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October 6, 2020
With the first weeks of fall semester well underway, we trust that your learning experiences at Kalamazoo Valley, in person or online, are moving you closer to your educational goal! Part of the goal achievement process includes planning ahead and registering for winter semester classes. Winter semester registration opens for all students on Friday, Oct. 9. The college will offer a mix of face-to-face and remote classes for winter semester which begins on January 11.
Even as we begin registration for winter semester, there is still time for you to register for additional fall classes. (hotlink to list of classes).
During this season, many of us are continuing to juggle multiple demands for our attention. Your stories of persistence and perseverance are inspiring. Even with determination to achieve your goals, we know that college life can sometimes seem overwhelming. I encourage you to reach out to your instructors if you have questions or need clarification about course expectations.
If you need additional assistance, our professionals in the Student Success Center can provide the services you may need during personal appointments (hotlink to appointment setting calendar).
As we continue to navigate these uncertain times together, remember that you are not alone. We are better when we work together to keep ourselves and one another safe. We are better as we work together to make Kalamazoo Valley Community College an even better place for all students to learn and achieve success. Thank you for joining us.
L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President
Honors Program Student Leaders Announced
The Kalamazoo Valley Community College Honors Program student leaders have been announced for the 2020-21 academic year.
President - Ivan Corcuera Loya
Ivan will graduate from Kalamazoo Valley in 2021 and plans to transfer to Western Michigan University's Lee Honors College where he intends to major in chemical engineering, focusing on biological sciences. He will eventually go to medical school.
Vice President - Chloe Janz
Chloe will graduate from Kalamazoo Valley in 2021 and plans to transfer to Kalamazoo College, she is considering a major in a pre-PA track or international relations.
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 count. Upcoming events include:
Oct. 6 | Time Management | 12 - 1 p.m.
Join the Office of Student Life and Engagement for an interactive discussion on how to manage your time and build good habits, especially when taking classes virtually. RSVP to get the Zoom link.
Oct. 6 | Transfer Tuesday | 11:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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 & universities admission representatives at Transfer Tuesday.
Grand Canyon University | 11- 12 p.m. | RSVP to get Zoom link
Siena Heights University | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. | RSVP to get Zoom link
Ferris State University | 1 - 3 p.m. | RSVP to get the Zoom link
University of Kentucky | 1 - 2 p.m. | RSVP to get the Zoom link
University of Michigan | 4 -5 p.m. | RSVP to get the Zoom link
Oct. 7 | Western Wednesday | 10 - 11 a.m. Future Broncos! Connect with admission representatives and advisors from across the
WMU university systems. RSVP to get the Zoom link.
Oct. 13 | Sister2Brother | 3 - 5 p.m.
S2B events are for students looking to network, discover, and develop leadership skills. Be prepared to network with college and community leaders. RSVP to get the Zoom link.
Oct. 13 & 14 | Mid-Semester Boost | 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Meet with a variety of Kalamazoo Valley departments to check-in and see how we can help with your educational journey.
RSVP to get the Zoom link
RSVP to get the Zoom link
Register Now for Winter Semester Classes
Registration for the Winter 2021 Semester opened the week of October 5, using a tiered registration schedule.
You may register starting at the assigned time or at any subsequent time throughout the registration period. You can find out how many credits you have earned in your MyValley account. This tiered registration schedule is based on the number of completed credit hours earned at the time of registration and does not include in-progress courses.See the winter class schedule here.
Registration dates are:
Monday, Oct. 5 at 8 a.m. for students with 48 earned credit hours.
Tuesday, Oct. 6 at 8 a.m. for students with 36 earned credit hours.
Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 8 a.m. for students with 24 earned credit hours.
Thursday, Oct. 8 at 8 a.m. for students with 12 earned credit hours.
Friday, October 9 at 8 a.m. for all students.
Full payment for registration between Oct. 5 and Nov. 10 is due by 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 10. Winter semester registration will be unavailable on November 11.
Beginning Thursday, Nov. 12 at 7 a.m. when registration re-opens, payment in full is due within five business days of registration. Make sure to check your account and pay any balance not covered by financial aid or a third-party payment. Monday, Jan. 11 is the first day of classes for the Winter 2021 semester at Kalamazoo Valley. If you need assistance, call Student Success Services at 269.488.4040 or the Office for Student Access at 269.488.4397 to make an appointment with an advisor or counselor.
I will be teaching a new class this winter - Foundations of Education (TRS 108). This blended course is being offered at TTC Room 2520 on Tuesdays from 12:30 p.m. - 2:10 p.m. from Feb. 1- April 30
TRS 108 is a discussion-centered course designed to develop our critical understandings of public education and the role of classroom teachers in today’s public schools. We will examine what it means to know, to learn, and to teach. We will examine how public schools developed and changed over the last 100+ years and how the teachers’ roles have evolved accordingly. We will look at challenges facing teachers today and society’s expectations of teachers and public schools through short and longer texts of theory, practice, and teacher narrative. Our responses to texts include writing, both formal and informal, discourse, and presentation. Most importantly, we will begin to see the classroom as a place of work, of community, of inclusion, and of infinite promise. It is a three credit course.
For more information, contact me at calmeda@kvcc.edu.
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
Did you know this past September 15 marked the official start of Hispanic Heritage Month? Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes and celebrates the contributions Americans tracing their roots to Spain, Mexico, Central America, South American and the Spanish-speaking nations of the Caribbean have made to American society and culture. The observance was born in 1968 when Congress authorized the president to issue an annual proclamation designating National Hispanic Heritage Week. Just two decades later, lawmakers expanded it to a month-long celebration, stretching from September 15 to October 15.
A number of our students come from a Hispanic/Latino background. Please join us for a virtual discussion on tomorrow, Wednesday, Oct. 7 from 11 a.m. to noon as we explore the vast diversity, backgrounds and experiences of our Hispanic/Latino colleagues. RSVP to Trice Batson to receive the Zoom link.
Recognize the Warning Signs of Mental Health Distress
While texting, group chats, zoom meetings, and DMs have become common forms of keeping in touch with friends and family, they can cloud any evidence of concerning body language or tone you would typically see hanging out in person. So how do you know if something is off with a friend or family member when you’re connecting electronically?
Keep an eye out for these signs that could indicate someone is struggling with their mental health:
- Posting captions, hashtags, or emojis that are overtly sad or negative- they go beyond sarcastic jokes.
- Liking posts or following accounts that promote negative behaviors– even if they aren’t sharing it to their feeds.
- Writing posts or comments that show impulsive behavior, irritability, hostility, or indicate insomnia.
Whether it’s on social media, in group chats, or during a hangout – if you suspect your friend is struggling, trust your gut.
Kalamazoo Valley Libraries: Voter Information for All
The Kalamazoo Valley Libraries -- at Texas Township (TTC), Arcadia Commons (ACC), and online at https://www.kvcc.edu/library/ -- are here to provide you with the information you need. You may know that we provide resources that help you succeed as a student. However, did you know that we also provide information that helps you to be an informed citizen?
Local, state and federal elections are coming up on Tuesday, November 3, 2020. If you have questions about voter registration, candidates, issues, ballots and more, you can find the answers in Voting 101, a new library research guide. We’ve pulled together the most up-to-date links to government agencies, political parties, and non-partisan organizations and advocacy groups. (This guide is for information purposes only, and does not endorse any candidate or position.)
Whether you are a first time voter who doesn't know how to get started or a veteran voter who just has a question about how to vote during the pandemic, you can find the information in Voting 101.
Contact Us
Visit us online at https://www.kvcc.edu/library/
Call 269.488.4380 (TTC) or 269.373.7848 (ACC)
Email (libraries@kvcc.edu)
Chat (with a college librarian) 24/7 (https://www.kvcc.edu/library/asklib.html)
Follow us on Instagram (@kalamazoovalleylibraries)
Valley CARES Application Still Available
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented both Kalamazoo Valley and our students with unprecedented challenges. In consideration of this, the college created the Valley CARES Emergency Assistance Fund. The Valley CARES Emergency Assistance Fund provides limited emergency financial support to students who have experienced unexpected technology expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus.
The Valley CARES Emergency Assistance Fund application can be found in your MyValley account, by selecting Valley Cares Application, under "My Links." Eligible, Title IV eligible students can receive up to $700 for technology expenses while Valley CARES funds are still available.
Please email the Financial Aid office or call 269.488.4340 with any questions.
Bookstore Services
Need something from the Kalamazoo Valley Bookstore?
Shipping within two business days
Walk-in service - Texas Township Campus, Room 4380
Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Visit the bookstore website for additional information.
Frontline workers who’ve been thinking about going back to college or finishing their high school equivalency can now do it for free, thanks to a new program through the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.
Through the Futures for Frontliners scholarship program, Michiganders who served as essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic have the opportunity to attend community college tuition-free – even if they don’t have a high school diploma or equivalency.
Examples of frontline workers are those who staffed grocery stores and restaurants, provided waste management services, manufactured Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), operated public transportation or provided critical police or fire services.
The program offers free tuition to pursue an associate degree or skill certificate at a community college either full-time or part-time while they work or while earning their high school diploma or equivalency through an approved adult education provider.
The application for seeking a college degree or certificate, attaining a high school diploma or equivalency and additional program information, including qualifying professions, are available now at Michigan.gov/Frontliners, with enrollment in classes available beginning January 2021. Winter semester at Kalamazoo Valley begins Jan. 11.
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