kalamazoo valley community college

infous news for kalamazoo valley community college students
MISSION STATEMENT
Kalamazoo Valley Community College creates innovative and equitable
opportunities that empower all to learn, grow and thrive.

 Feb. 9, 2026

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.

With all of these demands, it can be challenging 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

 
higher learning commission

Higher Learning Commission (HLC) FAQs:
What to Expect During the HLC Site Visit on March 16-17, 2026

Q: What are the key details I should know about the HLC site visit?
A: A team of reviewers from the Higher Learning Commission will visit Kalamazoo Valley's campus to examine how well the college passes strict national guidelines for excellence. The five reviewers which comprise the HLC assessment team are made up of faculty, staff and administrators from other colleges and universities in the Midwest region. The review team will primarily visit the Texas Township campus and will be present at the college all day on March 16 and 17, 2026.

Q: Why is the site visit important for Kalamazoo Valley and for students, specifically?
A: It means that every aspect of your Kalamazoo Valley experience ' from your classes to support services ' meets rigorous national standards designed to help you succeed while you attend Kalamazoo Valley Community College and after you leave. This reaccreditation process makes your degree more valuable and opens more doors for your future ' whether you are transferring or entering the workforce. Additionally, accreditation means your credits are accepted by other colleges for easy transfer, and your credentials from Kalamazoo Valley reassure employers of your strong educational foundation.
 
Q: What will I see happening on campus during the HLC site visit?
A: You may see members of the external review team walking through Kalamazoo Valley's Texas Township campus throughout the two days of the college's site visit. Valley's cabinet members, administrators, faculty and staff will be meeting and interacting with the external members during their visit. 
 

 

student development services

Graphic for “EmployU” workshops. Description: EmployU workshops provide knowledge and skills to support students in their career and employment journey. Topics include job searching, resumes, portfolios, employer spotlights, interviewing, and more. These informal Zoom sessions are open to all students and include opportunities to ask questions. Schedule: February 11: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 6 to 7 p.m. March 10: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. April 16: 6 to 7 p.m. Registration: Email careercenter@kvcc.edu to pre-register and receive the event link. Includes Kalamazoo Valley Community College branding.


Graphic for “Discover Strengths.” Description: Learn about your top strengths and how to use them to improve academic performance, social interaction, and future career prospects. CliftonStrengths has been used for over 50 years by more than 1,000 colleges and universities, with over 700,000 students participating annually. This 30-minute session explains how CliftonStrengths can empower you. All students are welcome. Contact: Email strengths@kvcc.edu or call 488-4040 for the Zoom link. Schedule: Tuesday, February 17 at 6 p.m., Zoom Thursday, March 12 at noon, AWH Room 128 Tuesday, April 7 at 10 a.m., Zoom Includes “Lead With Your Strengths” and Kalamazoo Valley Community College branding.

kalamazoo valley accelerated program (KVAAP)
Upcoming KVAAP Info Sessions 
We are beginning to search for students for the Summer 2026 semester! Students can attend information sessions via a Zoom meeting link that will be sent to them upon signing up. These sessions will explain how KVAAP can assist students with achieving their educational goals. Students can sign up here. The upcoming session is:
  • Tuesday, Feb. 10 | 5:30 - 6 p.m. 
  • Thursday March  5 | 3 - 3:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday March 10 | 5:30 - 6 p.m.
student life and engagement
Lunar New Year Craft Event on Feb. 16
What is the Chinese Zodiac? The Chinese Zodiac is based on a 12-year cycle, with each year represented by a specific animal. Each sign offers insight into your character and how you interact with the world. Legend has it that the order of the animals was decided by a "Great Race" across a river. 2026 is the Year of the Horse, symbolizing spirit, strength and freedom. Come learn about your birth year's animal and make a custom zodiac craft to take home on Monday, Feb. 16, from 2:30 to 4 p.m. in the Texas Township cafeteria.

Black History Month Events Planned
Celebrate Black History Month with us at several events as we connect and honor the profound contributions that continue to shape our world. Learn about local Kalamazoo history in a fun and interactive way at 'Black History Trivia Bingo' on Thursday, Feb. 19, from 2 to 4 p.m., at Anna Whitten Hall in downtown Kalamazoo. The 'Reclaiming History as a Tool for Liberation, Identity and Action' lecture takes place Thursday, Feb. 26, from noon to 1:30 p.m. in Room 4240 on the Texas Township Campus. Advance registration is requested for the lecture here, but walk-ins are welcome. Finally, scroll down for the 'Black Cowboys' exhibit coming to the college's Kalamazoo Valley Museum.

Graphic titled “Black History Month Events” from Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Events listed: Black Cowboy Exhibit — January 31 through July 26, Kalamazoo Valley Museum. Black History Trivia Bingo — February 19, 2–4 p.m., AWH Room 128. Learn about local Kalamazoo history in an interactive format. Presented by the Society for History and Racial Equity. Reclaiming History as a Tool for Liberation, Identity and Action Lecture — February 26, noon–1:30 p.m., TTC Room 4240. Open to students, staff, faculty, and community members for a discussion on the meaning and impact of Black history today. Includes a QR code to sign up for the February 26 lecture. Kalamazoo Valley Community College branding appears on the graphic.
Graphic titled “Disability Awareness Ribbons Make-Fest” from Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Event details: Tuesday, March 3, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Learning Center, TTC. Free. Thursday, March 12, noon to 2 p.m., Room 3180, TTC. Free. Description: Participants are invited to help create 500 ribbons representing various disability awareness causes. The ribbons will be distributed to the campus community during the week of March 16–20. This is a drop-in event; attendees may come and go as their schedule allows. Visual elements include a circular graphic with icons representing different disabilities, such as mobility, vision, hearing, and communication. Includes Kalamazoo Valley Community College branding.
Graphic titled “Valley Food Share” from Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Description: Valley Food Share is a program that helps meet immediate food needs for Kalamazoo Valley students. Distribution is a drive-through service held on Thursdays from 2 to 4 p.m., alternating between the Food Innovation Center and the Texas Township Campus (Tower Entrance). Students receive an email each Thursday with a sign-up link and pickup instructions. Schedule: January 22 — Food Innovation Center January 29 — Texas Township Campus, Tower Entrance February 5 — Food Innovation Center February 12 — Texas Township Campus, Tower Entrance February 19 — Food Innovation Center February 26 — Texas Township Campus, Tower Entrance March 12 — Food Innovation Center March 19 — Texas Township Campus, Tower Entrance March 26 — Food Innovation Center April 2 — Texas Township Campus, Tower Entrance April 9 — Food Innovation Center April 16 — Texas Township Campus, Tower Entrance April 23 — Food Innovation Center Includes Valley Food Share and Kalamazoo Valley Community College branding.
Graphic titled “Wellness at Kalamazoo Valley Community College.” Description: A series of wellness events focused on self-care and health education. Time and location: All sessions are held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Room 4380, TTC. Schedule: February 17 — STI Testing and Education March 3 — Ticks in Kalamazoo County March 17 — STI Testing and Education April 7 — Healthy Relationships April 21 — STI Testing and Education May 5 — Naloxone Training May 19 — STI Testing and Education Includes icons representing mental health, heart health, and mindfulness, along with Kalamazoo Valley Community College and Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services Department branding.
libraries

Study in the Library!
Did you know that the Kalamazoo Valley Libraries are the perfect place to study?

A student sits alone at a small round table beside large windows, looking outside. The person, a young adult with short curly hair wearing a T-shirt and shorts, leans forward with arms resting on the table. A smartphone lies on the tabletop. The space appears to be an indoor lounge or study area with patterned chairs, brick accents, and large potted plants. Sunlight filters through dense green trees visible outside the windows, creating a calm, reflective atmosphere.                   A person wearing a blue cougar mascot costume stands in a library aisle between two bookshelves filled with books. The mascot has a bright blue face with a white muzzle, black eyebrows, and visible teeth, and is wearing a black T-shirt with a circular “KV” logo for Kalamazoo Valley Community College. The mascot faces the camera and gives two thumbs up. The setting appears to be a quiet indoor library with evenly spaced shelves and warm lighting. 
Texas Township Library, TTC 3120                         Arcadia Commons Library, AWH 321

Visit the Libraries for: 
Peaceful Atmosphere
Excellent Views
Individual and Group Study Furniture
Computers and Printers
Help from Librarians
Access to Books and Electronic Databases
Study Rooms (TTC)

Ask a Librarian
Did you know that librarians can help with research and citation? Evaluating information? Or finding a book on a topic of interest? Ask a Librarian!
cougar cafe
Food Service on the Texas Township Campus
Looking for a quick snack or something for lunch while on the Texas Township Campus? The Cougar Cafe offers a wide variety of grab-and-go items, including sandwiches, salads and soup. Subway is also located inside the Cougar Cafe. The Cougar Cafe on the Texas Township Campus is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., serving breakfast items from 7:30 - 10 a.m. 

This week's menu includes:

Monday | Feb. 9 | Vegetable soup; grill station selections
Tuesday | Feb. 10 | Vegetable soup; grill station selections
Wednesday | Feb. 11 | Vegetable soup; goulash, buttered bread, corn
Thursday | Feb. 12 | Vegetable soup; taco casserole 
 
Food Service Downtown
Graphic for “418 Four One Eight” dining service at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Schedule: Wednesdays and Thursdays, January 22 through February 19. Time: 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., with last seating at 12:15 p.m. Reservations: Call 269-548-3239 to reserve a table. Includes “418 Four One Eight” branding and Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo on a dark blue background.Graphic for Havirmill Café at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Havirmill Café will be open Monday through Thursday from January 20 through February 19, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch service only; no reservations needed. Contact: Facebook @KVculinaryeats or call 269-548-3200. Decorative illustrations of vegetables (peppers and onions) appear around the title, with Kalamazoo Valley Community College branding.
 
get involved on campus
Graphic for the “Black Artists Exhibit,” the seventh annual Center for New Media event at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Date and time: March 6, 2026, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. Location: Center for New Media, 100 East Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007. Description: Presented in collaboration with the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts and the Metropolitan Kalamazoo branch of the NAACP, this exhibit highlights the work of local Black artists and celebrates Black cultural heritage in the Kalamazoo area during Black History Month. Call for entries: Artists can submit work by scanning the QR code or contacting Alisha Richardson at arichardson0412@kvcc.edu . Additional guidelines are available at kvcc.edu/artexhibits. Visual elements include a colorful abstract painted background. Kalamazoo Valley Community College branding is included.
Graphic promoting the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Awards at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Left side: A man in a suit and glasses presents an award plaque to a smiling older woman. The plaque reads “Kalamazoo Valley Community College Distinguished Alumni Award 2024” and includes the name Rose Mary Wood. A quote beside her reads: “The instructors were very well-versed in their subject material and seemed to really care about their students’ success.” Right side text: “2026 Distinguished Alumni Awards. Know a Kalamazoo Valley Community College alum who has shown career distinction or community impact? Submit a nomination today.” Nomination deadline: February 13, 2026. Submit via QR code or visit: https://bit.ly/KVAlumAward2026 Contact: Sonya Hollins, alumni relations manager, shollins@kvcc.edu Includes Kalamazoo Valley Alumni branding.
Graphic for “I Am – I Will Be Poetry Workshop” at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Event details: February 12, TTC Room 3330, 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. Description: This workshop uses poetry to help participants explore identity, recognize strengths, and reflect on experiences that have shaped them. Attendees will leave with greater clarity about their goals and a deeper understanding of how their personal story can guide their future. Topic highlights include: Self-awareness: identifying personal strengths and challenges Social awareness: perspective-taking and understanding how others perceive you Understanding systems of power that shape experiences and how to use that knowledge Identifying personal goals and future aspirations Contact: Hananiah Hardin, 269-488-4796, hhardin0391@kvcc.edu Includes decorative images of colored pencils and Kalamazoo Valley Community College branding.
Graphic titled “Visiting Writers Book Talk” at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Event series held in the TTC Library featuring visiting authors. Open to students, faculty, and staff for informal discussions. Schedule: February 13 at 10 a.m.: “Read Local” featuring poet Elizabeth Kerlikowske and artist Mary Hatch discussing “Falling Women.” March 13 at 10 a.m.: Lyanda Lynn Haupt discussing “Rooted.” April 10 at 10 a.m.: Ross Gay discussing “The Book of (More) Delights.” Visual elements include book cover images and Kalamazoo Valley Community College branding.
Graphic for the “Visiting Writers Series” at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Event: Mary Hatch and Elizabeth Kerlikowske Date and time: February 17 at 10 a.m. Location: Student Commons Lounge Description: A presentation featuring poet Elizabeth Kerlikowske and artist Mary Hatch. Kerlikowske is the author of “The Vaudeville Horse” and “Dominant Hand,” and co-author of “Art Speaks: Paintings and Poetry.” Her work has appeared in multiple journals and anthologies, and she is a former president of the Poetry Society of Michigan and Kalamazoo Friends of Poetry. Mary Hatch is a Kalamazoo-based artist and printmaker with degrees from Western Michigan University. She co-authored “Art Speaks: Paintings and Poetry” and has exhibited in more than 30 solo shows, with work included in over 300 public and private collections in the United States and Canada. Includes photos of both presenters and Kalamazoo Valley Community College branding.Graphic promoting a Library Scavenger Hunt at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Text reads: “Library Scavenger Hunt. Stop searching. Start finding. Join our Library Scavenger Hunt to master the tools that make college easier. Navigate the aisles, crack the database codes, and walk away with the ‘survival skills’ you need to ace your courses.” Event details: February 10, 3–4 p.m., free. Location: Texas Township Campus Library. Visual shows an illustrated garden scene with a wooden gate beneath a floral arch, surrounded by greenery and flowers. Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo appears at the bottom.
Graphic promoting the Kalamazoo Valley Community College Gaming Club. Text reads: “Gaming Club. You’re invited to play a variety of games, from tabletop role-playing games and board games to video games, and everything in between. Club will meet on Thursdays, 4–9 p.m., TTC Room 4510. Everyone welcome.” Additional contact information: Email club advisors Mary Cox (mcox@kvcc.edu ) and Beth Brandon (ebrandom@kvcc.edu ) with questions. Visual design features a retro, pixel-art video game style with hearts and a score display at the top, and a landscape scene with trees and a treasure chest at the bottom. Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo appears in the lower corner.

Graphic promoting an “Everyday Knife Skills” class at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Text reads: “Everyday Knife Skills. February 15, 5:30–7 p.m. Cost: $20. Location: Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary and Allied Health, Room 107. Instructor: Chef William Barrett.” Description: The class teaches safe and effective use of kitchen knives and tools to prepare healthy meals at home. Participants will learn cutting techniques, practice with a variety of ingredients, and take part in tastings. Open to all skill levels, ages 12 and older. Contact information: For more information, call 269-353-1253 or email grovescenter@kvcc.edu . A QR code is included for registration. Visual shows a close-up of hands using a chef’s knife to slice a red bell pepper on a cutting board. Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo appears at the bottom.
Graphic promoting a cooking class titled “Lentils Three Ways” at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Event details: February 19, 5:30–7 p.m. Cost: $30. Location: Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary and Allied Health, Room 107. Description: A culinary demonstration featuring lentils and their health benefits. Kalamazoo Valley chefs will show how to prepare three hearty, healthy lentil recipes, with opportunities for tasting. The event highlights ways to incorporate lentils into everyday meals. Contact information: For more information, call 269-253-1252 or email grovescenter@kvcc.edu . A QR code is included for registration. Visual shows three bowls of different types of lentils—red, green, and yellow—on a dark surface. Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo appears at the bottom.
Graphic promoting an “Intro to Papermaking” class at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Event details: February 13, 5:30–7 p.m. Location: Food Innovation Center, Room 113. Cost: $30. Description: An introductory course covering basic hand papermaking techniques, including pulp preparation, sheet forming, couching, pressing, and drying. The class also includes a brief history of papermaking, and participants will create their own mould and deckle. Contact information: Contact Charmelle Abdullah at cabdullah@kvcc.edu or 269-353-1268. A QR code is provided for registration. Visual shows hands lifting a papermaking frame with wet pulp from a water-filled tray. Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo appears at the bottom.
 

the official kalamazoo valley community college cougar bookstore
Wide image showing the exterior of the Kalamazoo Valley Community College bookstore. The storefront features brick walls and large windows with blue KV branding and photos of students. Above the entrance, a sign reads “bookstore.kvcc.edu.” Posted hours indicate the bookstore is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, with extended hours until 7:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. A glass door with KV branding serves as the entrance, and a sidewalk sign stands nearby. The interior of the store and clothing displays are visible through the windows.

Graphic promoting “Ready Day One” e-book access at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Text reads: “Welcome to Ready Day One. E-Book. Save money on textbooks!” Visual shows a stylized icon of a digital book with a “KV” logo and a label reading “E-Book” across the cover, set on a blue background.
Electronic Textbooks and Courseware Available for Classes 
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 tuition bill (it will be itemized there as 'Inclusive Access'), you must act within two weeks from the first day of class. Students have three options for doing so: Complete the transaction via your Canvas account, email the Bookstore at bookstore.kvcc.edu or call the Bookstore at 269.488.4030.

Bookstore Now Accepting Winter Financial Aid for School Supplies 
Students can use winter financial aid to make purchases at the Texas Township Bookstore. Both in-store and online purchases are eligible. The Bookstore is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. However, online orders can be placed anytime at bookstore.kvcc.edu. Online orders can be mailed to one's home or other address, or held for pickup at the Texas Township Campus Bookstore or at the Anna Whitten Hall Library at the Arcadia Commons Campus in downtown Kalamazoo. Shipping is $5.

NEW! Bookstore Sells Cold Drinks and Snacks
Need something to eat or drink after the cafeteria closes? The Texas Township Bookstore now carries refrigerated items, including yogurt, overnight oats, Gatorade and soda. 

athletics

Are You Ready for Some Basketball? 
Kalamazoo Valley Community College's men's basketball season is now underway! Cheer the players on at their home game on Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 7:30 p.m. (vs. Kellogg Community College). Remember, home games are FREE! Invite your friends and family. Below are the remaining home games for the season. Click here for the full schedule that includes both home and away games. 

Team photo for the 2025–2026 Kalamazoo Valley Community College men’s basketball team. The image shows a group of student-athletes wearing black “Cougars” basketball uniforms, arranged in two rows, with individual player names displayed above and below their portraits. Coaches and staff stand in a row at the bottom of the image, also labeled with names and roles. Visible player names include: Matt Anders, Lebron Campbell, Gerald Crawford, Louis Digrandi, Montgomery Holland, Josiah King, Byron Linley, Tyler Stokes, Jaremiah Palmer-Kirtdoll, Lucas Porter, Brody Schimpa, Jamier Palmer-Kirtdoll, Rico Smith-Shepard, Tavaz Lawler-Showers, Mathew Swanwick, and Darren Varnesdeel. Coaching staff listed at the bottom: Josh Ryan (assistant coach), Jackson Bushu (assistant coach), Jim Horn (head coach), Larry Patrick (assistant coach), Kobe Clark (assistant coach), and Jessica Morin (athletic trainer). Background features a stylized basketball court floor and a dark backdrop with the Kalamazoo Valley Cougars logo.
  • Saturday, Feb. 14 at 3 p.m. (vs. Southwestern College)
  • Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 7:30 p.m. (vs. Marian University's Ancilla College)
  • Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 7:30 p.m. (vs. Glen Oaks Community College)
 Graphic with heading “What’s Happening at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum.” Includes the Kalamazoo Valley Museum logo and KV branding. Text reads: “The Kalamazoo Valley Museum is operated by Kalamazoo Valley Community College and is governed by its board of trustees.” Decorative images show people and museum-related visuals.

Black-and-white historical photograph of a man standing in an open field holding the reins of a saddled horse. The man wears a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeve shirt, and chaps, and faces the camera while standing beside the horse. The horse is fully tacked with a saddle and bridle and stands in profile. In the background, a second distant figure and horse are faintly visible across the grassy landscape.
Major 'Black Cowboys' Exhibit Opens at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum
Did you know that one of four cowboys who went on the Western trail was Black? Learn more fascinating facts about the Wild West from the Kalamazoo Valley Museum's newest traveling exhibit, 'Black Cowboys: An American Story,' which opened Jan. 31. The free exhibit will be on view through July 26. Read more here.

Poster for “Shape Shifting: The Touring Exhibition.” Subtitle reads: “The guitar as modern artifact.” The design features a stylized blue guitar centered on a bold, color-blocked background of red, yellow, and orange vertical panels. A small logo appears in the lower left corner.
New 'SHAPE SHIFTING' Exhibit Explores Instruments
Explore 40 instruments that embody the art of the guitar, displaying it as both an instrument and as a physical canvas for artists and builders, in the "SHAPE SHIFTING: The GUITAR As Modern ARTifact" traveling exhibit. The museum hosts the exhibit Jan. 31 through April 26.