September 13, 2021

Greetings Students!

It has been a great pleasure seeing so many of you on our college campuses! Again, I welcome you to the start of a new academic year, whether in person, online or any combination, thank you for choosing Kalamazoo Valley.

We are mindful of the many responsibilities you juggle as a college student. In addition to your studies, you balance the demands of family life, employment and for some, the care of family members and friends. We understand.

Even with a busy schedule, it is important that you devote yourself to your education. My advice to you is to attend and participate in your classes, complete your assignments on time and if you need assistance, do not hesitate to ask for help.

Being a college student can be one of the best experiences of your life!  I invite you to take full advantage of all that the college has to offer such as joining a student club or by attending an athletic contest - currently our volleyball team is competing - or by visiting the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. College-related extracurricular experiences can be an important part of learning. Keep an eye on the events and activities posted on the college calendar and see the article below that highlights upcoming campus events.

I am feeling optimistic about this fall semester and the entire college community is here to assist you in achieving your educational goals. Go for it!

 Sincerely,

L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President

The Wellness and Fitness Center Reopens
Students taking WPE classes may visit the Wellness and Fitness Center (WFC) during their scheduled class meeting time. Additionally, the Wellness and Fitness Center will be available only for those students enrolled in WPE classes who need to complete WPE assigned activities Monday - Friday between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

The safety of students remains a top priority. Please make note of the following:

• First-time users of the the WFC will be required to watch a video regarding the use and proper cleaning of equipment;
• Scanning in and out with college ID will be strictly enforced;
• A face covering must be worn at all times;
• Patrons will receive a bottle of cleaner and a cloth upon entry and will be instructed on proper procedures for cleaning equipment after each usage;
• Towels will not be provided.

Havirmill Cafe to Open this Week
The student-run Havirmill Cafe in the Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary and Allied Health building reopens on Wednesday, Sept. 15. Hours will be 7:30 - 11 a.m. for breakfast and 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. for lunch. The cafe will be open Monday through Thursday.

Breakfast options will be mostly grab-and-go items. Lunch on Mondays will be lighter fare like soups, salads, and sandwiches. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays will have more entrees and hot food options. Menus will rotate through various regional American cuisines.

Many of the food items will be packaged so as to reduce touch points with serving utensils. Guests are asked to maintain at least three feet of distance between each other while moving through the line. For the next few weeks, the cafe will be open only students, faculty and staff.

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Need Assistance? Student Services can Help!
Students who need assistance should contact one of the many student services departments listed here to schedule:

1. Virtual appointments
2. In-person appointments

Call or email for an appointment so that we can best serve you. You can also self-schedule your appointment through MyValley. Click on "Schedule an Appointment with Student Services" under My Links.

 
New to Kalamazoo Valley? Get Your Valley ID Card Now
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:

• Take a clear, front-facing, head and shoulders photo of yourself
• Upload your photo and required information here (you'll need to log into your MyValley account)

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.

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. The college has provided students with shares once a week for the last year.

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 come on foot or on a bicycle, please wear a face covering.

If you have any questions, please email foodshare@kvcc.edu.


Relax and Meditate at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum
Come to the Kalamazoo Valley Museum planetarium, let go for a little while, and feel the effects of ancient sound instruments on your mind, body and spirit on Sept. 25 at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Leave feeling a deep peace and calm. In this sound immersion experience, Tibetan bowls, crystal bowls, tuning forks and other sound instruments will be used to help a busy mind down-shift to relaxation, meditation and deep state healing. No previous experience in music or meditation is necessary. more