September 3, 2021

Greetings Students!

I am very pleased to welcome  you to the start of a new academic year! We are looking forward to the first day of fall semester classes on Sept. 8. I want to assure you that creating a safe environment on our college campuses is a shared responsibility. We will continue to address issues related to minimizing the spread of COVID-19 and variants and your cooperation is required:

• All students are required to access a "Safe on Campus" training prior to the first day of classes (more information below).
• All employees, students and guests are required to wear face coverings while indoors regardless of vaccination status and are required to follow posted social distancing guidelines
• Important COVID-19 information for the college community including Contact Tracing protocols and Frequently Asked Questions related to the pandemic have been updated and posted at www.kvcc.edu/coronavirus

Because we believe that receiving the COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and others, we are collaborating with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) for a free vaccination clinic on Wednesday, Sept. 8 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This walk- up clinic will be located in the lower level of the cafeteria at the Texas Township Campus and is open to all students, employees and community members. The Pfizer vaccination will be provided. Face coverings will be required.

I recognize that many of you are dealing with concerns about all that is going on locally and across the world and that you may have personal issues causing you concerns. We know that life is a balancing act. Please know that everyone at the college is dedicated to helping you achieve your educational goals. 

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. See a complete list of student services below. Our staff are ready and excited to help!

The Valley CARES Emergency Assistance Fund application will be available beginning Sept. 8. It provides limited emergency financial support to students who have experienced unexpected expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the pandemic. I encourage all students to apply.

Thank you for choosing Kalamazoo Valley.  For returning students, welcome back! New students, we trust that you will find everything you need to achieve your educational goals here at the college.

 Sincerely,

L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President

Safe at College Training
Everyone taking classes, either in-person or online, is required to complete COVID-19 Safe at College Training. This brief training outlines the steps Kalamazoo Valley has taken and will continue to take to assure that we are able to operate in a manner that is safe for everyone. It also clearly states what is expected of you, as a student, when you are on Kalamazoo Valley's campuses. The training should take no more than 10 minutes.

 

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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.


Cougar Kick Off is Wednesday, Sept. 8
Join us for Cougar Kick Off Sept. 8 at the Texas Township Campus from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 4 - 6 p.m. and at Anna Whitten Hall from 12 -1 p.m. and  5:30 - 6:30 p.m.  Connect with college resources, student clubs and grab Cougar giveaways and snacks. 

Extended Advising and Counseling Hours September 7-10

If you still need help selecting classes for your program, advisors and counselors are available for drop in appointments both virtually and in person through September 10. To schedule a phone or zoom meeting call 269.488.4040. If you prefer to meet someone in person, advisors and counselors will be available for drop in appointments at both the Texas Township Campus (Room 9300) and the Arcadia Commons Campus (Room 109 in Anna Whitten Hall). Virtual and in person drop in appointments are available as follows: Tuesday and Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Thursday and Friday  from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Last sign in is one hour before advertised closing times.

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.

Work on Campus as a Student Ambassador
Do you enjoy talking to prospective students and sharing your positive Kalamazoo Valley Community College experience with others? The Enrollment Management Office is looking for ambitious students who are looking to gain leadership skills within the campus and the local community through interactions with the public. 

Student Ambassadors will work directly with prospective students, family members, community members, and professionals within Kalamazoo Valley Community College. These individuals will also work heavily with our social media outreach including participating in our "Student Takeovers" on Instagram. This position consists of giving campus tours, participating in select off-campus and on-campus events, giving group presentations, assisting with calling campaigns, data entry and other outreach related activities. Student Ambassadors will also assist with office support activities and other duties as assigned.

Apply now!