kalamazoo valley community college

InFocus: news for the kalamazoo valley community college students

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

Oct. 10, 2023

Greetings students!

Yesterday we celebrated Indigenous Peoples' Day! Indigenous Peoples' Day, at its core, strives to celebrate and honor the past, present and futures of Native peoples throughout the United States and acknowledges the legacy of colonialism, which has historically devastated indigenous communities and continues to negatively impact them today. More importantly, it honors the histories, cultures, contributions and resilience of contemporary Native peoples. Please join me in recognizing Native people in our communities. Learn more.

We also acknowledge the deeply upsetting violence that began on the border between Israel and Gaza on Saturday. We are all hoping for a ceasefire and a path forward to peace. Please remember that we have licensed professional counselors available for short-term personal counseling. If you need to talk, you can schedule an appointment at 269.488.4040.

We are here to support you here at Kalamazoo Valley, no matter where you are in your personal and academic journey.


Sincerely,

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


admissions, registration, and records
Winter Registration Opens this Week
Registration for winter semester opened yesterday and is based on earned credit hours. View the class schedule here.
  • 36 or more credit hours: Oct. 9 at 8 a.m.
  • 24 or more credit hours: Oct. 10 at 8 a.m.
  • 12 or more credit hours: Oct. 11 at 8 a.m.
  • All students may register: Oct. 12 at 8 a.m.

Early registration tuition payment due: Nov. 7 by 7 p.m.

Registration blitz: enjoy a hot cocoa bar and donuts! Students who register will receive kalamazoo valley branded winter gear and be entered into a daily drawing for kalamazoo valley bookstore gift cards. Winter registration blitz student services wing (Texas township campus) October 16 10am to 2pm. October 17 10am to 2pm and 4 to 7 pm. October 18 10am to 2pm. October 19 10am to 2pm. October 20 10am to 2pm. Get the best selection of winter semester classes by registering during the winter registration blitz. Staff from the admissions, registration, and records office, student financial services and student development services will be available to assist you.
Enjoy Hot Cocoa, Donuts and Giveaways at Winter Registration Blitz

Gain access to the best selection of winter semester classes at Winter Registration Blitz, Oct. 16 - 20 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., located in the Student Services Wing at the Texas Township Campus. Staff from the Admissions, Registration and Records office, Student Financial Services and Student Development Services will be available to answer your questions and assist with winter semester registration.
 
Students who attend are invited to enjoy a hot cocoa bar and donuts. Those who register will be eligible to receive free college-branded winter gear and will be entered into a daily drawing for Kalamazoo Valley Bookstore gift cards. Winter Registration Blitz appointments are walk-in, first come first served. To learn more, call 269.488.4040.


Room in Your Schedule for Another Class?
Second half-semester fall classes begin Oct. 25 and a variety of classes are available. Click here to see what might fit into your schedule. Tuition payment is due within five business days upon registration.
kalamazoo promise services
Image is of a hand holding a number 2 pencil in the process of completing a multiple choice dot test card. Text reads “Test anxiety workshop, April 16, 3 to 4pm at the Texas township campus room 4230. Join us and develop skill to help ready your mind and your nerves for future exams and tests. This workshop will discuss how to prepare for high level of stress before, during and after the test. For more information, contact us at promiseservices@kvcc.edu.
student life an engagement


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 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, X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn for all of the latest campus news.


transfer resources services

Western Wednesday. Are you interested in transferring to western Michigan university? Connect with advisors and admission representatives from western Michigan university. October 4, 10am to noon, room 4260 texas township campus. October 18, 10am to noon, room 4260 texas township campus. October 25 (on-site admission day), 9am to 4pm, room 4370-80 texas township campus. November 1, 10am to noon, room 4260 texas township campus. November 15, 10am to noon, room 4260 texas township campus. November 29, 10am to noon, room 4260 texas township campus. December 1, 10am to noon, room 4260 texas township campus.
Michigan State University Transfer Information
SPARTANS WILL!  Are you interested in transferring to MSU? To celebrate National Transfer Student Week, Michigan State will be waiving the application fee for Fall 2024 transfer applicants who apply during the week of Oct. 15-21, 2023. Take a look at the application overview and tips webinar to assist you in the process. Construction of two exciting new student facilities has begun! The Student Recreation and Wellness Center and the Multicultural Center are making great progress. Interested students and alumni alike should schedule a visit to see the campus in person or virtually today! If any of these transfer opportunities interest you, or you are interested in other 4-year institutions, please work with your academic counselor or advisor today to ensure you are ready to take that next step in meeting your academic goals. 

University of Kentucky Transfer Opportunities
With over 200 majors and a multitude of transfer scholarship opportunities, UK is excited to welcome the students of Kalamazoo Valley Community College to take a peek. UK Online bachelor degree programs are also available and out-of-state students do not have to pay out-of-state tuition for online degree programs! Interested students can visit both in-person and virtually. Click here for more information and campus visit opportunities today!
       office of diversity and inclusion

Crip camp a disability revolution Documentary screening and discussion lunch provided. Join the office of diversity and inclusion and the office of student access for a screening of crip camp. Crip camp is about a groundbreaking teen summer camp that inspired some its alumni to join the disability right movement. Camp jened was a hippie-run summer camp where people with disabilities were treated as equal members of a community, empowered to make their own decision, experienced for the first time the fullness of themselves as human beings. The film is rated “R” and includes talk of sex. Wednesday, October 11 from noon to 2:30 pm at the Texas township campus rooms 4370 and 4380. RSVP by for a lunch by emailing tbatson@kvcc.edu
Film, Panel Discussions and Trainings Planned this Fall

Expect important programming this fall from the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. Highlights include: 

  • Mental Health First Aid training | Nov. 1 | 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. | TTC Room 4380 
  • safeTALK suicide prevention workshop | Nov. 14 | 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | AWH Room 207 

 Ableism will be explored through workshops and a film showing: 

  • Ableism 101 | Oct. 10 | 1- 2:30 p.m. | Contact Trice Batson for the virtual link
  • The "Crip Camp" documentary (rated "R" for adult themes) | Oct. 11 | noon - 2:30 p.m. | TTC Room 4370 & 4380 The film is about a groundbreaking teen summer camp that inspired some of its alumni to join the disability rights movement. 

For questions, email Trice Batson, diversity and inclusion director. Learn more at www.kvcc.edu/diversity/. 

Next Mental Health First Aid Training Offered Nov. 1 at TTC Campus

Open to staff, faculty and students! FREE! Join us for Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training on Wednesday, Nov. 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Texas Township Campus in Room 4380. It will be led by Integrated Services of Kalamazoo. MHFA is the help offered to a person who may be developing a mental health challenge or is in a mental health crisis. It is an international, evidence-based program that teaches people to identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges.
 
In this course, you'll learn:

  • The prevalence of mental health issues and the need to reduce stigma
  • The importance of early intervention on mental health challenges
  • How to apply the appropriate steps of the MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE)
  • How to identify and assist with early signs and worsening signs of mental health challenges
  • How to identify and assist with a mental health crisis
  • The importance of self-care as we become Mental Health First Aiders

Please email Trice (tbatson@kvcc.edu)  to RSVP.


advising and counseling
A flyer with a photo of several people walking down a well-lit hallway in medical scrubs. The text reads Health careers application workshop meet with an advisor to discuss your readiness to apply to our health career programs. October 5 from 2 to 4 pm at Texas township campus room 1320. October 16 from 12 to 2 pm at Texas township campus room 4560. We help with pre-req GPA calculation, holistic application overview, overview of Clifton strengths, points calculation, networking and community. For more information, contact bherbert@kvcc.edu

libraries


Kalamazoo Valley Libraries: Research Resources
Books are Just the Beginning
The Kalamazoo Valley Libraries house about 47,596 books. If we pretend each book is 1.5 inches thick, our collection stacks up to a little over a mile high. Search and browse them all - plus thousands more available in ebook formal through our ValleyCat Online Catalog. The point is we have a lot of books, and that is just the beginning of what the libraries offer to assist your research.   
Databases
One of our go-to resources to support your research is our database collection, featuring thousands of academic articles, many of which are not otherwise free on the web. There are also useful professional journals, magazines, news sources, and ebooks at your fingertips. Feeling overwhelmed searching through all that content? Library staff are experts and eager to help. 
Database Research How-To Videos
If you want a quick fix of helpful tips to improve your database skills, take a look at our brief but informative Library Research videos. The Databases: Getting Started video provides an introduction and other videos cover topics that help you dig down to results you can use.
Citation Research Guide
Proper citation of your research sources is a must for good grades and your academic standing. Read our concise citation research guide for a solid overview of Modern Language Association (MLA) or American Psychological Association (APA) guidelines. Remember, library staff members are your ultimate guides to citing sources and using all the resources mentioned here and more!
Research & Citation Help
Library staff is standing by to help you with any phase of your research, from deciding on and focusing your topic, to finding reliable information in our books, databases and on the web, to properly citing your sources. The best way to get help is to set an appointment with a librarian by calling us at 269.488.4328 or emailing us at libraries@kvcc.edu, but you are welcome and encouraged to drop in, too. 
Ask a Librarian 24/7
If you find yourself in need of help after hours, simply use our Ask a Librarian 24/7 service. A college librarian has your back, via chat, any time at all. 

Hours and Contact Information

The official kalamazoo valley community college cougar bookstore
a photo of an open, powered on laptop
Featured Item: Hewlett-Packard Laptop, $646.79

Looking for an inexpensive, thin laptop with long battery life? You might be interested in knowing that Hewlett Packard 15.6" laptops are sold for $646.79 at the Texas Township Bookstore. This model has a drive capacity of 256 GB. Payment can be made using financial aid, credit card, cash or a combination thereof. The Bookstore also sells a number of computer accessories, such as keyboard protectors and laptop sleeves, carrying cases and chargers. Buy in person at the Bookstore between 8 a.m.-5 p.m., or online anytime. Web 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. Shipping is $5.
student employment services

Fall career fair human services, social sciences, public service, education. Thursday, October 12, 11am to 2pm, Texas township commons. Students! Connect with employers and learn more about careers in the human services, social sciences, education, and public service pathways. Free and open to everyone.
Attend Oct. 12 Career Fair for a Chance to Win a Free iPad

Enrich your college experience, learn more about career opportunities and network with industry professionals at Kalamazoo Valley's 2023 Education, Human Services, Social Sciences and Public Services Career Fair, Thursday, Oct. 12 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Texas Township Campus in the Student Commons. Students who attend the event are eligible to participate in two drawings for free iPads. Giveaways and snacks will also be available. more

Looking for Other 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:

Art & New Media/Applied Art and Media Technologies
Graphic Design - Internship - Special-Lite

Business Pathways (Accounting/Business/Information Technology/Marketing/Administrative Assistant)
Human Resources Assistant - Residential Opportunities, Inc.
Division Accountant - Green Bay Packaging Inc.
Customer Service Representative/Purchasing Agent - Technical Packaging Systems

Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement/Public Service
Male Drug Tester & Female Drug Testers- Van Buren County Specialty Courts

Culinary/Brewing (Sustainable Food Systems)
Multiple culinary and hospitality openings - Greenleaf Hospitality and Millennium Restaurant Group
Delivery Driver - Imperial Beverage

Education
Multiple positions - Portage Public Schools (paraprofessionals, playground supervisor, food worker, etc.)
Multiple preschool and daycare opportunities - Various companies
Substitute Teachers and Paraprofessionals - EDUStaff

Engineering & Skilled Trades
Electrical Engineer Lab Technician - Gentex Corp
Electrical Engineer - Safari Circuits
HVAC Installer- Haven Heating & Air Conditioning
Welder/Fabricator - Walinga USA
Michigan Certified Technician - Monro Auto Service & Tires Centers
Package Handler Warehouse - FedEx Ground

General Studies
Michigan Army National Guard
Court Services Specialist - 8th District Court

Health Careers
Medical Scribe positions - IscibeMD & Helix Scribe Solutions
Dental Hygienist - several postings
Multiple direct care worker, home health aide, care companion openings - Various companies
LPN/RN - Friendship Village
Health Aide - Portage Public Schools

Human Services/Social Sciences/Public Services
Skill Building Technician/Outpatient Services Tech - Residential Opportunities, Inc.


kalamazoo valley accelerated associate program (KVAAP)
Image of scattered fall leaves. Text reads KVAAP Day open to all students October 12, 11am, 4370 Texas Township Campus learn about KVAAP free lunch provided.
The Kalamazoo Valley Accelerated Associate Program (KVAAP) is an initiative that covers the cost of tuition, fees, books, and required supplies for its participants. Come learn more and enjoy free lunch with us! This event is open to all students.
academic programs

Kalamazoo Valley to Host Mastercam Seminar
In celebration of national manufacturing month, Cad, Cam, Design, Machining, Machine Tool and CNC students are invited to learn about the new Mastercam 2024 software release and how to take advantage of the latest CAM technology on Thursday, Oct. 19, 11 a.m. -  3 p.m., in Room 4240 on the Texas Township Campus. Don't miss this opportunity to receive vital training. Speak with peers and Axsys application engineers. Lunch will be  provided.

Some topics to be covered:
  • Deburr
  • Mill Turn update including B-axis turning
  • Hole-making update
  • Geometry interrogation / What Cutter Path When
  • Dynamic Trim function
  • Advanced Display - Gnome enhancements
  • Probing

phit theta kappa honors society
Phi Theta Kappa to Induct New Members on Oct. 25

Kalamazoo Valley Community College's chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international honor society for two-year colleges, has recently extended new invitations for membership to eligible students. Those who accept are invited to participate in an optional induction ceremony at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 25 in the Texas Township Campus Theater, Room 4240. L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D., president of Kalamazoo Valley Community College, will be the event's keynote speaker. more
center for new media


This image features a collage with three distinct sections:

Left section: A joyful moment where two people, one dressed as Captain America and another as Rapunzel, stand on either side of a woman smiling for a photo outside in a public space.

Middle section: A candid scene where Captain America interacts with two people who are sitting in patterned chairs, appearing to be drawing or studying in a relaxed indoor setting. There is a poster in the background, adding to the casual, creative atmosphere.

Right section: A combination of digital sketches and colored illustrations of Captain America and Rapunzel. Captain America is shown in his iconic suit and shield, walking with purpose, while Rapunzel appears in her classic purple dress with long flowing hair, depicted in a playful and dynamic pose. The sketches capture different poses and actions of both characters.
Super Heroes Visit 2D Art Class
Applied Arts and Media Technology's Aubrey Rodgers invited some special guests to help showcase different kinds of walks in her 2D Animation Class and for the students to draw them. Olivia Grace & Company are having their characters come and visit this semester for students to draw, photograph and design to apply to the art the students are making. Rodgers' guests were excited to see the Arcadia Commons Campus during their visit.


This image features three distinct works of art:

Left section: A vibrant, geometric textile piece in the shape of a diamond, composed of concentric, colorful layers of red, pink, orange, and purple. The texture and patterns suggest it may be a woven or string-based design, creating a striking sense of symmetry and depth.

Middle section: A black-and-white photograph of an abstract sculpture. The composition includes a cardboard box structure, with pencils protruding from a central object that resembles a taped-up apple or round form. The stark contrast of shadows and lines gives the piece a sense of depth and balance.

Right section: A colorful, collage-like artwork featuring silhouetted figures, abstract shapes, and layered cutouts. Various human forms are depicted, with two figures in the foreground, one in yellow and one in blue, seemingly embracing. Below them, other figures of diverse appearances appear in a layered arrangement, with accompanying text incorporated into the composition, possibly from book covers or other media.
The Colors of (Un)Common Childhood is the November Art Exhibit at the CNM

The November exhibit at the Center for New Media, The Colors of (Un)Common Childhood, features the work of local artists Heather Briggs, Heather Boersma and Jacqueline Baerwald.

The show opens at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 3. More

  athletics

A group of students in kvcc apparel walking in a orderly fashion on a city street.
Softball & Baseball Players Participate in Suicide Prevention Walk

The softball and baseball teams volunteered with the American Foundation's "Out of the Darkness Community Walk" for suicide prevention that drew hundreds to the streets of downtown Kalamazoo on Sept. 10. The teams directed others on the correct path during the walk and assisted with the silent auction, among other activities.
  what’s happening at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. The kalamazoo valley museum is operated by kalamazoo valley community college and is governed by its board of trustees.
 

An image of a vintage television set. Over the image, in white letters, is text that reads Off the shelves: exploring the kalamazoo valley museum’s furniture collection. October 31, 2023 to January 21, 2024
New Exhibit Showcases Furniture from over the last 200-Plus Years
Explore the Kalamazoo Valley Museum's furniture collection that spans over 200 years of history, from one-of-a-kind items to mass-produced pieces made by local and international craftspeople and manufacturers in "Off the Shelves: Exploring the Kalamazoo Valley Museum's Furniture Collection." The exhibit will run Oct. 31 through Jan. 21. The museum, which has a wide-ranging collection totaling around 60,000 items, is currently undergoing a large-scale project in collections storage. As a result, many larger objects which are often not in the exhibit limelight are freed up for viewing. The exhibit will display a range of objects the museum has, including trunks, chairs and other pieces that all tell stories. Learn some of their stories and find out more about the museum's collection.

 


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