based perspective on self-development with your Top 5 Clifton Strengths. This event will be held via Zoom. For more information, please contact Sabrina Kooy.
Nov. 19 | Strengths & Well-being | 1 p.m.
Join us for a conversation about how Strengths discovery, development and application leads to increased engagement and improvement in overall well-being.This event will be held via Zoom. For more information, please contact Sabrina Kooy.
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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. Want to start your own club? Contact Coty Dunten.
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.
Free College? You Might Be Eligible
If you are 25 years or older, have a high school degree and live in Michigan, then a tuition-free pathway to college may be available through a new program from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Development called Michigan Reconnect. It’s a scholarship designed specifically for eligible adults who want to pursue an associate degree at a Michigan community college or a skills certificate at a training school. Michigan Reconnect pays the remaining balance of in-district tuition and mandatory fees after other state and federal financial aid have been applied. Students who attend out-of-district community colleges will receive a large tuition discount.
Learn more about Michigan Reconnect at an upcoming information session or by visiting www.kvcc.edu/reconnect
Tuesday, Nov. 30 | 5 - 6 p.m. via Zoom.
Tuesday, Dec. 21 | 12 - 1 p.m. via Zoom.
Tuesday, Jan. 25 | 5 - 6 p.m. via Zoom.
Kalamazoo Valley Libraries:
Research Help, Hotspots, Periodicals and Cooking Display
Research Help
Need help with your research paper? Team up with a library staff member to conquer your assignment. Our experts can help you identify your topic, find proper academic sources on the web and in academic databases, and get your paper in the correct citation format. Staff are available virtually and in person to help you master any research challenge. Our 24/7 Ask a Librarian chat service means there is assistance at any hour.
Hotspots
Valley Libraries has more hotspots on hand to check out. If you need internet access, you can fill out a mobile wi-fi hotspot application. Once approved by email, you may borrow the necessary hardware for the semester at either library location. The hotspots will allow you to wirelessly access the internet wherever you are.
Magazines & Journals in Print
Valley Libraries’ collection of print magazines and academic journals is on display again at the Texas Township campus! Come check out the display behind the downstairs service desk for scholarly articles or recreational reads.
Cookbooks & Recipes Book Display
Visit the downtown library at Anna Whitten Hall and peruse the November book display in the window over the book drop. You will find a cornucopia of world-class cookbooks ready to check out, and delicious recipe ideas compliments of Valley’s Culinary & Allied Health Center--all fit for a KV-flavored banquet.
Library Quick Tip
Sharpen your database search skills in under five minutes by watching a video here.
*We appreciate you following Kalamazoo Valley's safety protocols and practicing social distancing when you visit us.
Visit us online
Call 269.488.4328 (TTC) and 269.373.7848 (ACC)
Email
Chat with a college librarian 24/7
Insight Needed
The college is embarking on a review of its mission statement and is asking you, our students, to complete a questionnaire as a part of the review of the existing mission statement.
“The mission statement is a snapshot of who we are as an institution,” said Tracy Labadie, Ed.D., associate vice president of collaboration, compliance and analytics. “It serves as a guide for institutional decision-making and keeps the college focused on our core purpose and goals. We are asking all college stakeholders to participate in this process by completing a short questionnaire.”
The questionnaire can be accessed here. The mission statement is an institution's formal, public declaration of its purposes.
Mission statements generally remain in effect for long periods and should contain specificity providing an easily recognized definition. The mission statement should also provide the flexibility necessary to respond to the needs of the community. The current mission statement, adopted in June 1994 and last modified in December 2016, reads:
We are committed to enriching the lives of our students and communities through quality educational programs and services.
To accomplish these ends, we will:
- Support student goal achievement through access to learning experiences and assessment.
- Support a balance between a comprehensive curricular base and innovations in education, personal development and technology by strategically utilizing resources.
- Provide curriculum and supportive services relevant to the needs of individuals, enterprise and government.
- Maintain a learning environment built upon the inclusivity of ideas of all cultures and ethnic backgrounds.
- Support economic vitality and stability through development of a skilled local workforce.
- Integrate the components of campus-based instruction, the Groves and the Kalamazoo Valley Museum to support student and community needs.
We appreciate your participation in our ongoing self-analysis and self-improvement efforts. Please respond by Nov. 12.
Kalamazoo Valley Museum Presents Mandolin and Guitar Orchestra Concert
The Kalamazoo Mandolin and Guitar Orchestra presents holiday music old and new, along with other traditional audience favorites, at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum for the Dec. 3 Art Hop. The Kalamazoo Mandolin and Guitar Orchestra is a plucked string ensemble consisting of mandolins, mandolas, mandocellos, guitars and bass.
The orchestra was founded in 2003 to revive the mandolin orchestra tradition in Kalamazoo. Under the direction of conductor Matt Cosgrove, the orchestra enjoys performing a wide variety of music, including classical, ethnic and “golden era” mandolin orchestra music. The KMGO will perform two concerts at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Space for both performances will be limited. Advance registration is encouraged, as non-ticketed entry cannot be guaranteed. Tickets are free. Visit kalamazoomuseum.org for ticket information.
Connecting Students to Community Opens Dec. 3
The Center for New Media art exhibit Connecting Students to Community opens for the Dec. 3 Art Hop. Students past and present enrolled in the college’s ANM 282 Design Crew will showcase their work. Design Crew is a service-learning, merit-based course open to all advanced students in art and design. In this capstone experience, students get real world experience by working on visual communication projects for local non-profit organizations. The exhibition opens at 5 p.m. and will be on display all month at the Center for New Media.
Commencement to be Held at Miller Auditorium
Kalamazoo Valley's 85th Commencement Ceremony will be held on Sunday, Dec. 19 at 2 p.m. at Miller Auditorium on Western Michigan University’s campus. Students who have petitioned to graduate should have received an email invitation to attend. If you did not receive an invitation, please contact Carey Stolsonburg.
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