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

June 17, 2024

Greetings!
 
Kalamazoo Valley Community College's community collaborations show that we take the "community" in our name seriously.

Hundreds of students will be participating in college summer athletic camps. The first camp starts this week. Also joining us this month are dozens and dozens of middle school-aged campers who will be exploring careers and pathway options.

And, again this summer, the college is collaborating with the Douglass Community Association to offer basketball clinics for girls and boys at its Northside location in Kalamazoo. Our hope is that this program grows and that even more students will have the opportunity to interact with college basketball coaches, college staff and players during these summr clinics.

These and other efforts support the college's mission statement: Kalamazoo Valley Community College creates innovative and equitable opportunities that empower all to learn, grow and thrive. We are pleased to be a part of the lives of learners of all ages and look forward to welcoming many of these young people and their families to the college as enrolled students in the future.

Sincerely,

L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President
June is National Safety Month
The Public Safety department would like to remind all employees to take time to think about your safety and the safety of others this month. Situational awareness is the ability to perceive, understand and effectively respond to one's situation. This means being completely aware of your environment.

As you go about your day, pay attention to your surroundings and hazards that may be in your environment. While walking in the college or on the sidewalk outside, pay attention to where you are and be aware of slip and fall hazards, vehicles traveling on the road or in parking lots. Try to stay off your phone - no texting - as this distracts you from seeing and hearing what is going on around you. 

While driving on campus, make sure you are traveling at a safe speed, follow all traffic control devices and look out for people exiting the school into the roadway and parking lots. At night, wait for vehicles, as they may not be able to see you. Stay in well-lit areas, and if possible, try to travel in pairs for your personal safety. Remember that there are emergency blue phones on all campuses that go directly to an emergency responder. 

Additionally, if you are injured while at work, you need to report the incident to the Public Safety department so that we can record the incident. We will ask for the details of the incident and will photograph injuries and provide you with a incident number.

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.

June 20: Calming the Mind | Register Now
June 27: Beauty in the Present Moment | Register Now
July 25: Looking Deeply | Register Now
August 1: Strong Emotions | Register Now
August 8: Cooling Anger | Register Now
August 15: Going Slow | Register Now

Higher Learning Commission Re-Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission re-accreditation is now under 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. Submit your answer to the HLC trivia question to enter a drawing for college gear!  June Trivia Question: What is Kalamazoo Valley's accreditation pathway? Answer here!

Kalamazoo Valley Social Media Policy
Kalamazoo Valley's social media policy were recently reviewed and revised. We realized that we have almost 30 separate Facebook pages for college auxiliary organizations and that it is difficult to talk with a common voice to the communities we serve with so many pages. (Many of these pages have been inactive for several years.) We want to make sure that we maintain our unified college brand and respond to the public promptly and properly. Going forward, please contact the marketing department about creating social media pages. The college policy is to deliver most of our social media content through our main pages and to limit auxiliary pages to special circumstances and niche audiences who really need frequent communication.

The marketing department is eager to offer our expertise to help you reach your audiences. We are ready to help you deliver social media content through our main college pages - and to brainstorm with you about all of the ways our team can help you spread the word about the opportunities and good work being done at Kalamazoo Valley.

Posting Procedures
As a reminder, per the new Postings Procedures, a maximum of 30 copies of flyers or posters may be posted across all campuses at any one time and should only be posted in designated areas. To ensure equity of information, all campuses should be included in distribution/posting. Read the all of the Posting Procedures here. 

Front Row (L to R): Lief Doezema, Joseph Lemkuhl, Noah Smith, Riley Duffield, Sharon Jackson.
Back Row (L to R): Daniel Nordin, Thomas Sutton, Zachary Haynes

Wind Turbine Technician Academy Celebrates Graduation
Kalamazoo Valley Community College's Wind Turbine Technician Academy (WTTA) celebrated its 29th graduating class on Friday, June 14. The ceremony was hosted by Thomas Sutton, director of wind energy and technical training services, and included welcome remarks from L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D., president of Kalamazoo Valley Community College. See photos from the ceremony here.
 
The academy's newest graduates include:
Riley Duffield - Joplin, Missouri
Zachary Haynes - Mason, Michigan
Joseph Lehmkuhl - Hartford, Michigan
Daniel Nordin - Fort Wayne, Indiana
Noah Smith - Westphalia, Michigan

Power of Belonging Discussion Planned for June 26
Faculty, staff and students are invited to participate in a discussion on the importance of belonging in the workplace to be held Wednesday, June 26, from 10 - 11 a.m., in Room 4380 on the Texas Township Campus. Together, let's explore what it means to belong and how fostering a sense of belonging can have a positive impact for us all throughout our campus community. Tea, coffee and pastries are served. Facilitated by Trice Batson and Nizora Haitova, the college's director and program coordinator of diversity and inclusion, respectively. It is the first in a new series called "DiversiTea!," featuring discussions over tea. No pre-registration is required.
Updates from Human Resources
Employee Assistance Program
All employees at Kalamazoo Valley have access to our Employee Assistance Program. This is a confidential work-based program that offers resources to employees. See more details here.

Pet Insurance with Nationwide
Having a pet can be worrisome when they get sick. This can help manage the financial burden of unexpected veterinary bills caused by accidents or illnesses. Access more information 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 use MiLogin 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. See a listing of session dates and times here.

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. A listing of webinars for June can be found here

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.

Diversity and Bias in the Search Committee Trainings
Diversity and Bias in the Search Committee is a required training for anyone wishing to serve on a search committee. All staff and faculty are welcome, even if they have taken it before. This is a session that has evolved over time, so some material and content may be new. This is also a worthwhile experience for anyone wishing to help in the continuous effort of moving our institution toward achieving one of the critical goals in the college's strategic plan.
 
July 10 | 9 - 11 a.m. Register Here
Aug. 29 | 10 a.m. - noon Register Here

 
Bookstore Closed June 27 to Conduct Inventory, Reopens July 1
The Texas Township Campus Bookstore will be closed starting at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 27 to conduct inventory. The Bookstore will reopen on Monday, July 1 for normal business hours. Remember, you can shop online anytime at bookstore.kvcc.edu. Note that summer hours are in effect, which are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, through Aug. 2.

Pick up a Summer Read at the Bookstore
Everyone has heard of a "summer read." That book you pick up to take you to places you've never been, to experience something different than the daily grind. A recent survey of items students wanted at their college bookstores found that "books to read for pleasure" was something they were looking for. The Texas Township Campus Bookstore has that covered! It has novels, classics, graphic novels, horror, poetry and uplifting stories to keep you entertained all summer. Check out its "Featured Authors & Great Reads" section online and enjoy the great selection of books the Bookstore has waiting for you! Shop in person or online at bookstore.kvcc.edu.
Upcoming Mi-ACE Networking Event
The Kalamazoo Valley Mi-ACE Team will be hosting a networking event called "Sip and Connect" on Wednesday, July 17 at 8 a.m. in Room 4370 (TTC). This is an opportunity for the women of the college to learn more about the Mi-ACE work and to connect with each other. Please RSVP to Gabby Vernon by July 11. 

Mi-ACE is a professional network for Michigan women in higher education. The Network's mission is to provide avenues for professional growth, networking, collaboration and engagement. Our participation with the Network demonstrates our commitment to lifting up the women of Kalamazoo Valley.

News from the Kalamazoo Valley Libraries
Services and Hours
Library materials are available for checkout and staff are available to assist you and your students. Course Reserves
Interested in updating your course reserves for the Summer semester? Submit a Course Reserve Form found on our Course Reserves page to get started. Check out the Course Reserve FAQs or contact Ashley Bergkamp or call 269.488.4313 for more information.
 
Summer Reading
Whether you are hitting the beach or hanging around at home, a good book makes summer better. The Libraries have a great selection of recreational reads to choose from. Browse the online ValleyCat library catalog or check out what's fresh on the New Books virtual display. If you are looking for suggestions, explore the ValleyReads virtual display  for recommendations from staff members.  
 
Database Spotlight: NoveList Plus
NoveList Plus is a database devoted to book recommendations! Search for the perfect summer read with categories such as fiction/non-fiction, age, genre, read-alikes and more. You can even browse by "Appeal" and craft a personalized book list. Need help navigating the database?  Ask a librarian for assistance.

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 to situate yourself and your belongings. 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.
Best of Show, Sharehouse 2 by Alex Menzor

Alumni Art Show Winners Announced
Winning entries in Kalamazoo Valley's annual Alumni Art Show were announced during the exhibit opening at the Center for New Media on June 7. A total of 26 alumni artists submitted 47 works for inclusion in the juried show. Entries were accepted in multiple media, including video, mixed media, sculpture, painting, drawing, carving and photography. See a list of winners here. See the entire album from the show at here.
 
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? Email marketing@kvcc.edu.
 
Picture Yourself Here: Anthony Willmore
Anthony Willmore became a double amputee at the age of two due to a birth defect. Throughout his life, the 30-year-old Kalamazoo native has tackled many tasks with drive and determination. But a tight budget almost derailed his college education. That's why he's so thankful to have received the Maxey Family Industrial Trades Scholarship. The $1,000 scholarship assisted in covering the cost of books and tuition.

Willmore took general education courses and studied multi-media design after graduation from Kalamazoo Central High School in 2011. He returned to Kalamazoo Valley in 2019 to study automotive technology. "I've always had an interest in cars," Willmore said. A relative who said, "If you love cars so much you should enroll in the automotive program," prompted his return to college. more

Call for Proposals
The Fall Summit will be held August 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.

 
 


Free Discovery Quest Summer Program Keeps Kids' Minds Active
This summer, the Kalamazoo Valley Museum will offer different weekly science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) activities targeting grades kindergarten through seventh to keep young minds stimulated while school is on recess. The Discovery Quest summer program is free of charge and no registration is required. Just show up! The educational fun runs June 20 through July 25. Youth will read, question, think and play. They will enjoy STEAM Story Time, and scavenger hunts, learn about the science of light, create art, design their dream building, build a catapult, and more. The hands-on activities are intended for grades one to seven. The story times are designed for children four to seven years old, but all ages are welcome. Special science-related planetarium shows will also be available for $3 per person. For the full list of activities with dates and times, visit the museum website at kalamazoomuseum.org. Admission is free to the program and to the museum.

New Museum Exhibit Invites Youth to Read, Question, Think and Play
The next 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!" opens June 15 and runs through Sept. 1. The exhibit poses questions, identifies challenges and sparks creative problem-solving. Visitors can try their hands at being a scientist through such activities as investigating cause and effect, and figuring out why a clock goes "tick tock." Or engineer rockets, test their flying (or falling) contraptions, and pilot a life-size Heli-o-cheese-copter. Other activities include building whimsical bridges, designing buildings and exploring how one person's bravery can change the world. Would-be artists will learn about the power of art and finding their voice. Admission is free to the exhibit and the museum. Visit kalamazoomuseum.org for more details.
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Kalamazoo Valley Community College
6767 West O Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49003-4070






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Kalamazoo Valley Community College · 6767 W O Ave · Kalamazoo, MI 49009-7402 · USA