KV Focus Plus - Aug. 15, 2023 - Kalamazoo Valley Community College

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

Aug. 15, 2023

Greetings Colleagues,

In just a few short weeks, students will be back on our campuses for fall semester. I am looking forward to the energy they bring!

As we prepare for the new academic year, we look forward to your full attendance and participation in Summit activities on Aug. 30 and 31. A number of practical and inspiring sessions are being planned and we thank all who have stepped forward to help plan the event and those who will be providing workshops. Information about the two-day event is provided below. The Summit provides an opportunity for professional development for employees and networking with colleagues. College buildings will be closed through 1 p.m. on Aug. 30, so that all can attend the sessions designed for the entire campus community.

This spring, each committee chair submitted an annual report which included the committee's main activities for the last year, contributions to the strategic plan and goals for the future. A summary of all committees' annual reports can be found on the college archives here. We encourage you to read the reports to learn about the amazing work happening all around the college.

Committee chairs also submitted their committee membership lists. we have reviewed each committee's membership and added members to some committees in order to increase cross-departmental collaboration and communication. During the last week of August, committee members will receive an email with their committee involvement.

Enjoy the final days of summer!

L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President

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 who 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 (pay period 16). The position beginning with a "number" will be available for historical reference only.

Register Now for the Fall 2023 Summit
The Fall 2023 Summit will take place Wednesday, Aug. 30 and Thursday, Aug. 31. The college-wide Summit is the morning of Wednesday, Aug. 31, while Wednesday afternoon and Thursday are specifically for faculty. Register now for the college-wide Summit.

Please note the schedule for Wednesday, Aug. 30:

7:30 - 8:10 a.m. | Check-In | Gallery Hallway
8:10 - 9:15 a.m. | College-Wide General Session | Main Gym
9:15 - 9:25 a.m. | Break
9:25 - 10:25 a.m. | Breakout Session One
10:25 - 10:35 a.m. | Break
10:35 - 11:35 a.m. | Breakout Session Two
11:35 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Lunch

Welcome Table Volunteers
Help welcome students back to campus by volunteering at one of the many welcome tables on the college's different campuses. There are a number of locations with varying days and times when support is needed.

Follow this link to check out the opportunities to help.
Log in and select your preferred volunteer opportunity, date and time(s).
Click SAVE under each section that you clicked a box in. You will receive a confirmation email for each time slot.

If you have questions, please contact Levi Funk.

Updates from IT
IT is reintroducing the Barracuda Spam Digest for your email. This digest is emailed to you when you have incoming messages that have been quarantined by the college's Barracuda Email Gateway Defense. You are able to follow a link within the digest to log in - using your regular Valley credentials via Microsoft single sign-on and view a list of your quarantined emails. If you identify a legitimate message in your digest, you have the ability to release it from quarantine and deliver it to your mailbox. Please note, you will only receive digest emails when you have quarantined emails to review. If you do not receive the digest, you have no new quarantined emails.

There is an IT maintenance outage planned from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 19. This outage will affect all Kalamazoo Valley online resources at different times during the maintenance window, including My Valley, Canvas, Banner Self-Service and virtual desktops.

Kalamazoo Valley Libraries:
Break Hours, Returns, and Fall Laptop & Hot Spot Loans
Remember - the libraries' friendly services and convenient, cozy spaces are still available to you and your students between semesters!

Library Summer Break Hours, TTC and ACC
Monday, Aug. 21 - Friday, Aug. 31:
MON   8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
TUE     8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
WED   8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
THU    9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
FRI      8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Normal library hours resume on Tuesday, Sept. 5. Check out our website for more information.

Library Returns and Fall Laptop & Hot Spot Loans
In all the end-of-the-semester hustle, don't forget that it is time to return borrowed library materials. Please return any items that are due and contact the library if you would like to request a renewal. To return books, DVDs, and calculators, 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. All laptops and hot spots should be returned to the circulation desk at either library location; no renewals on these items are available. Library laptop and hot spot borrowing for fall becomes available Aug. 28.

We look forward to connecting with you!

Visit us online
Call 269.488.4328
Email (libraries@kvcc.edu)
Chat with a college librarian 24/7
Zoom by appointment, please email
Follow us on Instagram

Have Fun with Science at the Children's Nature Playscape
STEAM Ahead into the School Year at the Children's Nature Playscape (CNP) next to Bronson Park, downtown Kalamazoo, Aug. 23, 10 a.m. to noon.

Area children aged 3 - 10 are invited to explore the CNP with their families and caregivers. Participants will have fun with science while making bubble paintings, chromatography butterflies and stream races and playing with sand to learn about erosion.

Kalamazoo Valley Community College faculty members helped design the CNP to encourage families to play in a unique natural setting. Science faculty and staff members from the Kalamazoo Valley Museum will be leading the STEAM activities.

"Kalamazoo Valley science faculty are excited to engage with the community and show kids that science is fun," said geology instructor Veronica McCann. "We understand that exploring nature and having exposure to the STEAM fields, i.e. science, technology, engineering, art and math, from a young age cultivates curiosity and gives kids a sense they belong in the STEAM fields."

Sign up Now to Volunteer for Valley Food Share
Valley Food Share, an initiative designed to meet the immediate food needs of Kalamazoo Valley students, wouldn't be possible without the help of volunteers. Thank you to the following people who helped out during the summer semester:

Claire Armstrong, Library Aide
Allison Boerema, Administrative Assistant
Michelle Demeritt, Human Resources Specialist
Erin Dominianni, Associate Director of Marketing
Car Christine Gearig, Faculty
Carol Fillenworth, Administrative Assistant
Char Gibson, Administrative Assistant
Sarah Hubbell, Director of Admissions, Registration and Records
Craig Jbara, Vice President for Strategic Business and Community Development
Cheryl Jones, Office Specialist ParaPro
Colin Johnson, Student Ambassador
Michele McGowen, Access and Accom Liaison
Kelly McHugh, Food Hub Logistics Tech ParaPro
Stephanie Moats, Staff Accountant
Amy Mulhall, Employment Manager
Saundra Nicholson, Accounts Receivable Specialist
Lisa Peet, Senior Office Specialist
Nathan Rickey, Energy and Mat. Handling Manager
Carlos Salinas, Edu. Prof. Writing - Approver
Jonathon Selmon, Enrollment Coordinator
Kelly Sparrow, Academic Scheduling Coordinator
Carey Stolsonburg, Office Manager
Natalia Varvalho-Pinto, Academic and Career Pathway Advisor
Gabby Vernon, Office Manager
Nancy Young, Serials and Reference Supervisor
Terri Zirkle-McDonald, Services Assistant

Valley Food Share distribution continues for the fall semester as a drive-thru service alternating between the Food Innovation Center and the Texas Township Campus on Thursdays between 2 - 4 p.m. Volunteers are needed to unload the truck and distribute shares to students. With supervisor approval, please sign up to help!

If you have any questions, please email foodshare@kvcc.edu.

Summer Camps Wrapped Up Last Week

Aubrey Rodgers, graphics arts faculty, showed area middle-schoolers how to create their own comic book at last week's Comic Book Camp. Students learned design, perspective and composition and then created their own comic book. Students shared their creations and all campers received a copy of everyone's comic book.

Meanwhile, Marty Adams, business and CIS faculty, helped campers build their own drone to take home during Drone Camp. The drone can be controlled with a phone or tablet. Campers also had a chance to use radio-controlled cars and boats and take a dip in the college's indoor pool on the last day of camp.

Fall Books Now Available for Purchase
Please let students know that Fall 2023are now be available for purchase at the Texas Township Campus Bookstore. Web orders can be shipped anywhere in the U.S. for just $5, or picked up at the Bookstore or at the Anna Whitten Hall Library in downtown Kalamazoo. Shop online anytime at bookstore.kvcc.edu, or in person from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Book Buyback Scheduled for Aug. 21 - 24
The Bookstore will hold Summer 2023 book buyback on Aug. 21, 22, 23 and 24 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.

Bookstore Accepts Fall Financial Aid on Aug. 23
Aug. 23 is the first day that students can use fall financial aid to make purchases in the Bookstore. Both in-store and online purchases are eligible.

Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency Awards College Gold-Level Status Third Year in a Row
Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency once again named Kalamazoo Valley Community College a Veteran-Friendly School, with gold-level status, and certified the college as an official Veteran Connector school, a program that connects veterans to benefits and resources in all areas of life, including education, employment and health care. The Michigan Veteran-Friendly Schools Program recognizes academic institutions committed to supporting the needs of veterans and military-connected students. These institutions are awarded gold, silver and bronze-level status based on their veteran-centric services and programs. more

Tuition Assistance Available for National Guard Spouses and Dependents
Tuition assistance for spouses and dependents of Michigan National Guard members is now available for qualifying Kalamazoo Valley students. This eligibility is made possible by an expansion to the Michigan National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program (MINGSTAP), which has extended spouses and dependents use of the program's funds.

Among those eligible are spouses who are lawfully married to a National Guard member, as well as dependents such as children, stepchildren and legally adopted children who have obtained a high school diploma, a high school equivalency certificate or who are 18 years of age or older. Eligible dependents must use the assistance before turning 26. more

MAT Graduate Quenisha Dugas

Medical Assistant Training Meant Career Advancement for Graduate
It takes just three semesters to gain the training to become a medical assistant, a well-paid career that typically requires no weekend work or bedside patient care. That's why Program Director Dee Loucks is so eager to make sure potential students are aware of Kalamazoo Valley's Medical Assisting Technology training.

"Our community is at crisis level now," Loucks said. "The last time I checked, there were 65 job openings for medical assistants in our area. It's a wonderful career. In three semesters, you can be working in your field and there's always a demand for skilled employees. I receive calls weekly from Bronson, Borgess and WMed looking to hire our graduates." Some local physicians are willing to pay tuition for medical assistants who will commit to working for them after graduation and sign-on bonuses and paid externiships are also commonly offered, Loucks said.

Tuition and fees for the program amount to about $4,000. "It's a great opportunity for those who want to get into the medical field," Loucks said. "We need to give back to our community post-COVID."

Kalamazoo Valley offers both a one-year certificate program and an associate of applied science degree in MAT. Loucks said the training makes perfect sense for students who are waiting for admission to a nursing program or who want to add to their pre-med skills. "We can help students with their hands-on skills and professionalism," she said. more

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, click here to sign up. Volunteer opportunities are available in one-hour increments. For questions, email Rachel Bair.

Opportunities for Education Scholarship Fundraising Event to be held Sept. 28
The Kalamazoo Valley Community College Foundation is pleased to announce PNC Bank as its presenting sponsor for its annual Opportunities for Education event to be held Sept. 28 at the Food Innovation Center, 224 E. Crosstown Parkway in downtown Kalamazoo. The event is the primary source of funding for the KVCC Foundation's student scholarships.

The need for financial aid among students continues to rise steadily. Each year, the college processes nearly 10,000 requests for financial aid. Of those requests, 40% receive some form of financial aid. This fundraising event helps the KVCC Foundation provide the highest level of financial support for students at Kalamazoo Valley.

The Opportunities for Education event will feature some of the region's most popular restaurants and beverage vendors, including 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. Self-guided tours among the vegetables, flowers and herbs growing in the Food Innovation Center's hoop houses and greenhouse will be available, along with samples of student-crafted, award winning beer and other beverages.

For tickets, sponsorship opportunities and special for-purchase packages, go to www.kvcc.edu/foundation.

PNC Bank, National Association, is a member of the PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). PNC is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking, including a full range of lending products, specialized services for corporations and government entities, such as corporate banking, real estate, finance and asset-based lending, wealth management and asset management. For more information about PNC, visit www.pnc.com.

Kalamazoo Valley Hosted Aug. 12 Culinary Medicine Summit
Kalamazoo Valley Community College hosted the American Culinary Federation Chefs Culinary Medicine Summit on Aug. 12. The 50 participants came from across the country. They explored the converging worlds of food and health with internationally renowned experts in food and medicine leading sessions throughout the day.

Youth Softball Summer Camp Photos Available Online
Enjoy photos from the softball summer camps at our Texas Township Campus by clicking here for the younger players and here for the older players. If you or someone you know is interested in registering a child in any of our sports camps next summer, visit www.athletics.kvcc.edu, email or call x4393.

Two Basketball Clinics Held at Douglass Community Association
A big thank-you to our Cougar women's and men's basketball coaches and players for helping with Kalamazoo Valley Community College's second annual free sports clinics for fifth- through eighth-graders at the Douglass Community Association in Kalamazoo. Click here for photos from the girls clinic on July 29, and here for photos from the boys clinic on Aug. 5. This is one of many efforts to advance the college's mission statement: "Kalamazoo Valley Community College creates innovative and equitable opportunities that empower all to learn, grow and thrive."

Enjoy Virtual Travel With '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.

Special Pink Floyd Light Show in Planetarium in August
Pink Floyd's progressive eighth album, "Wish You Were Here," is set to stunning visuals that will send viewers to the moon in a new light show at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum's planetarium in August on Saturdays at 3:30 p.m. Familiar music 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.

Battle Creek Police Department Announces New Deputy Chiefs

Expanded Tuition Assistance at Kalamazoo Valley Community College Now Covers National Guard Families

Vintage in the Zoo: Mallmart + Zoo Flea - Vintage & Handmade Marketplace

'It's Been a Long Journey': Henrietta Lacks' Family 'Grateful' for Settlement

Family Health Center Hosts its 17th Annual Back To School Bash

Colleges Hope Michigan Reconnect Expansion will Draw Students

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