MISSION STATEMENT Kalamazoo Valley Community College creates innovative and equitable
opportunities that empower all to learn, grow and thrive.
July 15, 2024
Greetings!
We still have plenty of summer days ahead of us, but fall semester is just around the corner! Classes start Sept. 4 and registration is now open.
In two weeks, the college will be hosting Get it Done - Get Ready for the Fall Semester events, where students can complete the steps necessary to begin classes in September. During Get it Done, students can meet with an advisor or counselor, complete placement testing, receive help with applying for financial aid and enroll in classes.
The first event will be held Tuesday, July 30 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Texas Township Campus. On Wednesday, Aug. 7, the event will take place at Anna Whitten Hall from 2 to 6 p.m.
There is no better time to attend Kalamazoo Valley. The state of Michigan's newly passed education budget includes Michigan Guarantee funding that the first two years of community college will be tuition-free for recent in-district high school graduates. This opportunity, along with traditional forms of federal aid, Michigan Reconnect for those ages 21 and up, and scholarships from our own KVCC Foundation, are making Valley even more affordable.
Please spread the news that now is the time to Get it Done!
Sincerely,
L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President
Updates from IT Requesting Account Access
Administrative Computing is pleased to inform you that we have implemented a new form to streamline the process of requesting account access for both new and current employees. This new form is designed to make the request process more efficient and ensure that all necessary information is captured accurately.
Who Should Use This Form: Supervisors who need to request new employee account access or modify existing account access for their staff.
Where to Find the Form: Access the form here.
It is also available in the Employee Portal > Workplace Resources > Etrieve Forms
Benefits:
Streamlined process for faster approvals.
Reduced errors in access requests.
Clear tracking of access permissions and changes.
We appreciate your cooperation in adopting this new process. If you have any questions or need assistance with the form, please do not hesitate to contact us via it@kvcc.edu.
Laptop Loaner Program
Beginning fall semester, the Laptop Loaner Program will be modified. Now that the impact of the pandemic has subsided, the college will no longer be checking out computers for an entire semester. Laptops will be available for all students to check out from the library for two weeks, with the opportunity to renew for two more weeks. Note some of the details of the program:
The laptops are disabled once they are past due
The loaners are for students, not faculty and staff
If laptops are returned damaged, no fee will be assessed
Laptops returned without a charger will result in a $25 fee
Students who have had their laptops stolen or destroyed (such as by fire) will not be charged if they provide documentation. Otherwise, if a laptop is not returned, they will be charged $750.
The Laptop Loaner Program is designed to be a short-term solution for students who need to access a computer. If they need a long-term solution, please let them know that the Texas Township bookstore has inexpensive laptops available for purchase. If they haven't visited Student Financial Services, a financial aid award might help them with their expenses. The Kalamazoo Community Foundation also has grants available through its Emergency Scholarship Fund to remove barriers to education.
If you have questions about this modification to the Laptop Loaner Program, please contact Aaron Snead, vice president for information technology, at x4130.
News from Human Resources 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.
Pet Insurance with Nationwide
Having a pet can be worrisome when they get sick. Insurance can help manage the financial burden of unexpected veterinary bills caused by accidents or illnesses. For more information, click here.
Employees Should Verify Service Credit
All employees, especially those close to retirement or getting ready to retire, should check their years of service in miAccount. For security reasons, members will useMiLogin to access miAccount. It is important that members verify that their service credit is correct, and that they will have enough service credit by their planned retirement effective date. This is also a great time to review your personal information (address, email and beneficiary) while checking your service credit.
Office of Retirement Services and Voya
Do you have an MPSERS and/or Voya account? Voya offers one-on-one virtual appointments and webinars. Click here to register for a session.
TIAA
Do you have an account with TIAA? To meet for a one-on-one appointment with the assigned TIAA financial consultant, use the One-on-One Meetings scheduling link.
Vacation Hours
As we start into the summer months, remember that full-time staff and administrators are provided vacation leave for rest and relaxation. Employees are eligible to use vacation leave as leave is accrued with the approval of their supervisor. Current leave balances can be found through Banner Self-Service. On Dec. 31 of each year, an employee may not have more time accrued than the employee is entitled to earn during a calendar year. Any time in excess of this amount will be forfeited. Vacation leave may be used only in blocks of half days or full days.
Progressive Retirement - Full-Time Faculty Only
Full-time faculty with at least 20 years of full-time service may request progressive retirement with a conditional letter of retirement. Please refer to the 2022-26 Agreement between Kalamazoo Valley Community College and the Kalamazoo Valley Community College Faculty Association (6.64 page 24).
Retirement Incentive
Full-time employees with at least 10 years of service to Kalamazoo Valley who notify the college of their intent to retire will receive $3,000 in additional compensation. In order to receive this retirement incentive, these employees must retire prior to Sept. 1, 2026.
Updates from Public Safety The month of July brings high temperatures, heat index and humidity in Michigan. Kalamazoo Valley Public Safety would like to remind all employees to be situationally aware of their environment during periods of work outside.
High temperatures can lead to heat related illnesses and injuries like heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps and other illnesses. Public Safety recommends the following if you are working or participating in events outside for extended periods of time:
Check the weather the day before and prepare with the proper clothing. Light materials that wick sweat away and prevent you from overheating are recommended.
Wear sunscreen, hats and/or eye wear that protect you from the sun.
Prepare by hydrating often. In fact, begin hydrating the night before with plenty of fluids. Bring extra fluids to stay hydrated throughout the day to prevent heat-related injuries.
Plan for breaks and employ the buddy system to check on your co-workers.
Signs and symptoms of a heat-related illness include but are not limited to:
Confused or altered mental state
Loss of consciousness or seizures
High body temperature
Hot, dry skin
Profuse sweating or lack of any perspiration indicating severe dehydration
If you or a co-worker are having a heat-related illness, do not hesitate to call 911 or Public Safety at x4911. Our officers are equipped to respond to medical emergencies in conjunction with local first responders. The athletic trainer, if during a sporting event, is also an option.
Higher Learning Commission Re-Accreditation Higher Learning Commission (HLC) re-accreditation is now two years away! Kalamazoo Valley will be visited by peer reviewers March 16 - 17, 2026. Work groups have been underway since January 2022, identifying evidence and creating an outline for the Assurance Argument. Learn more about the re-accreditation process here.
Leading up to the HLC visit, KV Focus will include a monthly spotlight on the preparation work and an HLC accreditation question - this month instead of a trivia question, answer the question below related to HLC Criterion 1 to enter a drawing for college gear! Winners will be announced at the end of each semester.
July Question: What is one way your role at the college contributes to the Kalamazoo Valley mission statement? Submit your answer here.
Call for Proposals The Fall Summit will be held Aug. 28 and 29 and presenters are needed. Has your department embraced new practices or procedures that others could benefit from knowing? Do you have a skill, talent or activity that others might enjoy? Do you have something to share with the college community? Everyone at the college is invited to submit a proposal for the Fall 2024 Summit. Submit your proposals here.
Time to Breathe: An Eight-Week Offering (Hybrid Format) Join Director of Operations & Instructional Support Services Cathy Colella at Anna Whitten Hall or via Zoom from wherever you may be. We will briefly introduce a topic to contemplate (15 minutes) and then meditate together (10 minutes guided, five minutes silent). Please bring a notebook. Sessions take place from 4 - 4:30 p.m. on Thursdays.
July 25: Looking Deeply
Aug. 1: Strong Emotions
Aug. 8: Cooling Anger
Aug. 15: Going Slow 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
Article Databases: Full-text academic and peer-reviewed journal, news and magazine articles
Study Spaces
The Libraries are great student hot spots for keeping cool this summer. Both libraries feature quiet, cozy air-conditioned study spaces in unique environments. We have tables, computers, comfy armchairs and isolated study cubicles with plenty of room for students to situate themselves and their belongings, relax and have a drink or snack. The Texas Township library has closed study rooms for extra privacy - interested students should ask about availability. The Anna Whitten Hall library features a unique scenic lookout over downtown Kalamazoo and the TTC library offers a panoramic two-story view of the surrounding nature preserve.
Updates from KVAAP New Eligibility Requirements and Fall Enrollment Goal KVAAP recently expanded its eligibility requirements so more students can qualify. Students
can now enter the program with up to 30 credit hours earned instead of 15 credit hours.
Students are required to take nine or more credit hours per semester, instead of 12 credit hours. Prospective students can learn more about all of the eligibility requirements at kvcc.edu/kvaap, or they can email KVAAP staff at kvaap@kvcc.edu.
KVAAP's Fall 2024 goal is to accept 75 new students into the program. We are currently at 13% of our goal!
Student-Made KVAAP Video Check out this video that current KVAAP student, Tyesha Powe (General Studies), created! Tyesha has a multitude of talents and was inspired to flex her artistic muscles in creating this reel.
Upcoming KVAAP Events
? Wednesday, July 17 | 10 a.m.
? Tuesday, July 23 | 5 p.m.
? Wednesday, July 31 | 10 a.m.
Attending a KVAAP Info Session is a required part of the application process. Interested
students can register here.
Deadline is July 20 to Register for Psychological Safe Talk You're invited to a one-hour workshop on fostering psychological safety and self-awareness to be held Tuesday, July 23, from 10 - 11 a.m., in Room 4380 on the Texas Township Campus. Gain practical tools to express your authentic self and thrive both professionally and personally. Explore social identities and learn respectful interaction guidelines. Tea, coffee and pastries are served. This is the second in a new series from the Office of Diversity and Inclusion called "DiversiTea!," featuring discussions over tea. Preregistration is required by July 20. Photographer on Campus Are you in need of a professional headshot? A professional photographer will be available to take employee photos Aug. 5 in the lower level area of the Student Commons on the Texas Township Campus. Appointments are available in 10-minute increments from 9 - 10:50 a.m.Sign upnow. Pamper Yourself for July 24's International Self-Care Day Self-care is so important. We all get stressed, overwhelmed, uncertain. Take the time to relax. The Texas Township Campus Bookstore stocks candles by The Burlap Bag, products by Burt's Bees, healing bracelets by Soul Charms and more to help you obtain a sense of harmony and regain your sense of peace. Oh, and chocolate! Chocolate is scientifically proven to boost your mood and lead to feelings of happiness and well-being. Stop on by and check the Bookstore out. Click herefor tips from the World Health Organization and to learn more about International Self-Care Day.
Time for 20 Percent Off Tuesday on July 30 at the Bookstore! Get 20 percent off in the Texas Township Campus Bookstore on July 30! The promotion is held on the LAST Tuesday of EVERY month! Feel free to take a spin through the Bookstore now to see what you'd like to buy. Or, take a peek online at bookstore.kvcc.edu. You'll find college-branded items like clothing, mugs and more. Course materials, electronics and food are excluded from the promotion.
Tickets for September Opportunities for Education Event Available Now The 2024 Opportunities for Education Scholarship Fundraising event will take place on Thursday, Sept. 26 at 5:30 p.m. at the Food Innovation Center at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, 224 E. Crosstown Parkway in downtown Kalamazoo. The event will feature some of the region's most popular restaurants, along with student and faculty chefs from the college's culinary and brewing programs. Guests will enjoy a walk-around tasting under a large tent where they can sample signature dishes. Students in the Sustainable Agriculture program will offer tours among the vegetables, flowers and herbs growing in the Food Innovation Center's greenhouse and grounds. more Picture Yourself Here is a new monthly feature that highlights Kalamazoo Valley students who are excelling in their field of study. Know of a student we should highlight? Emailmarketing@kvcc.edu.
Picture Yourself Here: Conor Whitchurch At one time, Conor Whitchurch, 38, felt stuck in a dead-end job. But now, he's a Kalamazoo Valley Community College intern, club president and a student who's completing two associate degrees with plans to complete a Bachelor of Arts degree.
He and his wife, Emily. moved to Kalamazoo from Colorado seven years ago. Because his father-in-law, Mike Babb, helped start Kalamazoo Valley's Sustainable Brewing program, Whitchurch was familiar with the college and its offerings. "I was working in an office job that was becoming more and more unsatisfying as time went on and it was clear that my advancement there was limited and my future insecure. I decided it was finally time to get a degree, intending it to be a bachelor's degree and I knew that the best way was to take classes at a community college first and then transfer to a four-year college," he said. more
Planetarium Show of Queen's Biggest Hits Coming in August Eleven of Queen's biggest hits, such as "Bohemian Rhapsody," "Another One Bites the Dust" and "You're My Best Friend" have been paired with incredible full-dome graphic visuals to create a memorable planetarium experience. The 38-minute "The Queen Light Show: From Mercury With Love" will be presented every Saturday at 2:30 p.m. in August. The show is intended for grades 5 and up. The cost is only $3, with free general admission to the museum. Clickhere to buy tickets and to learn more about the show.
July 25 is Last Day for Museum's Summer Program for Kids The Kalamazoo Valley Museum's free, drop-in Discovery Quest program ends July 25. Every week, it offers different science, technology, engineering, art and math activities for grades kindergarten through seventh. Youth will read, question, think and play. Activities include enjoying story times and scavenger hunts, learning about the science of light, designing a building, and more. No registration needed. Just show up! Admission is free to the program and to the museum. Special science-related planetarium will be available for $3 per person. Find the full schedule of activities atkalamazoomuseum.org.
Exhibit Exposes Youth to Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math
The newest exhibit at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum brings to life New York Times best-selling children's book series "The Questioneers," which centers on five fearless, problem-solving second graders who dream big, persevere and aspire to science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) careers. The free traveling exhibit "The Questioneers: Read. Question. Think. PLAY!" is open now through Sept. 1. The exhibit poses questions, identifies challenges and sparks creative problem-solving. Admission is free to the exhibit and the museum. Visit kalamazoomuseum.org for more details.
