General Information

What is the Student Success Center?
The Student Success Center is a new program introduced in the Winter 2007 semester, to facilitate students in accessing every resource they need in order to proficiently manage their way through the KVCC environment.  Students who participate in the program are assigned a Success Advocate who will guide them through their time at KVCC in order to help assure the student’s attainment of their particular goal.  The advocate is a trained resource person who understands the complexities of college life and is available as a point person to direct them to the resources they need to grow within the college environment. Go to the top

What will the Student Success Center program do for me?
The Student Success Center Program is designed to enhance a student’s college experience by working in collaboration with the student to define a personalized plan to help insure that the student gets all of the tools he/she needs to successfully achieve their goals. Whether it is career assessments, job development skills, academic or personal counseling, a need to develop study skills, specialized tutoring, specialized group activities within the college, physical fitness, financial support or a myriad of other services offered by the college, the student will have a mentor (their Advocate) to assist in accessing these services.   Your advocate will guide you in the right direction, and help you to ask the right questions and build your skills.  Your Success Advocate will check in with you to assure you are feeling satisfied with your progress and modify the custom-made plan as appropriate. Top

Is there a cost associated with being a member of the SSC?
No.  The Student Success Center is free to all enrolled KVCC students. Top

Do I need to be a first-time student to be eligible for the SSC?
No.  The Student Success Center is available for any and all KVCC students with the desire to receive assistance with job skills, life resources or navigating the campus community. Top

I am a non-traditional student. Can I join the Center?
Absolutely.  We welcome the opportunity to orient you through your experience at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Top

I am an International Student.  Is this program for me?
Definitely. We currently have International Students benefiting from Student Success Center services. Top

Will the Advocates work with me if I’m a returning student?
Yes.  There is no better time than now to take advantage of the services in the Student Success Center.  Please feel free to stop in and discover how we can assist you. Top

Am I automatically enrolled in the program if I stop in to the Center?
No.  The Student Success Center welcomes the opportunity to speak with you about your specific goals and needs.  If you feel our services will benefit you after hearing more about the Center, we will enroll you at that time. Top

I haven't decided on a major yet. Can someone help me?
Yes, there are career advisors available to help you in choosing a major and career choice.  The advisors can offer career assessments, resources and personal guidance in the decision making process.
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What if my goal is to get a certificate, or transfer to a four-year institution? Would the Center still work for me?
Yes.  In fact, a large number of our students have goals other than an Associate Degree.  We welcome the opportunity to serve them. Top

How long will a Success Advocate work with me and/or track my progress/goals?
We will work with you for as long as you wish while you are a student.  Our goal is to maintain a relationship with you throughout your academic pursuits at KVCC.  By working together through the college experience, it is hoped that you will achieve optimal success and be fully prepared upon leaving KVCC to enter the work force or transfer to a four-year institution. Top

Will the Advocates contact my parents or my spouse about my progress?
No.  The Student Success Center will not share your information with anyone, regardless of your age, unless you give us written authorization to do so. Top

I have a question about employment; can you help me with that?
Yes.  Our Job Developer will be able to answer your questions.  She can help you build resumes, improve your interviewing skills, find job placement and more. Top
 
It is difficult for me to focus on school because I am having a hard time with other responsibilities. Can the Student Success Center help me too?
Yes.  Our Life Resource Coordinator has many contacts throughout the community to help out students successfully manage responsibilities, which may interfere with school.  The goal is to help you solve problems so you can focus on your education.  Make an appointment to meet or ask your advocate for a referral. Top

What if I am a student with disability?
The Special Services Office provides accommodations and assistance for students with disabilities.  A special services advocate is also available although students can see any advocate available. Top

What if I take most/all of my classes at the Arcadia Commons Campus? Does KVCC have the Student Success Center downtown?
Yes.  The Student Success Center is located in Room 120 Anna Whitten Hall.  Ken Barr Jr. is the Career Advisor and Success Advocate and would be happy to help you. Top

How can I get in touch with a Success Advocate?
The Student Success Center has an open-door policy.  If an Advocate is available, they will welcome your visit during our office hours.  In order to ensure that your Success Team member is available, an appointment may be made by stopping in to Room 1510 or calling 488-4040 at the Texas Township Campus.  For Anna Whitten Hall, you may stop in to Room 120 or call 373-7834. Go to the top

When is the Student Success Center open?
The Student Success Center hours of operation: Go to the top

Email the KVCC helpline:
success@kvcc.edu