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

Jan. 31, 2025

Greetings,

"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. He made this statement as a part of his remarks to Oberlin College students in 1964.

The values of caring and respect that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stood for burn brightly and steadily in our institutional values. Our Board Policy 402 indicates that honoring �civility, service, collegiality and social justice� shall guide all policies and practices of our college.
 
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." You might enjoy the sixth Annual Black Artist Exhibit at the Center for New Media that will be part of the Art Hop on Feb. 7. This event, which is offered in collaboration with the Black Arts and Cultural Center, the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts and the Metropolitan Kalamazoo Branch of the NAACP, will provide a shared connection to the rich Black cultural heritage in the Kalamazoo area. We will also be screening the documentary �Pullman and the Railroad Rebellion� at the Texas Township Campus on Feb. 25 from 1 - 3 p.m.

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
 
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.
 
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.


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.

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.
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, click here.

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. Click here. 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, click here.

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: ?
  • Management of high-risk pregnancy
  • Steps to avoid the chance of preterm birth
  • Low birthweight and a C-section care
  • Help for parents with an infant(s) in the NICU
  • Advice to prepare parents for returning to work
Click here to find out more information.

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.

What's for Lunch on the Texas Township Campus?
There are some delicious food options at the Cougar Cafe next week! From Feb. 3 - 6, warm up with some broccoli cheddar soup. On Monday, Feb. 3, enjoy a pineapple pulled pork sandwich. Tuesday, Feb. 4, stop by for Taco Tuesday. On Wednesday, Feb. 5, grab some chicken souvlaki. Thursday, Feb. 6, finish the week strong with shepherd�s pie.
 
From Feb. 10 - 13, enjoy some vegetable soup. Monday, Feb. 10, stop by for chicken enchiladas. Tuesday, Feb. 11, kick off Taco Tuesday with a taco salad. Wednesday, Feb. 12, snack on a winter Cobb salad. Thursday, Feb. 13, get hearty with a wing bar.

The Cougar Cafe is open Monday - Thursday from 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Lunch Options Downtown



Save the Date for Feb. 25 Black History Month Film Screening
Join us for a film screening followed by a discussion on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 1 - 3 p.m., in Room 4240 on the Texas Township Campus to honor of Black History Month. �Pullman and the Railroad Rebellion� is a documentary exploring how a group of African Americans helped pave the way for the Black middle class and a civil rights movement that forever changed the course of American history. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the creation of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and Maids, the first Black union to receive a charter in the American Federation of Labor. The national theme for Black History Month 2025 is �African Americans and Labor.�
 
WINTER 100 Challenge � It�s not too late to register!
Join the fun and start moving toward your 100 miles of cardio activity.  It can be as simple as going for a walk or jumping in the pool for a swim. The miles will quickly add up as you go. 
 
If the cold has you down, come inside and take advantage of the Fitness Center. Join a group fitness class or jump on one of many pieces of cardio equipment. Group fitness classes are offered on Monday and Wednesday at 5:15 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday at noon.  

All your cardio activity between Jan. 1 and March 1 can be registered.

How It Works:

  • Track your miles

  • Submit a milestone log for every 25 miles you complete (yes you can back track to January 1st)
  • Stay active and have fun!
Current Progress
16 participants have reached 50 miles
Seven participants are at 75 miles

There�s still time to catch up and hit that 100-mile goal!

Register & log miles here: https://forms.gle/a6YmGtD6suv782ba8. Keep moving and stay motivated! ?

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.


KVAAP Info Sessions

  • Tuesday, Feb. 4 | 5 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Feb. 12 | 10 a.m.
Attending a KVAAP Info Session is a required part of the application process. Interested students can register here.
News from the Libraries
Students Study in the Library!
Many students don�t know that the Libraries are the perfect place to study. 
 
           
 Arcadia Commons Library, AWH 321        Texas Township Library, TTC 3120/8420 
 
Encourage your students to check out the:
  • Peaceful atmosphere
  • Excellent views
  • Individual and group study furniture
  • Computers and printers
  • Help from librarians
  • Access to books and electronic databases
  • Study rooms (TTC)
Ask a Librarian
Feel free to copy and paste the following information into your Canvas course:

Did you know that librarians can help with research and citation? Evaluating information? Or finding a book on a topic of interest? Ask a Librarian!  
Time to Get Swagged out at the Bookstore!
Classes are now in full swing! What a great time to pick up some new Cougar Swag to wear at home games, or at college and community events! From T-shirts to hoodies, decals to water bottles, the Texas Township Campus Bookstore has tons of cool Cougar items! Come on in and show off your Cougar spirit, or shop our online store at bookstore.kvcc.edu.

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 269.488.4030.
 
Valley Men�s Basketball Player Reaches 1,000-point Milestone
Congratulations to men's basketball player Joey Liedel, No. 1, for recently hitting the very rare career college milestone of 1,000 points. Liedel achieved the feat Jan. 4 during a home game against Macomb Community College. This is the second time that the sophomore guard has made Cougar basketball history. Liedel shattered Kalamazoo Valley's record of most points scored by a player in a single game on Dec. 4, 2023. He scored 51 points in a non-Conference home game against Albion College, breaking the previous record of 49 points in Dec. 14, 1979.  


Basketball Players Helped Block out the Stigma
Kalamazoo Valley�s women�s and men�s basketball players warmed up in Block out the Stigma T-shirts at their Jan. 27 home games. Through a partnership between Kalamazoo Valley Community College�s Student Development Services and Gryphon Place, the shirts were sold at the game to normalize seeking help about well-being issues. Gryphon Place had an information table in front of the gym, and a public service announcement about the national 9-8-8 crisis hotline was broadcast at both games. Click here to buy your shirt.

See the Valley Basketball Teams in Action � for FREE!
It�s officially basketball season! Cheer on the women�s and men�s basketball teams 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 February's home games:
 
WOMEN�S BASKETBALL
  • Saturday | Feb. 1 | 1 p.m. (vs. Glenn Oaks Community College)
  • Wednesday | Feb. 5 | 5:30 p.m. (vs. Lake Michigan College)
  • Saturday | Feb. 8 | 1 p.m. (vs. Lansing Community College)
  • Saturday | Feb. 22 | 1 p.m. (vs. Grand Rapids Community College)
 MEN�S BASKETBALL
  • Saturday | Feb. 1 | 3 p.m. (vs. Glenn Oaks Community College)
  • Wednesday | Feb. 5 | 7:30 p.m. (vs. Lake Michigan College)
  • Saturday | Feb. 8 | 3 p.m. (vs. Lansing Community College)
  • Saturday | Feb. 22 | 3 p.m. (vs. Grand Rapids Community College)
 
 

 

New Exhibit Showcasing Special-Effects Filmmaker Now Open
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 free traveling exhibit, �Ray Harryhausen: Miniature Models of the Silver Screen,� on display now through April 25 at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum.



Two New Fun Exhibits Highlight Items from the Museum�s Archives
�Colorful Collections� and �The Art of Advertising� open Feb. 1 and Feb. 8, respectively, and will be on display through Aug. 31. �Colorful Collections� features items from the permanent collection of the Kalamazoo Valley Museum displayed in a rainbow of hues. Delve into the color spectrum like never before as you enjoy some of the brightest and boldest examples from the KVM's collection. �The Art of Advertising� showcases nostalgic signs and advertisements from local businesses from the museum�s archives, offering up an eclectic mix of advertising paraphernalia from bygone eras. Both exhibits are free.

 

Local Black History Shared in Two Mini-Exhibits
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.
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Kalamazoo Valley Community College
6767 West O Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49003-4070






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