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.
May 8, 2025

Welcome to summer semester!

The first week of classes is an exciting time. You will be meeting your instructors and classmates at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, and we hope you�ll feel excitement and curiosity about what you will learn with us this semester. Your instructors are prepared to assist you throughout the summer. Plus, the entire team of support specialists, including tutors, advisors and counselors are ready to help. The college is mobilized to help you be successful.
 
Whether you are enrolled for the first time, working diligently to complete your program or are a summertime guest student, we are glad that you are at Kalamazoo Valley. Everyone is welcome here!
 
Thank you for choosing our college for your summer semester studies. I wish you a happy season of growth and learning.

Sincerely,

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

admissions, registration, and records

Important Upcoming Dates

  • First 14, 12 and seven-week classes begin May 12. Last day to drop/add is May 18.
  • Additional summer classes start May 27 and July 1.
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.
advising and counseling
Need Help with Your Schedule?
Advisors and counselors in Student Development Services will be available until 7 p.m. Monday, May 12 and Tuesday, May 13. Simply stop by Room 9300 on the Texas Township Campus or Room 120 at Anna Whitten Hall in downtown Kalamazoo to see someone. You can also call 269.488.4040 to get in a virtual line for a video or phone drop-in with an advisor or counselor.  
parking

Free Parking on all Kalamazoo Valley Campuses
Texas Township Campus: Ample parking is available free of charge at the Texas Township Campus. No parking pass needed. Do not park in reserved parking areas or you will be ticketed.

Arcadia Commons Campus: Kalamazoo Valley provides parking for students who are currently enrolled in at least one course at the Arcadia Commons Campus. Parking is validated in either the front office of Anna Whitten Hall or at the receptionist desk at the Center for New Media. Parking is in Ramp 4 only, located one block north of the campus at the corner of Eleanor and Rose streets in downtown Kalamazoo.

Bronson Healthy Living Campus: Kalamazoo Valley provides parking for students who are currently enrolled in at least one course at the Bronson Healthy Living Campus. Parking is free in the student parking lots located east of the Portage Creek on East Walnut Street and off John Street at the Food Innovation Center. Overflow parking is available at the Epic Center Parking Ramp.

Computer Lab Hours texas township campus student commons help desk 269-488-4250, summer hours: monday thrrough thursday: 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; friday through sunday: closed. arcadia commons campus center for new media room 275 help desk 269-373-7925, summer hours: monday thrrough thursday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; friday through sunday: closed.
Image is a replication of a Kalamazoo Valley student ID badge that lacks a photo and has the name John Doe printed on it. The image is clearly meant to be an extremely generic example of a working ID badge.
Get Your Valley ID Card
Is this summer your first semester at Kalamazoo Valley? As a new student, you are required to get a Valley ID card. A Valley ID card is needed for many student services, including parking validation at our downtown campuses and for using our testing centers. You'll also need a Valley ID card to use the Wellness and Fitness Center at the Texas Township Campus and for door access at our downtown campuses. You can even get some great discounts with your student ID card when used at participating restaurants, art organizations and businesses.

Getting your Valley ID card is easy:
  • Come to the Student Service Desk at the Texas Township Campus (269.488.4100) or at Anna Whitten Hall in downtown Kalamazoo (269.373.7800) to obtain your card by drop-in or by appointment. Make sure to bring a valid photo ID, such as a driver's license, state ID or Kalamazoo County ID.
  • Or, you can upload your photo and required information at our Virtual ID station at the link on your MyValley page (you'll need to log into your MyValley account). We'll mail your ID card directly to your home.
You must be registered for classes in order to obtain your Valley ID Card. Your ID will remain valid for every semester that you are enrolled at Kalamazoo Valley.
A colorful promotional flyer for the "KVAAP Summer Social" hosted by Kalamazoo Valley Community College. The background transitions from yellow to orange. Large text reads “KVAAP SUMMER SOCIAL” with the word "SUMMER" overlaying a cloud and sun illustration. Event details include: "May 29, 2–4 P.M. AWH, Courtyard & Room 128." Additional features listed: "Free Food | Games | On-site Admissions." A QR code is included with the caption "Scan the QR code to register." The Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo is at the bottom right.
libraries
Start Your Semester in the Library
Summer Reading Challenge
Fight the summer slump with the library! While we can�t offer personal pan pizzas, we CAN offer you summer reading logs. Visit any Kalamazoo Valley library and grab a bookmark to track your summer reading, plus check out our book display online or in person at the libraries for recommendations on what to read.

Laptops, Hotspots, Calculators from the Libraries
Borrow a laptop computer, Wi-Fi hotspot and/or a graphing calculator. Technology is 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 the college. 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
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.
Bookstore Now Accepting Summer Financial Aid
May 5 was the first day that students could start using summer financial aid to make purchases at the Texas Township Bookstore. Both in-store and online purchases are eligible. Note that the Bookstore has transitioned to summer hours. It will be open 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Thursday, through July 31. Shop in person or online at bookstore.kvcc.edu. Online orders may be picked up at TTC or the Anna Whitten Hall Library at the Arcadia Commons Campus in downtown Kalamazoo, or shipped for $5.
 

Welcome to ready day one e-book. Save money on textbooks!
Electronic Textbooks and Courseware Available for Classes
STOP! Read this before buying any textbooks this summerr. 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.
Flyer for Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s Tennis Club. Tennis Club meets Mondays from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m., starting April 21 during the summer semester. Location: Outdoor tennis courts at the Texas Township Campus. All skill levels welcome. Some rackets will be available, but participants are encouraged to bring their own racket and water. To join the club’s Canvas course for weather updates or to ask questions, contact club advisor Steve Ott at sott@kvcc.edu. Play is weather permitting. Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo appears at the bottom.


Flyer for Valley Food Share, a Kalamazoo Valley initiative to provide immediate food assistance to students. Food distribution occurs every Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m. as a drive-thru service, alternating weekly between the Food Innovation Center and the Texas Township Campus (Tower Entrance). Students receive an email each Thursday with a link to sign up and instructions for pickup. Distribution Schedule: May 22 – Food Innovation Center May 29 – Texas Township Campus (Tower Entrance) June 5 – Food Innovation Center June 12 – Texas Township Campus (Tower Entrance) June 19 – Food Innovation Center June 26 – Texas Township Campus (Tower Entrance) July 3 – Food Innovation Center July 10 – Texas Township Campus (Tower Entrance) July 17 – Food Innovation Center July 24 – Texas Township Campus (Tower Entrance) July 31 – Food Innovation Center August 7 – Texas Township Campus (Tower Entrance) August 14 – Food Innovation Center Logo: Valley Food Share with a green graphic of fruits and vegetables above the words
Cougar Cafe
Food Service on 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. - 1:30 p.m., serving breakfast items from 7:30 - 10 a.m. 

wellness and fitness center
Work Out for Free on Campus
The Wellness and Fitness Center on the Texas Township Campus is open to all currently enrolled students and offers:

  • 40+ pieces of cardio equipment
  • Complete lineup of selectorized strength equipment
  • Easy-to-follow full-body circuit
  • Spacious yoga room
  • Complimentary towels
  • Lockers upon request
  • Locker room access with showers
  • Pool access
  • Free weight room

Wellness and Fitness Center hours are Monday - Thursday, from 6 a.m. - 6 p.m.

The pool is open:
Now through June 25 | Mondays - Thursdays, 4 - 6 p.m. | Note that the pool will be closed June 26.
July 1 - Aug. 29 | Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4 - 6 p.m. | Note that the pool will be closed July 7 - 17.

Flyer titled “Discovering a Green Summer with Ms. Pat.” Event takes place on Thursday, May 15, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Cost is $55. Location: Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary and Allied Health Building, Room 107. Description: Ms. Pat leads an evening of culinary exploration focused on summer greens, demonstrating how to prepare dishes from garden to kitchen. The menu includes asparagus rainbow salad, Ms. Pat’s baked chicken, French glazed carrots, and lemonade. Registration available at www.kvcc.edu/community. For more information, contact Charmelle Abdullah at cabbdullah@kvcc.edu or call 269-353-1268. Flyer includes a photo of Ms. Pat, illustrations of carrots and asparagus, and a QR code for registration. Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo appears at the bottom.
athletics


Side-by-side portraits of two Kalamazoo Valley student-athletes in baseball uniforms. On the left is Caley Kerwin, a female softball player wearing a black and teal jersey, holding a tan softball glove and smiling at the camera. On the right is JJ Manion, a male baseball player wearing a gray pinstriped jersey and black cap with a Kalamazoo Valley mascot logo, also smiling and holding a tan baseball glove. Their names appear below their photos: “Caley Kerwin” on the left and “JJ Manion” on the right.
Dale B. Lake Award Winners Announced
Sophomores Caley Kerwin, an exceptional dual-sport athlete in softball and women�s basketball, and JJ Manion, an outstanding right-handed baseball player, have been selected this year�s winners of Kalamazoo Valley Community College�s highest honor for student-athletes, the coveted Dale B. Lake Award. Kerwin upheld a 3.6 GPA and Manion had a 3.5 GPA during their college career. Kerwin graduated with two associate degrees this past year, one in education in the fall and the second in liberal arts in April. She was an outfielder on the softball team and a guard on the women�s basketball team. She was voted Defensive Player of the Year by the women�s basketball team. Manion pursued liberal arts and nursing at Valley. He plans to transfer to Grand Valley State University in the fall to study nursing and play baseball. He was a starter for the last two years, and this year was made team captain. He�s earned multiple athletic accolades at the state and regional levels, including Michigan Community College Athletic Association 2025 Pitcher of the Week two times. Read the full story here.
 
Collage of action photos featuring Kalamazoo Valley Community College baseball and softball players in various moments of gameplay. Images include a catcher preparing to receive a pitch, infielders fielding ground balls, a batter swinging at a pitch, a player tagging a runner at home plate, a player sliding into a base, an outfielder catching a fly ball near the fence, and coaches watching from the dugout. The athletes wear Kalamazoo Valley uniforms in teal, black, and white. Fans and teammates are visible behind chain-link fences in the background.
Softball, Baseball Teams Wrap up their Seasons
Congratulations to the softball and baseball teams for their hustle this season, both earning fourth place in the Western Conference of the Michigan Community College Athletic Association. The softball team wrapped up the season with a 7-17 conference record and 11-21 overall record on May 2. The baseball team finished with a 13-12 conference record and a 24-20 overall record on May 3. Read the full story here. To see the teams in action, click here for photos of the softball team and here for photos of the baseball team at their April 11 home games against Marian University's Ancilla College.
 
Player Spotlight
Player Spotlight is an occasional feature highlighting outstanding student-athletes at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. The honorees have been nominated by their coaches. Today we are spotlighting four softball players and two baseball players.
 
SOFTBALL
Portrait of a Kalamazoo Valley Community College softball player smiling and holding a blue and gold bat over her shoulder. She wears a black jersey with teal and gray striped sleeves and the word "Cougars" printed across the front. Her brown hair is styled in loose waves, and she stands in front of a plain white backdrop.
BROOKLYN BOWEN
Position: Pitcher / First Base
Hometown: Portage, Michigan
Major: Early elementary education
Why outstanding: Brooklyn is a freshman who has maintained a GPA of 3.52 throughout the year. She is a very kind and humble leader who has helped lead her team on the mound and with her bat. She is always a team-player, cheering on her teammates and making sure everyone is included. Her confidence and ability to communicate has grown so much over this past year. 
 
Portrait of a Kalamazoo Valley Community College softball player smiling and holding a tan Rawlings glove in front of her chest. She wears a black jersey with teal and gray striped sleeves and the word "Cougars" partially visible on the front. Her blonde hair is styled in loose waves, and she stands against a plain white background.
CALEY KERWIN
Position: Outfield
Hometown: Schoolcraft, Michigan
Major: Health and physical education 
Why outstanding: Caley is one of the hardest workers on the team. The sophomore has upheld a 3.61 GPA at Valley. She plays with the passion, heart and grit that all teams need and makes sure to have fun while she's doing it. She plans on attending a four-year university to continue her education and potentially play softball. 
 
Portrait of a Kalamazoo Valley Community College softball player smiling and holding a tan Rawlings glove against her chest. She wears a black jersey with teal and gray striped sleeves. Her long brown hair is styled in soft curls, and she stands in front of a plain white backdrop.
KARLIE KNISELY
Position: First Base / Catcher
Hometown: Coldwater, Michigan
Major: Psychology
Why outstanding: Karlie is a leader on and off the field. She has an incredible work ethic and inspires her teammates to be the best they can be. The sophomore has maintained a 3.6 GPA during her time at Valley. Her love for the game and willingness to do whatever is best for the team never goes unnoticed. She plans on continuing her education at Western Michigan University and studying speech therapy.

Portrait of a Kalamazoo Valley Community College softball player smiling and holding a blue and white bat resting across her shoulders. She wears a black jersey with teal and gray striped sleeves and the word "Cougars" partially visible on the front. Her long straight blonde hair is worn down, and she stands against a plain white background.
SELAH MILLER
Position: Shortstop / Third Base
Hometown: Kalamazoo, Michigan
Major: Pre-Med
Why Outstanding: Selah is a transfer student who came to Kalamazoo Valley Community College this year. She had a 3.3 GPA throughout the year. She is a compassionate leader and does a great job picking her teammates up when they need it. She is always willing to put her team first with whatever is needed. After Valley, she plans to attend Western Michigan University to continue her education in business sales and business management.

BASEBALL
Portrait of a Kalamazoo Valley Community College baseball player smiling and holding a tan glove marked with the phrase "Shake 'n Bake." He wears a gray pinstriped jersey with teal lettering and a black cap featuring the Cougar mascot logo. A blue patterned wristband is visible on his left wrist. The background is a plain white backdrop.
JACK CRITTENDON
Position: Right-handed pitcher
Hometown: Byron Center, Michigan
Major: General education 
Why outstanding: Jack is an incredibly hard-working student-athlete who approaches practice every day with a ready-to-work mentality. Through the hours Jack puts in on and off the field, he shows his commitment to the game and a relentless work ethic. His dedication to the game and his team has made him a respected figure, logging accolades such as Michigan Community College Athletic Association (MCCAA) Pitcher of the Week and National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II National Pitcher of the Week after throwing his first career no-hitter. Looking ahead, Jack aims to build on his successes, pursue opportunities at higher levels of collegiate baseball and earn his bachelor�s degree. After baseball, Jack hopes to join the firefighting academy to pursue a career in firefighting.
 
Portrait of a Kalamazoo Valley Community College baseball player smiling and holding a tan glove in front of his chest. He wears a gray pinstriped jersey with teal lettering and a black cap featuring the Cougar mascot logo. The background is a plain white backdrop.
BRETT REED
Position: Shortstop
Hometown: Novi, Michigan
Major: Exercise science 
Why outstanding: As a sophomore and the Cougars� everyday shortstop, Brett has anchored the infield, not missing one inning all season � a testament to his durability, consistency and value to the team. Offensively, he leads the team with a .325 batting average and boasts a .422 on base percentage with 39 RBIs and 14 stolen bases. His standout performance earned him Michigan Community College Athletic Association (MCCAA) Western Conference Player of the Week honors twice this season. Beyond the box score, Brett is known for his leadership and steady presence both on and off the field. He plans to finish his degree at Valley and pursue a career in physical therapy, continuing his passion for helping others achieve ideal performance.  

 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.

Exterior view of the Kalamazoo Valley Museum on a sunny day with a blue sky and scattered clouds. The building features modern red-brick architecture with large glass windows and metal roof accents. A sign above the entrance reads "Kalamazoo Valley Museum." The museum is situated along a canal with a walkway bordered by green railings, benches, and lamp posts. Historic brick buildings line the opposite side of the walkway.
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 on Saturdays and Sundays for $3 per person. Click here for the show schedule.
Promotional poster for “Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep: Shear Genius!” The title is written in bold blue and yellow letters with a cartoon lightbulb above, symbolizing creativity. Below the title are the claymation characters Wallace, a cheerful inventor with a big smile; Gromit, his loyal and thoughtful dog; and Shaun the Sheep, standing confidently with a smirk. The background is yellow and white with a playful, energetic design.
Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep Exhibit Opens May 17
Step into the environments of Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep to explore their contraptions, antics and escapades through dramatic play and interactive opportunities, as part of a new traveling exhibit at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. Designed for children ages three through nine, the exhibit encourages playfully solving STEM-based and social-emotional problems in fun and engaging ways. �Wallace & Gromit� and Shaun the Sheep�: Shear Genius!� was created by Minnesota Children�s Museum and Ardman Animations� Limited � 2025. It runs May 17 to Aug. 31. Find more details at kalamazoomuseum.org.

Colorful Collections of the Kalamazoo Valley Museum
Two Fun Exhibits Highlight Items from the Museum�s Archives
Have you seen the new �Colorful Collections� and �The Art of Advertising� exhibits at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum? �Colorful Collections� features items from the Kalamazoo Valley Museum�s permanent collection 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 area businesses from the museum�s archives, offering up an eclectic mix of advertising paraphernalia from bygone eras. The exhibits will be on display until Aug. 31.