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Oct. 23, 2023
Greetings students!
Congratulations! You've made it to the midpoint of the fall semester! For many, it seems that classes just began and, for others, time seems to drag along. We understand!
To help celebrate your progress, the Office of Student Life and Engagement has planned a Fall Spirit Week for your enjoyment, including pumpkin decorating, a coffee/hot cider bar, donuts and more. You can learn more about these and other events in this newsletter. If your schedule allows, take advantage of these opportunities to have some fun and get to know your fellow students.
At this halfway mark, it is important to take a breath and assess where you are with your studies. Are you on track to successfully complete your classes? Do you need to recommit to your work? My advice to you includes that you do your homework, participate in class and, if you need help, reach out to for assistance right away. We have dozens of professionals available to assist you. You can do this!
Sincerely,
L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President
Petition to Graduate
Students planning to graduate in December should petition to graduate by Oct. 31. You can access your Degree Works audit via MyValley, under the My Links section, to view the list of required courses for your declared program of study, and what courses have been completed and applied toward your degree, the semester completed and the grade you received.
If, after reviewing your Degree Works program, you find discrepancies or have questions, call Student Development Services to make an appointment with an advisor or counselor at 269.488.4100 (TTC) or 269.373.7834 (ACC) before filing your Petition for Graduation. To be eligible for graduation, you must meet all of the prescribed course and credit-hour requirements for your specific curriculum. Courses below a 100 level do not apply toward degree requirements.
You must complete and submit your Petition for Graduation online before you can graduate. Click on the Graduation/Petition to Graduate link within your My Links section of MyValley.
Michigan Reconnect Expands - Now Available for Students Ages 21-24
If you're age 21 to 24, don't miss the chance to earn your tuition-free degree or certificate through Michigan Reconnect at Kalamazoo Valley Community College.
- Now, for a limited time, more Michigan residents, including already enrolled community college students or potential students ages 21 to 24 who have not yet earned a college degree, can enroll in Michigan Reconnect, a tuition-free community college program previously limited to those 25 and older.
- Now is the time to enroll because the Reconnect expansion is for a limited time and is a result of Gov. Whitmer working with the state Legislature to designate an additional $70 million to temporarily expand the program and help more people and businesses "make it" in Michigan.
- The application window closes Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. EST. more
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.
Kalamazoo Valley Libraries: Your Source for Information
Visit us at the Texas Township Campus (TTC) or at the Arcadia Commons Campus (ACC) on the third floor of Anna Whitten Hall.
Halloween Open House
Join the Libraries and Learning Center Open House at TTC on Tuesday, Oct. 31, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. for information about the academic support we offer, plus spooky snacks, activities and giveaways.
Access to Information Since 1966
We are in the business of providing students with access to information of all kinds. That's been true since our founding in 1966. Seek out books and research articles that support your academic pursuits. Did you know that we also offer:
- Books that have been challenged, or even banned, in other schools and libraries
- Consumer health and financial information through our Articles & Research Databases
- Award-winning books for children and young adults
- English language and foreign language dictionaries
- The latest books and journals in your field of study, including skilled trades and public services
ValleyCat Online Catalog
Look for library books (print and electronic) by using the ValleyCat online catalog, which is the search box right in the middle of the library homepage. Learn how to search or create an account by watching our ValleyCat tutorials or by asking a librarian for help.
Request a Book through MeLCat
The Kalamazoo Valley Libraries participate in MeLCat, a service that allows students, staff and faculty to borrow items from other participating libraries throughout the state of Michigan. Click here to search for materials available to borrow. Make sure to have your Valley ID ready. Books can be sent directly to the Kalamazoo Valley library location of your choice. The library will contact you when your item is available for pick up.
Hours and Contact Information
What's Inclusive Access Course Materials?
Inclusive Access course materials are electronic versions of a book or courseware. The e-books tend to be at least 50 percent, if not more, cheaper than hardcover and paperback textbooks, according to Gena Mead, manager of the Texas Township Bookstore. Instructors decide if their classes will offer the course materials as Inclusive Access. Within 24 hours of registering for a class with this option, students receive an email from the Bookstore alerting them they are enrolled in an Inclusive Access course. That email lets them know the course materials will be available in their Canvas account on the first day of class, how they can access the materials and that the cost has been added to their bill.
For the Winter 2023 semester, 2,471 students are in classes with Inclusive Access books. That represents 57 courses overall, with a total of 211 sections. The intent of this course materials option is to ensure every student has access to affordable textbooks by the first day of class, Mead said. Students wishing to decline their Inclusive Access materials have up two weeks from the first day of class to remove the charge from their bill by opting out, which can be done in their Canvas accounts or by emailing the Bookstore at bookstore.kvcc.edu or calling 269.488.4030.
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:
Art & New Media/Applied Art and Media Technologies
Nothing at present
Business Pathways (Accounting/Business/Information Technology/Marketing/Administrative Assistant)
Employment Specialist - Integrated Services of Kalamazoo
IT Tech Support Intern - Duncan Aviation
Elementary Attendance Secretary - Portage Public Schools
Document Scanner - Charter Township of Kalamazoo
Golf Shop Sales Assistant (Part-time) - Kalamazoo Country Club
Special Events Intern - Wings Event Center
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)
Culinary Supervisor/Wings Event Center - Greenleaf Hospitality Group
Sous Chef - the Kent Eatery & Spirits
Education
Junior Staff / Tennis Instructor - Kalamazoo Country Club
Multiple positions - Portage Public Schools
Multiple preschool and daycare opportunities - Various companies
Substitute Teachers and Paraprofessionals - EDUStaff
College Completion Coach - Michigan College Access Network
Engineering & Skilled Trades
Electrical Engineer Lab Technician - Gentex Corp
Assembler with MIG Welding Experience - Express Employment Professionals
Electrical Engineer & Repair Technician - Safari Circuits
HVAC Installer- Haven Heating & Air Conditioning
Welder/Fabricator - Walinga USA
CNC Machinist II - Ascential Technologies
General Studies
Golf Course Grounds Attendant - Kalamazoo Country Club
Health Careers
Medical Scribe positions - I-ScribeMD & Helix Scribe Solutions
Dental Hygienist - several postings
Multiple direct care worker, home health aide, care companion openings - Various companies
LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) - Mission Point Healthcare Services
LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) - University of Michigan Health West
RN / New Grad - Ascension Borgess
Human Services/Social Sciences/Public Services
Skill Building Technician/Outpatient Services Tech - Residential Opportunities, Inc.
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
Donate Blood on Nov. 6 to Receive a $10 Gift Card
Kalamazoo Valley Community College and its chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international honor society for two-year colleges, is collaborating with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive at the Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary and Allied Health Building in downtown Kalamazoo. The event will take place Nov. 6 from 10 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. more
Cheer on the Volleyball Team at Last Game on Oct. 26
Enjoy the last volleyball game of the season on Thursday, Oct 26 at 6:30 p.m. in the main gym at the Texas Township Campus! Put on your Cougar spirit gear and come cheer for the Lady Cougars as they take on Glen Oaks Community College. This game will be extra special as the team will be celebrating Sophomore Night as well, with four students being recognized. Admission to the game is free. See you there! For more information about the team, click here.
Free Halloween 'Museum Mayhem' Fun on Oct. 28
Looking for some pre-Halloween fun? Stop by the Kalamazoo Valley Museum on Saturday, Oct. 28, starting at 11 a.m. Enjoy FREE Halloween-themed planetarium shows, craft activities, colorful chemistry demonstrations and story times throughout the afternoon! Advance registration is not required. Patrons are welcome to wear family-friendly costumes, without masks or weapons. Find the full list of programming and the schedule at kalamazoomuseum.org.
Closing Soon: 'Wonder Media' Exhibit that Builds News Literacy
LAST CHANCE! The "Wonder Media: Ask the Questions!" exhibit closes on Dec. 31 at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum! The exhibit invites pre-teens, teens and adults to engage in critical thinking about news and media literacy topics by interacting with 14 highly interactive activity stations, providing a fun and hands-on way to build skills to better spot misleading news and information. Admission is free to the exhibit and the museum. Click here for more details, including museum hours.
Museum's Comics Day Was a Hit
Kids and adults alike had fun at the cartooning workshops and meet-and-greet with costumed Spiderverse characters on Sept. 30 at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. Thank you, Aubrey Jewel Rodgers, a professional illustrator from Kalamazoo Valley Community College's Center for New Media, for leading the sessions. Click here for more photos from the "Pow! Boom! Wham! Art of the Comics" event.
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