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September 22, 2020
Greetings Students!
Fall semester is always an exciting time of year. Whether you are joining us remotely or taking classes on campus, or both, thank you for your investment in your education, by choosing Kalamazoo Valley.
We are pressing forward with a multitude of fall activities which include virtual events for you and all of the communities we serve. The schedule includes the Virtual Skilled Trades Expo on October 1 and an Art Show hosted via social media from the Center for New Media on October 2. Many college clubs and organizations are finding ways to meet virtually. See the article below from the Office of Student Life and Engagement. There’s always something to do online at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. A calendar of activities is available on the homepage of the college website. I hope that you will take advantage of all that the college has to offer.
Creating and maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, faculty and staff continues to be at the forefront of our efforts. I want you to follow all of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) prevention guidelines so that we can protect you and remain in compliance with all Executive Orders and public health guidelines. This is a shared responsibility.
Thank you for sharing your stories with us. I continue to be amazed by your determination and flexibility as you complete your education. Please remain resilient and positive. If you need assistance, do not hesitate to reach out to your faculty members or to Student Success Services. We are here to help you achieve your goals!
L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President
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:
Sept. 23 | 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.
Sept. 23 | Budgeting | 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Join us for a presentation from Katelyn Huntington from Consumers Credit Union about budgeting. Whether you’re looking for ideas about setting a budget or how to best use your financial aid refund, this is a great resource. RSVP to get the Zoom link.
Sept. 24 | Strengths Community Conversations | 3 - 5 p.m.
Join us for a conversation with local community members to discuss how we can address systemic racism and promote social justice from the perspective of our individual Top 5 Clifton Strengths. RSVP to get Zoom link.
Sept. 29 | Sister2Brother | 3 - 5 p.m.
S2B events are for students looking to network, discover, and develop leadership skills. Join us prepared to network with college and community leaders. RSVP to get the Zoom link.
 Maximize Your Fall Semester Class Load!
Do you have room in your schedule for one more class? There’s still time to register for the second part of fall semester, 8 and 12 week classes. Classes such as Public Speaking, American Government and Macroeconomics are all starting soon. See what other great classes are available! Registering for just one additional class could help you shave off a semester or more, saving you both time and money during your journey to college graduation! To get a better idea of your time and money savings, check out the Kalamazoo Valley completion calculator.
If you need assistance, call Student Success Services at 269.488.4040 to or the Office for Student Access at 269.488.4397 make an appointment with an advisor or counselor.
Math Tutoring and Study Groups
Drop-in math tutoring is available to currently enrolled Kalamazoo Valley students during the Fall 2020 semester. Drop-in tutoring sessions are available via Zoom at the following days and times:
Monday: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Tuesday: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Wednesday: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Thursday: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sunday: 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
The web address to access Zoom during these hours is: https://zoom.us/j/95265827371
Joining a study group is another option that runs alongside of drop-in tutoring. Study groups are one hour in length and may have one or more students participating at any particular day and time. Study groups may be accessed using the Virtual Math Center link.
Questions?
If you are having trouble connecting with a tutor during the drop-in tutoring hours, please email mathtutor@kvcc.edu. If you are having technical issues, please email the IT Department at it@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 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.
Feeling Overwhelmed?
Locally and across the nation, people are dealing with sudden changes to their regular schedules and habits. Feeling overwhelmed, feelings of uncertainty and anxiety, and even loss and grief, have been extremely common as a result of COVID-19. It’s important to know that these feelings are completely expected and appropriate during situations like these. Understanding how to prevent and/or manage overwhelming anxiety, and how to keep perspective as these situations unfold is key to maintaining your mental health. Seeking support and help is normal, healthy and encouraged right now.
Here are some resources and that may be helpful to you:
Kalamazoo Valley Counseling Office or 269.488.4040.
Gryphon Place or 211 (Crisis Phone Line)
Mental Health Crisis Text or Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a counselor
Kalamazoo Valley Libraries: Providing the Resources You Need to Help You Succeed!
The Kalamazoo Valley Libraries -- at Texas Township (TTC) and Arcadia Commons (ACC) -- are here to help you succeed in college. Take a look at what we have to offer.
Wi-Fi Hotspots, Laptops, and Graphing Calculators
Successful online learning starts with reliable hardware. That’s why we are loaning technology to students for the entire semester. Visit us at the TTC or AWH Library to check out a graphing calculator. Fill out an application form to reserve your wi-fi hotspot or laptop today!
Textbooks on Reserve
Success in class means doing the reading. The Libraries can help provide limited access (with 72 hours notice) to course materials and textbooks. Call or email us and we’ll work with you to get access, so you can get that reading done.
Print Books, E-books, and Online Journal Articles
Papers and projects due soon? Find the best sources for your assignments in the Libraries. Look for books and e-books in our online catalog ValleyCat from our homepage: https://www.kvcc.edu/library/. Find full-text articles in our online databases. Access online materials from home or come in to pick-up print materials. We’ll even deliver curbside!
Friendly Assistance
A successful student knows when to ask for help. Our friendly library staff will help you find the answers to your questions. That’s what we’re here for, so ask away! With social distancing guidelines, it’s even easier to help you remotely through email, phone, 24/7 chat, and Zoom. We are rooting for your success.
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.
Check out Channel 3's recent coverage of the new program.
Free Dinner for Valley Students
Broncos Kitchen, a free hunger-relief charity for college students, recently announced that it has partnered with Wesley Foundation Campus Ministry to fight food-insecurity. Officials say the partnership will enable Broncos Kitchen to serve free dinners on Mondays and Thursdays from 5 to 6 p.m. through the month of September. A valid student ID is required to participate. Students from WMU, Kalamazoo College and Kalamazoo Valley Community College are welcome to join.
Mondays
58 West
5800 Jefferson Commons Dr
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
Thursdays
Wesley - United Methodist Campus Community
2350 Ring Road
Kalamazoo, MI 49006
University Center Open House - Tomorrow - 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Did you know you can earn a bachelor's degree right here on Kalamazoo Valley's campus? Learn more at the Kalamazoo Valley University Center virtual Open House September 23, 2020 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Representatives from the University Center partners - Davenport University, Ferris State University and Siena Heights University - will be available to meet virtually and answer your questions. To join the virtual Open Houses, just click on the following links:
We look forward to showing you how the Kalamazoo Valley University Center can benefit you!
  As a part of its celebration of National Manufacturing Week, Kalamazoo Valley Community College will stage a virtual Skilled Trades Expo at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 1 at www.kvcc.edu/skilledtradesexpo. View and participate in a variety of educational and interactive videos and activities which will include:
- Information about training at Kalamazoo Valley for high-paying jobs in these pathways: Automotive Technology, Electrical Technology, HVAC Technology, Engineering/Design/Manufacturing Technology, Welding Technology, Computer Information Systems, Chemical Technology
- Interviews with Kalamazoo Valley faculty members
- Q and A sessions with employers, faculty and others
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