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Sept. 1, 2022
Greetings students!
In less than a week, fall semester begins at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. We look forward to having you in class!
As our preparations continue for the new academic year, many initiatives are underway, including our continued response to helping prevent the spread of disease. Over the last two-and-a-half years, the college increased the cleaning of high-traffic areas and high-touch surfaces such as handrails, benches, tables, handles and restrooms.
Cleaning kiosks and hand sanitizing stations are available in or near all classrooms and labs. The college has provided free COVID-19 at-home test kits and a number of distribution dates for at-home kits are planned for the fall semester. Thanks to the purchase of advanced bipolar ionization technology, all seven of the college's buildings on its four campuses will have improved air quality.
Face coverings are not required for uninfected individuals. Please continue to respect individual choices related to the use of face coverings.
Vaccination continues to be a best defense against the transmission of COVID-19 and its variants. I strongly urge you to protect yourself, those you care about and the community by seeking out and receiving the vaccine and boosters. Students with questions about COVID-19 (Coronavirus) should contact Russ Panico Ph.D., director of athletics and student relations coordinator. For additional information about staying healthy and mental health services available, please visit www.kvcc.edu/wellness.
We are dedicated to your success and look forward to a meaningful semester. Thank you for choosing Kalamazoo Valley.
Sincerely,
L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President
Need Assistance? Student Services can Help!
Students who need assistance should contact one of the many student services departments listed here to schedule:
- Virtual appointments
- In-person appointments
Call or email for an appointment so that we can best serve you.
New to Kalamazoo Valley? Get Your Valley ID Card
As a new student, you need to get a Valley ID card. A Valley ID card is needed to use many student services, including parking validation, testing and door access at our downtown campuses. We are happy to produce your student ID card virtually using the Student Information Center. Here's what you need to do:
1. Take a clear, front-facing, head and shoulders photo of yourself
2. Upload your photo and required information here. (You'll need to log into your MyValley account)
3. Once we verify your ID, we'll link your photo to class rosters and send your ID in the mail. It may take up to two weeks for you to receive your Valley ID in the mail, so upload your photo today. You must be signed up for classes for the fall semester and tuition must be paid before you will receive your ID.
You may also schedule an appointment to obtain your Valley ID card in person at Anna Whitten Hall by calling 269.373.7800 or at the Texas Township Campus by calling 269.488.4100.
Free Parking on all Kalamazoo Valley Campuses
Texas Township Campus: Ample parking is available free of charge at the Texas township Campus. No parking pass needed.
Arcadia Commons Campus: Kalamazoo Valley provides parking for students who are currently enrolled in at least one course at the Arcadia Commons Campus. Parking is validated in either the front office of Anna Whitten Hall or at the receptionist desk at the Center for New Media. Parking is in Ramp 4 only, located one block north of the campus at the corner of Eleanor and Rose Streets.
Bronson Healthy Living Campus: Kalamazoo Valley provides parking for students who are currently enrolled in at least one course at the Bronson Healthy Living Campus. Parking is free in the student parking lots located east of the Portage Creek on E. Walnut St. and off John St. at the Food Innovation Center. Overflow parking is available at the Epic Center Parking Ramp. Due to the current City of Kalamazoo Walnut St. bridge construction project, access to student parking via Walnut St. will be closed. Students may access Kalamazoo Valley's Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary & Allied Health Building by using the Dutton St. entrance. The end date is expected to be late September.
Important Dates for Dropping and Adding Classes
- Last day to add (First half-semester/12/14-week classes) is Sept. 13.
- Last day to drop for a refund (First half-semester classes) is Sept. 13.
- Last day to drop for a refund (First 12-week classes) is Sept. 15.
- Last day to drop for a refund (14-week classes) is Sept. 17.
- Last day to add (Second 12-week classes) is Sept. 27.
- Last day to drop for a refund (Second 12-week classes) is Sept. 29.
You may drop or withdraw from classes using the self-service registration feature inside MyValley. Watch our how to video to learn how this is accomplished. You may also drop classes in person in the Admissions, Registration and Records office (Room 9140, TTC) or at the Student Service Center in Anna Whitten Hall on the Arcadia Commons Campus. Discontinuing class attendance and/or notifying the instructor is not an official drop. You must complete the paperwork or use the self-service feature. If you fail to officially drop a course, registration is continued until the end of class and the grade earned is recorded on your transcript. Discontinuing course attendance is a very important decision. Consult with appropriate people to accurately assess your current situation and re-evaluate as necessary.
Need Help with Your Schedule?
No appointment is necessary to see an advisor or counselor through Sept. 16. Stop by Room 9300 on the Texas Township Campus to see someone in person. Or call 269.488.4040 to get in a virtual line.
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:
Sept. 1 | KVAAP Information Session | 10 a.m.
Join this virtual information session to learn more about how KVAAP 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.
Sept. 2 | Art Hop at the Center for New Media | 5:30 - 8 p.m.
The Sept. Art Hop at the Center for New Media will feature the MAPeA exhibition created by summer art camp participants and artist Natalya Critchley. Join us at Kalamazoo Valley's Center for New Media on Sept. 2 at 5:30 p.m. for this exciting event.
Sept. 7 | KV Vibe Fest | 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Welcome to the new semester! Join us at the Texas Township Campus Student Commons from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. for Vibe Fest 2022, where you will be invited to enjoy lively DJ music, food, games, prizes and good vibes only. Food sponsored by the University Center. For more information, contact ezra Bell.
Sept. 7 | Volleyball Alumni Match | 7 p.m.
Kalamazoo Valley will host a volleyball alumni match on Wednesday, Sept. 7 at 7 p.m. located at the Texas Township Campus main gym. Please join us!
Sept. 8 | Vibe Fest | 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Welcome to the new semester! Join us downtown at the Anna Whitten Hall lobby from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. for Vibe Fest 2022, where you will be invited to enjoy lively DJ music, food, games, prizes and good vibes only. Food sponsored by the University Center. For more information, contact ezra Bell.
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!
Volleyball Team's First Home Game is Sept. 22
The Kalamazoo Valley Community College volleyball team is looking forward to its first conference match on Tuesday, Sept. 13 at Lake Michigan College at 6:30 p.m. A closer opportunity to cheer on the Lady Cougars will be the home game on Thursday, Sept. 22 against Southwestern Michigan College. Come out and wear your college apparel! Home games are always free! Find the full schedule here. Follow the team on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok @kvccvb. Read more about the team here.
Need Food? Valley Food Share Can Help
Valley Food Share is an initiative designed to meet the immediate food needs of Kalamazoo Valley students. Through the program, currently enrolled students can pick up a box, or a "share" which includes food grown locally and sourced through our own Food Innovation Center as well as nonperishable items from Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes, to take home.
Valley Food Share distribution is currently a drive-thru service on Thursdays between 2 - 4 p.m. alternating between the Food Innovation Center and the Texas Township Campus. You will receive an email each Thursday afternoon with a link to sign up for a box of food for the next week. If you come by car, we ask that you remain in your vehicle and the share will be placed in your trunk by college employees. If you have any questions, please email foodshare@kvcc.edu.
Kalamazoo Valley Libraries:
New Hours, MeLCat, New Citation Services, Course Reserves, and Banned Book Display
New Hours
Our library hours will be changing beginning Sept. 7, 2022.
Texas Township Campus
Monday - Thursday 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m
Arcadia Commons Campus
Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
You can see the full library schedule for the fall semester here.
MeLCat is here!
The Kalamazoo Valley libraries are now participating 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, and the library will contact you when your item is available for pick-up.
New Citation Services
Kalamazoo Valley Libraries endorses Zotero for your research and citation needs. Zotero is a free research tool that can be used entirely through your browser. Store and manage your research (and even the sources themselves) in Zotero's cloud-based library, and automatically generate citations in the format of your choice. With the Zotero Connector browser plugin, you can import complete citation information into your library with a mouse click. A Zotero account is all you need to get started, which can be created at zotero.org. Find out more on our Zotero page.
Textbook Reserves
Textbooks and other course materials are placed on reserve each semester at the request of faculty and students. Check the Course Reserve Guide to see if we have books for your class available. Most reserve items may be checked out for up to three hours.
Banned Book Week Display
Come check out our book display at the Texas Township Campus Library on the lower level. Grab your own banned book, learn about what types of books are frequently challenged. To learn more about banned books click here.
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
Zoom by appointment, please email
Follow us on Instagram
Campus Band is Back and Looking for Members!
Kalamazoo Valley's campus band is returning! Musicians who've missed playing that instrument that's gathering dust in the closet are welcome to join the campus band. The group will meet from noon to 1:10 p.m. in Dale B. Lake Auditorium on Mondays and Wednesdays beginning on Sept. 21. Jim Roach, retired Loy Norrix High School band and orchestra director, is serving as the director.
Kalamazoo Valley students can enroll in MUS 110 and community members are welcome to participate on a drop-in basis without registering for the class. Roach said he expects to welcome participants with a wide range of abilities and ages. "even if it's been a long time, get out your instrument and come join us," Roach said. "For beginning college students who've been playing for six or seven years, this is no time to quit.
Roach said playing music is a pastime in which one can participate at any age. "You probably can't play football when you're in your 60s, but you can continue playing an instrument for as long as you can carry it around," he said. "It's a lifelong skill."
The band is expected to play at Kalamazoo Valley's winter and spring commencement ceremonies and a holiday concert is also planned. For more information, contact Jim Roach at jroach@kvcc.edu.
SAVe THe DATe! Sept. 30-Oct. 1! Did you know we can thank one woman with familial ties in Kalamazoo for many of the major medical breakthroughs over the last 70 years, including the COVID vaccine? A FRee play and mini exhibit coming to the Kalamazoo Valley Museum pays homage to Henrietta Lacks whose cells were used in experiments without her consent. The museum's Mary Jane Stryker Theater will offer the play three times: at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30, and at 2 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 1. Seating will be limited. It will be first come, first served. Registration is not required. The exhibit runs Sept. 1 through Feb. 27, 2023.
The "A HeLa Story: Mother of Modern Medicine" theatrical production and exhibit are sponsored by the museum and Kalamazoo Valley Community College, in collaboration with Jermaine Jackson, a nephew of Henrietta Lacks. An interview with Jackson and the play's author, Buddy Hannah, can be found here. For an article about the event, click here.
Free Screening of 'Forgotten Fighters' Documentary on Sept. 10
Come celebrate the famed Kalamazoo Boxing Academy on Saturday, Sept. 10 at 1:30 p.m. at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, with a reception, speakers and a documentary screening about the academy's history. Check out the trailer here. Also check out the museum's "The Forgotten Fighters of the Kalamazoo Boxing Academy" exhibit before it closes on Sept. 18. Admission is free to the film and to the museum.
Sept. 11 is the Final Day of exhibit of Zany Contraptions
LAST CHANCe! Stop by the Rube Goldberg, "The World of Hilarious Invention exhibit!" at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum before it closes on Sept. 11! Goldberg's cartoons and zany contraptions come to life through 3D, life-size machines and more in a humorous investigation of classic engineering principles. The traveling exhibition was created by the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh in partnership with the Heirs of Rube Goldberg.
For more information, visit kalamazoomuseum.org.
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