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

Dec. 2, 2024

Greetings,

Celebrating student success is one of the great joys of our work at Kalamazoo Valley! We will commemorate student success in a big way during Commencement on Sunday, Dec. 15. We expect great participation from our graduates and a large crowd of family members and friends at Miller Auditorium beginning at 2 p.m.

I am looking forward to hearing from student speaker Romello Phillips, who will be receiving his associate of arts in general studies. Psychology instructor Meredith Holland will provide inspiring faculty remarks and the campus band is returning for the celebration. I hope that you will be able to make time in your schedule to volunteer behind the scenes or to attend this important occasion as an audience member.

Soon we all will be celebrating the end of the winter semester. So until then, I know that you will continue to support all of our students, every day. Thank you!

Sincerely,

L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President
You Are Not Alone � Community Resources Available
The holiday season can be a time of both joy and challenge. Some of our students, co-workers, friends, relatives or even ourselves may need assistance, especially around this time of year. We want to make sure that you are aware that the college has a list of community resources on our website. Click here. We encourage you to share the list with others.
 
Employee Assistance Program
Did you know that all employees at Kalamazoo Valley have access to our Employee Assistance Program? This is a confidential work-based program that offers resources to employees. For more information, click here.

Retirement
Office of Retirement Services and Voya
For those who have a MPSERS and/or Voya account, Voya offers one-on-one virtual appointments and webinars. To sign up for a session or to view dates and times, click here.

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 December can be found here or go to �Documents� under Benefits, Wellness & Engagement on your Employee Portal.
 
NEW! Starting Jan. 1, 2025
Employees who are enrolled in the BCBS medical plan will have access to Personify Health. For more information on how to kickstart your well-being journey, go to the Employee Portal. Under Human Resources, go to �Documents� under Benefits, Wellness & Engagement and select the Blue Cross Well-Being Quick Start Guide to get started, or click here. A few key features are below:
  • Ability to synchronize with more fitness apps and devices, including Apple Health and Fitbit
  • New well-being courses to help you build health habits that stick
  • A health care checklist to help you keep track of recommended preventive care
  • Guidance to programs and resources based on your specific needs
After Dec. 31, 2024, WebMD will no longer be available to employees.

Cougar Cafe: What�s on the Menu this Week
The Cougar Cafe has a variety of delicious food options for everyone to enjoy! From Dec. 2 through Dec. 5, stop by for some chicken chili to warm you up. Monday, Dec. 2, the cafe will be offering pineapple BBQ pulled pork sandwiches. On Tuesday, Dec. 3, it�s Taco Tuesday! Wednesday, Dec. 4, stop by for some meatloaf and mashed potatoes. And on Thursday, Dec. 5, the cafe will have a mac �n� cheese bar. Lots of options to keep you cozy this week. Stop on by!

Staying Safe on Winter Roads
Kalamazoo Valley Community College Public Safety encourages you to take precautions as you get out on the roads this winter season. Follow these steps to stay diligent:
  • Clean all snow and ice from your car before driving.
  • Do not start your car and leave it unattended to avoid vehicle theft.
  • Do not start your car up in an enclosed garage. This causes dangerous carbon monoxide to accumulate in the enclosed space.
  • Carry a snow scraper, jumper cables, flashlight, food, water and a charger with you in your car.
  • Do not text or rush to your destination. Drive slowly when driving through snow and ice.
New Tuition Waiver Form
The tuition wavier form has been updated to a new online form in Etrieve. The new form can be accessed in the Employee Portal in the Human Resources section under Education and Training Resources. All new tuition waiver requests should be submitted using this form. If you have any questions or issues while complete the form, please contact either HR at hr@kvcc.edu or Business Services at acounts_receivable@kvcc.edu.

Payroll Due Dates
Due to the upcoming holiday break, we wanted to send a friendly reminder of the due dates for payroll so you have time to make any necessary adjustments to ensure your reports are properly completed and approved on time.
12/31/24 Payroll:
  • Employee timesheets are due Friday, Dec. 13
  • Manager approval of timesheets is due Monday, Dec. 16
1/15/25 Payroll:
  • Employee timesheet submission due date is Friday, Jan. 3, 2025
  • Manager approval of time sheets is due Monday, Jan. 6, 2025
  • This pay period is a three-week pay and covers the period Dec. 15, 2024 - Jan. 4, 2025; full-time hourly employees should enter TOP (time off paid) for the college holidays of Dec. 24, 25, 26, 27, 30, 31 and Jan. 1.
If you will not be on campus when time sheets are due, please ensure that your timesheet is completed and submitted prior to leaving campus. If you normally approve timesheets and will not be on campus on the due date, please ensure you have a proxy set up to approve your time sheets, or approve your time sheets before you leave campus. Alternatively, if you are off campus and have internet access, you can log in to your MyValley account by going to www.kvcc.edu to access the Banner Self-Service application to submit and/or approve time sheets. Please contact the Payroll Department with questions. You may call Anita Gonzales at x4872 or Megan Collins at x4898 or send an email to payroll@kvcc.edu.
 
Accounts Payable Year-End Processing Schedule
The last accounts payable check run of calendar year 2024 will be the week of Dec. 16. To ensure your invoices are paid timely prior to the holiday break, invoices should be approved, coded and submitted to Business Services no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 16. Invoices received after this time will be processed when the college reopens in January.


Annual United Way Campaign Starts Today
Kalamazoo Valley�s annual campaign for the United Way of South Central Michigan kicks off today, Monday, Dec. 2. All full and part-time employees will receive an email from UPIC (the agency handing United Way online donations) on Dec. 2 with a unique login and instructions for submitting donations. You�ll need to create a new password to access the ePledge form. The last day to submit an online pledge form is Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. If you opt for payroll deductions when you give to United Way, deductions will begin with the Jan. 15, 2025 pay date and will continue over 24 pay periods through Dec. 31, 2025.
 
If you would prefer to give with cash or a check, please bring your donation to the Foundation office to Vicki Warkoczeksi at x4539 or vwarkoczesk@kvcc.edu.
 
Your donations will be pooled with many others in our community to give sizable grants to our local nonprofits. These United Way grants help the nonprofits focus on what they do best, rather than on fundraising. Many of them assist our employees and our students, and are crucial to our college�s mission to provide equitable education opportunities. Thank you for considering a donation!






WFC Closed for Reflooring
The Wellness and Fitness Center will be closed Dec. 16 - 18 to update flooring. It will reopen Thursday, Dec. 19 at 6 a.m.


Warm Clothing Drive Benefits Unsheltered
Kalamazoo Valley Community College's Honors Program recently collected more than 300 clothing donations for United for the Unsheltered of Kalamazoo. Donation bins were located across the college's campuses from Oct. 21 - Nov. 8. The drive collected 43 jackets/coats, 67 tops/sweaters, 40 pairs of pants, 32 hats, 72 pairs of socks, 21 pairs of gloves, seven pairs of shoes, two snow pants, 13 scarves and three blankets.

"I cannot tell you how excited I was to hear that the Honors Program students wanted to do another clothing drive this year," said Megan Giambrone, president of United for the Unsheltered. "We have several students who participate with our organization in other ways, so we are familiar with some of them." more

Student Well-Being and Thriving Part of Student Development Services
Student Well-Being and Thriving is the newest addition to the Student Development Services unit. Director Monteze Morales has the following reminder: Entering the holiday season can be challenging. Many students may be feeling loneliness or grief while striving to make the most of their circumstances. During this season of gratitude, it�s essential to prioritize self-care. Even if you can�t provide direct support, being aware of resources to guide students, staff and faculty in their times of need is incredibly valuable. Remember, the college has a list of those local resources available for all to access. Find them here.

Updates from KVAAP

We recently welcomed a new Recruitment Coordinator to the KVAAP team, Colin Johnson. If students are interested in learning more about KVAAP, or the KVAAP application process, please have them reach out to him at cjohnson5298@kvcc.edu or x7948.


KVAAP Talent Show

Students and staff will be showcasing their skills at the upcoming KVAAP Talent Show on Friday, Dec. 6 at noon in the Dale B. Lake Auditorium. Please join us to cheer them on!


Upcoming KVAAP Info Sessions

Wednesday, Dec. 4 | 10 a.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 10 | 5 p.m.
Attending a KVAAP Info Session is a required part of the application process. Interested students can register here.
Need Help Now? Ask a Librarian
Librarians can help Kalamazoo Valley students with questions about research and citation. Encourage your students to visit the Libraries schedule ahead or use our 24/7 chat service. Or, consider scheduling a Library Instruction session for your class. For more information about instruction, visit our Information for Instructors webpage.

Research & Citation Resources
Hours and Contact Information

Campus Band to Hold Winter Concert
The Kalamazoo Valley Community College Campus Band invites the public to attend the college's free winter concert "Anniversaries and Alleluias" on Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. in Dale B. Lake Auditorium on the Texas Township Campus.

Jim Roach, Kalamazoo Valley Community College band director and the dozens of musicians he conducts, guarantee the community is in for an unforgettable night filled with harmony, joy and the warmth of the season. Roach, who became conductor of the ensemble in 2022, says this is a great opportunity for musicians to continue to embark on their passion.

"I always encourage students to continue their participation in music," said Roach. "You probably will not be able to, for instance, play football when you are 60 or older, but you can continue to enjoy making music. Involvement in the fine arts keeps you young at heart."

The Kalamazoo Valley Community College Campus Band is a multi-generational ensemble consisting of Valley students and community musicians.

Commencement Scheduled for Dec. 15
The 91st Commencement of Kalamazoo Valley Community College is scheduled for Sunday, Dec.15 at 2 p.m. at Miller Auditorium, on the campus of Western Michigan University.
All administrators and faculty who are participating are asked to report to Miller Auditorium no later than 1:30 p.m. If you haven't RSVP'd and plan to attend please email Russ Panico. Females report to dressing room "G" and males to dressing room "H" in the backside of the auditorium. Traditional cap and gown regalia are required to participate in the ceremony. Please enter the building through the doors that are adjacent to Lot 33 of the auditorium (not the main doors). There will be signage with directional information as well. Parking will be free in the ramp or Lots 33 & 34 that are adjacent to the auditorium. We look forward to seeing you there. 
Join our Distribution List for Upcoming Events
Thank you everyone for the incredible engagement and attendance at the Office of Diversity and Inclusion�s numerous programs this fall! Ranging from exploring neurodiversity and psychological safety and celebrating multiple cultures and much more, attendees tell us these events are spurring dialogue and learning. Periodically, we share information about upcoming events with individuals on our distribution list. If you would like to be added to the list, click here to complete a short Google Form. 
Last Chance to Buy Commencement Caps, Gowns, Honors Regalia
Please spread the word to December graduates that the final day to buy commencement regalia is 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13 at the Bookstore on the Texas Township Campus. Also for sale are diploma frames, mortarboard graphics and more. The graduation ceremony is Sunday, Dec. 15 at 2 p.m. at Miller Auditorium at Western Michigan University.
 

Bookstore Accepts Winter Financial Aid Starting Jan. 2

Jan. 2 is the first day that students can use winter financial aid to make purchases at the Texas Township Bookstore. Both in-store and online purchases are eligible. The Bookstore is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. However, online orders can be placed anytime at bookstore.kvcc.edu. Online orders can be mailed to one�s home or other address, or held for pickup at the Texas Township Campus Bookstore or at the Anna Whitten Hall Library at the Arcadia Commons Campus in downtown Kalamazoo. Shipping is $5.

 
Bookstore Selling Uniforms for Winter Semester Classes
Remind brewing, barbering and cosmetology students that the Texas Township Campus Bookstore sells uniforms. The Bookstore works with faculty and vendors to get the best value, and students can use financial aid. Stop in person or order online at bookstore.kvcc.edu. The store also has class kits and relevant supplies such as stethoscopes, penlights, train cases, study aids and more.
 

FREE Home Basketball Games at Valley!
Conference play doesn�t officially begin until January, but you can check out the winning moves of Kalamazoo Valley�s women�s and men�s basketball teams now! They�ve been doing extremely well in pre-season games. Click here for more action shots of the women�s basketball team and here for pictures of the men�s basketball team, from when they recently played Mott Community College � and won! Home games are always free in the main gym on our Texas Township Campus. One of these dates below is sure to fit your schedule!
 
WOMEN�S BASKETBALL
  • Wednesday, Dec. 18 | 5:30 p.m. (vs. Jackson College)
  • Saturday, Dec. 21 | 1 p.m. (vs. North Central Michigan College)
  MEN�S BASKETBALL
  • Wednesday, Dec. 4 | 7:30 p.m. (vs. Washtenaw Community College)
  • Wednesday, Dec. 18 | 7:30 p.m. (vs. Jackson College)
  • Saturday, Dec. 21 | 3 p.m. (vs. North Central Michigan College)
 For the full schedule and scores, click here.
 

 


Museum Hosts Two Free Holiday Music Concerts for Dec. 6 Art Hop
Experience the magic of the season when the Kalamazoo Mandolin and Guitar Orchestra performs two FREE concerts at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum during the Friday, Dec. 6, Art Hop. The shows are at 6 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. Seating is first come, first served on the first floor of the museum. The orchestra was founded in 2003 to revive the mandolin orchestra tradition in Kalamazoo. It is a plucked string ensemble consisting of mandolins, mandolas, mandocellos, guitars and bass. Learn more at kalamazoomuseum.org.
 
Free Winter Break Fun for Children Planned at the Museum
The Kalamazoo Valley Museum invites the whole family to enjoy FREE activities during winter break, Dec. 27 through Jan. 4 � all centered around STEM mysteries! Expect magic presentations and workshops, hands-on fun, cool demonstrations and planetarium shows. Admission to the Kalamazoo Valley Museum and all �Mysteries at the Museum� winter break activities is free, including the planetarium shows. Seating is first come, first served for the planetarium shows and certain programming. For the schedule and activity descriptions, visit kalamazoomuseum.org.
 

�Mystery and Benevolence� Exhibit Illuminates Secret Societies
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 Freemasons and Independent Order of Odd Fellows, taking visitors behind the veil of these intriguing fraternal orders that have had an influence on contemporary American popular culture.
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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 · USA