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MISSION STATEMENT
Kalamazoo Valley Community College creates innovative and equitable
opportunities that empower all to learn, grow and thrive.

April 15, 2024

Greetings,

The successful completion of a college credential is an amazing accomplishment. The graduates who we will celebrate during the April 28 commencement ceremony have overcome every obstacle placed in their way. I am so proud of them.

I want you to know how much I appreciate all that you have done to assist those completing a credential. Our students frequently report how much they value their classroom instruction and the assistance they receive from various college employees. Over the last year, our campus communities have worked together to create an inclusive environment where our students feel that they belong. When students know they are welcome and supported, they can truly learn, grow, and thrive with us.

Thank you for your part in helping our graduates achieve their dreams.

Sincerely,

L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President

We're Still No. 1
According to state education data, the most popular college destination for class of 2023 graduates is the same for every school district in Kalamazoo County. Kalamazoo Valley Community College was, once again, the No. 1 choice in the Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency (KRESA) service area, according to a recent MI School Data Report.

Of the college-bound students from the area, 14.1 % (317 students) picked Kalamazoo Valley. Western Michigan University was second with 8.9% (199 students), followed by Michigan State University with 7.2% (162 students). Of the 2,244 graduates, 55.5% enrolled in post-secondary education within six months of graduation. more

Come Celebrate Our Retirees!
You are invited to join Kalamazoo Valley's newest retirees and the greater college community for a Retirement Celebration on Wednesday, April 17!  The event will be held in Room 4240 at the Texas Township Campus from 3:30 - 5 p.m. and will honor the following employees for their dedication and years of service to the college:

Cheryl Stout | Web Focus Programmer | 9 Years
Craig Jbara | Vice President for Strategic Business and Community Development | 11 Years
Robert Stokes | Vehicle and Grounds Manager | 17 Years
Gloria Larrieu | English Faculty | 20 Years
Elizabeth Barker | Museum Support Specialist | 27 Years
Bonnie McGee | Administrative Assistant | 28 Years
Kevin McKinney | Computer Support Technician | 30 Years
Brenda Vander Roest | Office Manager - Student Financial Services | 30 Years
Muriel Hice | Director of Business Services | 31 Years
Kenneth Lattin | Custodian | 34 Years
Mark Sigfrids | Mathematics Faculty | 34 Years






Upcoming Police Academy Training
The Law Enforcement Training Academy will be conducting outdoor exercises over the next two weeks. Please be advised of upcoming activity on the Texas Township and Groves Campuses.

  • April 19, 20, 21 | 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Emergency Vehicle Operations in Main Lot
  • April 26 | 3 p.m.- 8 p.m. | The Case Scenario Event - Groves and TTC Exterior Parking Lots
  • April 27, 28 | 12 p.m.- 1130 p.m. | Emergency Vehicle Operations Night Driving in Main Lot

 

 

Register Now for Instruction and Student Services Summit
The Instruction and Student Services Summit will be Friday, April 26. Register now.

Summit to Include PTK Charity Walk Session
This year, Kalamazoo Valley's Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) chapter's third annual Charity Walk to support Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes will be included as a mandatory session at 3:45 p.m. Check in will be located at the Texas Township Campus Tower Entrance. The event will be both an indoor and outdoor activity. However, in the case of inclement weather, it will be held indoors only. The charity walk's general registration fee will be waived for faculty, though those who wish to pledge an optional donation may click here to donate. For more information, email Alison Nord.

Collegewide Luncheon Scheduled for April 26
As part of the Summit on April 26, a collegewide luncheon will be held from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. on the Texas Township Campus in the Student Commons and Cafeteria. All employees are invited to attend. Register now.

Call for Proposals
The Fall Summit will be held Wednesday, Aug. 28 and Thursday, Aug. 29 and presenters are needed! Has your department embraced new practices or procedures that others could benefit from knowing? Do you have a skill, talent or activity that others might enjoy? Do you have something to share with the college community? Everyone at the college is invited to submit a proposal for the Fall 2024 Summit. Submit your proposals here now.

Celebrate Commencement on April 28 at Miller Auditorium
Kalamazoo Valley hold its April Commencement on Sunday, April 28 at 2 p.m. at Western Michigan University's Miller Auditorium, 2200 Auditorium Drive, Kalamazoo. Almost 500 students have petitioned to graduate and are eligible to participate in the ceremony. Board chairperson Lucinda Stinson will speak, along with accounting instructor Alison Nord and Leona Carter, who is graduating with an associate of arts degree in liberal arts.

Graduates will have the opportunity to reserve 10 tickets for the ceremony and will be required to pick tickets up in person in advance.

All guests, including family members and children (regardless of age), must have a ticket to enter Miller Auditorium. Guests without tickets may view the ceremony livestream via PMN1 (Charter 187/ATT 99) and the Public Media Network Roku and Apple TV apps. The ceremony will be rebroadcast throughout the month and will be available on-demand on the PMN website in May 2024. Please join us in congratulating our graduates and celebrating their success with them!
Higher Learning Commission Re-Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission (HLC) re-accreditation is now two years away! Kalamazoo Valley will be visited by peer reviewers March 16 - 17, 2026. Work groups have been underway since January 2022, identifying evidence and creating an outline for the Assurance Argument. Learn more about the re-accreditation process here.

Leading up to the HLC visit, KV Focus Plus will include a monthly spotlight on the preparation work and an HLC accreditation trivia question. Submit your answer to the trivia question to enter a drawing for college gear! Winners will be announced at the end of each semester.

April Trivia Question: What is Criterion One? Select your answer here.
Free Hair Cuts at the School of Cosmetology and Barbering
During Community College Month, the Kalamazoo Valley Cosmetology and Barbering programs will be offering free limited hair care services to Kalamazoo Valley faculty, staff and students. Services will be conducted in TTC Rooms 8330 & 8340, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. You must sign up for an appointment, using the link here. The hair care services are only available to college employees and students who make an appointment through the link and are only free for a limited time.
Springtime Cheer
The new 2024 - Appreciation Postcards are now available.  If you have been meaning to express appreciation and gratitude to your fellow colleagues, whether it is a member of your own team - or someone from another department. A few words letting them know will mean a lot. Let's share and spend some time celebrating the good things going on with ourselves and our colleagues! Card can be picked up at all campus reception desks.

Standing Ovations Deadline Extended
Standing Ovations will be a new annual publication dedicated to celebrating our employees and the amazing work we do.  We will highlight things like certifications, degree or other credentials earned, publications, review of textbooks, exhibits, performances, conference presentations, professional boards and others.  For this first publication, we are going back 5 years! 

For those who have already submitted and shared their accomplishments - thank you! We have extended the deadline throughout the summer through July 31, 2024. The link for submission can be found here and in MyValley under workplace resources. If you know that we should shine a light on a colleague who may not feel comfortable submitting on their own behalf, please email ccolella@kvcc.edu. Cathy will extend reach out personally to invite.

Advisor Needed - Global Student Union
We are currently seeking a dedicated and passionate staff or faculty member to serve as the advisor for our Global Student Union club. The advisor's responsibilities include providing guidance, facilitating club activities and promoting an inclusive atmosphere for students to connect and share their cultural interests. This unique opportunity allows you to play a vital role in fostering cultural diversity, international understanding and student engagement on our campus. Monthly club meetings and outings are expected to be planned throughout the year to highlight Kalamazoo and our surrounding areas so our international students can get a taste of what Southwest Michigan has to offer. Examples of previous outings include art shows, movie showings at local theaters, restaurants, Revel and Roll, Lake Michigan, Haunted Houses, etc. If you are interested in this role, please email Miranda McDowell at mmcdowell@kvcc.edu. 

Bring your Child to Work
Employees are invited to participate in Bring your Child to Work Day on April 24 and 25. The job shadowing day is intended to give children a glimpse of the working world through the guidance of their parents. To participate, complete this form by April 19. For more information, contact DeMecia Russell at x4450.

Welcome to Our Newest Employees
It's always a pleasure to see the Kalamazoo Valley ranks expand. The first list below includes employees who were promoted to new positions between January and March 2024 and the second list includes all new full-time employees who were hired during that time period. Welcome, everyone!

Employees Promoted to New Positions
Mason Claussen | Computer Support Tech
Brittany Glanton | Recruitment and Outreach Coordinator
Tracy Williams | Senior Office Specialist at the Groves
New Full-Time Employees                          
Gaurav Bagga | IT Support Analyst
Ollie Barnes | Human Resources Employment and Training Manager
Heather Brown | Dental Hygiene Senior Office Specialist
Brittany Clark | Assistant Controller
Megan Collins | Payroll Accountant
Nizoramo Haitova | Diversity and Inclusion Program Coordinator
Joel Larson | Director of IT Support Network
Richie Rucker | Barbering Program Training Manager
Pilar Short | Institutional Support Senior Office Specialist
Maegan Stressman | Admissions, Registration and Records Senior Office Specialist
Frank Vasquez | Recruitment and Outreach Coordinator
Aliah Wafford | Cosmetology Program Director
Atiba Walker | Barbering Program Training Manager
Jelena Zavada | Custodian

Additional Benefits Available to Employees
Employee Assistance Program
All employees at Kalamazoo Valley have access to our Employee Assistance Program. This is a confidential work-based program that offers resources to employees. See more information here.

Additional Resources for employees on Kalamazoo Valley's medical plan
For more information on Virta, Hinge Health, Omada, Livongo and 2nd MD in your KVCC Employee Portal, Human Resources section, go to documents under Benefits, Wellness and Engagement.

  • Virta - Telehealth treatment program for type 2 diabetes, prediabetes. Their program uses a combination of remote coaching, nutritional guidance and technology.
  • Hinge Health - Struggle with back, joint or muscle pain? This therapy program can help you and your covered family members reduce pain in just 15 minutes a day from the comfort of your own home.
  • Omada - If you are at risk for type 2 diabetes or heart disease, Omada's digital program can help you lose weight, gain energy and create healthy habits. Work with a dedicated health coach.
  • Livongo - Focused on helping people with diabetes. Receive diabetes supplies along with a free smart glucose meter.
  • 2nd MD - Do you have an upcoming surgery, chronic conditions or pain and would like a second opinion? This service connects people with board-certified specialists for virtual second opinions.

Pet Insurance with Nationwide
Having a pet can be worrisome when they get sick. This can help manage the financial burden of unexpected veterinary bills caused by accidents or illnesses. See more information about this benefit here.

Retirement
Office of Retirement Services and Voya
Do you have an MPSERS and/or Voya account? Voya offers one-on-one virtual appointments and webinars. To sign up for a session click here for a listing of their dates and times.

TIAA
Do you have an account with TIAA? To meet for a one-on-one appointment with the assigned TIAA financial consultant, use the One-on-One Meetings scheduling link. A listing of webinars for April, May and June can be found by clicking here





April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. In 2022, a total of 15,441 crashes occurred in Michigan that involved a distracted driver of a motor vehicle. Fifty-three of those crashes involved a fatality, resulting in 57 fatalities.
Did you know Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed into law a bill making it illegal to hold and use a mobile electronic device while operating a motor vehicle in Michigan. The Hands-Free Driving Law went into effect on June 30, 2023. 
 
What's in the new-ish law?
The bill amends Michigan law to make it illegal to "use a mobile electronic device to do any task, including, but not limited to" the following:
  • Send or receive a telephone call.
  • Send, receive, or read a text message.
  • View, record, or transmit a video.
  • Access, read, or post to a social networking site. 
The law makes holding or using an electronic device, like a cell phone, while driving a primary offense -- meaning an officer could pull someone over and ticket the driver for this offense. The legislation defines holding a cell phone or electronic device as physically supporting it with "any part of the hands, arms or shoulders."  Please visit the display board outside of the Public Safety office for more driving tips and find more resources here.
 
Kalamazoo Valley Community College Public Safety would like to remind all faculty and staff when traveling out of state to be aware of any traffic laws in the jurisdiction you are traveling in. Please keep in mind if you are involved in a traffic crash in another state or jurisdiction, more likely than not, you are required to call the local police authority for a crash report. Public Safety is not able to take reports out of jurisdiction. It is better to document the incident for liability and insurance purposes. If you ever have any questions prior to traveling, please feel free to contact Public Safety with your questions.

 
Kalamazoo Valley Libraries:
Library Returns, Summer Reading for Students
Library Returns
Don't forget that it is time to return borrowed library materials.
  • Please return any items that are due.
  • Contact the library if you would like to request a renewal.
  • To return books and media, please drop off materials at any book drop or library service desk.
  • A convenient 24/7 book drop is located outside the tower entrance at the Texas Township Campus.
  • Laptops and hotspots should be returned to the circulation desk at either library location.
Summer Reading for Students
Remind your students that Summer is a great time to kick back and relax with some pleasure reading.
  • If students are taking classes at Valley this summer, Kalamazoo Valley Libraries have lots of good recreational reads they can enjoy in their free time. If they need book ideas, they can check out our online ValleyREADS page. Students can always ask our friendly library staff for suggestions, too.
  • If they are not enrolled in classes at Valley, students can check our Kalamazoo Community Library Resources page for a list of area public libraries who can put that ideal summer book in their hands.


Book Buyback Scheduled for April 22 - 26
The Bookstore will hold Winter 2024 book buyback on April 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Used textbooks will be purchased from students for cash this week. Find out which books will be accepted and for what amount at bookstore.kvcc.edu. Questions? Call 269.488.4030.


 

2024 Year-End Student Art Celebration Exhibit
Faculty and staff at the Center for New Media are gearing up to share and celebrate the hard work and creative achievements of students who have taken Studio Arts and Applied Arts and Media Technology classes.

The 2024 Year-End Student Celebration Exhibit will open during Art Hop on Friday, May 3 at 5:30 p.m. and will showcase art and design works created by students from the Studio Arts, Animation and Game Art, Illustration, Graphic Design, Multimedia and Web Design and Development programs. The exhibit is open to any student who has taken an art class. It will remain on display through the end of the month. more



Check out Softball and Baseball Home Games in April
Have you made it out to a baseball or softball game yet? There are still lots of home games left in April, and, the good news is, they are always free to attend here at the Texas Township Campus. Visit athletics.kvcc.edu for the full schedule and scores.
 
BASEBALL
  • SATURDAY | APRIL 20 | 1 & 3:30 p.m. vs. Lansing Community College
  • SATURDAY | APRIL 27 | 1 & 4 p.m. vs. Glen Oaks Community College
  • TUESDAY | APRIL 30 | 2 p.m. vs. Jackson College
SOFTBALL
  • FRIDAY | APRIL 19 | 3 & 5 p.m. vs. Lansing Community College
  • SATURDAY | APRIL 20 | 1 & 3 p.m. vs. Jackson College
SATURDAY | APRIL 27 | 1 & 3 p.m. vs. Glen Oaks Community College
 
 
 
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Kalamazoo Valley Community College
6767 West O Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49003-4070






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Kalamazoo Valley Community College · 6767 W O Ave · Kalamazoo, MI 49009-7402 · USA