|
Sept. 1, 2023
Greetings students!
In less than a week, fall semester begins at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. We look forward to having you in class!
My advice to you is to attend and participate in your classes, complete your assignments and, if you need assistance, do not hesitate to ask for help. Our faculty and staff are ready and excited to assist you! In addition, I encourage you to get involved. There are a number of opportunities coming up for you to meet classmates, connect with campus clubs and organizations and learn more about the resources available to you. Read more below.
We trust that you will find everything you need to achieve your educational goals here at the college. 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
New to Kalamazoo Valley? Get Your Valley ID Card Now
As a new student, you are required to get a Valley ID card. A Valley ID card is needed for many student services, parking validation, testing center, class roster and security verification, fitness center and door access at our downtown campuses. You can also get some great discounts with your student ID Card when used at participating restaurants, art organizations and businesses.
Getting your Valley ID card is easy:
- Upload your photo and required information at our virtual ID station at the link on your MyValley page here (you'll need to log into your MyValley account). We will mail your ID card directly to your home.
- Come to the Student Service Desk at the Texas Township Campus (269.488.4100) or Anna Whitten Hall (269.373.7800) to obtain your card by drop-in or by appointment.
You must be registered for classes in order to obtain your Valley ID card. Your ID will remain valid for every semester that you are enrolled at Kalamazoo Valley.
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. Do not park in parking spots marked "reserved." You will be ticketed.
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 East Walnut Street and off John Street at the Food Innovation Center. Overflow parking is available at the Epic Center parking ramp.
Important Dates for Dropping and Adding Classes
- Last day to add (First half-semester/12/14-week classes) is Sept. 12.
- Last day to drop for a refund (First half-semester classes) is Sept. 12.
- Last day to drop for a refund (First 12-week classes) is Sept. 14.
- Last day to drop for a refund (14-week classes) is Sept. 18.
- Last day to add (Second 12-week classes) is Sept. 26.
- Last day to drop for a refund (Second 12-week classes) is Sept. 28.
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 in downtown Kalamazoo. 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 the appropriate staff to accurately assess your current situation and re-evaluate as necessary.
Get Connected with Resources at Learning Center and Library Open Houses
Are you interested in learning more about what Kalamazoo Valley's Learning Center and Libraries can offer you? Would you like the opportunity to get connected with resources like counseling and tutoring? Join us at either of two upcoming open house events at the Texas Township Campus in Rooms 2220, 3210 and 8420, or join us virtually via Zoom links located in your MyValley. Events take place:
- Sept. 12, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., in person at the Texas Township Campus and via Zoom
- Sept. 20, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., in person at the Texas Township Campus and via Zoom
Snacks will be provided for in-person visitors and all guests will be eligible to participate in drawings for giveaway prizes. For more information, email learningcenter@kvcc.edu or call 269.488.4397.
Kalamazoo Valley Libraries: Start Your Semester in the Library
Visit us at the Texas Township Campus (TTC) or at Anna Whitten Hall (AWH) on the third floor. We have something for everyone!
Open House
Join the Libraries (TTC and AWH) and Learning Center Open House on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for information, snacks and prizes.
Reserve Textbooks
The Libraries offer access to many textbooks used at Kalamazoo valley. Check our Course Reserve Guide to see if books are available for your classes. Most reserve items may be checked out for up to three hours.
Technology Loan
Borrow a laptop computer, Wi-Fi hotspot and/or a graphing calculator and use it for the entire semester. Technology is available on a first come, first served basis; bring your Valley ID for checkout. All laptops have webcams and microphones, and access to Canvas, Zoom, Microsoft Office and Respondus Lockdown Browser.
Print and Electronic Resources
Come browse our book collection, in person or online. We have titles to support both academic learning and personal interests. We also subscribe to several electronic book and journal databases for student research needs.
Study Spaces
Both the TTC and AWH libraries have quiet and scenic study spaces with computer and printer access. The TTC Library has study rooms available on a walk-in basis, and the lower-level study room has a computer workstation with a webcam, so you can attend a Zoom class or take a test in the library.
Research & Citations
Visit, call or email the library for assistance with your research needs. We can help you locate, evaluate and cite sources for your paper or project. For assistance during non-business hours, the Ask a Librarian 24/7 Chat is always available.
Hours and Contact Information
- Hours (including evenings and Saturdays)
- Call: 269.488.4328, email us or visit our website
Workout while on Campus
The Wellness and Fitness Center, located in Rm. 6060 on the Texas Township Campus, is free to all enrolled students. The spacious center provides something for everyone, including:
- 40+ pieces of cardio equipment
- Complete lineup of selectorized strength equipment
- Easy-to-follow full-body circuit
- Spacious yoga room
- Complimentary towels available
- Lockers upon request
- Locker room access with showers
- Pool access
- Free weight room
First-time users will be required to complete a brief orientation. Valley ID is required. Hours are Monday - Thursday 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Pool Opens Sept. 25
Beginning Monday, Sept. 25, the pool on the Texas Township Campus will be open for use during fall hours on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m. The pool is free and open to all enrolled Kalamazoo Valley students. Please note that the pool's hours are subject to change throughout the semester. For questions, stop by the Wellness and Fitness Center front desk or call 269.488.4184.
Lifeguards Needed
If you are interested in life-guarding at the Texas Township Campus, contact Renea Peruski at rperuski@kvcc.edu or call 269.488.4177.
Financial Aid Can Be Used for Book Purchases
If you are new to Kalamazoo Valley Community College, you may not know that your financial aid can be used to buy books and school supplies at the Bookstore on the Texas Township Campus. Either purchase your items in person or online - your choice! Online orders may be picked up at the Texas Township Campus or the Anna Whitten Hall Library at the Arcadia Commons Campus in downtown Kalamazoo, or mailed to any address you want. Shipping is $5. Note that the Bookstore be open an extra hour later, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., from Thursday, Aug. 31 through Wednesday, Sept. 13. The Bookstore is closed on Labor Day, Sept. 4.
Grab a Bite while on the Texas Township Campus
The Cougar Cafe, located on the Texas Township Campus, includes a Subway as well as a soup and salad bar, fruit cups, sandwiches, baked goods and a variety of beverages. It is open 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday - Thursday and closed on Friday.
The Coffee Shop, featuring Starbucks coffee, is located in the Student Commons on the Texas Township Campus. It is open 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday - Thursday and closed on Friday.
Havirmill Cafe to Open Sept. 12
Students enrolled in Kalamazoo Valley's Culinary Arts and Sustainable Food Systems programs put their training to work in the 418 Restaurant and Havirmill Cafe. Both are located in the Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary and Allied Health Building, 418 E. Walnut St., in downtown Kalamazoo. The Havirmill Cafe will be open for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday beginning on Sept. 12. There will be grab-and-go options as well as a hot bar with freshly made entrees.
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 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 Nkenge Bergan.
Upcoming events include:
Sept. 5 | FAFSA® Night | 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Kalamazoo Valley's Student Financial Services 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. Students do not need to be attending Kalamazoo Valley to receive assistance in completing the FAFSA®. If you have questions or need help, stop by the Student Financial Services Office every Tuesday between 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Rm. 9210 at the Texas Township Campus. For more information, email finaid@kvcc.edu.
Sept. 5 | KVAAP (Kalamazoo Valley Accelerated Associate Program) Information Session | 5 p.m.
Join this virtual information session to learn more about how KVAAP can help you achieve your educational goals. The Kalamazoo Valley Accelerated Associate Program (KVAAP) is an initiative that covers the cost of tuition, fees, books, and required supplies for its participants. The program ensures that students stay on track to obtain their associate degree at an accelerated pace by attending school full-time. In addition to financial assistance, KVAAP students benefit from advising, personalized support, career development, and educational pathway assistance. Upon signing up, a Zoom meeting link will be emailed to you. Click here to register. For more information, contact Ana Abendschein.
Sept. 8 | Volleyball Game | 6:30 p.m.
Join us at the Texas Township Campus in the Main Gym, Rm. 6100, and cheer on our home team as they take on North Central Michigan College.
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.
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 to 4 p.m. alternating between the Food Innovation Center in downtown Kalamazoo 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.
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:
Business Pathways (Accounting/Business/Information Technology/Marketing/Administrative Assistant)
Tax Season Internship - Cole Gavlas, PC
IT Support Analyst - Integrated Services of Kalamazoo
Human Resources Assistant - Residential Opportunities, Inc.
Office Administrator - Re/Max
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement/Public Service
Male Drug Tester & Female Drug Testers - Van Buren County Specialty Courts
Police Officer - City of South Haven
Security Officer - Wings Event Center & Greenleaf Hospitality
Culinary/Brewing (Sustainable Food Systems)
Multiple culinary and hospitality openings - Greenleaf Hospitality and Millennium Restaurant Group
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
HVAC Installer & Technician - Haven Heating & Air Conditioning
Welder/Fabricator - Walinga USA
Electrical/Mechanical Technician - Western Diversified Plastics
Hotel Maintenance Technician - Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kalamazoo West
Michigan Certified Technician - Monro Auto Service & Tires Centers
Tooling Technician & Maintenance Tech - Summit Polymers Inc.
Plant Operator - Bronson Healthcare Group
General Studies
Seasonal Farm Market positions - Schultz Fruitridge Farms
Warehouse Assistant - KSS Enterprises
Packager - FlavorSum
Cleaning Professionals - Rushing Wind Cleaning Service
Michigan Army National Guard
Health Careers
Medical Scribe - IscibeMD & Helix Scribe Solutions
Dental Hygienist - several postings
Direct Care Worker, Home Health Aide, Care Companion - Various companies
Human Services/Social Sciences/Public Services
Lifeguard at Kalamazoo Country Club - Greenleaf Hospital Group
Skill Building Technician/Outpatient Services Tech - Residential Opportunities, Inc.
Free Home Volleyball Games!
Volleyball season is underway at Kalamazoo Valley Community College! You're invited to drop in at any time at the home games, which are always free at the college's Texas Township Campus. The Lady Cougars will have their first conference match on Tuesday, Sept. 12 at 6:30 p.m. against Marian University's Ancilla College. It'll be right here on campus! Come out and wear your college apparel! Below are the rest of the home games:
- 6:30 p.m. | Friday | SEPT. 8 vs. North Central Michigan College
- 6:30 p.m. | Tuesday | SEPT. 19 vs. Kellogg Community College
- 6:30 p.m. | Thursday | OCT. 5 vs. Marian University's Ancilla College
- 6:30 p.m. | Tuesday | OCT. 10 vs. Lansing Community College
- 6:30 p.m. | Thursday | OCT. 12 vs. Kellogg Community College
- 6:30 p.m. | Tuesday | OCT. 17 vs. Lake Michigan College
- 6:30 p.m. | Thursday | OCT. 19 vs. Southwestern Michigan College
- 6:30 p.m. | Thursday | OCT. 26 vs. Glen Oaks Community College
Find the full schedule here. Follow the team on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Read an article about the volleyball season here.
Join the Fun at the Kalamazoo Farmers Market
You are invited to join the college at the Kalamazoo Farmers Market for our last visit this summer, Saturday, Sept. 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Stop by for hands-on activities and fun for the family. The college has been present on the third Saturday of each month since May. Come meet faculty and staff, learn more about the college and enjoy summer fun. Look for the Kalamazoo Valley tent in the central courtyard of the market. For questions, email Rachel Bair at rbair@kvcc.edu.
Did You Know Admission is Free at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum?
And that Kalamazoo Valley Community College operates the museum and that it is governed by the college's Board of Trustees? Click here anytime for the Kalamazoo Valley Museum's latest offerings. The museum works to develop cultural, historical, scientific and technological literacy through ever-changing interactive exhibits, augmented by planetarium shows, musical performances, lectures and films, suitable for children, adults and families. The museum is located at 230 N. Rose St. in downtown Kalamazoo. Hours are Tuesday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, from noon to 4 p.m. Planetarium shows are Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, for $3.
Enjoy Virtual Travel With 'Explore Your World' Exhibit
Undertake a quest across land, sea and space to discover the role of mapping and navigation in everyday life in the "Explore Your World!" free exhibit. It runs through Oct. 15. Visitors will use different methods of navigation to find their way through shipwrecks, escape a virtual building and pilot a simulated underwater exploration vehicle. They can take on the challenge of a giant game of Battleship using coordinates, or operate a sonar scanner to map themselves and their friends. "Explore Your World" uses cutting-edge technologies and experiences that are relevant, inspiring and effective in sharing STEM skills and knowledge across the globe.
|
