kalamazoo valley community college

InFocus: 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.

Jan. 9, 2026

Greetings, students! 

Happy New Year! We are looking forward to starting winter semester classes with you.

Kalamazoo Valley Community College is a great place for you. We are so glad you found us. Whether you are continuing with us to work toward a degree completion, plan to transfer to a four-year college, are joining us for the first time or returning after many semesters away from college, we welcome you! As you begin this winter semester, I offer you this simple advice:

  • Attend and participate in your classes
  • Complete and submit required assignments on time
  • Stay in close communication with your instructors
  • Seek assistance if you need it; staff members are available in the tutoring center, libraries and in Student Development Services

This new year will provide the chance for a fresh start or the opportunity to follow through on what you have already begun. We're here to support you as you work toward your goals! Thank you for choosing Kalamazoo Valley.
 
Sincerely,

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

Admissions, Registration, and records

Important Upcoming Dates
College Closed Jan. 19 in Observance of MLK Jr. Day
All Kalamazoo Valley Community College buildings will be closed Monday, Jan. 19 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Classes resume and campuses reopen Tuesday, Jan. 20. Many services are available online at www.kvcc.edu.

Bus Passes Available for Winter Semester
Students with available financial aid can submit a Financial Aid Bus Pass Authorization form in My Valley (Etrieve Forms). You;ll receive an email with pickup instructions once it;s approved. If you are purchasing with cash or a credit card, purchase your pass at the Kalamazoo Transportation Center, 459 N. Burdick St. Winter passes are available through Jan. 31 and expire April 30, 2026. The cost is $240 per semester. You must bring your valley ID to purchase a pass. For more information regarding bus passes, call Kalamazoo Metro at 269.337.8222. If you have questions regarding your financial aid availability, contact Student Financial Services at 269.488.4340 or email finaid@kvcc.edu.

Higher learning commission


Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Student Survey
The Higher Learning Commission is Kalamazoo Valley;s accrediting association that evaluates our college on all levels. On behalf of the HLC, the college emails the student experience survey to a specific group of current students. If you receive an email with a link to complete this survey, the questions will ask you about your experiences at Kalamazoo Valley. Your response will be part of a summary of student feedback reviewed by the representatives from the HLC. Your participation is completely voluntary. Unless you include identifying information about yourself in your comments, the HLC and the college will not have access to your identity. 

Please assist Kalamazoo Valley and the HLC representatives by completing this brief survey. Thank you in advance for taking 5 minutes to share your experiences at Valley. The email subject will reference the topic of the HLC student experience survey. You will be able to complete the questionnaire from Monday, Jan. 12 through Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026.
Student development services
Promotional graphic titled ‘The Big Chill’ in large icy-style lettering on a blue snowflake background. Event details: January 13, Anna Whitten Hall, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Main Lobby. January 14, Texas Township Campus, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Cafeteria and Student Commons. Text reads: ‘It’s time for Kalamazoo Valley’s Big Chill to celebrate the start of the Winter 2026 Semester! Enjoy music, food and fun, plus get all the information you need to make the semester great. Come learn about the resources, student activities and support available to all Kalamazoo Valley students.’ Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo appears at the bottom.
Graphic titled ‘EmployU.’ Text reads: ‘EmployU workshops are designed to give you knowledge and skills to propel you in your career and employment journey as a student. Topics include job searching, resumes, portfolios, employer spotlights, interviewing and more. These informal Zoom discussions are open to all students with plenty of opportunities to ask questions.’ Workshop dates and times: February 11, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.; March 10, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.; April 16, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Text at bottom reads: ‘Email careercenter@kvcc.edu to pre-register and get the link to join the event.’ Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo appears at the bottom right.
Graphic titled ‘Discover Strengths.’ Text reads: ‘Curious about your top strengths? Want to learn how to use your strengths to improve your academic performance, social interaction, and future career prospects? CliftonStrengths has been around for over 50 years. Over 1,000 colleges and universities use this assessment, and 700,000 students learn about their strengths annually. Come learn more about how CliftonStrengths can empower you. All students are welcome to attend this 30-minute session. Email: strengths@kvcc.edu or call 488.4040 for Zoom link.’ Session dates and locations: Tuesday, December 2, 6 p.m., Zoom. Wednesday, January 21, 1 p.m., TTC Room 4370. Tuesday, February 17, 6 p.m., Zoom. Thursday, March 12, noon, Anna Whitten Hall Room 128. Tuesday, April 7, 10 a.m., Zoom. Logos displayed: ‘Lead with your Strengths’ and Kalamazoo Valley Community College.
Kalamazoo Valley Accelerated Associate Program (KVAAP)
Student Spotlight: Jasmine Nash
A young woman with long, light-brown braided hair smiles while seated outdoors at a decorated event. She is wearing a black-and-white patterned dress, hoop earrings, and a gold necklace. Sunlight highlights her face. Behind her are green trees and a table decorated with red, gold, and white accents. Hanging photos and small signs are visible in the background, suggesting a celebration or special gathering taking place outside on a sunny day.

Hear from current student Jasmine Nash on her journey at Kalamazoo Valley and why KVAAP is helpful to her
"While attending Kalamazoo Valley, I;m proud of the progress I;ve made both academically and personally. Life has thrown challenges my way, but I;ve continued to stay focused and keep my grades up through hard work and determination. One of the biggest reasons I;ve been able to succeed is because of the supportive community at Valley ; from classmates to faculty ; who encourage me to keep going. I;m especially thankful for the KVVAP program, which helps me stay on track and focus on my goals. It;s such a blessing to have my tuition and books covered ; that kind of support really takes the pressure off! Plus, I can;t lie, getting that $75 every two weeks is a nice little bonus. It keeps me motivated ; and my snack drawer fully stocked! I;m also proud of how I;ve learned to manage my time and stick to my schedule, balancing school and life in a way that keeps me moving toward my goals." 

Upcoming KVAAP Info Sessions
You can attend these information sessions via a Zoom meeting link that will be sent to you upon signing up. These sessions will explain how KVAAP can assist students with achieving their educational goals. Interested students can register here.
  • Tuesday Jan. 13 | 5:30 - 6 p.m.
  • Thursday Jan. 22 | 3 - 3:30 p.m.
Student life and engagement
Promotional graphic for the 2026 Kalamazoo Valley Community College Annual MLK – Beyond the Dream Celebration, themed ‘Protecting Freedom, Justice and Democracy.’ Text reads: ‘Join Kalamazoo Valley Community College for a free discussion luncheon honoring seven community members in the areas of freedom, justice and democracy. Lunch is included. RSVPs are required by January 21 by scanning the QR code or signing up at https://bit.ly/ValleyMLKDay26.’ Event details: Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Room 4240, Texas Township Campus. Honorees pictured with headshots and names: Doreen Gardner, Ken Greschak, Sean Harris, Ebony Hemphill, Dontray Hemphill, Stephanie Hoffman, and Cee Maul. A QR code is displayed for registration. Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo appears on the graphic.
Promotional graphic for KV Allies: Building Awareness. Text reads: ‘KV Allies: Building Awareness. Tuesday, January 27, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Anna Whitten Hall, Room 307, Downtown Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Valley Community College.’ Additional text: ‘We’ll provide information on a variety of sexual and gender identities and best practices for greater student and staff support. Registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome.’ RSVP by January 20. Scan the QR code to register. The design features diagonal rainbow-colored stripes in the background and includes the Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo.
Valley Food Share information graphic from Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Text reads: ‘Valley Food Share is an initiative designed to meet the immediate food needs of Kalamazoo Valley students. Distribution is currently a drive-thru service alternating between the Food Innovation Center and the Texas Township Campus every Thursday from 2–4 p.m. Students will receive an email on Thursdays that includes a link to sign up for a share as well as instructions for pick up.’ Distribution 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 Graphic includes the Valley Food Share logo and Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo.
Libraries

Laptops, Hot Spots, Calculators from the Libraries
Borrow a laptop computer, Wi-Fi hot spot and/or a graphing calculator. These items are available on a first come, first served basis; bring your Valley ID for checkout. Borrowing begins on the first day of classes. All laptops have webcams and microphones, and access to Canvas, Zoom, Microsoft Office and Respondus Lockdown Browser. 

Reserve Textbooks
The Libraries offer access to many textbooks used at Kalamazoo Valley. Check our Course Reserve Guide to see if books are available for your classes. Most reserve items may be checked out for up to three hours. 

Print and Electronic Resources
Come browse our book collection, in person or online. We have titles to support both academic learning and personal interests. We also subscribe to several electronic book and journal databases for student research needs.

Hours and Contact Information
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 | Jan. 12 | Tomato soup; grill station selections
Tuesday | Jan. 13 | Tomato soup; grill station selections
Wednesday | Jan. 14 | Tomato soup; tacos, rice and refried beans
Thursday | Jan. 15 | Tomato soup; tacos, rice and refried beans
Food Service Downtown
Graphic promoting 418 Restaurant at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Text reads: ‘Wednesday and Thursday, Jan. 22 – Feb. 19. 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. (last seating at 12:15 p.m.). Please call 269-548-3239 for reservations.’ Large stylized text reads ‘418 Four One Eight.’ Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo appears at the bottom.Graphic announcing hours for Havirmill Cafe at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Text reads: ‘Havirmill Cafe will be open Monday through Thursday, Jan. 20 – Feb. 19, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Lunch service only – no reservations needed.’ Facebook handle: KVculinaryeats. Phone number: 269-548-3200. Decorative illustrations of red and yellow bell peppers and a red onion appear around the title. Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo is shown.
 
get involved on campus
Graphic announcing a Learning Center and Library Open House at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Text reads: ‘Wednesday, Jan. 28, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Rooms 2220, 3210 and 8420. Learn about all the resources the Learning Center and Library have to offer. Free food!’ Design features a light blue background with decorative snowflakes. Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo appears in the lower right corner.
Graphic promoting a ‘Visiting Writers Book Talk’ series at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Event dates and speakers: • 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.’ Text also reads: ‘Join us in the TTC library for an informal discussion of books by our visiting writers. Open to students, faculty and staff.’ Images of featured book covers appear across the top. Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo is displayed at the bottom right.Promotional graphic for the LGBTQ+ Diversity Club at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. The design features rainbow pride flag colors and a black-and-white illustration of a hand holding a megaphone. Text reads: ‘LGBTQ+ diversity club.’ Meeting time: Every Thursday, 2 to 3 p.m. Location: Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Texas Township Campus, Room 4550. Contact information: Club Advisor Misti Mahon, mmahon@kvcc.edu . Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo appears at the bottom.Promotional graphic for the Gaming Club at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. The design features retro, pixel-art video game graphics with the title ‘Gaming Club,’ three heart icons, and a score display. Text reads: ‘You’re invited to play a variety of games, from TTRPGs and board games to video games, and everything in between!’ Meeting information: Club meets Thursdays from 4 to 9 p.m. in TTC Room 4510. Everyone is welcome. Contact information: Email club advisors Mary Cox at mcox@kvcc.edu and Beth Brandon at ebrandon@kvcc.edu with questions. Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo appears at the bottom.

Promotional graphic for the Visiting Writers Series at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Event details: Mary Hatch and Elizabeth Kerlikowske. February 17 at 10 a.m. Location: Student Commons Lounge. Elizabeth Kerlikowske is the author of ‘The Vaudeville Horse’ (Etchings Press, 2022) and ‘Dominant Hand’ (Mayapple Press). She co-authored ‘Art Speaks: Paintings and Poetry’ (Kazoo Books, 2018) with artist Mary Hatch. Her poetry and fiction have appeared in journals and anthologies including ‘Cincinnati Review,’ ‘Passager,’ and ‘Poèmeleon.’ She is a former president of both the Poetry Society of Michigan and the Kalamazoo Friends of Poetry. She is retired from teaching at Kellogg Community College and continues to write and collaborate in the Kalamazoo arts community. Mary Hatch is a Kalamazoo-based artist and printmaker. She earned Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degrees from Western Michigan University. She co-authored ‘Art Speaks: Paintings and Poetry’ (Kazoo Books, 2018) with poet Elizabeth Kerlikowske. Her work has been featured in more than 30 solo exhibits and is included in over 300 public and private collections across the United States and Canada. The Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo appears at the bottom.
Community Haiku Project poster. Decorative autumn design with red and orange leaves on branches along the left side against a light tan background. Headline: “Community Haiku Project.” Text reads: “Let’s write Haiku to celebrate the smallest moments in our lives: micro-moments. In a micro-moment: a yellow leaf falls from a tree and scuffs the sidewalk by our feet; the rising sun lights up a spiderweb in the tall, wet grass; the taste of apple cider reminds us of a loved one. In a micro-moment, we become connected to the world around us and our five senses: sight, taste, touch, smell, sound. We notice how small things create their own sense of emotion, or move us in some way, or surprise us. A micro-moment lasts for the time it takes for us to breathe in—and out.” Bulleted text: “Open to Kalamazoo Valley students, staff and faculty.” “Submissions will be collected until Jan. 15.” A QR code appears with the caption: “Scan the QR code for more info.” Bottom right includes the Kalamazoo Valley Creates logo.

The official Kalamazoo Valley Community College Cougar Bookstore
Wide panoramic photo of the Kalamazoo Valley Community College bookstore entrance inside a campus building. The storefront features brick walls and large glass windows with blue “KV” graphics across the lower panels. At the top left, a black sign reads “bookstore.kvcc.edu.” Above the entrance doors, a blue sign lists store hours: “Open 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday” and “Summer Hours 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Thursday.” The windows display large posters of diverse students wearing Kalamazoo Valley apparel. A blue door with a circular “KV” logo is centered in the storefront. In front of the entrance, a white A-frame sign with a blue graphic is positioned on the tiled floor. The surrounding interior includes brick columns, glass panels, and campus hallway flooring.

Promotional graphic with a teal background. Large white headline at the top reads, “Welcome to Ready Day One.” Centered below is a stylized illustration of a gray book with a yellow label that says “E-BOOK” in bold black letters. A small blue circle with “KV” appears on the book cover. At the bottom, black text reads, “Save money on textbooks!”
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
Monday, Jan. 5 was the first day that students could start using 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.

Bookstore Selling Uniforms for Fall Semester Classes  
Students can purchase the exact uniforms their program requires at the Texas Township Campus Bookstore! The Bookstore works with faculty and vendors to get the best value, and you can use your financial Aid! Shop in person, or order online at bookstore.kvcc.edu. We also have class kits and relevant supplies such as stethoscopes, penlights, study aids and more.

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
Team poster for the 2025–26 Kalamazoo Valley Community College men’s basketball team. A teal banner across the top reads, “2025–26 Kalamazoo Valley Community College Men’s Basketball,” with a cougar logo at left. Sixteen players are shown in two rows wearing black “Cougars” jerseys with teal and white lettering and numbers, standing on a wood basketball court background. Top row, left to right: Matt Anders, Lebron Campbell, Gerald Crawford, Louis Digrandi, Montgomery Holland, Josiah King, Byron Linley, Tyler Stokes. Bottom row, left to right: Jeremiah Palmer-Kirtdoll (number 4), Lucas Porter (32), Brody Schimpa (11), Jamier Palmer-Kirtdoll (1), Rico Smith-Shepard (20), Tavaz Lawler-Showers (3), Mathew Swanwick (44), Darren Varnesdeel (10). All players face forward in posed portraits.
Are You Ready for Some Basketball? 
Kalamazoo Valley Community College;s men;s basketball season is now underway! Cheer the players on at their first official home conference game on Saturday, Jan. 10 at 3 p.m. (vs. Lake Michigan College) in the main gym at the Texas Township Campus! There are two more home games in January. See the dates below. Remember, home games are FREE! Invite your friends and family. Click here for the full schedule that includes both home and away games. 

JANUARY HOME GAMES
  • Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 7:30 p.m. (vs. Lansing Community College)
  • Wednesday, Jan. 28 at 7:30 p.m. (vs. Grand Rapids Community College)
 Banner graphic with large teal text reading, “WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE Kalamazoo Valley Museum.” The word “Museum” appears in large black letters with “Kalamazoo Valley” above it, and a circular blue “KV” logo to the right. To the left of the text are three small photos: a smiling older woman and a young man together, the exterior of a modern building, and a child’s face illuminated by red light while looking upward. Below, smaller black text reads: “The Kalamazoo Valley Museum is operated by Kalamazoo Valley Community College and is governed by its board of trustees.”

Exterior daytime photo of the Kalamazoo Valley Museum building in downtown Kalamazoo. The multi-story structure is made of red brick with large glass windows and a modern overhanging roof feature. A sign above the entrance reads “Kalamazoo Valley Museum.” Green metal railings line a pedestrian walkway and a recessed water feature or canal in the foreground. Adjacent brick buildings, a paved sidewalk with benches, and a skywalk bridge are visible in the background under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
Did You Know Admission is Free to the Kalamazoo Valley Museum?
Visit kalamazoomuseum.org anytime for the Kalamazoo Valley Museum;s latest exhibits, musical performances, lectures, films, hands-on activities and outdoor programs. The museum is operated by Kalamazoo Valley Community College at 230 N. Rose St. in downtown Kalamazoo. It is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.  (closed on Mondays). Planetarium shows are offered Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for $3. Click here for the show schedule.