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Kalamazoo Valley Community College

InFocus: News for Kalamazoo Valley Community College Students

September 27, 2021


Greetings Students!

 

It is great having so many of you on campus!

 

As I travel to our four campus locations, I see your determination and dedication as you pursue your educational goals. Faculty members are sharing that virtual learners are engaged and eager to be successful, too. The energy you bring is contagious!


We are pressing forward with a multitude of fall activities which include in-person and virtual events for you and all of the communities we serve. The schedule includes the Visiting Writers’ Series, opening on Tuesday, Oct. 19 with poet Jose Olivarez. At 3 p.m. via Zoom, he will present a craft talk and poetry reading. Also in celebration of Hispanic Heritage month, the Center for New Media is hosting an art show featuring the work of Natalya Critchey which opens on Oct. 1. 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. This is a shared responsibility. Please continue to follow all of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) prevention guidelines.

Thank you for sharing your stories with us. Please remain resilient and positive. If you need assistance, do not hesitate to reach out to your instructors or to Student Services. We are here to help you achieve your goals!

 

Sincerely,

Signature: L. Marshall Washington
L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President


Time to vaccinate for coronavirus. Stay safe on campus and off. www.kalcounty.org

Vaccine Clinic on Campus
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is returning to campus Wednesday, Sept. 29 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to administer the 2nd Pfizer vaccine dose to those who received the first dose on Sept. 8. If you have not received the first dose, staff also will be available to administer the first dose of the vaccine. The clinic will be set up in the lower level of the Texas Township Campus cafeteria.
Admissions, Registration, and Records
Winter Registration Opens Soon
Registration for the Winter 2022 semester opens the week of Oct. 11 at 8 a.m., using a tiered registration schedule based on the number of completed credit hours earned at the time of registration and does not include in-progress courses.
 
Monday, October 11              36 Credit Hours
Tuesday, October 12              24 Credit Hours
Wednesday, October 13        12 Credit Hours
Thursday, October 14            Everyone
 
The class schedule will be available for viewing online Oct. 4. Full payment for registration between Oct. 11 and Nov. 9 is due by 7 p.m. on Nov. 9.

Learning Center


Tutoring Available

If you need a little extra help in your classes, free tutoring is available in math, writing, biology, chemistry, physics, GeoSciences, American Sign Language, economics, Spanish and computers.

FACE-TO-FACE TUTORING SESSIONS
Face-to-face math drop-in tutoring sessions are available at the Texas Township Campus (TTC) in the Learning Center, Room 2220 and the Arcadia Commons Campus at the Anna Whitten Hall (AWH) building, Room 123.                                                        
 
TTC Open Close
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.
 
AWH Open Close
Monday  9 a.m. 1 p.m.
Tuesday  CLOSED  
Wednesday  9 a.m. 6 p.m.
Thursday  9 a.m. 1 p.m.
Friday  CLOSED
Saturday  CLOSED  
   








VIRTUAL TUTORING SESSIONS
Virtual drop-in math  tutoring sessions are available the following days and times:
Zoom Hours

 
Day Open Close
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.

Please visit their website to access a virtual tutor.
          

Writing Center
Drop-in writing tutoring on Zoom (no appointment necessary). Please visit their website to access a virtual tutor. The hours of operation for the Writing Center are: Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m., Friday:  9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

In-person tutoring available at Texas Township Campus by appointment only. Email: writing@kvcc.edu or learningcenter@kvcc.edu.
 
Course-Specific Tutoring
Course-specific tutoring is by appointment on Zoom or in person. Please contact the Learning Center to schedule: learningcenter@kvcc.edu or 269.488.4437.

For more information about your tutoring options, please visit www.kvcc.edu/services/tutoring/.


 
Kalamazoo Valley Sustainable Brewing
Sustainable Brewing Program Wins International Craft Beer Awards
We have some very exciting news from our brewing department’s faculty, staff and students. The past week has been an eventful one for the brewing department. At the U.S. Open College Beer Championship, student beers earned one Gold and two Silver Medals, and placed 4th overall.

Open College Beer Championship is for colleges and universities that teach brewing courses. Any college or university that offers courses in brewing can enter. In the fifth year of this competition, 11 schools from the United States and Canada participated.

Kalamazoo Valley Community College won a Gold medal for Pineapple Peppercorn Berliner Weiss, created by Kaelyn Aures and Mike Jones; Silver medals for Schwarzbier, made by students Kaelyn Aures and Mike Jones; My Old Friend, crafted by students Christopher Scheibel, Daniel Houvener, Jacob Miller, Tyler Rosey, Joseph Parker and Theodore Woznicki. more

Student Services

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.


Student Life and Engagement
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 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. 28 | One Stop Budgeting and Money Questions | 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Sign up for a 10-minute slot to talk one-on-one with a financial professional to discuss your budget or other finance-related questions. 
For more information, contact Coty Dunten.

Sept. 28 | How to Study: Math  | 6 p.m.

A discussion about study techniques for practicing math. The event will held via Zoom. For more information, please contact Beth Brandon at ebrandon@kvcc.edu.

Sept. 28 | Volleyball Game | 6:30 p.m.
Home game against Glen Oaks Community College.

Sept. 29 | Western Wednesday | 10 a.m.

Are you interested in attending Western Michigan University? Connect with advisors and admission representatives from the Office of Admissions and the College of Arts & Sciences from Western Michigan University. Western Wednesday sessions are live, interactive presentations designed to answer your frequently asked questions about becoming a Bronco. This event will be held via Zoom. Register now.

Sept. 29 | How to Study: Math  | 2 p.m.
A discussion about study techniques for practicing math. This event will be held via Zoom. For more information, please contact Beth Brandon at ebrandon@kvcc.edu.

Sept. 30 | Volleyball Game | 6:30 p.m.
Home game against Muskegon Community College.

Oct. 1 | Fifth-Year First Friday | 11:30 a.m.

Final year Early/Middle College students should attend the next steps workshop to address FAFSA, scholarship information and transfer plans. For more information, please contact Deborah Coates at dcoates@kvcc.edu.
  

Oct. 5 | Resume Writing | 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Want tips and tricks for constructing a great resume? Then please join this virtual resume workshop event! Students can learn about the components of a standard resume and how to construct one, giving them a basic overview of resume writing.
(10 a.m.)
(3 p.m.)


Oct. 5 | Transfer Tuesday
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 and university admission representatives at Transfer Tuesday. 
10 - 11 a.m. | Olivet College | This event will be held via Zoom.
11 a.m.-12 p.m. | U of M-Flint | This event will be held via Zoom.
11 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Siena Heights University | This event will be held via Zoom.
1 - 2 p.m. | Davenport University | This event will be held via Google Meet.
 

Oct. 5 | It Happens Here, Too: Expert Voices on Domestic Violence in Our Communities | 12 p.m.
In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness month, the college will be hosting a series of events. The first event will feature an expert panel who will talk about domestic violence in our community. The presentation takes place in Room 4240 at the Texas Township Campus. Pre-registration is required. Register now.


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. Want to start your own club? Contact Coty Dunten.

College Social Media
Be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on both Instagram and Twitter for all of the latest campus news. 


Financial Aid


Apply Now for Valley CARES Funding
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented both the college 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 expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the pandemic.

The Valley CARES Emergency Assistance Fund application can be found in your MyValley account, by selecting Valley Cares Application, under "My Links." Students can receive up to $1,200 for personal expenses for this current semester.

Please email the Financial Aid office or call 269.488.4340 with any questions.


Kalamazoo Valley Work Study Positions now AVAILABLE!
Gain work experience while attending college! Work study opportunities provide flexible work hours at all campus locations. Opportunities are available at the Food Innovation Center, International Student Services, the President's Office and several other areas of the college. For more information, click here or contact the Financial Aid Office at finaid@kvcc.edu.


Americorps Vista. Volunteers in service to America

Volunteer Opportunities Available
The Michigan Community Service Commission is the state's leading agency for volunteerism and service. They administer 28 AmeriCorps programs with more than 1,000 members. They are currently recruiting for its AmeriCorps VISTA program that has 33 assignments in 27 organizations with a focus on youth education and mentoring, healthcare and nutrition, social justice, equity and economic opportunity.

AmeriCorps VISTA is seeking new members age 18 or older to join in combating poverty in America. In exchange for one year of service volunteers will receive a living allowance, medical coverage (if qualified) in addition to professional experience volunteering with a youth driven organization. Email Tyesha Turner at turnert8@michigan.gov to inquire or apply.

 Visit their website for more information.



Kalamazoo Valley Celebrates the Skilled and Professional Trades

Kalamazoo Valley’s emphasis on the skilled trades continues now through the month of October by drawing attention to the benefits of a skilled trades career. Wages for professional trades occupations are 45 percent higher than other occupations, $51,000 is the median annual salary for these jobs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Today’s skilled trades offer an array of opportunities that are both challenging and rewarding. High-tech manufacturing and skilled trades employers all across the state are nearly desperate for students looking to embark on a high-paying job with benefits, close to home. The college provides training, apprenticeships, credit for prior learning and other services to help students access the exciting world of the skilled and professional trades. Visit www.kvcc.edu/skilledtrades for more information.


Libraries

Kalamazoo Valley Libraries: Free Access to Textbooks and More!
Don’t have a copy of your textbook for class yet? Forgot to bring it? Check out the Reserves desk at Kalamazoo Valley Libraries. We hold many of the required books for classes for three-hour checkout during the library’s open hours. Copy or scan limited sections you require for class. Or hang out in our comfy study areas and do your reading between classes.

To borrow reserves, come to the library’s front desk and provide library staff with your class number and instructor or the book’s title. Make sure to have your Valley ID on hand to check out the book. Please be aware that we do not stock a copy of every textbook. We hold textbooks for the top twenty-five enrolled classes, as well as materials placed on reserve at instructors’ requests. If you would like to search for a book’s availability, please see our page on Textbook and Course Reserves for instructions and other helpful information.

Come visit the Library’s Reserves desk and see what we have to offer!

Check out our September Banned Books Week book display at Texas Township Campus—guess the identity of one of the banned book authors on our poster and win free office supply swag and snacks!

*We appreciate you following the college's safety protocols and practicing social distancing when you visit us.

Visit us online
Call 269.488.4380 (TTC) and 269.737.7848 (ACC)
Email: libraries@kvcc.edu
Chat with a college librarian 24/7
Follow us on Instagram: @kalamazoovalleylibraries

Looking for Work?
Student Employment Services assists students with job searching, resume writing and practice interviewing. Career Coach, the college's online job board, has 215 jobs posted currently in a variety of industries.  Visit Career Coach to see if there is something that interests you. If you are looking for a different job than what is listed, we can help. Call 269.488.4040 or email careercenter@kvcc.edu to schedule an appointment with Student Employment Services.
 
Below are some of the jobs currently posted on Career Coach
 
Accounting/Business/IT/Marketing
Bookkeeper/Accountant – Kalamazoo Public Library
Administrative Assistant – Friendship Village
Communication Administrator – Road Commission Kalamazoo County
Scheduler – Canney’s Water Conditioning, Inc.
Administrative Assistant – Brink, Key & Chludzinski
 
Culinary
Kitchen Production Assistant – Grampa's Pastys
Food Service / Baker – Senior Services
 
Education
Assistant Teacher – St Joseph ISD (multiple positions)
Youth Development Professional – Curious Kids Childcare and Preschool
Infant Teacher – Little Explorers Learning Center
 
General Studies
Activity Attendant – Gull Meadow Farms
Cashier – Natural Health Center
Production/Machine Operators – Workbox Staffing
Robot Technician – Workbox Staffing
Y’OPA Team Member – Y’OPA Frozen Yogurt
 
Health Careers
Home Health Aide/Companion/Direct Care – Multiple positions and companies seeking
Admissions Nurse (LPN/RN) – Friendship Village
Registered Dental Hygienist – Multiple opportunities across the State
 
Human Services
Skill Building Technician / Behavior Technician – Residential Opportunities, Inc.
Emergency Management Intern – Heritage Community of Kalamazoo
Life Enrichment Assistant – Heritage Community of Kalamazoo
 
Trades
Fire Suppression Technician – Vanguard Fire and Security Systems
Service Technician – KSS Enterprises
Shop Manager/Mechanic – Kalamazoo Nature Center
Refrigeration Tech – Great Lakes West


Center for New Media

The Oct. 1 Art Hop at the Center for New Media will feature paintings by artist Natalya Critchley. The exhibit opens at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 1 and will remain up until Oct. 22. Critchley is an English-born artist who came to Venezuela looking for light at 18, and settled in Puerto Ordaz, an industrial city on the confluence of the Orinoco and Caroni rivers, with the brightest light on earth. She consequently developed an extensive body of work based on this monumental industrial park and the ever growing city. more


Kalamazoo Valley Museum

35th Annual Chemistry Day October 16, 2021. Video Premiere at 12pm/ Local chemists put on a digital reenactment of The Wizard of Oz with a chemistry twist!
Kalamazoo Valley Museum to Stage Digital Chemistry Day
Local chemists will put on a digital reenactment of the Wizard of Oz with a chemistry twist during the Kalamazoo Valley Museum’s Chemistry Day celebration on Oct. 16.

The story will follow Dorothy and her faithful dog, Trout, from Kalamazoo to Oz and back. The 35th annual Chemistry Day is co-sponsored by the Kalamazoo Section of the American Chemical Society and the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. more




Pre-Nursing Meetings
Are you interested in a career as a nurse? Pre-nursing meetings are scheduled through December. Anyone interested in applying to the college's nursing program are encouraged to attend. See the schedule hereIf you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the Director of Nursing, Patrick Joswick or 269.548.3217



 

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Texas Township Campus
6767 West O Avenue
PO Box 4070
Kalamazoo, MI 49003-4070
269.488.4400