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February 1, 2022
Greetings College Community,
"The time is always right to do what is right," is a quote from Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that inspires me to think deeply about civil rights, social justice and human rights. It was also the theme of the Jan. 17 Wreath Laying Ceremony in his honor. He made this statement as a part of his remarks to Oberlin College students in 1964.
As we join with others from across the community to celebrate Black History Month, I hope that you will take advantage of opportunities to participate in events and activities designed to help us consider what is "right."
February is always a busy month for our students and the entire college community. This year is no exception. I know that many of you are juggling the care of family members along with the demands of your work at the college. Our students also juggle multiple demands on their schedules. However, many students can accelerate the completion of their degree or certificate if they are able to squeeze in just one more class this semester. Additional second part-of-term classes start soon. Please encourage your students to consider this option.
These times may not be easy, but it is always the right time to do the right thing. As you continue to press ahead, I am here to support you.
Sincerely,
L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President
Mileage Rate Increase
The IRS standard mileage rate changed at Jan. 1. Please use the following rates when submitting requests for mileage reimbursement.
For mileage incurred prior to Dec. 31, 2021 - $0.56
For mileage incurred after Jan. 1, 2022 - $0.585
Consumer Information
Federal Regulations require institutions to provide specific consumer information about the school and about financial aid. For a listing of information and where it can be found, click here.
This information can also be viewed at kvcc.edu/financial, Student Consumer Information.
If you have questions regarding the regulations or the information disclosed, please contact the Financial Aid office at finaid@kvcc.edu.
Kalamazoo Valley Libraries: Collection Spotlight, Reading Together and February Book Display
Juvenile & Young Adult Collection Spotlight
We have rearranged the Juvenile & Young Adult collections at the Texas Township Campus Library to make them easier for you to use and browse. Sections are now divided into book types/reading levels. These sections include:
- Board Books
- Picture Books
- Easy Readers
- Children's Chapter Books
- Young Adult Books
We have also added a range of new books including many award winners and diversity titles. Come check them out today!
Reading Together
Kalamazoo Valley Libraries are partnering with the Kalamazoo Public Library (KPL) on their annual event, Reading Together. For the past 20 years, KPL has invited community members to read the same book, and then hear the author talk about it. This year's book is a graphic novel, The Best We Could Do, by Thi Bui, and the author is sharing her work with Kalamazoo on March 22. Aubrey Rodgers, a Kalamazoo Valley instructor at the Center for New Media, will also be participating in the Reading Together program, giving a presentation on Visual Storytelling on Feb. 12. Visit the Kalamazoo Public Library's website at www.kpl.gov to learn more about the book and related events.
Check out a copy of The Best We Could Do at either the TTC or ACC library and explore our physical and virtual displays of past Reading Together titles.
Book Display
It's Black History Month! Celebrate this February by checking out our new display. Browse book titles at the Texas Township Library and online.
We look forward to connecting with you!
*We appreciate you following Kalamazoo Valley's safety protocols and practicing social distancing when you visit us.
Visit us online
Call 269.488.4328
Email: libraries@kvcc.edu
Chat with a college librarian 24/7: https://www.kvcc.edu/library/asklib.html
Zoom by appointment, please email libraries@kvcc.edu
Follow us on Instagram @kalamazoovalleylibraries
MLK: Beyond the Dream III, is planned for Feb. 2 | 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
In honor of Black History Month, Kalamazoo Valley Community College's Office of Diversity and Inclusion in collaboration with the Office of Student Engagement invites you to attend a virtual program "Beyond the Dream III" - a deeper look at the perspectives of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his impact on our nation, particularly throughout the South in 1967. This college and community-wide conversation provides participants the opportunity to listen and share thoughts regarding Dr. King's philosophies and their relevancy in today's society. For accommodations and registrations details, contact Trice Batson or Ezra Bell.
Bring Canned Goods to Feb. 14 Basketball Games
The Cougar women's and men's basketball teams and the college are hosting a food drive at the Feb. 14 (Rescheduled from Feb. 2) home games against Ancilla College. Tipoff is at 5:30 p.m. (women's basketball) and 7:30 p.m. (men's basketball).
Please bring canned goods and nonperishable food items. All donations made to the "Hunger Games" project go to Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes, whose mission is to end hunger in our community. Games are in the gym at the Texas Township Campus. Admission is free.
Diversity and Bias in the Search Committee Process - Feb. 4 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Trice Batson and Jauwanna Pitts
As a college, we are committed to fostering the continued growth of underrepresented groups within faculty and staff, promoting faculty and staff awareness of diversity and inclusion, and educating and promoting standards of inclusion for equitable treatment of all individuals. This training will help search committee members commit to executing fair and equitable hiring processes that not only reflect the standards of how we treat people but aid in the selection of individuals who will contribute to the achievement of our goals. Please contact Trice Batson by 9 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2 for the Zoom link.
Nine New Releases in Virtual Storytelling Festival
Watch the nine new videotaped tales released Feb. 4 - 7 in the Kalamazoo Valley Museum's online Storytelling Festival! Hear about Valentine's Day, 9/11, Kenyan celebrations, how time itself is celebrated and more, including a folktale from the British Isles. The stories may be viewed, anytime for free through early May. The festival's nine-month series on "A Celebration of Time" has been exploring festive traditions since October. It ends in June. All stories remain posted for three months from the date of premiere.
Historic Kalamazoo Boxing Academy Exhibit Opens Feb. 5
Many big names in boxing got their training with the Kalamazoo Boxing Academy. Explore the personal stories of the boxers and trainers at "The Forgotten Fighters of the Kalamazoo Boxing Academy" exhibit at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, which the college operates in downtown Kalamazoo. It runs from Feb. 5 - Sept. 18. Admission is free to the museum and to the exhibit. The museum is located at 230 N. Rose St. It is now open for limited hours, Tuesday - Saturday, 10 - 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 - 3 p.m. Preregistration at kalamazoomuseum.org is recommended. Walk-in slots are available, but entry is not guaranteed if capacity is reached.
Pre-Order Valentine's Day Treats in the Cougar Cafe
The Cougar Cafe will be selling the following items for Valentine's Day.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries - 6 for $7.99
- Heart-Shaped Crave-worthy Chocolate Chip Cookie - 1 for $1.99
- Peanut Butter Blossoms - 3 for $1.99
- Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies - 3 for $1.99
Pre-pay and order in the Cougar Cafe by Feb. 9. Pick-up order in Cafe on Feb. 14 by 2:30 p.m.
Taps on Tuesdays for Alumni and Friends
Come and reconnect with the college, fellow alumni and current students and employees during this drop in event.
Come and reconnect with the college, fellow alumni and current students and employees during this drop in event. Just $5 will get in you in the door for tasty, student-created appetizers and two tickets for beverages. Alumni Taps on Tuesday will be held in the 418 Restaurant in the Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary and Allied Health Building on the college's Bronson Healthy Living Campus, 418 East Walnut Street in downtown Kalamazoo.
The fun starts at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 22, register by Feb. 15, space is limited.
Make your reservation.
For more information, call Denise Thomas, Alumni+ Coordinator at 488.4314.
Volunteer for The Gilmore
The Gilmore International Piano Festival is April 24 - May 15. The Gilmore celebrates the piano in all its variety and depth: including jazz, classical, pop, folk, swing, blues, gospel and everything in between. Its Film Series is presented in the Mary Jane Stryker Theater at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, which the college operates and is governed by its Board of Trustees.
The Gilmore relies on the expertise, time and energy of volunteers to accomplish this great festival. From ushers to working backstage, there are endless opportunities for you to get involved. Please complete a volunteer form, and we'll be in contact with you as soon as possible. If you have any questions, please contact Emily Fackler at efackler@gmail.com.
Save the Date! Tommy Orange Comes to Campus
Kalamazoo Valley Community College's "About Writing" Visiting Writers Series welcomes Tommy Orange on April 19 for two events: an on stage conversation at 10 a.m. and a reading and on stage conversation at 2:15 p.m. in the Student Commons Theater, Room 4240, at the Texas Township Campus. Orange is the author of the New York Times bestselling novel There There, a multi-generational, relentlessly paced story about a side of America few have ever seen: the lives of urban Native Americans. There There, was one of The New York Times Book Review's 10 Best Books of the Year, won the Center for Fiction's First Novel Prize and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. more
Mark Your Calendars: Summer Hours Return in May
The president, with input from the cabinet, considers and reviews the summer work schedule. With an eye toward energy conservation, moderating cooling costs and benefiting employees, it has been determined that the college will adopt a four-day workweek during the period below:
Summer Hours
May 9 - August 5, 2022
Monday - Thursday
7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
(With 1/2 hour for lunch)
We are well aware that information technologies, facilities services, public safety, financial services and other departments with evening hours will adjust schedules to ensure coverage of important functions.
In cooperation with the department supervisor, individuals may be able to adjust their four-day workweek schedule to Monday - Thursday 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Employees who have earned paid vacation time will take that time in half-day blocks (4.5 hours) or full-day blocks (9.0 hours). This is pro-rated for employees working less than 40 hours per week.
Maintaining exemplary services for our students and guests throughout this summer work schedule is a high priority. For additional information, please contact Amy Reynolds, director of human resources, at x4576 or areynolds@kvcc.edu.
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