MISSION STATEMENT Kalamazoo Valley Community College creates innovative and equitable
opportunities that empower all to learn, grow and thrive.
Aug. 1, 2023
Dear Colleagues,
August can be an in between month. Some of us are in between summer vacations and preparing for fall semester. Some are in between wrapping up chores related to outdoor projects and preparing for the change of seasons. Many are just waiting...waiting and marking time while others wait in anticipation of the new academic year.
Regardless of your situation, I invite you think deeply about your future. Instead of just passing time, consider how you will prepare for something new. That could mean deciding to pursue additional professional development opportunities or finally completing an advanced degree or additional certifications. Maybe there is an upcoming change in your household - a family member heading off to college or someone moving out or in that will require some adjustments. Alternatively, maybe it is time to find a cause or activity you really care about in which you can invest your time and effort.
My advice is to take advantage of in between times. Imagine what you want to accomplish and work to make it happen!
L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President
Cosmetology and Barbering FAQ Visit www.kvcc.edu/haircare for information on the Kalamazoo Valley School of Cosmetology and Barbering. The page will be updated as the preparation progresses.
Banner Position Numbers Being Updated The college is in the process of updating position numbers in Banner. The change in position numbers will not change how an employee currently reports leave taken or time worked; however, employees that enter leave/time in MyValley > Banner Self-Service will see multiple records on their profile.
To ensure proper time/leave reporting, employees will need to access the position beginning with a "letter" to enter July leave or time worked beginning Aug. 13, 2023 (pay period 16). The position beginning with a "number" will be available for historical reference only.
Enrollment Event Planned More than 125 students were served at the first Get it Done event last week. A second event is planned for Aug. 9 from 2-6 p.m. at the Arcadia Commons Campus.
Kalamazoo Valley Libraries: Research and Citation Help, Summer Reading and Study Spaces Do your students need help with that research paper? Do they need some help getting started, finding appropriate research or formatting citations? Students can visit us in person to talk to one of our reference librarians for assistance. From off campus, they can call or email us. Zoom appointments are available on request. For assistance during non-business hours, theAsk a Librarian 24/7 Chat is always available.
Students can also check out our How-To Videos or our Citation Research Guide. Our collection of How-To Videos includes information about the basics of library searches and formatting, while the Citation Research Guide will show you why, when and how to cite as well as provide links and instructions for other resources such as Zotero, a free online reference manager and citation generator.
Summer Reading
There's still time to finish a good book this summer, whether you're at the beach or trying to beat the heat at home. The Libraries have a great selection of recreational reads to choose from. Browse the online ValleyCat library catalog or check out what's fresh on the New Books virtual display. If you are looking for suggestions, explore the ValleyReads virtual display for recommendations from Kalamazoo Valley staff members.
Study Spaces
The Libraries are great hot-spots for keeping cool this summer. Both libraries feature quiet, cozy air-conditioned study spaces in unique environments. We have tables, computers, comfy armchairs and isolated study cubicles with plenty of room to situate yourself and your belongings. The Texas Township library has closed study rooms for extra privacy-ask about availability. The Anna Whitten Hall library features a unique scenic lookout over downtown Kalamazoo, and the TTC library offers a panoramic two-story view of the surrounding nature preserve.
We look forward to connecting with you!
Visit us online
Call 269.488.4328 Email
Chat with a college librarian 24/7
Zoom by appointment, please email
Follow us on Instagram @kalamazoovalleylibraries
Promotional Store Updated A number of new items have been added to the online promotional store. Check out the latest approved giveaways here.
Through the store, you can place an order, pick the color and the branding. When the items arrive, you pay the invoice online or over the telephone using your commercial card. If necessary, temporary card increases can be requested from Muriel Hice at mhice@kvcc.edu or x4410.
Be prepared for the fall semester. Place your orders now!
College Branding Need a copy of the college logo or wondering about approved college colors? Visit branding.kvcc.edu. For questions about placement, sizing and outside vendor requests, please email marketing@kvcc.edu.
Order your College-Branded Office Apparel Now The college'sonline pop-up shopfor ordering college-branded office apparel is now available. Men's and women's dress shirts, cardigans, sweaters and hats are available. You chose the item and the color. Orders can be placed from July 13 - 31 with an estimated delivery by the end of August. All sales are final. There are no returns, exchanges or refunds. If stock becomes unavailable, you will be contacted. The college does not have samples available. Employees must use their own personal credit card for purchases and have the items shipped to their home. The site can be accessed through the employee portal, under "Marketing." For more casual attire such as T-shirts and sweatshirts, visit the college Bookstore or shop online atbookstore.kvcc.edu.
If you have questions, please contactRobyn Hughesat x4687.
Diversity and Bias Training in the Search Committee Process If you would like to be considered for serving on a search committee, please notify your department head, supervisor or one of the employment managers in the human resources department. A requirement for serving is completing the Diversity and Bias Training in the Search Committee Process. See below for instructions on how to register for an upcoming session.
On the Employee Portal under "Education and Training Resources," click on "Staff and Faculty Development."
From the top menu, chose "Courses."
Under "Find Courses by Tags," click on "Diversity, Equity and Inclusion"
Pick one of the upcoming dates and click the link to register.
Academic Impressions Training Available
Kalamazoo Valley Community College has recently partnered with Academic Impressions, a training resource specializing in professional development opportunities for higher education faculty, staff and administrators.
Academic Impressions provides all faculty and staff at Kalamazoo Valley with membership access to a host of learning resources designed specifically for professionals working in our industry:
Access to a continuously expanding library of live online trainings, designed to be practical, discussion-based and highly experiential
Unlimited anytime, anywhere access to on-demand trainings and resources that you can engage with on your own time from the convenience of your workspace
New trainings every week, designed to respond to the latest needs of the higher ed community
$250 discount on multi week cohort-based bootcamps and roundtables as well as in-person conferences
To access member resources, click here. This link is also available on the Employee Portal - Human Resources - Education and Training Resources.
Here is a short video on how to log in to your account on Academic Impressions. Passcode: &.L7eZs9
Summit Call for Proposals The Fall Summit will be held Aug. 30 and 31 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 2023 Summit. Submit your proposals by Aug. 3. Registration for the event will be available beginning Aug. 15.
Center for New Media and El Concilio Collaborate for August Latino Art Exhibit A Latino Artist Exhibit to showcase the fine artwork of local Latino artists is being coordinated by Kalamazoo Valley's Center for New Media and El Concilio, which is the Hispanic American Council of Kalamazoo.
The event will premiere from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 18 and again from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 19.
The event will be held in conjunction with El Concilo's Latino Summer festival on Saturday, Aug. 19.
Physical submissions will be accepted Monday - Thursday between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the center doors of the Center for New Media until Aug. 10. Contact Cindy Parks at x7881 to schedule a time for delivery.
All artwork must be picked up after the show by Aug. 28. A completed Call for Entries form and the Kalamazoo Valley Community College Loan Agreement form must be submitted with artwork. Click here for more details and forms.
Join the Fun at the Kalamazoo Farmers Market this Summer You are invited to join the college at the Kalamazoo Farmers Market this summer. Stop by for hands-on activities and fun for the family on the third Saturday of each month. Multiple Kalamazoo Valley departments have teamed up to offer themed activities that highlight the college's programs. Community members can meet faculty and staff, learn more about the college and enjoy summer fun. Look for the Kalamazoo Valley tent in the central courtyard of the market.
Join us on any of the following dates:
Aug. 19 | 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Diversity Makes a Vibrant Food System
Sept. 16 | 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Food Literacy with the Kalamazoo Valley Libraries
If you are interested in volunteering to represent the college during any of the above visits, then click here to sign up. Volunteer opportunities are available in one-hour increments. For questions, email Rachel Bair.
Boys Basketball Camp Photos Available Online Enjoy photos from the boys basketball camps by clicking herefor the younger players and here for the older players. Stay tuned for photos from our other sports camps, all held on the Texas Township Campus. If you or someone you know is interested in registering a child for camp, visit www.athletics.kvcc.edu, email or call x4393.
The 2023 Opportunities for Education Scholarship Fundraising Event will take place on Thursday, Sept. 28 at 5:30 p.m. at the Food Innovation Center at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, 224 E. Crosstown Parkway in downtown Kalamazoo.
The event will feature some of the region's most popular restaurants as well student and faculty chefs from the college's culinary and brewing programs. Guests will enjoy a walk-around tasting under a big tent where they can sample signature dishes. Tours among the vegetables, flowers and herbs growing in the Food Innovation Center's greenhouse will be available along with beer, wine and other beverages.
This student scholarship fundraising event helps the KVCC Foundation provide scholarships for students with financial needs at Kalamazoo Valley. Support of the event helps to make a difference in the lives of students.
Embark on Imaginary Voyages with New 'Explore Your World' Exhibit
Undertake a quest across land, sea and space to discover the role of mapping and navigation in everyday life in the exciting, free exhibit "Explore Your World!" now open. It runs through Oct. 15. Visitors will use different methods of navigation to find their way through shipwrecks, escape a virtual building and pilot a simulated underwater exploration vehicle. They can take on the challenge of a giant game of Battleship using coordinates, or operate a sonar scanner to map themselves and their friends. "Explore Your World" uses cutting-edge technologies and experiences that are relevant, inspiring and effective in sharing STEM skills and knowledge across the globe.
Pink Floyd Music Showcased in Planetarium Show
Pink Floyd's progressive eighth album, "Wish You Were Here," is set to stunning visuals that will send you to the moon in a new light show at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum's planetarium in August on Saturdays at 3:30 p.m. The music you know is taken to a new level when combined with crisp computer graphics and shown on the planetarium's dome. The cost is $3, with free general admission to the museum. Click here to buy tickets and to learn more about the show.
Museum Shows 'The Fly' for Free on Aug. 5 On Saturday, Aug. 5 at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., the museum will show the 1958 version of The Fly with Vincent Price. It will be shown in the Mary Jane Stryker Theater. Pre-registration is not required. The film is part of the activities for the museum's new "Splat! The Buzz About Flyswatters" exhibit, which features more than 1,000 flyswatters. Entry is free to the exhibit and to the museum. The exhibit continues through Jan. 7.
