Kalamazoo Valley community college

InFocus: news for the kalamazoo valley community college students

MISSION STATEMENT
Kalamazoo Valley Community College creates innovative and equitable
opportunities that empower all to learn, grow and thrive.

Jan. 23, 2025

Greetings Students!

In 1947, during his final year at Morehouse College, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote in the college newspaper, "Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education." I urge you to think about ways that you can help us create a community of honesty, strong morals and a commitment to justice at Kalamazoo Valley. As you encounter new ideas in your classes, remember that part of your learning is considering how you can use that new knowledge to make this world better.

It takes commitment and character to persevere in your education - especially when the assignments continue to put demands on your schedule. I promise that it will be worth it! You are working toward a true education, where you are growing both your intellect and your character. At the end of this winter semester, a glorious spring is waiting!


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


Kalamazoo Valley Shuttle Service informational poster. On the left, a white shuttle van is illustrated against a blue background. On the right, white text reads:
“Need a ride between campuses? Catch the FREE Kalamazoo Valley Shuttle! Shuttle runs from 6:50 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. and travels to the Arcadia Commons Campus (ACC), the Bronson Healthy Living Campus (BHLC), and the Texas Township Campus (TTC).”

Pick-Up/Drop-Off Locations:

ACC – Southeast corner of Rose Street and Water Street (due to construction, shuttle won’t arrive until the advertised departure time)

BHLC – Walnut Street parking lot, in front of the Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary and Allied Health Building

TTC – Flagpole entrance

Bottom-left features a QR code labeled “View the schedule here.” Bottom-right corner includes the Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo.
admissions registration and records

Important Upcoming Dates

  • Second 12-week classes start Jan. 28. Last day to drop/add is Feb. 3.
You may drop or withdraw from classes using the self-service registration feature in MyValley. Watch our how to video to learn how this is accomplished. You may also drop classes in person in the Admissions, Registration and Records office (Room 9140, TTC) or at the Student Service Center in Anna Whitten Hall on the Arcadia Commons Campus. Discontinuing class attendance and/or notifying the instructor is not an official drop. You must complete the paperwork or use the self-service feature. If you fail to officially drop a course, registration is continued until the end of class and the grade earned is recorded on your transcript. Discontinuing course attendance is a very important decision. We invite you to discuss this decision with your instructor, Student Development Services, Student Financial Services, the Learning Center and other resources available to you.

finance and business
2024 1098-T Forms Available

2024 Form 1098-T may be viewed online by logging into your MyValley account at kvcc.edu and then choosing �My 1098-T� under the My Links section. Enter 2024 for the tax year and press enter to view your form. Printed copies of Form 1098-T will be mailed no later than January 31, 2023 to your address on file with Kalamazoo Valley Community College.

If you did not have any activity with Kalamazoo Valley in 2024 or your scholarships and grants were more than your payments, you may not have a 1098-T for 2024. Please see the 1098-T FAQ documentation on the Kalamazoo Valley website for more information regarding Form 1098-T.

Questions regarding the amounts being reported on your 1098-T may be directed to the Student Financial Services office at finaid@kvcc.edu or by calling 269.488.4340. If there is an error in your student information, please contact the Admissions, Registration and Records office at arr@kvcc.edu or 269.488.4281.


Computer Lab Hours for Kalamazoo Valley Community College.

Texas Township Campus
Location: Student Commons
Help Desk: 269-488-4250
Fall & Winter Semester Hours:

Monday–Thursday: 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Sunday: Closed

Arcadia Commons Campus
Location: Center for New Media, Room 275
Help Desk: 269-373-7925
Fall & Winter Semester Hours:

Monday–Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Sunday: Closed

Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo appears in the lower right corner.
kalamazoo valley community college foundation
Apply Now for Scholarships

Attention students! Kalamazoo Valley scholarship season is here, and the doors to financial support are wide open! If you are new to the college this winter semester, don�t miss out on your chance to apply for scholarships that can help fund your education. Whether you�re pursuing the technical trades, a health career, liberal arts or anything in between, there�s an opportunity waiting for you. Fill out one online scholarship application to apply for all of the available opportunities. Visit kvcc.edu/admissions/finaid/scholarships.

Students who completed an application in the fall do not need to reapply to be considered for winter semester scholarships.

libraries
News from the Libraries
TTC Library Open House: January 29
Visit the Library and Learning Center Open House on Wednesday, January 29, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Explore our spaces, meet our staff, enjoy some snacks and play Library Bingo!
 
Study in the Library!
Did you know that the Kalamazoo Valley Libraries are the perfect place to study?

 
 A cutout of Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s blue cougar mascot wearing a KV t-shirt, standing on a library table. In the background, large floor-to-ceiling windows reveal a snowy landscape and rows of chairs and tables inside a quiet study area.                      A blue cougar mascot cutout from Kalamazoo Valley Community College stands on a wooden shelf in the campus library. A trailing pothos plant and a glass teapot add greenery to the scene. In the background, students are seated at tables and bookcases are filled with books.
 Texas Township Library, TTC 3120/8420              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!

 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.
Financial Aid Can Be Used for Book Purchases
If you are new to Kalamazoo Valley Community College, you may not know that your winter financial aid can be used to buy books and school supplies at the Bookstore on the Texas Township Campus, starting right now. Either purchase your items in person or online at
bookstore.kvcc.edu � your choice! Online orders may be picked up at TTC or the Anna Whitten Hall Library at the Arcadia Commons Campus in downtown Kalamazoo, or mailed to any address you want. Shipping is $5.

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 Bookstore at bookstore.kvcc.edu or call the Bookstore at 269.488.4030.

Bookstore Selling Uniforms for Winter Semester Classes
Attention brewing, barbering and cosmetology students! The Bookstore is your place for uniforms. The Bookstore works with your faculty and vendors to get you the best value, and you can use your financial aid. Stop on by the Texas Township Campus Bookstore, or order online at bookstore.kvcc.edu. We also have class kits and relevant supplies such as stethoscopes, penlights, train cases, study aids and more. The Bookstore so much more than books.


learning center
Connect with Resources at the Learning Center and Library Open House

Kalamazoo Valley's Learning Center and Libraries are hosting an open house for winter semester students on Jan. 29. Join them anytime from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. at the Texas Township Campus in Room 2220 or in Rooms 3210 and 8420. Participants can also join virtually via Zoom links located in MyValley. All open house visitors will be eligible for drawings and giveaways. Snacks will be provided for those who visit in person. Come learn about all the useful resources the Learning Center and the Libraries have to offer. For more information, email learningcenter@kvcc.edu or call 269.488.4397.
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.
 
Upcoming KVAAP Info Sessions
  •        Tuesday | Jan. 28 | 5 p.m.
  •        Wednesday | Jan. 29 | 10 a.m.
We are still accepting applicants for the Winter 2025 semester. Attending a KVAAP Info Session is a required part of the application process. Interested students can register here
get involved on campus kalamazoo valley community college

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.
Digital flyer for a Kalamazoo Valley Community College workshop titled “Time Management Methods (Taylor’s Version).” Event details: January 28, from 3 to 4 p.m., at Texas Township Campus, Room 4230. The flyer humorously clarifies it’s actually “Promise Service’s Version” and invites students to learn helpful time management methods in a fun setting. The design includes colorful friendship bracelet graphics with beads spelling words like “PEACE,” “BEST,” “FRIENDS,” “LOVE,” “SISTERS,” and “HAPPY.” Logos for Kalamazoo Valley and The Kalamazoo Promise are at the bottom.

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.
Digital flyer for a Kalamazoo Valley Community College class titled “Intro to Sensory Evaluation – German Ales and Food Pairing.” Large stylized headline reads, “LIKE BEER?” Class is scheduled for January 27 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. and costs $60. The course will be held at the Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary and Allied Health Building. The flyer features a vintage-style illustration of beer taps pouring into a glass mug with foamy beer, and includes a QR code in the upper right corner labeled “REGISTER HERE.” Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo appears 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 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.

Promotional graphic for the Kalamazoo Valley Community College Math Club. A notecard pinned with a red pushpin displays the college logo and the words “Math Club.” A yellow sticky note in the top left corner reads: “Questions? bkloosterma3302@mail.kvcc.edu.” Event details below read: “You're invited to Math Club's game-filled evening! Friday, Jan. 31 | 3:30 p.m. in the lounge outside Room 2220 (TTC).” The right side of the image features a dynamic design of falling playing cards and purple poker chips, with visible aces of diamonds, hearts, spades, and clubs.

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.
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)
cougar cafe
Menu for Jan. 27 - 30
We have some delicious food options coming up at the Cougar Cafe. Stop by Jan. 27-30 for some more tasty options. All week we will be serving white chicken chili. Monday, start the week off right with our mac n cheese bar. Tuesday, enjoy some lasagna. Wednesday, fill up at our pasta bar. Thursday, enjoy some butter chicken. We look forward to serving you!

havirmill cafe
Student-Run Restaurant Now Open
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. Please follow the Havirmill Cafe Facebook page at www.facebook.com/KVculinaryeats.


wellness and fitness center

Promotional flyer for Kalamazoo Valley Community College's Wellness & Fitness Center. The flyer advertises drop-in fitness classes taking place Mondays and Wednesdays from January 13 to April 30 at 5:15 p.m. in Room 6040. Bold, colorful text reads: "Don't let the cold get you down." The background is black with diagonal yellow stripes. Illustrated fitness equipment includes a water bottle and barbell on the left and blue dumbbells with a red jump rope on the right. The Kalamazoo Valley logo appears in the bottom right corner.


office of diversity and inclusion

Flyer for "Mental Health First Aid" training hosted by Kalamazoo Valley Community College. The training is scheduled for Wednesday, January 29 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Room 207 of the Culinary & Allied Health Building. It is free and open to staff, faculty, and students. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is described as assistance for individuals developing a mental health issue or in crisis. RSVP is required by January 24 at bit.ly/MHFA_Jan2025. For more information, contact Nizora Haitova at nhaitova@kvcc.edu. The event is sponsored by Integrated Services of Kalamazoo. The flyer includes an illustration of a stylized head with a red cross symbol inside it.
Promotional flyer for the 2025 Kalamazoo Valley Community College Annual MLK - Beyond the Dream event, themed “Protecting Freedom, Justice and Democracy.” The event will be a free luncheon with a panel discussion honoring six community members for their work in freedom, justice, and democracy. It takes place on Thursday, January 30, 2025, from noon to 1:30 p.m. in Room 4240 at the Texas Township Campus. Lunch is included. RSVPs are encouraged by January 24 via QR code, but drop-ins are welcome. Honorees featured include Byron R. Foster, Gwendolyn L. Moore, Dave Morgan, Marcy L. Peake, Mark A. Totten, and Jihan Ain Young. The flyer features a blue illustrated portrait of Martin Luther King Jr. on the left and individual photos of the six honorees at the bottom. Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo is at the bottom right.
 


athletics

See the Valley Basketball Teams in Action � for FREE!
It�s officially basketball season! Find the full season schedule at athletics.kvcc.edu. All games are played in the main gym at Kalamazoo Valley Community College's Texas Township Campus. Admission is free. Below are upcoming home games in January and February.
 
WOMEN�S BASKETBALL
  • Saturday | Jan. 25 | 1 p.m. (vs. Marian University�s Ancilla College)
  • Saturday | Feb. 1 | 1 p.m. (vs. Glenn Oaks Community College)
  • Wednesday | Feb. 5 | 5:30 p.m. (vs. Lake Michigan College)
  • Saturday | Feb. 8 | p.m. (vs. Lansing Community College)
  • Saturday | Feb. 22 | p.m. (vs. Grand Rapids Community College)
 MEN�S BASKETBALL
  • Saturday | Jan. 25 | 3 p.m. (vs. Marian University�s Ancilla College)
  • Saturday | Feb. 1 | 3 p.m. (vs. Glenn Oaks Community College)
  • 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 Opens Jan. 25
Special-effects superstar Ray Harryhausen inspired a generation of filmmakers with his films  "The 7th Voyage of Sinbad," "Clash of the Titans," "Jason and the Argonauts" and many others. Now he�s the subject of a traveling exhibit, �Ray Harryhausen: Miniature Models of the Silver Screen,� on display from Jan. 25 through April 25 at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. Admission is 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."
Two Mini-Exhibits Explore Local Black History
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