MISSION STATEMENT Kalamazoo Valley Community College creates innovative and equitable
opportunities that empower all to learn, grow and thrive.
Sept. 3, 2024
Greetings,
Welcome to the fall semester!
I hope you enjoyed the Fall 2024 Summit as much as I did. In addition to the important and timely information that was shared, I noted how much everyone enjoyed being together. I sensed a genuine excitement for the upcoming semester from so many of you. Thank you to the planning committee and to everyone who led a breakout session. Your work is appreciated. Please be sure to complete the evaluation form by clicking here.
As we start the fall semester, please purposefully review the practices and procedures of the college to ensure that we are meeting the needs of our students. I ask you to bring the best version of yourself to work every day so that Kalamazoo Valley Community College truly becomes a place where all can learn, grow and thrive. Our work is absolutely vital to the lives of others. Our students, their families and the communities we serve are counting on us, so let's get started!
Have a great semester!
L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President
Congratulations Mark Dunneback Mark Dunneback, Ed.D., has been named associate vice president for workforce and community innovation/instructional dean. He joined Kalamazoo Valley in March 2022 as Instructional Dean. As he transitions to his new role at the college, we extend a sincere congratulations.
Fall Summit Kicks off the Semester with Keynote Presentation, Faculty and Staff Awards Staff and faculty kicked off the fall semester during the Fall 2024 Summit. The event provided an opportunity to learn from college and community experts, collaborate with colleagues and prepare for the semester to begin.
Keynote speaker Terrell Strayhorn focused on the profound impact of belonging in our personal and professional lives. He explored the psychology behind the sense of belonging, highlighting how it influences motivation, engagement and overall well-being. His talk will help to strengthen team dynamics, enhance student engagement and build more supportive communities by offering valuable insights and practical approaches to foster a deeper sense of belonging in every aspect of life.
Faculty Instructional Award winners and the recipients of the 2024 Kalamazoo Valley Excellence Awards were celebrated during Summit.
The Faculty Instructional Awards are part of an effort to recognize and honor individual excellence in teaching. The awards are designed to acknowledge instructors who actively encourage students' intellectual curiosity, engage them in the enterprise of learning and have a life-long impact. Any current student, faculty or staff member may nominate for this important recognition. This year's winners are:
Taylor Birkholz, biology instructor
Amy Brandt, librarian
Jason Garza, HVAC instructor
James Gavan, history instructor
Jill LaPenna, nursing instructor
Laura Carranza Masso, biology instructor
Kalamazoo Valley Excellence Awards highlight the outstanding work of Kalamazoo Valley staff and administrators. The awards recognize those who have a demonstrated record of exceptional work in support of the college mission.
The year's winners are:
Jesse Berlinski, network analyst
Nancy Conrad, custodian
Lori Evans, associate director of admissions, records and registration
Amy Murray, health careers admissions coordinator
Louis Thomas, director of Kalamazoo Valley Accelerated Associate Program (KVAAP)
Employee Home Drives to be Migrated to OneDrive The migration of employee home drives (also known as O:\ drives) to OneDrive will take place in early May 2025, between the winter and summer semesters. You may remember this migration was originally scheduled for early May 2024, but had to be postponed. This has given us time to refine our plan for the migration, and better prepare for the change. Further information will be provided as the academic year progresses, including training materials and steps you can take to prepare for the migration. Please emailit@kvcc.eduif you have any questions or concerns.
Extended Advising and Counseling Services To prepare for the start of the fall semester, no appointment is necessary to see an advisor or counselor through Friday, Sept. 6. Students can stop by Room 9300 on the Texas Township Campus or Room 109 in Anna Whitten Hall or call 269.488.4040 to get in a virtual line. Volunteers Needed for Welcome Tables Help welcome students back to campus in September by volunteering at one of the many welcome tables. There are a number of locations with varying days and times when support is needed.
Follow this link to check out the opportunities to help.
Log in and select your preferred volunteer opportunity, date and time(s).
Click SAVE under each section that you clicked a box in. You will receive a confirmation email for each time slot.
New Employee Orientation Kalamazoo Valley will implement a newly revised New Employee Orientation program for staff and faculty. This enhanced orientation is designed to provide our new team members with a comprehensive and welcoming introduction to the college.
Starting immediately, all new employees will begin their journey with us on a designated orientation day. This ensures that each new hire receives the necessary support and information to smoothly transition into his or her new role as a member of our team. We appreciate your support in making this transition seamless.
Designated orientation days:
Wednesday, Sept. 4
Wednesday, Sept. 18
Wednesday, Oct. 2
Wednesday, Oct. 16
Monday, Nov. 4
Monday, Nov. 18
Wednesday, Dec. 4
Flu Shot Clinic Scheduled for Employees To prepare for flu season, Kalamazoo Valley is hosting a flu shot clinic for all employees. The clinic will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 25, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Texas Township Campus in Room 3310. To reserve your spot click here. Space is limited, so sign up as soon as possible. Employees should bring their insurance cards and make a note of their appointment times. Contact Becky Craft in Human Resources at rcraft@kvcc.edu for more information. 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.
Classroom Visits Classroom visits are a great way for students to hear about our program. If you are interested in having someone from KVAAP come speak to your fall students for 10 - 15 minutes about the program, please contact Elizabeth Schab at eschab@kvcc.edu.
Upcoming KVAAP Info Sessions
Tuesday, Sept. 3 | 5 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 4 | 10 a.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 10 | Noon
Wednesday, Sept. 11 | 10 a.m.
Attending a KVAAP Info Session is a required part of the application process. Interested students can register here. Start Your Semester in the Library New Laptop Checkout Terms
Beginning with the Fall 2024 semester, laptops are checked out for two weeks at a time. Renewals are automatic for another two weeks, for a total of a four-week loan period. There are no additional renewals. After four weeks, the student must return the laptop to the library.
Students who return laptops on time may check out another one under the same guidelines if the library has laptops available. All laptops are first come, first serve.
Students can check out library items, including laptops, starting the first day of their first class. This gives students the maximum amount of time with the laptop while they are in class. Students should check their email for their laptop due date.
Laptops are now considered overdue one day after the due date. Once the laptop is overdue, IT has the ability to lock the computer and make it unusable. IT will send a message to the laptop screen letting the user know before this happens. After the computer is locked, students have three days to return the laptop or their Kalamazoo Valley account may be charged for a replacement cost. They will not be eligible to borrow anything from the library for two weeks.
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, although we suggest submitting your request before the start of the semester to provide us purchasing and processing time.
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) (x4313 or abergkamp@kvcc.edu) or Jim Ratliff (ACC) (x7848 or jratliff@kvcc.edu).
Request Library Instruction for Your Classes
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 Ratliff (ACC/BHLC) (x7867 or jratliff@kvcc.edu) or Amy Bergkamp (TTC) (x4489 or abrandt@kvcc.edu).
At TTC, you can request library instruction in the Library Instructional Lab 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.
Print and Electronic Resources
Staff and faculty are welcome to browse our book collection, in person or online. We have titles to support both academic learning and personal interests. We also subscribe to several electronic book and journal databases for research needs.
Student Technology Loan
Students can borrow a laptop computer, Wi-Fi hotspot and/or a graphing calculator. Technology is available on a first come, first served basis with a Valley ID. All laptops have webcams and microphones, and access to Canvas, Zoom, Microsoft Office and Respondus Lockdown Browser.
Study Spaces
Both the Texas Township Campus (TTC) and Anna Whitten Hall (AWH) libraries have quiet and scenic study spaces with computer and printer access. The TTC Library has study rooms available on a walk-in basis, and the lower level study room has a computer workstation with a webcam, so students can attend a Zoom class or take a test in the library.
Librarians Can Help Ask a Librarian
Librarians can answer students' questions about research and citation. They can visit us, schedule ahead or use our 24/7 chat service.
Getting started with research
Finding "scholarly" or "peer reviewed" articles or books
Employee Step Challenge is Back It's time to lace up your sneakers and start moving. Whether you're a casual walker or a seasoned runner, this challenge is a fun way to stay active, engage with your colleagues, and compete for great prizes! If you cannot walk due to physical limitations don't let this discourage you. Reach out and ask us how you can participate. To register click this LINK, select registration, fill in the information needed, and submit the form. Challenge Details:
Week 1: Monday, Sept. 16 - Sunday, Sept. 22
Week 2: Monday, Sept. 23 - Sunday, Sept. 29
Week 3: Monday, Sept. 30 - Sunday, Oct. 6
Week 4: Monday, Oct. 7 - Sunday, Oct. 13
How It Works:
Track Your Steps: Use your favorite device to track your steps. If you forget your tracker, remember that one mile is approximately 2,100 steps!
Submit Your Steps: Each week, submit your step count using the online submission form. Links can be found on the Wellness and Fitness Center and Employee Engagement and Wellness Committee websites.
Win Prizes: The more steps you take, the greater your chances of winning!
Let's get stepping! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out or visit us at the Wellness and Fitness Center.
Financial Aid Can Be Used for Book Purchases Spread the word that fall financial aid is currently being accepted to buy books and school supplies at the Texas Township Campus Bookstore. Students can either purchase their items in person or online at bookstore.kvcc.edu. Online orders may be picked up at TTC or the Anna Whitten Hall Library in downtown Kalamazoo, or mailed to any address you want. Shipping is $5.
Extended Hours to Welcome Students to Fall Semester The Bookstore will be open an extra hour later, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., for the first two weeks of classes (Tuesday, Sept. 3 through Friday, Sept. 13). The Bookstore is closed on Labor Day, Sept. 2.
Electronic Textbooks and Courseware Available for Classes Please share this information with students. Do 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.
Student-Run Restaurants 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. | Sept.10 - Oct. 15 and Oct. 29 - Dec. 5. Follow the Havirmill Cafe Facebook page at www.facebook.com/KVculinaryeats.
The 418 Restaurant will be open for college employees only on Wednesdays and Thursdays from Sept. 18 to Oct. 10. Reservations will be available from 11 a.m. to noon. Employees should email Jadon Hawkins,jhawkins8864@kvcc.edu, for reservations.
The restaurant will be open to the community, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from Nov. 6 to Dec. 5. Reservations will be available from 11 a.m. to noon. Reservations can be made by calling 269.548.3239.
Volunteer for Valley Food Share Valley Food Share, an initiative designed to meet the immediate food needs of Kalamazoo Valley students, couldn't be possible without the help of volunteers. Valley Food Share distribution continues for the fall 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 unload the truck and distribute shares to students. With supervisor approval, please sign up to help. If you have questions, please email foodshare@kvcc.edu.
You're invited to attend the Opportunities for Education Scholarship Fundraising event on Thursday, Sept. 26 at 5:30 p.m. at the Food Innovation Center!
Signature dishes from area restaurants including 600 Kitchen & Bar and Cove Lakeside Bistro will be provided, along with sweet treats from Huey D's Goodies and Dessert First. The event will also feature tasty creations from Kalamazoo Valley's own Chef Stephanie Hughes-Winfrey and Chef Jadon Hawkins. The complete list of participating restaurants will be posted at www.kvcc.edu/foundation.
Beer brewed by our sustainable brewing students, wine from Tabor Hill and soft drinks will be included. Tickets are $100 each. Student tickets are $35. Purchase tickets online at www.kvcc.edu/foundation.
To help us reach our $125,000 goal for students with financial needs, consider purchasing one of the available packages listed on the Foundation web page at www.kvcc.edu/foundation.
OFE starts at 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 26, rain or shine; however, severe weather may cause a cancellation. Keep an eye on www.kvcc.edu/foundation for announcements. If you have questions, please contact Alisha Siebers at asiebers@kvcc.edu.
Join us and make a difference in the lives of our students!
Free Home Volleyball Games! Volleyball season is underway at Kalamazoo Valley Community College! You're invited to drop in at any time at the home games, which are always free at the college's Texas Township Campus. The Lady Cougars will have their first conference match on Thursday, Sept. 12 at 6:30 p.m. against Lansing Community College. It'll be right here on campus! Come out and wear your college apparel! Below are the rest of the home games:
6:30 p.m. | Thursday | SEPT. 19 vs. Lake Michigan College
6:30 p.m. | Tuesday | SEPT. 24 vs. Southwestern Michigan College
6:30 p.m. | Thursday | SEPT. 26 vs. Macomb Community College
6:30 p.m. | Tuesday | OCT. 1 vs. Glen Oaks Community College
6:30 p.m. | Thursday | OCT. 3 vs. Marian University's Ancilla College
6:30 p.m. | Thursday | OCT. 10 vs. Kellogg Community College
2 p.m. | Saturday | OCT. 12 vs. College of Dupage
4:30 p.m. | Saturday | OCT. 12 vs. Highland Community College - Illinois
10 a.m. & noon | Sunday | OCT. 20 vs. Muskegon Community College
1:30 p.m. | Saturday | OCT. 26 vs. St. Clair County Community College
Find the full schedule here. Read more about the volleyball season here. Picture Yourself Here is a 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: Willie Ford, Coaching When he was a sophomore at Loy Norrix High School in Kalamazoo, Willie Ford blew out his knee in a pre-game practice of the last football game of the season. That injury started him on a path of determination and self-discovery.
"I was angry and embarrassed and left Norrix and had two kids before coming back to Comstock Adult Education to get my GED in 2004," he said, explaining that he would have graduated with the Loy Norrix High School class of 2004 if he hadn't dropped out.
After completing his GED, he started taking computer science classes at Kalamazoo Valley. "I knew I needed college and Valley has always been right in my backyard, so after getting my GED I applied to start at Kalamazoo Valley," he said. "I quickly found out that computer science was not for me, so I stopped and came back to school at Davenport University to get a business management degree in 2011."
He stopped going to college for several years and focused instead on working and raising his children. He returned to Valley in January 2024. The 38 credits that he had earned through Davenport University are now being applied toward his general studies major. Ford is a Michigan Reconnect scholarship recipient and the program paid his past due tuition balance and also covered the cost of some of his books.
In addition to his general studies major, Ford is completing a certificate of achievement in coaching. He'll take that training on to Western Michigan University, where he plans to major in sports management and possibly minor in journalism. more
Did You Know Admission is Free at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum? And that Kalamazoo Valley Community College operates the museum and that it is governed by the college's Board of Trustees? Click here anytime for the Kalamazoo Valley Museum's latest offerings. The museum works to develop cultural, historical, scientific and technological literacy through ever-changing interactive exhibits, augmented by planetarium shows, musical performances, lectures and films, suitable for children, adults and families. The museum is located at 230 N. Rose St. in downtown Kalamazoo. Hours are Tuesday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, from noon to 4 p.m. Planetarium shows are Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for $3.
