Kalamazoo Valley Community College

InFocus new for kalamazoo valley community college students
MISSION STATEMENT
Kalamazoo Valley Community College creates innovative and equitable
opportunities that empower all to learn, grow and thrive.
Sept. 30, 2024

Greetings students!

Whether you are attending in person, online or a combination of both, thank you for choosing Kalamazoo Valley for the fall semester! As I travel to our four campus locations, I see your determination and dedication as you pursue your educational goals. Faculty members are sharing how engaged and eager you are to be successful, too. The energy you bring is contagious!

The college is offering a multitude of fall activities for you and those in our community to enjoy. Our Valley Museum has just opened a new exhibit titled "Mystery and Benevolence: Masonic and Odd Fellows Folk Art." Or, if you enjoy cheering on a team, it's volleyball season at Valley. Are you the next Pumpkin Picasso? Join our collegewide pumpkin decorating contest next week. On Monday, Oct. 7 from 6 - 7:30 p.m., we will host the Greater Kalamazoo Area College Night at the Texas Township Campus. Please encourage anyone you know who is thinking about going to college to stop by - including yourself if you're considering eventually transferring to a four-year institution after goal completion at Kalamazoo Valley.

In preparation for a visit from Robin Wall Kimmerer, the author of "Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants," the ValleyHub is presenting an Honorable Harvest lecture series based on Indigenous practices of giving back to nature. On select Tuesdays, right after Taps on Tuesday at the college's Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary and Allied Health building, you can attend programs about how to give back to nature, including subsistence farming, seed collecting, modern agriculture's impact on insectivores and much more. See the schedule here.
 
I encourage you to check the college calendar for more information about these events and others happening this semester.

Thank you, again, for choosing Kalamazoo Valley.

Sincerely,

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

admissions registration and records
Winter Registration Opens Oct. 7
Registration for the Winter 2025 semester begins the week of Oct. 7 and is based on earned credit hours. Click here to view the course schedule. Fall registration dates opens:

  • Students with 36 or more credit hours | Oct. 7 at 8 a.m.
  • Students with 24 or more credit hours | Oct. 8 at 8 a.m.
  • Students with 12 or more credit hours | Oct. 9 at 8 a.m.
  • Registration for all other students | Oct. 10 at 8 a.m.

Payment is due Nov. 12 by 7 p.m., when registration temporarily closes for non-payment cancellations. Upon reopening on Nov. 15 at 7 a.m., classes that are not paid for, on a payment plan, covered by financial aid or covered by a third-party will be dropped after five business days of registration.

Advisors and counselors are available to help students select the correct courses for each degree plan. To schedule an appointment, call 269.488.4040.

student employment services
Looking for a Job, Internship, Apprenticeship or Volunteer Opportunity?
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 something different 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)
Shipping and Receiving - Burchett Quality Tool LTD
Web or Converting Extra - Graphic Packaging Int.
Inventory Specialist - Imperial Beverage
Office Supervisor - Neuropsychology Associates

Culinary/Brewing (Sustainable Food Systems)
Kitchen Cook - Vineyard Assisted Living
Multiple opportunities at Greenleaf Hospitality Group
Kitchen staff - Serves You Right, Inc.
 
Education
ESI Paraprofessional (Special Education) - Portage Public Schools
 
Engineering & Skilled Trades
CAD Engineer - Canvas Innovations
CNC Operator - Burchett Quality Tool LTD
Electrician - Graphic Packaging International
Senior Service/HVAC Technician - Hinman Company
Maintenance Worker - Plumbing and Heating - Portage Public Schools
Fiber Installer - Midwest Energy & Communications
Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship - Greenleaf Hospitality
 
General Studies
Atrium Attendant, Room Attendant - Greenleaf Hospitality Group
Day Custodian - Portage Public Schools
 
Health Careers
Medication Technician - Vineyard Assisted Living
Homecare Companion, Home Health Aide, CAN - Absolute Homecare & Medical Staffing
Practice Support Assistant - Integrated Services of Kalamazoo
 
Human Services/Social Sciences/Public Services
Paralegal - Kalamazoo Defender
Program Specialist - Integrated Services of Kalamazoo
 
Sustainable Horticulture
Landscaping Laborer - S&T Lawn Service
 
Volunteer/Unpaid Internship Opportunities
Care Collective Volunteer - Care Collective of Southwest Michigan
Companionship Volunteer - Elara Caring

Image is a flyer with a realistic illustration of a shuttle bus driving towards a block of text. Text reads kalamazoo valley shuttle service. Need a ride between campuses? Catch the free kalamazoo valley shuttle. Shuttle runs from 6:50am to 7pm abd travels to the arcadia commons compus (ACC), the Bronson healthy living campus (BHLC) and the Texas township campus (TTC). Pick up/drop off locations: ACC – southeast corner of rose street and water street (due to construction, the shuttle will not be at the location until the advised departure time. BHLC – walnut street parking lot (in front of the Marilyn j. Schlack culinary and allied health building). TTC – flagpole entrance. Kalamazoo Valley community college.

phi theta kappa honor society
PTK Hosting Virtual Open House Oct. 10
Kalamazoo Valley Community College's chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international honor society for two-year colleges, has recently extended new invitations for membership to eligible students. Those who accept are invited to participate in an optional induction ceremony at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 30 in the Texas Township Campus Theater, Room 4240. Prospective members interested in learning more about PTK are encouraged to attend a virtual open house on Thursday, Oct. 10, from 3 - 3:30 p.m. A link to join the event was included in new member invitation emails. more
wind turbine technician academy
Wind Turbine Technician Academy Leads to Career
Did you know that Kalamazoo Valley's Wind Turbine Technician Academy (WTTA) is one of the nation's leading industry program providers? The unique training model focuses on specific hands-on competencies to guide students from the classroom to learning labs. Upon graduation, many students receive job offers and are equipped to enter the in-demand workforce. 
 
"While attending the Wind Turbine Technician Academy at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, I gained a multitude of essential skills required to be a successful and professional technician in the wind industry," said WTTA graduate Zachary Haynes. more
The image shows a mascot character dressed in a blue furry costume with large eyes. The text reads Do You Want To Be Kal The Kalamazoo Valley Mascot? The Kalamazoo Valley Mascot Scholarship Offers $1,200 per semester when agreeing to represent Kalamazoo Valley at on-and-off campus events. Requirements: • Be actively enrolled in at least six credit hours • Submit an application at www.kvcc.edu/finaid and tryout in front of a small committee • Attend mascot training • Do not disclose their identity until indicated by college administration To learn more, email Nkenge Bergan at nbergan@kvcc.edu.
computer lab hours texas township campus, located in the student commons. help desk phone is 269-488-4250. Fall and winter semester hours: monday through thursday 7:30am to 8pm, friday 8am to 5pm, saturday, 10am to 3pm, closed on sunday. Arcadia commons campus, located in the center for new media, room 275. help desk phone 269-373-7925. fall and winter semester hours: monday through thursday 8am to 8pm, friday 8am to 5pm, saturday, 10am to 3pm, closed on sunday.
College night 2024 monday october 7, 6 to 7:30pm www.kvcc.edu/collegenight

Are you the next pumpkin Picasso? Tuesday, October 8 | 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. Center for new media Lower Level Lobby, Wednesday, October 9 | 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. anna whitten hall Main Lobby, Thursday, October 10 | 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. Texas township campus Cafeteria. Bring out your inner artist by decorating a pumpkin to see if you're the next Pumpkin Picasso! Refreshments will be also available. Vote for your favorite pumpkin from each campus location from October 13 - 20. Winners will be contacted the week of October 20!

Western Wednesdays. Are you interested in transferring to western Michigan university? Connect with advisors and admission representatives from western Michigan university. Wednesday September 18, 10am to 12pm. Wednesday September 25, 10am to 12pm. Wednesday October 9, 10am to 12pm. Wednesday October 23, 10am to 12pm. Wednesday October 30, 9am to 4pm (on-site admissions day). Wednesday november 6, 10am to 12pm, Wednesday november 20, 10am to 12pm, Wednesday december 4, 10am to 12pm. Location: Cafeteria lower level.
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 with you college and university admission representatives at transfer Tuesday. October 15, October 29, November 5, November 19, december 10. Look for transfer tables in the lower level cafeteria between 10am and 2pm.
The image shows a young man with a worried expression, surrounded by question marks. Text reads Test Anxiety Workshop The test anxiety workshop gives students a deeper understanding of what test anxiety is and an opportunity to build a unique plan for successful test taking. October 15 from 3 to 4 P.M. | room 128 anna whitten hall
Valley future educator’s club thinking about pursuing a degree in an educational field? The valley future educators’ club (VFEC) offers a great place to meet other students like you who share a passion for teaching and learning and are interested in investigating a career in education. Mondays, 1 to 2pm, Texas township campus, room 4530. 2024 dates: September 16, October 21, and November 18. 2025 dates: January 27, February 17, and march 17.

The image shows a bulletin board with several notes and items related to a Math Club at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. The key details are: When? 3:30 p.m. on September 27, October 25, November 22, and December 6 Where? The lounge near the learning center (TTC 2220) located on the second floor What? Fun math activities Tutoring opportunities for all mathematic levels There are also several handwritten mathematical formulas and symbols pinned to the board, as well as contact information for questions about the club.
art and animation club fall 2024 thursdays at 11am center for new media room 65. come join a diverse group of students who love watching and playing drawings in motion in multiple forms. be creative and inspired with the art and animation club. for more information, contact aubrey jewel rodgers at arodgers@kvcc.edu

Image is a flyer with 3D illustrations of tennis balls and autumn leaves. text reads Tennis Club: Join us on thursday nights from 6 to 7pm now through mid-october. This will be a casual, fun chance for people to get together and play some tennis. all levels are welcome. we do have some rackets to use, but please bring your own if you have one. bring your own water as well. contact tennis club advisor and communication faculty steve ott at sott@kvcc.edu if you have any questions and/or to be put on the email list for weather cancellations. Kalamazoo valley community college
Image is of hand-drawn hearts, flowers, and wavy lines that are rainbow colored. Text reads LGBTQ+ diversity club. Join the LGBTQ+ diversity club at kalamazoo valley community college! We have bi-weekly meetings and host events for LGBTQ+ students and allies. Come build community, engage in advocacy/education or just hang out. To sign up, request more information find out when the club meets or to join our discord server, contact club advisor misti mahon at mmahon@kvcc.edu or club president dawson knipp at dknipp8724@mail.kvcc.edu

LGBTQ+ Diversity Club Enriches College Experience
Twenty-one-year-old Dawson Knipp's experiences at Kalamazoo Valley Community College have been full of enriching endeavors. The 2022 Marcellus High School graduate is an honors student and is the president of the college's LGBTQ+ Diversity Club. Knipp says that the club has been an invaluable resource and offers opportunities that supplement students' educational experiences. "It has bolstered my confidence a lot to know that I have this club and community to back me and represent me," said Knipp. "It's taken a lot of anxiety off my shoulders." more

havirmill cafe

Havirmill Cafe Now Open
Students enrolled in Kalamazoo Valley's culinary arts and sustainable food systems programs put their training to work in the Havirmill Cafe. The cafe offers grab-and-go options, as well as a hot bar with freshly made entrees. It is located in the Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary and Allied Health Building, 418 E. Walnut St., in downtown Kalamazoo.

Havirmill Cafe hours are Monday - Thursday from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. through Oct. 15 and Oct. 29 - Dec. 5. Please follow the Havirmill Cafe Facebook page at www.facebook.com/KVculinaryeats.

taps on tuesdays

Taps on Tuesdays is Back
Taps on Tuesday is a happy hour-style event hosted by Kalamazoo Valley's brewing department, Sept. 17 - Dec. 10 from 5 - 7 p.m., except Oct. 29. Beer and food pairings, appetizers and wine are available for purchase. Students, alumni, faculty and staff receive 50 percent off their purchases. Walk-ins only; no reservations required.

office of diversity and inclusion

Image is a flyer with a colorful, striped background behind the solid black silhouette of a woman’s head. Text reads: Lecture Tuesday, October 15 from noon to 1 P.M., free. Drop-In Museum Hours Tuesday, October 15 from 10 A.M. to 3 P.M., free Experience the profound impact of Black music on American culture and social movements through rare artifacts and interactive displays. From jazz to hip-hop, discover how iconic Black artists have shaped popular culture and inspired change, while celebrating the resilience and contributions of Black people in the face of racial discrimination. Black History 101 Mobile Museum Music Of The Movement Tuesday, October 15 Kalamazoo Valley Community College Texas Township Campus, Room 4240 Keynote Speaker Dr. Khalid El-Hakim
Workshop introduction to neurodiversity facilitated by the disability network southwest Michigan. Explore how neurodiversity influences sensory, movement and communication differences, the impact of ableism on brain-based disabilities and ways to support students and colleagues. Thursday, October 24 from 10am to noon. Free. Room 4240 texas township campus. RSVP required by October 22.

The official kalamazoo valley community college cougar bookstore
The image shows three female students wearing Kalamazoo Valley Comets apparel, including jackets, hats, and a banner. They are sitting on a bench outdoors on a college campus, surrounded by landscaping and trees. The students appear enthusiastic and are smiling.
Time to Get Swagged Out at the Bookstore!
Classes are now in full swing! What a great time to pick up some new Cougar Swag! From T-shirts to hoodies, decals to water bottles, the Texas Township Campus Bookstore has tons of cool Cougar items! Come on in and show off your Cougar spirit, or shop our online store at bookstore.kvcc.edu.
athletics
The image shows a group of students in an indoor gymnasium setting. There is a basketball hoop, scoreboard, and other athletic equipment visible. The students appear to be engaged in a group activity or discussion, with some holding a basketball. The overall scene suggests a youth sports or physical education program taking place at the facility.
Men's Basketball Team Volunteered at Milwood Elementary School
The Cougars Men's Basketball Team had a great time teaching the fundamentals of basketball to Milwood Elementary School students at Family Fitness Night on Sept. 19. Players helped the students develop their dribbling, passing and shooting skills. The Cougars also helped set up and tear down equipment for different organizations that participated in family Fitness Night. It was an awesome opportunity for the players to give back to the Kalamazoo community.
 
Hope to See You at Tuesday's Home Volleyball Game!
Come show your school spirit and cheer on the Lady Cougars Volleyball Team at their next home match on Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 6:30 p.m. They play Glen Oaks Community College in the main gym on the Texas Township Campus of Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Bring your friends and family! Remember, home games are always free! Below are the rest of the home games:
  • 6:30 p.m. | Thursday | OCT. 3 vs. Marian University's Ancilla College
  • 6:30 p.m. | Thursday | OCT. 10 vs. Kellogg Community College
  • 2 p.m. | Saturday | OCT. 12 vs. College of Dupage
  • 4:30 p.m. | Saturday | OCT. 12 vs. Highland Community College - Illinois
  • 10 a.m. & noon | Sunday | OCT. 20 vs. Muskegon Community College
  • 1:30 p.m. | Saturday | OCT. 26 vs. St. Clair County Community College
  Find the full schedule here. Read an article about the volleyball season here.
what's happening at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. the kalamazoo valley museum is operated by kalamazoo valley community college and is governed by its board of trustees.
Secret Societies Illuminated in New 'Mystery and Benevolence' Exhibit
Step into the mysterious world of secret societies with the Kalamazoo Valley Museum's newest exhibit, "Mystery and Benevolence: Masonic and Odd Fellows Folk Art"! The captivating, free traveling exhibition is on display now through Jan. 5. Eighty carvings, sculptures, textiles and regalia bring to light the histories, symbolism and values of the Masons and Independent Order of the Odd Fellows, taking visitors behind the veil of these intriguing fraternal orders that have had an influence on contemporary American popular culture.
 
Enjoy Live Music Paired with Silent Films on Oct. 5
The six-piece ensemble collectively known as "Silent But Deadly" will perform original soundtracks to silent films shown at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum on Saturday, Oct. 5, as part of the 2024 Connecting Chords Music Festival. There will be two performances - 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Admission is free to the public, and tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the concert. Donations to the museum and Connecting Chords Music Festival will be accepted on-site.
 
Museum's First-Ever Refugee Film Festival Held Oct. 11 - 13
The Kalamazoo Valley Museum and the Kalamazoo Refugee Resource Collaborative invite the public to the inaugural Refugee Film Festival, taking place Oct. 11 - 13, from noon to 4 p.m., at the museum. Three films will be shown, one each day, showcasing the stories through film of people forced to flee. A panel discussion led by refugee and stateless individuals will follow each film. For descriptions of the films, click here. Admission is free to the event and to the Kalamazoo Valley Museum.
 
All Ages Invited for Chemistry Day Hands-on Experiments Oct. 19
It's time again for CHEMISTRY DAY! If you like science experiments and hands-on learning, don't miss this fun, free program at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum on Saturday, Oct. 19, from noon to 4 p.m.! This year's theme is "Photography and Imaging: Picture Perfect Chemistry." You'll get a peek at the techniques and practices for preserving artifacts, and learn how to safely exhibit fragile objects. We're teaming up with the Kalamazoo Section of the American Chemical Society for an exciting day of hands-on activities and demonstrations for learners of ALL ages and abilities. Among the demonstrations will be how UV light affects pigmentation, and the different materials and techniques used to make and care for photographs from different time periods. No preregistration is needed. Learn more at kalamazoomuseum.org.
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Texas Township Campus
6767 West O Avenue
PO Box 4070
Kalamazoo, MI 49003-4070
269.488.4400