MISSION STATEMENT Kalamazoo Valley Community College creates innovative and equitable
opportunities that empower all to learn, grow and thrive.
Jan. 15, 2025
Greetings,
I enjoyed seeing you at the Winter 2025 Summit. It�s always invigorating to see everyone together in one room and to feel your collective dedication to our shared mission. I appreciate your commitment to continuous learning.
Although our campuses will be closed on Monday, Jan. 20 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. You can see a calendar of community events and volunteer opportunities on our college website: www.kvcc.edu/mlkday/. As your schedule allows, consider attending the 39th Annual Community Celebration on Sunday, Jan. 19 at 4 p.m. at Mt. Zion Church in Kalamazoo or the Commemorative Walk and Wreath Laying Ceremony on Monday, Jan. 20 at 4 p.m., starting at Metro Transit.
Our college will be hosting our annual MLK Beyond the Dream Celebration on Thursday, Jan. 30 from noon to 1:30 p.m. This free event, which is open to the public, will honor six community members who excel in the areas of freedom, justice and democracy. To learn more about the event and to RSVP for lunch, click here.
Please continue to look for ways to welcome all students to winter semester. Students need to know they belong so they can grow and thrive at Valley. 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!
Sincerely,
L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President
Embracing the Future:
Kalamazoo Valley's Beginning Journey with Generative AI
Dear College Colleagues,
As we navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of higher education, Kalamazoo Valley Community College stands at a crossroads. The emergence of generative artificial intelligence (AI) represents not just a technological advancement, but a fundamental shift in how we approach teaching, learning, student support, and institutional operations.
Generative AI, with its ability to create new content across multiple formats�from text and images to code and music�has already begun reshaping numerous industries. In our own community, we've witnessed its impact across diverse sectors: manufacturing facilities using AI to optimize maintenance schedules, healthcare providers generating personalized patient materials and architects creating innovative design solutions. This technology isn't just changing how we work; it's transforming how we think about problem-solving and creativity.
Recognizing both the opportunities and challenges this technology presents, Kalamazoo Valley has taken deliberate steps to harness AI's potential while maintaining our commitment to academic integrity and educational excellence. Our journey began in Fall 2023 with the formation of a specialized Task Force within our Academic Integrity Workgroup. This led to further discovery and discussion, culminating in our Faculty Summit on Generative AI in April 2024.
The momentum continued through 2024 as our leadership team engaged in critical discussions and attended specialized workshops focused on AI's role in community colleges. These experiences are helping shape our vision for AI integration across the college. Today, I'm pleased to share our official Working Statement on Generative AI:
Working Statement on Generative AI at Kalamazoo Valley Community College Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is a rapidly evolving technology with the potential to revolutionize education, support creative exploration and streamline operational efficiency. Kalamazoo Valley Community College recognizes the value in enhancing learning experiences and college operations while acknowledging the need for thoughtful integration of generative AI.
Our Commitment:
Empowering Employees and Students: Faculty and staff, as operational teams, will receive guidance and resources to effectively use generative AI as a tool for their work (i.e., teaching, professional growth, support, systems optimization, etc.). Students will be encouraged to responsibly harness AI to assist in critical thinking and problem-solving. AI literacy will be foundational.
Balancing Innovation with Integrity: Generative AI tools, while powerful, must be used in ways that uphold academic integrity and foster independent thinking. Guidelines on ethical use should be followed for both instructional and operational contexts, and activities should adhere to our IT Acceptable Use Policy.
Enhancing Operational Efficiency: Generative AI will be leveraged to streamline administrative processes, improve decision-making and enhance overall operational efficiency. This could include automating routine tasks, optimizing resource allocation and supporting data-informed strategies.
Continuous Learning: As AI evolves, so will our understanding and application of generative AI. A collaborative and iterative approach will guide our adoption of best practices, with input from stakeholders across the college community.
College Framework for AI Working Statement: "Generative AI at Kalamazoo Valley Community College serves as a catalyst for creativity, inclusion, and lifelong learning. Together, we will shape a future where AI enriches education and college operations while respecting the values that define our community."
The uncertainty and transformation we're experiencing isn't unlike previous technological revolutions�from the introduction of personal computers to the rise of the internet. Each wave brought its challenges, but also unprecedented opportunities for growth and innovation. With AI, we stand at a similar threshold, ready to embrace the possibilities while maintaining our commitment to excellence in education and student support.
I invite you to join us in this exciting journey. Share your experiences, ask questions, and participate in upcoming professional development opportunities with an open-mind and sense of curiosity. Together, we'll ensure that Kalamazoo Valley continues to lead in providing innovative, high-quality education that prepares our students for an ever-evolving future.
For more information about our AI initiatives or to get involved, please reach out to the Faculty Success Center or your Cabinet leader.
Sincerely,
Dr. Eagan
Input Needed Thank you for attending last week's Winter 2025 Summit. See photos here. In the spirit of continuous improvement, please complete this survey. Managing Disruptive Behavior in the Classroom If a student in your class is distracting others, using profane language, appearing aggressive or presenting escalating behaviors, there are steps you can take to ensure safety for your classroom.
Be familiar with the RED SILENT public safety alert button on your media cart.
Include specific expectations for, and consequences of, student behavior during the first day introduction and in your syllabus.
Do not put yourself in a position where you could be injured or attempt to separate an altercation.
Contact Public Safety immediately at x4911 from any college phone or call 911.
For more information, please refer to your yellow safety book located in your classroom or clickhere. For information on how to help a student in distress clickhere.
Upcoming Payroll Due Dates & Approval Dates Due to the campus closure on Monday, Jan. 20 for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday observance, please note modifications to the normal time sheet completion and approval deadlines to assist you in ensuring accurate and timely completion of the time sheet submission.
Jan. 31 Payroll:
Employee time sheets are due Friday, Jan. 17
Manager approval of time sheets is due Tuesday, Jan. 21
This pay covers the period Jan. 5 - Jan. 18.
Feb. 14 Payroll:
Employee time sheets are due Friday, Jan. 31
Manager approval of time sheets is due Monday, Feb. 3
This pay covers the period Jan.19 - Feb. 1; full-time hourly employees should enter time off paid (TOP) for the college holiday of Jan. 20.
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. Call Anita Gonzales at x4872 or Megan Collins at x4898 or send an email to payroll@kvcc.edu.
2024 W-2s Available The 2024 W-2s are now available via Banner Self-Service. As a reminder, if you wish to view them 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, 2025.
If you have any questions, please contact Sara Herrmann at sherrmann@kvcc.edu or at x4068.
Foundation Mini-Grants Available Did you know that the KVCC Foundation awards grants up to $2,500 to individuals, departments and groups that help Kalamazoo Valley students learn, grow and thrive? The funding is intended to facilitate learning and to support a culture of giving at the college. Projects that benefit a larger group rather than a few individuals are preferred.
Some of the projects supported last year include providing trees for PTK to plant after the tornado, supplying electrical kits for training at the Northside Association for Community Development and stocking up on chef coats for students in need.
Mini-grants are distributed throughout the year until the funds are spent. The funds need to be spent before the end of the fiscal year, June 30, 2025. To apply for a grant, contact Alisha Siebers, executive director of the KVCC Foundation, at asiebers@kvcc.edu.
Fun February Returns The Employee Engagement and Wellness Committee is thrilled to announce a series of exciting events for Fun February. Our goal is to energize and strengthen connections within our community, and we believe these wellness and engagement opportunities will do just that. Many activities will welcome walk-ins, but some require registration due to limited spots, so don�t miss your chance to participate! Join us this February as we come together to celebrate and strengthen our community�we can�t wait to see you there! Click here for a complete schedule.
Advising and Counseling Appointments Advising and counselingstaff will offer same day appointments through Friday, Jan. 17. No appointment is necessary. Students can walk in or call 269.488.4040 to get in a virtual line.
Updates from Human Resources Diversity and Bias in the Search Committee Trainings Diversity and Bias in the Search Committee is a required training for all staff and faculty wishing to serve on a search committee. Participants will explore the basics of serving on a search committee and gain insight into how implicit or unconscious bias can influence the decision-making process.
Feb. 18 | 3 - 5 p.m. | TTC, Room 4370 |Register Here March 26 | 10 a.m. - noon | TTC, Room 4370 | Register Here April 28 | 3 - 5 p.m. | AWH, Room 128 |Register Here
Active Violence Training This 1.5-hour class is designed to equip staff and faculty with essential knowledge and skills to respond effectively in the event of an active violence incident. Participants will learn how to recognize warning signs, develop situational awareness and implement life-saving strategies. This training aims to enhance safety and preparedness across campus.
Jan. 27 | 9 a.m. | TTC, Room 4370 | Register Here Jan. 29 | 9 a.m. | CAH, Room 247 | Register Here Feb. 11 | 8 a.m. | TTC, Room 4380 | Register Here Feb. 12 | 8 a.m. | AWH, Room 128 Register Here March 4 | 1 p.m. | TTC, Room 4370 | Register Here March 19 | 1 p.m.| AWH, Room 128 |Register Here
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, clickhere.
You Are Not Alone � Community Resources Available Some of our students, co-workers, friends, relatives or even ourselves may need assistance from time to time. So, the college has a list of community resources on our website. Clickhere. We encourage you to share the list with others.
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, clickhere.
NEW! Maven � Maternity and Postpartum Support Employees who are covered under the Kalamazoo Valley Community College medical plan now have additional support. Whether you�re an expectant parent or excited partner, Maven can support you in answering questions, connect you with qualified professionals and more.
Maven support includes: ?
Personify Health Well-being Help Started 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
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 is no longer be available to employees.
Welcome New Employees This list of new employees and employees in new roles was provided by the Human Resources department and will be a quarterly feature in this newsletter. All full-time employees who were hired between October to December 2024 are included. Join us in welcoming these new colleagues.
New Employees Lauren Asher | Office Specialist Valerie Bustillos | Director of Financial Aid Kaylie Crowe | Marketing Project Manager Trevor Esman | Utility Maintenance Specialist Holly Hooper | Farm Innovation Applied Research Program Manager Colin Johnson | Recruitment Coordinator KVAAP Julie Perrine | Health Careers Lab Manager & Clinical Coordinator John Saylor | Maintenance Supervisor Onkari Thomas | Custodian Ramon Veraza | Utility Maintenance Specialist
Employees in a New Role Michael Dorr | Public Safety Officer Jadon Hawkins | Food & Beverage Coordinator Demond Jackson | Recruitment & Outreach Coordinator Angela Marsh-Peek | Assistant Dean of Accreditation & Compliance Monteze Morales | Director of Student Well-Being & Thriving Julianne Pankow | Academic & Career Pathway Advisor Tyler Roemer | Academic & Career Pathway Advisor
Volunteers Needed Valley Food Share distribution continues for the winter 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 assemble the shares, unload the truck and distribute shares to students. With supervisor approval, pleasesign upto help! If you have any questions, please emailfoodshare@kvcc.edu.
Thank You Volunteers The volunteer list for the fall semester should have also included: Cordelia Coville, Carol Guerrero, Megan Osetek, Emily Powell, Tyler Swett and Melissa Taylor. Thank you for assisting with the Valley Food Share.
What's for Lunch? There are some delicious food options at the Cougar Cafe next week! Tuesday through Thursday warm up with some lemon orzo soup. Tuesday, enjoy some taco salad. Wednesday, we are serving up some chicken souvlaki. Finish the week off strong on Thursday, with some shepherd�s pie.
Stop by Jan. 27 - 30 for some more tasty options at the Cougar Cafe. All week the cafe will be serving white chicken chili. Monday will feature a mac and cheese bar. Tuesday, enjoy some lasagna. Wednesday, fill up at a pasta bar. Thursday, enjoy some butter chicken.
The Cougar Cafe is open Monday - Thursday from 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Student-Run Restaurant Opening Soon Students enrolled in Kalamazoo Valley�s culinary arts and sustainable food systems programs put their training to work in the Havirmill Cafe. The cafe offers grab-and-go options, as well as a hot bar with freshly made entrees. It is located in the Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary and Allied Health Building, 418 E. Walnut St., in downtown Kalamazoo.
Havirmill Cafe hours are Monday - Thursday from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., beginning Jan. 16. Please follow the Havirmill Cafe Facebook page atwww.facebook.com/KVculinaryeats.
Find MLK Day Events at Valley�s Online Community Calendar Are you looking for events to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2025? Or a volunteer opportunity to serve others in Dr. King's honor? Check out Kalamazoo Valley Community College�s online communitywide calendar of MLK Day events at www.kvcc.edu/mlkday/. Spread the word!
Reminders from the Wellness and Fitness Center
Employees can still get registered for the Winter 100. Already registered? Start submitting those milestones as you achieve them.
Mon/Wed join the 5:15 p.m. group activity classes (open to students and employees).
Pool is open Monday - Thursday 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. and 4 - 7 p.m.
Upcoming Event: We All Love KVAAP
Join us for this fun event on Tuesday, Feb. 11 from 3 - 5 p.m. in Anna Whitten Hall Room 128. We�ll have card games, video games, crafts and free food! Prospective students will also have an opportunity to learn about KVAAP and fill out an application. All students, faculty and staff are welcome! Sign up here.
Upcoming KVAAP Info Sessions
Wednesday | Jan. 15 | 10 a.m.
Tuesday | Jan. 21 | 5 p.m.
Wednesday | Jan. 22 | 10 a.m.
Tuesday | Jan. 28 | 5 p.m.
Wednesday | Jan. 29 | 10 a.m.
We are still accepting applicants for the Winter 2025 semester. Attending a KVAAP Info Session is a required part of the application process. Interested students can register here.
News from the Libraries
New EBSCOhost Interface Launching in January EBSCO, the provider of databases like Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, ERIC and Points of View Reference Source, is launching a new search interface in January. If you use instructional videos or plan to demo EBSCO searches for your students, please note that the look and feel will be different. Key updates include:
Streamlined Search Appearance: A simplified screen with a new way of filtering results.
Enhanced Accessibility: Improved features for better accessibility.
Mobile-Friendly Design: Optimized for better search experiences on phones and tablets.
We encourage you to explore the new EBSCOhost interfaceAcademic Search Complete, before your classes start. Reach out to the Libraries with any questions.
Request Library Instruction Bring your students to the library for research instruction or assignment-based exploration. Or, invite a librarian to visit your classroom to introduce information literacy concepts. We are ready to collaborate with instructors to meet the unique needs of your students. Ready to schedule or need more information? Contact Jim (ACC/BHLC) at x7867 or jratliff@kvcc.edu or Amy (TTC) at x4489 orabrandt@kvcc.edu.
Reserve Textbooks 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. Most reserve requests for library purchase are approved.
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 (TTC) at x4313 or abergkamp@kvcc.edu or Jim (ACC/BHLC) at x7848 or jratliff@kvcc.edu.
Technology Loan Students can borrow a laptop computer, Wi-Fi hot spot and/or a graphing calculator. Technology is available on a first come, first served basis; a Valley ID is required for checkout. Borrowing begins on the first day of classes. All laptops have webcams and microphones, and access to Canvas, Zoom, Microsoft Office and Respondus Lockdown Browser.
Financial Aid Can Be Used for Book Purchases Let students know they can use their winter financial aid to buy books and school supplies at the Bookstore on the Texas Township Campus. They can purchase items in person or online at bookstore.kvcc.edu. Online orders may be picked up at TTC or the Anna Whitten Hall Library at the Arcadia Commons Campus in downtown Kalamazoo, or mailed to any address for $5.
Electronic Textbooks and Courseware Available for Classes Please share this information with students. Did they know they automatically get electronic versions of textbooks and other course materials for their classes? It's called Ready Day One! The cost is charged to their tuition bill. E-books tend to be at least 50 percent cheaper than hardcover and paperback textbooks. Please note that electronic materials are ONLY available in classes where the instructor selected the option for the course and many do.
What students need to know:
Within 24 hours of registering for a class with the electronic materials option, Kalamazoo Valley Community College�s Texas Township Campus Bookstore sends an email indicating that they are enrolled in Ready Day One and that e-course materials will be available in their Canvas account on the first day of class. It�s important to watch for the email.
If they wish to opt out and remove the Ready Day One charge from their tuition bill (it will be itemized there), they must act within two weeks from the first day of class. They have three options for doing so: Complete the transaction via their Canvas account, email the Bookstore at bookstore.kvcc.edu or call the Bookstore at x4030.
See the Valley Basketball Teams in Action � for FREE! It�s officially basketball season! Cheer on the women�s and men�s basketball teams at their first home game of the new year on Saturday, Jan. 18, with start times at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., respectively, against Kellogg Community College, in the main gym at Kalamazoo Valley Community College's Texas Township Campus. Admission is free. Find the full season schedule at athletics.kvcc.edu. Below are upcoming home games in January and February:
Saturday | Feb. 22 | 3 p.m. (vs. Grand Rapids Community College)
Closing this Weekend: �State Hospital� Exhibit Sunday, Jan. 19 is the last chance to see the �Kalamazoo State Hospital: 165 Years of Psychiatric Care� exhibit. It chronicles the fascinating story of the Kalamazoo Regional Psychiatric Hospital, examining the history of its patients, employees and buildings on its Oakland Drive campus. Admission is free.
New Exhibit Showcasing Special-Effects Filmmaker Opens Jan. 25 Special-effects superstar Ray Harryhausen inspired a generation of filmmakers with his films "King Kong," "The 7th Voyage of Sinbad," "Clash of the Titans," "Jason and the Argonauts" and many others. Now he�s the subject of a traveling exhibit, �Ray Harryhausen: Miniature Models of the Silver Screen,� on display from Jan. 25 through April 25 at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. Admission is free.
Two Mini-Exhibits Explore Local Black History Learn interesting local Black history facts from two mini-exhibits at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, on display now through March 2. The �One Family's Legacy: The Williams-Johnson Family� mini-exhibit features photos and mementos representing over 100 years of Black history in Kalamazoo, curated with the assistance of community leader Jacob Mabry Pinney-Johnson. Pinney-Johnson is a fourth-generation Kalamazoo resident whose family members were important to the history of Southwest Michigan. The second mini-exhibit, "Collecting Black History: Murphy Darden's Legacy,� showcases items collected by late Kalamazoo historian and artist Murphy Darden, including artifacts, images and historic documents chronicling the achievements of African Americans, as well as his artwork. Admission is free.
Did You Know Admission is Free to the Kalamazoo Valley Museum? Visit kalamazoomuseum.org anytime for the Kalamazoo Valley Museum�s latest exhibits, musical performances, lectures, films, hands-on activities and outdoor programs. The museum is operated by Kalamazoo Valley Community College at 230 N. Rose St. in downtown Kalamazoo. It is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. (closed on Mondays). Planetarium shows are offered several times a week for $3. Click here for the show schedule.
