kalamazoo valley community college

InFocus: News for Kalamazoo Valley Students
MISSION STATEMENT
Kalamazoo Valley Community College creates innovative and equitable
opportunities that empower all to learn, grow and thrive.
Feb. 3, 2025

Greetings students!

February is always a busy month! I know that many of you are juggling jobs and the care of family members along with the demands of your work at the college. I get it.

Part of our busyness is associated with trying to keep up with the information that bombards us daily. For the most up-to-date information about what is happening at the college, I encourage you to check the college calendar and news postings on the homepage of the college website daily. This newsletter will also provide you with useful information.

Remember to check your Canvas notes, and if you need assistance, please talk with your instructors or schedule an appointment with a Student Development Services team member.

We are doing our part to keep you informed. Please do your part to access and act upon the information we provide.

Sincerely,

signature: L. Marshall Washington
L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President

admission registrations and records
Bright pink promotional graphic for Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s “Transfer Tuesday.” Left side features bold white text: "TRANSFER TUESDAY" followed by, “Are you unsure of what four-year college or university you want to attend after you complete your academic goals at Kalamazoo Valley?” On the right side, text reads: “Connect with college and university admissions representatives at Transfer Tuesday.” Dates listed: Feb. 11, Feb. 25, March 11, March 25. Attendees are instructed to “Look for transfer tables in the lower level cafeteria between 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.” Kalamazoo Valley logo is in the bottom right corner.
kalamazoo valley accelerated associate program (KVAAP)
Upcoming Event: We All Love KVAAP
Join us for this fun event on Tuesday, Feb. 11 from 3 - 5 p.m. in Anna Whitten Hall, Room 128. We�ll have card games, video games, crafts and free food! Prospective students will also have an opportunity to learn about KVAAP and fill out an application. All students, faculty and staff are welcome! Sign up here.
 

KVAAP Info Sessions

  • Tuesday, Feb. 4 | 5 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Feb. 12 | 10 a.m.
Attending a KVAAP Info Session is a required part of the application process. Interested students can register here.
Kalamazoo Valley Community College Shuttle Schedule. Shuttle service runs Monday through Friday between Arcadia Commons Campus, Bronson Healthy Living Campus, and Texas Township Campus. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: Arcadia Commons Campus — Arrive: 6:50 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 3:30 p.m. | Depart: 7:15 a.m., 9:45 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 4:00 p.m. Bronson Healthy Living Campus — Arrive: 7:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 1:45 p.m., 4:15 p.m. | Depart: 7:45 a.m., 10:15 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 4:30 p.m. Texas Township Campus — Arrive: 8:15 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 2:30 p.m., 5:00 p.m. | Depart: 8:45 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 3:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m. Tuesday: Arcadia Commons Campus — Arrive: 7:50 a.m., 10:15 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 4:30 p.m. | Depart: 8:15 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 2:30 p.m., 5:00 p.m. Bronson Healthy Living Campus — Arrive: 8:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 2:45 p.m., 5:15 p.m. | Depart: 8:45 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 3:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m. Texas Township Campus — Arrive: 9:15 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 3:30 p.m., 6:00 p.m. | Depart: 9:45 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 6:30 p.m. Friday: Arcadia Commons Campus — Arrive: 6:50 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 3:30 p.m. | Depart: 7:15 a.m., 9:45 a.m., 1:30 p.m. (no evening pickup) Bronson Healthy Living Campus — Arrive: 7:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 1:45 p.m. | Depart: 7:45 a.m., 10:15 a.m., 2:00 p.m. Texas Township Campus — Arrive: 8:15 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 2:30 p.m. | Depart: 8:45 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 3:00 p.m. Kalamazoo Valley logo appears at the bottom. Designed with a clean layout and colored tabs indicating each campus.
libraries
News from the Library
Need Help Now? Ask a Librarian
Librarians can answer your questions about research and citation.
  • Getting started with research
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  • Citing sources in MLA or APA
Schedule a Research Appointment with a Librarian
Meet one-on-one with a librarian in person, by phone or over Zoom. Get Help In Person
Ask a friendly librarian for help at the Reference Desk during our open hours.

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  • Receive live 24/7 chat assistance from an academic librarian
  • Visit our Ask a Librarian webpage to start a chat session today!
Hours and Contact Information
phi theta kappa honor society
PTK Hosting Virtual Open House
Kalamazoo Valley Community College's chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international honor society for two-year colleges, is hosting a virtual open house Thursday, Feb. 6 from 3 - 3:30 p.m. for prospective members interested in learning more about PTK. A link to join the event was included in new member invitation emails. Those who accept are invited to participate in an optional induction ceremony at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20 in the Texas Township Campus Theater, Room 4240. For more information, email ptk@kvcc.edu.  
cougar cafe
What's for Lunch at the Texas Township Campus?
There are some delicious food options at the Cougar Cafe next week! From Feb. 3 - 6, warm up with some broccoli cheddar soup. On Monday, Feb. 3, enjoy a pineapple pulled pork sandwich. Tuesday, Feb. 4, stop by for Taco Tuesday. On Wednesday, Feb. 5, grab some chicken souvlaki. Thursday, Feb. 6, finish the week strong with shepherd�s pie.
 
From Feb. 10 - 13, enjoy some vegetable soup. Monday, Feb. 10, stop by for chicken enchiladas. Tuesday, Feb. 11, kick off Taco Tuesday with a taco salad. Wednesday, Feb. 12, snack on a winter Cobb salad. Thursday, Feb. 13, get hearty with a wing bar.

The Cougar Cafe is open Monday - Thursday from 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Lunch Options at the Bronson Healthy Living Campus


Promotional graphic for the Havirmill Café at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Text reads: "HAVIRMILL CAFÉ" "WILL BE OPEN" Monday – Thursday | Jan. 16 – Feb. 27 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Lunch service only – No reservations needed. Contact info at bottom includes: Facebook icon with handle @KVculinaryeats, phone number 269.548.3200, and Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo. Graphic includes watercolor illustrations of vegetables: a yellow bell pepper, red pepper, and red onion.
Promotional graphic for Kalamazoo Valley’s 418 (Four One Eight) dining experience. Text reads: “418 Four One Eight” WED. & THURS JAN. 29 – FEB. 27 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (Last seating at 12:30 p.m.) Please call 269.548.3239 for reservations. Background is navy blue with faint outlines of various leafy vegetables. Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo appears in the lower right corner.
 The official kalamazoo valley community college cougar bookstore
A wide-angle composite image showing the exterior of the Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC) Bookstore. The storefront features large glass windows decorated with full-size images of diverse students and the KVCC logo in blue and white. The left section displays the bookstore hours, website (bookstore.kvcc.edu), and a freestanding sign. The center section includes the entrance door and students pictured in KVCC apparel. The right section continues the window graphics and includes a brick wall with signage for Kalamazoo Valley Community College above.

Time to Get Swagged Out at the Bookstore!
Classes are now in full swing! What a great time to pick up some new Cougar Swag to wear at home games, or at college and community events! From T-shirts to hoodies, decals to water bottles, the Texas Township Campus Bookstore has tons of cool Cougar items! Come on in and show off your Cougar spirit, or shop our online store at bookstore.kvcc.edu.

Graphic promoting Kalamazoo Valley’s “Ready Day One” program. A large illustrated e-book icon is centered, with a yellow label that says “E-BOOK” and a small blue circle labeled “KV.” Text above the icon reads: “Welcome to Ready Day One.” Text below reads: “Save money on textbooks!” Blue background.

Electronic Textbooks and Courseware Available for Classes
STOP! Read this before buying any textbooks this winter. Students, did you know you automatically get electronic versions of textbooks and other course materials for your classes? It's called Ready Day One! The cost is charged to your 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 you 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 you are enrolled in Ready Day One and that e-course materials will be available in your Canvas account on the first day of class. It�s important to watch for the email.
     
  • If you wish to opt out and remove the Ready Day One charge from your bill (it will be itemized there), you must act within two weeks from the first day of class. You have three options for doing so: Complete the transaction via your Canvas account, email the
get involved on campus kalamazoo valley community college
Colorful flyer for the LGBTQ+ Diversity Club at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Bold text reads “LGBTQ+ diversity club” across a rainbow-striped background. Meetings are every Monday from noon to 1 p.m. at Anna Whitten Hall, Room 205, downtown Kalamazoo. Contact Club Advisor Misti Mahon at mmahon@kvcc.edu. A note states the KVCC shuttle bus drops off at Anna Whitten Hall at 11:45 a.m. Mondays. Visuals include a hand-drawn megaphone, rainbow symbols, and gender icons on a black background. Kalamazoo Valley logo at the bottom.
Flyer for the Global Student Union (GSU) at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Bold text at the top says “Global Student Union.” The flyer invites students to join the GSU Club, which meets monthly on the first Wednesday from 5–6 p.m. Activities include connecting with peers, exploring cultures, and participating in events. Club advisor: Tyler Roemer, troemer@kvcc.edu. At the bottom, the flyer reads “Join Today!” and provides the URL: www.kvcc.edu/international. The right side of the flyer features a globe made of international flags, representing global diversity. Kalamazoo Valley logo at the bottom.
Flyer for the Art and Animation Club at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Winter 2025. Meetings are held Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in CNM Room 65. Students are invited to join a diverse group of peers who enjoy watching and playing animated drawings in various forms. The club encourages creativity and inspiration. For more information, contact Aubrey Jewel Rodgers at arodgers@kvcc.edu. A note at the bottom mentions additional “game jam workshops” held on Fridays from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. with Joshua Winters-Brown and Aubrey Jewel Rodgers. The background includes digital art tools like a stylus, tablet, pencil, sketchbook, and deadline calendar. Kalamazoo Valley logo appears in the corner.
Flyer for the Gaming Club at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. The flyer has an 8-bit pixel art theme with blue grid background, a treasure chest, pixelated trees, and a "score" counter showing 18,500. Text reads: "You're invited to play a variety of games, from TTRPGs and board games to video games, and everything in between! We meet on Thursdays from 4–9 p.m., but you don’t have to come the entire time. Drop in when you can! We'll be in Room 1310 (TTC) all semester (except Feb. 20 when we will be in Room 2420). We hope to see you there!" Top left corner has “Gaming Club” logo; bottom right includes Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo.

Flyer for the Test Anxiety Workshop hosted by Kalamazoo Valley Community College. On the left is an abstract illustration of a person in distress, with scribbles over the head representing anxiety and fragmented shapes around the shoulder. Text on the right reads: “TEST ANXIETY WORKSHOP” “The test anxiety workshop gives students a deeper understanding of what test anxiety is and an opportunity to build a unique plan for successful test taking.” Event details: February 4 | 3 – 4 P.M. Room 128 AWH Logos for The Kalamazoo Promise and Kalamazoo Valley Community College appear at the bottom.
Harry Potter Club flyer from Kalamazoo Valley Community College. The background features a parchment scroll, a Gryffindor robe, and a spellbook. The header reads "Harry Potter Club" in the signature Harry Potter font. Text: “We will be doing all the Harry Potter things that you wanted to do: crafts, playing Quidditch, discussing theories, Tri-Wizard Tournament, and so much more. Join us! Please take the Harry Potter house quiz at wizardingworld.com/sorting-hat before you come, and email your results to Ariana Schultz at aschultz1564@mail.kvcc.edu.” Meeting Dates: Tuesday, February 11 Tuesday, February 25 Tuesday, March 11 Tuesday, March 25 Tuesday, April 8 Tuesday, April 22 Time: 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Location: TTC, Room 3250 Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo appears in the bottom right.

Flyer promoting the "Paddington in Peru!" Movie Mixer hosted by Kalamazoo Valley Community College. The background features an orange Peruvian-inspired pattern on the left and an image of Paddington Bear in a blue coat and red hat rafting with an umbrella on the right. Event Details: Title: Paddington in Peru! Movie Mixer Date & Time: Sunday, February 16 at 11 a.m. Location: KP Cinemas, 180 Portage Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 Admission: $8 (ticket only) Movie Start Time: 12:15 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to meet in the lobby to chat and get to know one another. Friends and family are welcome. Accessibility: Open caption showing Contact: Aubrey Rodgers at arodgers@kvcc.edu Hosted by: Kalamazoo Valley Community College (logo at the bottom right)

Flyer promoting the Valley Future Educators’ Club at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. At the top center, there's a stylized red apple with a green leaf and brown stem. Below the apple is the text: “Valley Future Educators’ Club” Headline: “Thinking about pursuing a degree in an educational field?” Body Text: The Valley Future Educators’ Club (VFEC) offers a great place to meet other students who share a passion for teaching and learning and are interested in exploring careers in education. All meetings are held in TTC Room 4370. Meeting Times: Mondays, 1 – 2 p.m. Feb. 17 and Mar. 17 Footer: Bottom right corner features the Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo.
Blue winter-themed flyer for Kalamazoo Valley Community College event titled "Button Up!". Decorative snowflakes are scattered across the background. Event Title: Button Up! Event Dates and Locations: Feb. 18 at CNM Lower Level Lobby, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 19 at AWH Main Lobby, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 20 at TTC Cafeteria Pit, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Description: Take a break from studying to create your own button and enjoy light refreshments! Imagery: To the right, three pin-back buttons are shown: A blue button with white “KV” in a circle (Kalamazoo Valley logo) A white button featuring a fierce cougar head and the word “COUGARS” in bold blue letters The back of a blank silver button Footer: Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo in white at the bottom right corner.

office of diversity and inclusion

Save the Date for Feb. 25 Black History Month Film Screening
Join us for a film screening followed by a discussion on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 1 - 3 p.m., in Room 4240 on the Texas Township Campus to honor Black History Month. �Pullman and the Railroad Rebellion� is a documentary exploring how a group of African Americans helped pave the way for the Black middle class and a civil rights movement that forever changed the course of American history. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the creation of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and Maids, the first Black union to receive a charter in the American Federation of Labor. The national theme for Black History Month 2025 is �African Americans and Labor.�

athletics

A young male basketball player from Kalamazoo Valley Community College stands facing forward, smiling at the camera. He wears a black jersey with teal trim and the word "COUGARS" printed in bold white letters across the chest, with the number 1 below it. He holds a Spalding Legacy TF-1000 basketball with both hands at waist level. The athlete wears a silver chain necklace, white wristband, and black shorts. The background is a plain white studio backdrop.
Valley Men�s Basketball Player Reaches 1,000-point Milestone
Congratulations to men's basketball player Joey Liedel, No. 1, for recently hitting the very rare career college milestone of 1,000 points. Liedel achieved the feat Jan. 4 during a home game against Macomb Community College. This is the second time that the sophomore guard has made Cougar basketball history. Liedel shattered the Kalamazoo Valley's record of most points scored by a player in a single game on Dec. 4, 2023. He scored 51 points in a non-Conference home game against Albion College, breaking the previous record of 49 points in Dec. 14, 1979.  

Collage promoting the "Block Out the Stigma" mental health awareness campaign at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. On the left, a group of smiling student athletes and the blue cougar mascot pose together on a basketball court wearing matching black t-shirts that read “Block Out the Stigma.” In the center, a blue panel displays the campaign logo and message: “HELP BLOCK OUT THE STIGMA! Order your t-shirt today! All proceeds benefit Gryphon Place. $20.” On the right, a male basketball player wearing a white “Block Out the Stigma” shirt looks focused during warm-up, with a blurred gymnasium audience in the background.
Basketball Players Helped Block out the Stigma
Kalamazoo Valley�s women�s and men�s basketball players warmed up in Block out the Stigma T-shirts at their Jan. 27 home games. Through a partnership between Kalamazoo Valley Community College�s Student Development Services and Gryphon Place, the shirts were sold at the game to normalize seeking help about well-being issues. Gryphon Place had an information table in front of the gym, and a public service announcement about the national 9-8-8 crisis hotline was broadcast at both games. Click here to buy your shirt. Proceeds benefit Gryphon Place.
 
See the Valley Basketball Teams in Action � for FREE!
It�s always fun to cheer on the women�s and men�s basketball teams! Remember, home games are always free in the main gym at Kalamazoo Valley Community College's Texas Township Campus. Below are home games in February. Find the full season schedule at athletics.kvcc.edu.
 
WOMEN�S BASKETBALL
  • Wednesday | Feb. 5 | 5:30 p.m. (vs. Lake Michigan College)
  • Saturday | Feb. 8 | 1 p.m. (vs. Lansing Community College)
  • Saturday | Feb. 22 | 1 p.m. (vs. Grand Rapids Community College)
MEN�S BASKETBALL
  • Wednesday | Feb. 5 | 7:30 p.m. (vs. Lake Michigan College)
  • Saturday | Feb. 8 | 3 p.m. (vs. Lansing Community College)
  • Saturday | Feb. 22 | 3 p.m. (vs. Grand Rapids Community College)
 
 what's happening at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. the kalamazoo valley museum is operated by kalamazoo valley community college and is governed by its board of trustees.

 Color photograph of special effects artist Ray Harryhausen animating a small skeleton warrior model. He is leaning on a tabletop, looking closely at the articulated figure posed with a sword and shield. The scene is lit with dramatic red lighting, and the image appears framed like a film reel with "Kodak Safety Film" printed vertically on the left edge.

New Exhibit Showcasing Special-Effects Filmmaker Now Open
Special-effects superstar Ray Harryhausen inspired a generation of filmmakers with his films "King Kong," "The 7th Voyage of Sinbad," "Clash of the Titans," "Jason and the Argonauts" and many others. Now he�s the subject of a free traveling exhibit, �Ray Harryhausen: Miniature Models of the Silver Screen,� on display now through April 25 at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum.


colorful collection of the kalamazoo valley museum

Two New Fun Exhibits Highlight Items from the Museum�s Archives
�Colorful Collections� and �The Art of Advertising� open Feb. 1 and Feb. 8, respectively, and will be on display through Aug. 31. �Colorful Collections� features items from the permanent collection of the Kalamazoo Valley Museum displayed in a rainbow of hues. Delve into the color spectrum like never before as you enjoy some of the brightest and boldest examples from the KVM's collection. �The Art of Advertising� showcases nostalgic signs and advertisements from local businesses from the museum�s archives, offering up an eclectic mix of advertising paraphernalia from bygone eras. Both exhibits are free.

 A man with a trimmed beard and dark zip-up jacket sits in a library holding two historical documents. In his left hand, he holds an old newspaper clipping titled “Picketing of Drug Store Halted; Agreement Signed” regarding a civil rights dispute. In his right hand, he displays an open book with black-and-white photographs, one showing a family portrait and another showing a two-story house. The background features library bookshelves, study carrels, and a colorful sign reading "PRISM: Library and Archives."

Local Black History Shared in Two Mini-Exhibits
Learn interesting local Black history facts from two mini-exhibits at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, on display now through March 2. The �One Family's Legacy: The Williams-Johnson Family� mini-exhibit features photos and mementos representing over 100 years of Black history in Kalamazoo, curated with the assistance of community leader Jacob Mabry Pinney-Johnson. Pinney-Johnson is a fourth-generation Kalamazoo resident whose family members were important to the history of Southwest Michigan. The second mini-exhibit, "Collecting Black History: Murphy Darden's Legacy,� showcases items collected by late Kalamazoo historian and artist Murphy Darden, including artifacts, images and historic documents chronicling the achievements of African Americans, as well as his artwork. Admission is free.

 
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Texas Township Campus
6767 West O Avenue
PO Box 4070
Kalamazoo, MI 49003-4070
269.488.4400