Admissions - Frequently Asked Questions
Will I be able to be successful?
If you are as committed to your goal as
we are, yes you can be successful. KVCC has some of the frien dliest,
most helpful employees you will ever meet. We do our best to
keep student services
easily accessible to ensure your focus can be directed to your
studies instead of fighting through red tape. The very first
step we recommend is taking our
placement assessment to help guide you into
the appropriate course level. Our faculty are highly qualified
to teach you in their area of expertise. Many of them are
actively working in their field. If you are in need of
additional assistance, we have tutors and specialized services
available. You will also find that many programs have student
study groups organized to help each other.
Is the campus safe?
Kalamazoo Valley Community College
employs security guards on all campuses, 24 hours a day, seven days
a week. In addition to monitoring the campus and handling
emergency situations, these security guards are available to escort
students to their cars during the evening hours. Red security
phones are available at key locations on both the Texas Township and
Arcadia Commons campuses to quickly and
easily communicate with the security guard on duty. We have
also installed security cameras in key locations throughout the
campus.
Do I have time to go back to college?
Being a college student
doesn't have to be a five day a week commitment. We have classes that
meet days, evenings and on the weekends. Many courses meet just
one evening a week! You can even take classes from the comfort of your
home with telecourse and Internet courses.
Do I have
to provide my birthdate?
Providing your date of birth is optional. However, we use this
information to create your initial password for entry into secure
web services. If you choose not to provide your birthdate, your
password will be the last six digits of your Valley Number which is
assigned to you upon admission to KVCC.
When do classes begin?
Our Winter semester begins in January, the Summer semester starts
in May and the Fall semester kicks off in September.
The
Academic Calendar can provide you with
the specific days and other important dates. Our online
registration dates will let you know how early you can get
registered. Each semester a Refund
and Withdrawal chart is provided outlining the course dates, last
day for a refund and last day to withdraw from classes.
How much does it cost?
Can I afford to attend KVCC?
KVCC is very affordable. We
consistently have one
of the lowest
tuition and
fee structures in Michigan. In addition to our goal of keeping
the cost of higher education within reach, we offer a deferred
payment plan and financial aid services to help you cover the cost
of tuition.
Tuition is charged per credit hour. Some courses will have lab
fees associated with them while others such as art courses may
require you to purchase supplies. Many classes will also
require you to purchase textbooks. The
KVCC Bookstore,
conveniently located in the front lobby of the Texas Township
Campus, can provide you with the cost of these books just prior to
each semester.
Is financial assistance available?
There are several options for those
who qualify, including scholarships, grants, loans, veteran
benefits and work
opportunities. Money is available. We encourage you to
apply and to meet with our experienced Financial Aid
Advisors. They can answer your questions, help you complete
your paperwork, and inform you of options you may not be aware of.
Please visit the
Financial Aid Office website for more information.
I am an international student.
Can I attend KVCC?
KVCC welcomes international students. We enjoy sharing
our culture and learning about others. We typically enroll annually
over 130 students from 30 countries. KVCC has an active
International Student Club that hosts an International Festival for
the community each year. Please visit our
International
Student web page for more information.
What types of degree programs does
KVCC offer?
KVCC offers two-year associate degrees
that both prepare you for immediate entrance into the workforce and
transferring on to a four-year institution. We also offer many
certificate choices as well as post-associate certificates.
Our programs lead to many career paths in the fields of Arts and
Communication, Business, Engineering and Manufacturing, Human
Services, and Natural Resources. Please check out our
program guides
for more specific details about your career goals.
I'm not sure about my course of
study. Can I still take classes?
You don't have to have a major declared
in order to take classes at KVCC. You can take general
education courses until you make your decision.
If you would like assistance in
selecting the right career path, KVCC offers free
Career and
Assessment Services.
Once you have decided on a program, simply contact the Student
Service Center to have your record updated.
Can I take classes if
I'm still in high school?
Yes. KVCC participates in the Post Secondary
Enrollment Options Act which allows high school students to attend
college courses approved by their high school. We also
welcome those students who wish to take advantage of our courses on
their own to either transfer to meet high school requirements, or to
get an early start on their college education. We strongly encourage you
to speak with your high school counselor as your first step.
Will my classes
transfer to another
institution?
KVCC credits are accepted by accredited colleges and universities.
In most cases you must have earned a 2.0 grade in a college-level
course that is applicable to your degree program. It is best
to meet with one of our academic counselors to choose the right courses and to
get specific information about transfer requirements. Our
counselor's maintain communication with many Michigan colleges to
ensure they are basing their recommendations on the most
up-to-date information.
Can I receive credit for life or work
experience?
KVCC recognizes all learning is
valuable. Learning can
occur anytime and anyplace. You
may be eligible to
earn college credit for what you already know.
Let the Prior Learning Assessment office help you decide if you are a candidate.
College seems to have its own
language. How
do I know what all the terminology means?
We have a
glossary of college terms available for you to reference.
Since it also provides links to more detailed information for many
topics, it is a good navigation tool
for exploring our website.
As always, don't hesitate to
ask any staff member if there is a term
you are unfamiliar with or a procedure you need help understanding.
Is it possible to speak with a
student about their experiences at KVCC?
We have several current and former
students who are willing to spend time with you. They are
available for quick questions or to take you on a guided tour.
Who are they? Meet our
Student Ambassadors.
Does KVCC have special services for
students with extra needs?
The
Learning
Center at the Texas Township Campus has been providing service
to students for over 20 years. This area is comprised of the
Reading/Writing, Math and Testing Centers where students receive
help with study and test taking tips, tutoring, and assistance with
completing assignments.
Our
Special Services Office is also housed inside the Learning Center.
It is designed to meet the individual needs of students with physical,
psychiatric, or learning disabilities. The College has a long history
of service to students with disabilities and is committed to removing
barriers to help students not only reach their potential, but become
academically competitive within their programs.
Does KVCC offer student housing?
No, KVCC does not provide student
housing. All students must arrange for their own housing.
We have apartment guides available on campus and Michigan has an
online apartment guide available at
Mlive.com.
Does KVCC offer child care?
KVCC does not have onsite child care services. There are many daycare centers in the surrounding areas.
What activities can I get involved in
at KVCC?
Campus Life here offers a wide variety of activities for all
students to participate in, and the good news is it is not
restricted to our campus. While we have clubs to join,
athletics to compete in and shows to attend, we are also part of a
college town. We are only ten minutes from Western Michigan
University, Kalamazoo College and Davenport University. Each
of these institutions have activities that KVCC students are welcome
to attend. The Kalamazoo Valley Museum
offers many learning experiences, and our community is proud
of the Kalamazoo Institute of Art and the Aviation History Museum.
The Kalamazoo and adjoining Portage area is also home to several
community theatres, the State Theatre which hosts many professional
music concerts and Wings Stadium, home of the K-Wings hockey team
and various entertainment events. There is an array of dining
experiences and movie theatres. A variety of
physical activities are available in the area including soccer,
tennis, softball, basketball, volleyball, and biking, rollerblading,
hiking and walking trails. Check out the
Central City website to
learn more about Downtown Kalamazoo. Still have time left on your
calendar? How about a trip to Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor,
Lansing, Detroit, South Bend or Chicago? KVCC is centrally
located to all of these larger cities that offer many cultural
events. In other words, you have to work hard to be bored at
KVCC.
What athletic programs are available
at KVCC?
KVCC's intercollegiate athletic program
includes basketball, golf, tennis, volleyball, softball and
baseball. Our
Athletics Department strives to develop a positive attitude in
our athletes toward both their personal, educational and athletic
endeavors.
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Go Cougars! |
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