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

The College is Closed January 16 in Observance of MLK Day '23
Jan. 13, 2023

I have received many positive comments about the Jan. 5 Winter Summit. Thank you for your participation and suggestions for future programs.

Although our campuses will be closed on Monday, Jan. 16 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I hope that you will consider it a "day on" and contemplate the messages of this important American. Kalamazoo Valley is collaborating with a number of community organizations to honor his memory.  As your schedule allows, consider attending the 37th Annual Community Celebration on Jan. 15 at 4 p.m. at Mt. Zion Church in Kalamazoo or the Wreath Laying Ceremony at 3:30 p.m. at the City of Kalamazoo's MLK Park on Monday, Jan. 16.

The college has scheduled multiple opportunities to further recognize, celebrate and honor the contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout the months of January and February, including the Black Artists' Exhibit at the Center for New Media, opening on Feb. 3. Information about this event and other activities are available on the college website.

Please continue to look for ways to welcome all students to winter semester. Remember that by simply acknowledging a student with a greeting or by sharing a kind word, you can have a significant impact on the success of that person.

Stay safe and stay warm!


L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President

office of the provost

Important Updates from the Provost
I hope everyone has had a great start to the Winter 2023 semester!

  • For the Health Careers and Sustainable Food Systems Division, Mark Dunneback, Ph.D., will serve as Interim Dean for the Health and Foods programs located at MJSCAH (NURS, LPN, RCP, EMT, CUL, AGF, BREW) and Billy Reynolds, Ph.D., will serve as the interim dean for the kealth programs located at TTC (DHY, MAT, HCR) until a replacement is identified/hired.
  • Advising and counseling will have a combination of drop-ins and appointments during the week of Jan. 16.
  • There is a new faculty-focused professional development and community building opportunity beginning this month - Time Together: Teach | Talk | Tech. Register now for our inaugural gathering on Jan. 20, which will cover Canvas navigation links and preparing students for online learning.
  • Student Services contact sheet for Winter 2023 is available here.
  • Tuesday nights are FAFSA nights.  Please encourage students and those considering returning to college to stop by the Financial Aid Office between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. for assistance.
  • Kalamazoo Valley students who use Metro Transit may now purchase their bus pass for the winter semester. The pass costs $240 and can be paid for by using financial aid. Cash and credit cards are also accepted. More
  • There will be an institutional transfer agreement signed by Kalamazoo Valley and Western Michigan University on Monday, Jan. 23 at 11 a.m. in Room 4240 (TTC). This is an exciting time to reaffirm our institutional partnership to help students continue their higher education journeys. 
  • We will be shifting to using development@kvcc.edu for all general needs and inquiries for Student Development Services. This will be replacing success@kvcc.edu and counseling@kvcc.edu. Over the During this semester, the former two email addresses will be automatically forwarded to the new development@kvcc.edu address. Please plan accordingly for future semesters.
  • Printing Services will be staffed from the hours of 7:30 a.m. -1 p.m. Monday - Thursday and 7:30 a.m. - noon on Friday. Printing will be staffed intermittently during the rest of the day.
  • Beginning in the Summer of 2023, the current option of Instructor Directed Withdrawals (IDWs) will be phased-out. Please work with the corresponding instructional dean for any extenuating circumstances. Changes to the practice will include:
    • Remove IDWs as an option.
    • Institute and increase awareness of an administrative withdrawal for (1) exceptional situations and (2) approved routine instructional reasons. For administrative withdrawals documentation will be needed from a combination of instructor, chair/director, dean and provost.
    • Increase awareness of various appeal processes available to students.
    • Updated verbiage in the Student Handbook and the Faculty Instructional Manual.
Office of Diversity and inclusion

Kalamazoo Valley, Kalamazoo College Collaborate for MLK Jr. Day Celebrations
Join Kalamazoo Valley and Kalamazoo College as we collaborate to present the community with a number of celebrations to pay tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy. The theme of this year's celebrations is unified around understanding the past, educating the present and moving toward the betterment of African American communities. Upcoming events include:
 
CENTERING BLACK LIVEs, Various Movements, One Purpose UNDERSTANDING THE PAST, EDUCATING THE PRESENT. AND MOVING TOWARD THE BETTERMENT OF BLACK COMMUNITIES. JANUARY 19. 2023 FRIDAY: 11 AM to 11:45 AM at stetson chapel. Echoes of the past, maxine maxwell. Dramatic performance takes a look at what it has been like to be black and female over a time span of 150 years. Open to the public. 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM, off campus. Understanding Race and racism in US history. Racialization workshop for international students. Transportation provided. open to KVCC and K international students. 9 PM Dalton theatre. wakanda forever showing. open to k students. JANUARY 16, 2023. 11 AM to 12 PM, Dalton Theatre. Critical Black Masculinity: from birth of a nation to wakanda. Dr. Jonathan Gayles. Open to the public). 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm banquet hall. Afternoon Lunch Discussion with Dr. Jonathan Gayles. open to K students only. 3:30 pm Downtown. Annual city march and wreath laying ceremony. open to the public. Intercultural student life. Justine.shelton@kzoo.edu. On Instagram @kinterculturalcenter

Summit: together is better
Winter 2023 Summit Included Years of Service Honorees
On Jan. 5, Kalamazoo Valley Community College Trustees welcomed staff, administrators and faculty back to campus during the professional development event. During the Trustees' Breakfast, 50 college employees were recognized for their years of service. To access photos from the event, click here. Complete the event evaluation form by Feb. 1.
Finance and business

2022 W-2 Available
The 2022 W-2 is now available via Banner Self-Service. As a reminder, if you wish to view it electronically, you will need to electronically consent when you try to view it. By doing so, you acknowledge you will not receive a paper copy in the mail and you will print any copies necessary to file your various tax forms. If you consented previously, your consent remains in effect and you will not receive a paper copy of your W-2 in the mail. If you wish to continue to receive a paper copy of your W-2, please do not consent to receiving it electronically.

Please see the document on the Employee Portal > Human Resources > Payroll Training Resources > W-2 Electronic Consent Information for details regarding electronic W-2 consent, including instructions on how to sign up.

For employees who prefer to receive a paper copy of their W-2, the forms will be printed and mailed no later than Jan. 31.

If you have any questions, please contact Sara Herrmann at sherrmann@kvcc.edu or at x4068.

Feb. 1 Time Sheet Reminder (MLK Holiday Closure)
Due to the campus closure on Monday, Jan. 16 for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday, we wanted to make you aware of the modifications to the normal time sheet completion and approval deadlines to assist you in ensuring accurate and timely completion of the time sheet submission.
2/1/2023 Payroll:
  • Employee time sheets are due FRIDAY, Jan. 13 at 5 p.m. (normal schedule)
  • Manager approval of time sheets is due TUESDAY, Jan. 17 at 5 p.m.
  • This pay covers the period 1.1.23 - 1.14.23; full-time hourly employees should enter time off paid (TOP) for the college holiday of Jan. 2.
2/15/2023 Payroll:
  • Employee time sheets are due FRIDAY, Jan. 27 at 5 p.m.
  • Manager approval of time sheets is due MONDAY, Jan. 30 at 5 p.m.
  • This pay covers the period 1.15.23 - 1.28.23; full-time hourly employees should enter time off paid (TOP) for the college holiday of Jan. 16.
Please make the necessary arrangements to ensure that your time sheet approvals are completed prior to the deadline. As a reminder, the Banner Self Service application can also be accessed off campus by logging into your MyValley account at www.kvcc.edu.

Please contact the Payroll Department with questions. You may call Anita Gonzales at x4872 or Molly Riley at x4239 or send an email to payroll@kvcc.edu.
The Big chill: january 17 in the culinary and allied health building 11 AM to 2 PM Lobby. january 17 in anna whitten hall 11 AM to 2 PM lobby. January 19 texas township campus 11 am - 2PM student commons. Join the winter fun. kalamazoo valley's big chill is here. Music, food, fun and all the information you need to make the winter semester 2023 great. Come learn about the resources, student activities, and support available to all Kalamazoo Valley students.
American Red Cross
College, PTK to Collaborate with American Red Cross for Blood Drive
Kalamazoo Valley Community College and its chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international honor society for two-year colleges, will be collaborating with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive at the Texas Township Campus on Jan. 19. The event will be held in the Student Commons with appointments available throughout the day.  If you'd like to donate, please register by going to redcrossblood.org and entering the sponsor code "KVCC" in the appointment search box. Appointments are required for blood donations during this event. more

libraries



 

Kalamazoo Valley Libraries:
Library Services Winter 2023
The Kalamazoo Valley Libraries at Texas Township Campus and Anna Whitten Hall are open and available to support you and your students this winter.

Laptops, Hotspots and Calculators
We've streamlined. No more online or paper forms to fill out to borrow computers! Laptops and hotspots are available for students who do not have access to a computer or Wi-Fi at home. We also have scientific and graphing calculators for loan. Students can borrow technology for the entire semester. Visit our website for more information.

Reserves & Textbooks
Course Reserves
Textbooks and other course materials are placed on reserve each semester at the request of faculty and students. Instructors may submit personal copies for the reserve collection or request a library purchase for reserve.

For more information on course reserves, including a list of all items currently on reserve, visit the library's Course Reserve Guide. To reserve materials for your course, contact Ashley Bergkamp (TTC) at x4313 or abergkamp@kvcc.edu or Franki Hand (ACC) at x7848 or fhand@kvcc.edu.

Library Instruction
Bring your class to the Library Instruction Lab (LIL) to meet a librarian. Empower your students with information literacy skills, including navigating databases, evaluating sources and proper citation. Request library instruction in the LIL through Astra. From the Events tab, click on "Request Event." Then, choose "Library Instructional Lab" from the drop-down menu. Submit the details of your request and a librarian will respond within 48 hours. You can also arrange for a librarian to come to your classroom. For online classes, we can offer library instruction over Zoom or create instructional videos and activities. Please email Amy Brandt (TTC) at abrandt@kvcc.edu or Jim Ratliff (ACC/BHLC) at jratliff@kvcc.edu with your instruction request, and we will work with you to meet your learning goals.

Explore MeLCat
The Libraries are now participating in MeLCat, a service that allows students, staff and faculty to borrow items from other participating libraries throughout the state of Michigan. Click here to search for materials available to borrow. Make sure to have your Valley ID ready. Books can be sent directly to the Kalamazoo Valley library location of your choice, and the library will contact you when your item is available for pickup.

Visiting Writers Series Guide
Visiting Writers Series stages events that afford the unique opportunity to interact with professional writers and hear them read their work. Don't miss the upcoming visit by Ada Limón, U.S. Poet Laureate! Consult the Libraries' Visiting Writers Series Guide for event schedules, detailed biographies, samples of each visiting author's work and more. You can also see the authors' books and check them out.

Services and Hours
Library materials are available for checkout and staff are available to assist you and your students. We also offer services remotely through email, phone, 24/7 chat and Zoom. Call us at 269.488.4328 or email us at libraries@kvcc.edu with any questions or requests. See our website for up-to-date hours.

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 libraries@kvcc.edu
Follow us on Instagram
human resources

Extended Absence Greeting
The college will be closed on Monday, Jan. 16 in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. Before leaving the office on Friday, remember to set extended absence greeting messages on your email and phone.

Suggested copy:
Kalamazoo Valley Community College offices will be closed and no classes are scheduled on Monday, Jan. 16 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Information about the college is available at www.kvcc.edu. Our offices will open again to the public on Tuesday, Jan. 17.

Full-Time Open Positions at Valley
Some of the following full-time positions have been posted for both internal and external applicants.
  • Electrical Technology Faculty
  • Automotive Technology Faculty
  • Computer Information Systems Faculty
  • Mathematics Faculty
  • Biology/Horticulture Faculty
  • Human Resource Specialist at TTC
  • Payroll Accountant at TTC
  • Retention and Completion Coach - Health Careers at TTC/CAH
  • STEM Program Coordinator at the KVM
  • Full time custodian position, 2nd shift at TTC
If you or someone you know is interested, visit Kalamazoo Valley's job board and search available jobs. Please contact Human Resources if you have questions or need assistance creating an applicant account.
New Tuition Waivers Available
Kalamazoo Valley Community College's mission to create innovative and equitable opportunities to learn, grow and thrive doesn't stop with the faculty and staff who are employed by the college but also includes their family members as well. To allow for additional opportunities, Kalamazoo Valley is changing the current tuition remittance program to a Tuition Waiver that will allow dependents and spouses of full-time employees the opportunity to register and attend credit bearing classes at the college without paying for the tuition in advance. The student will be responsible for books and fees. To take advantage of this program, please use the form on the Employee Portal. 
Register for Live TIAA Webinars
The following webinars are available this month through TIAA. These webinars are open to all and are available now for registration in the Live Webinar Lounge (www.tiaa.org/webinars). Informational flyers are available on the Plan Sponsor Toolkit Landing Page.  
 
Understanding Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
You may know about the tax advantages of contributing to a Health Savings Account (HSA), but did you know that HSAs are also a way to save for healthcare in retirement? We'll help you understand unique aspects of HSAs. Jan. 18 at 12 p.m.
 
Basic Social Security Strategies
Social Security will likely play a significant role in building your retirement income. Learn the basics about Social Security, including eligibility, how to apply, how your benefit is calculated and strategies for claiming benefits. Jan. 18 at 3 p.m.

Common Estate Planning Considerations
A common goal that we all share is providing for our loved ones or our favorite organizations. Come learn about the components of an effective estate plan and hear about strategies to ensure that your wishes are met. Jan. 19 at 12 p.m.
wellness and fitness center
WFC Updates
The employee wellness classes returned Jan. 9. Classes are held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 12:05 - 12:55 p.m. Water aerobics classes will be held the second Friday of each month from noon - 1 p.m.
 
New for 2023 will be Pilates on Mondays. No registration required.Jjust drop in with your Valley ID and enjoy. Questions? Contact the WFC front desk at x4184.
 
NEW POOL HOURS
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Monday, Wednesday and Friday
4:30 - 6:30 p.m.* | Tuesday and Thursday (*TRIAL RUN Jan. - Feb)
athletics
Free, Free, Free - Check out a Basketball Game in January
Basketball season is underway at Kalamazoo Valley Community College! You're invited to drop in at any time at the men's and women's basketball games, which are always free in the main gym at the college's Texas Township Campus. The second half of the season restarts this month, and we're so excited that there are several home games in January. The next one is Saturday, Jan. 21 against Kellogg Community College, with tipoff at 1 p.m. for the women and at 3 p.m. for the men.
 
Here are the other January home basketball games:
  • Wednesday | Jan. 25 | Women at 5:30 p.m. | Men at 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday | Jan. 28 | Women at 1 p.m. | Men at 3 p.m.

For the full season schedule, click here.

BLACK ARTISTS EXHIBIT SUBMISSIONS DUE JANUARY 27, 2023. Event is FEB.3, 2023. FOURTH ANNUAL CENTER FOR NEW MEDIA EVENT. In collaboration with the Black Arts & Cultural Center, the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, and the Metropolitan Kalamazoo branch of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People), Kalamazoo Valley's Center for New Media will host its fourth annual Black Artists Exhibit in February. The event, held in observance of Black History Month, will highlight the works of local Black artists, and provide a shared connection to the rich Black cultural heritage in the Kalamazoo area. All forms of creative art and mediums will be accepted. Physlcal work(s) and a dlgltal Image copy(s) of work for the February art exhibit should be dellvered to Cindy Parks at The Center for New Media on the Arcadia Commons Campus. Please schedule a date and time for dellvery by contacting Cindy at cparks@kvcc.edu or by phone at 269-373-7881. Works must be received by 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 27. Access the Gallery Requirements, Exhibit Guldellnes and Call for Entries form at kvcc.edu/artexhlblts.
visiting writers
Ada Limón
Visiting Writers Series Welcomes Ada Limón on Jan. 24
Kalamazoo Valley's "About Writing" Visiting Writers series is coordinated by English instructor Julie Stotz-Ghosh, Ph.D., and offers students the opportunity to talk with professional writers and listen to their work.

The visits take place in the Student Commons Theater, Room 4240, at the Texas Township Campus. All events are free, open to the public and include a 10 a.m. craft talk and a 2:15 p.m. reading by the author. more
girls on the run
Volunteer for Girls on the Run (GOTR)
Girls on the Run offers programs that are designed to inspire girls of all abilities to recognize and embrace their inner strength and make meaningful connections with others. Trained coaches use physical activity and dynamic discussions to build social, emotional and physical skills while encouraging healthy habits for life.
  • Spring 2023 season runs March 6 - May 23, celebratory 5K on May 20
  • Practices held twice/week for 90 minutes
  • Each team is led by three trained volunteer Coaches (curriculum provided by Girls on the Run)
 All training provided by GOTR:
  • GOTR National Coach Training (blended in-person/online)
  • CPR/First Aid Certification (blended in-person/online)
  • Online Michigan Sports Concussion
Apply now here.
 
What's happening at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. The Kalamazoo Valley Museum is operated by Kalamazoo Valley Community College and is governed by its board of trustees


Murphy Darden

Local Historian Murphy Darden's Pop-Up Exhibit Now Open
In celebration of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday, our Kalamazoo Valley Museum has opened a new pop-up mini-exhibit that showcases Kalamazoo-related items collected by longtime local civil rights historian Murphy Darden, Sr.
 
The "Kalamazoo Through the Eyes of Murphy Darden" exhibit will be on display through March 19. It also highlights pieces Murphy created representing people, places and events in Kalamazoo history.
 
Admission is free to exhibits and to the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. For more information, visit kalamazoomuseum.org.


Jan. 15: Last Screening for 'HeLa' Play About Henrietta Lacks
Have you seen the play about Henrietta Lacks at our Kalamazoo Valley Museum? If not, here's one last chance!
 
At 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 15 and for free, watch a filmed version of the "HeLa" play, an amazing story about medicine, ethics, history and race. Limited seating is first come, first served. Advance tickets are available on the museum's website. Choose "Mary Jane Stryker Theater" in the drop-down menu.
 
The play chronicles the accomplishments and local family connections of Lacks, whose cells, taken without her consent in 1951, are still leading to major breakthroughs today. The theatrical production and associated mini-exhibit about Lacks are part of "A HeLa Story: Mother of Modern Medicine" public awareness project, co-sponsored by the college and the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. The exhibit ends Feb. 27.
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Kalamazoo Valley Community College
6767 West O Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49003-4070






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