College and Museum Closed January 23rd Due to Inclement Weather
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.

Oct. 20, 2025

Greetings, students!

Congratulations! You've made it to the midpoint of the fall semester! For many, it seems that classes just began and, for others, time seems to drag along. We understand! At this halfway mark, it is important to take a breath and assess where you are with your studies. Are you on track to successfully complete your classes? Do you need to recommit to your work? My advice to you is to do your homework, participate in class and, if you need help, reach out for assistance right away. We have dozens of professionals available to assist you. You can do this!

Believe it or not, it's time to register for winter semester. To make it easy for you, we've planned a Winter Registration Blitz on Oct. 29, 30 and 31 to help you get it all done. For those of you who plan to graduate this semester, the deadline to petition to graduate for fall semester completion is Oct 31. See details below for how to apply to graduate. We hope we will see all of you graduates at our commencement celebration on Sunday, Dec.14 - you deserve to be celebrated!


Sincerely,

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


Admissions, Registration, and Records

Important Upcoming Dates


Collage of Kalamazoo Valley Community College commencement moments. Images show graduates in caps and gowns posing with diplomas and flowers, a speaker addressing graduates on stage during the ceremony, families celebrating outdoors, graduates adjusting mortarboards inside an auditorium, a group of graduates cheering with diplomas raised, and graduates posing near a campus fountain. The collage highlights graduation, celebration, and achievement.
Deadline to Petition to Graduate is Oct. 31

Are you planning to graduate in December? The deadline to petition to graduate for fall semester completion is Oct. 31. Students who petition after the deadline may not have their names printed in the December 2025 Commencement program book. Click here to submit your application.

Students are encouraged to take part in celebrating their achievements by attending commencement on Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. at Miller Auditorium. Information will be emailed to eligible participants on Nov. 1. Click here to see highlights and here to view photos from the April 2025 Commencement celebration earlier this year.

For questions, call the Admissions, Registration and Records office at 269.488.4281.

 

Higher Learning Commission

Higher Learning Commission (HLC) FAQs 

The HLC Formula for a Great College Experience: How Kalamazoo Valley Measures Up 

Think of the HLC accreditation process as a proven formula for educational excellence - that's what the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) uses to evaluate colleges. Discover how Kalamazoo Valley follows this framework to ensure you receive a high-quality, student-centered experience.

Q: What is this "formula" you're talking about?
A: HLC has four core "Criteria for Accreditation" � like essential measurements for an outstanding college experience. They cover Kalamazoo Valley's mission, fair policies, quality classes, student support and continuous improvement.
 
Q: How does Kalamazoo Valley Community College measure up?
A: Kalamazoo Valley excels in every area - the college's clear mission guides the initiatives Valley takes part in, how the college operates with complete transparency, provides top-quality education and never stops improving based on your feedback.
 
Q: What are "Assumed Practices"?
A: These are like the basic, essential variables a great college should have � including clear information, fair treatment and qualified faculty. They are the foundation that supports everything else Kalamazoo Valley offers.
 
Q: What does this mean for my daily experience?
A: It means that your entire Kalamazoo Valley experience � from your classes to support services � meets rigorous national standards designed to help you succeed.


Promotional graphic for Kalamazoo Valley Community College titled ‘Winter Registration Blitz.’ Text reads: ‘Get registered for winter semester, pick up some Kalamazoo Valley swag, have a snack, and be entered into a drawing to win some cool prizes.’ Event dates and times: October 28, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m.; October 29, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; October 30, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Location note: Check in at tables near the Main Gym at the Texas Township Campus. Design features a snowy winter background and Kalamazoo Valley Community College branding.
Promotional graphic titled ‘Transfer Tuesday.’ Text reads: ‘Are you unsure of what four-year college or university you want to attend after you complete your academic goals at Kalamazoo Valley?’ Additional text: ‘Connect with college and university admissions representatives at Transfer Tuesday.’ Event dates listed: October 28, November 11, November 18, and December 9. Location and time: Transfer tables in the Texas Township Cafeteria between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Graphic includes Kalamazoo Valley Community College branding on a bright pink background.
Promotional graphic titled ‘Bronco Bound: Drop-In Transfer Resource Tables.’ Encourages students considering transfer to connect with Western Michigan University advisors and admissions representatives. Event dates and times: Wednesday, October 22, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Wednesday, October 29, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Thursday, November 6, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Wednesday, November 12, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Wednesday, November 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and Wednesday, December 3, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Location: Texas Township Campus Cafeteria. No appointment necessary. Logos for Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo Valley Community College included.


Student Development Services
Promotional graphic for an upcoming webinar titled ‘LinkedIn 101,’ presented by 10,000 Degrees and Career Success. The webinar teaches students how to use LinkedIn for networking, job searching, building a professional brand, and developing internship and career strategies. Students who meet eligibility requirements can receive a one-time, free 12-month LinkedIn Premium account, valued at over $500. Eligibility includes community college students in the United States or members of a 10,000 Degrees partner organization who register for and attend a LinkedIn webinar and have not previously received a free Premium subscription. Event date and time: Thursday, October 30, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time, with additional times listed for Mountain, Central, and Eastern Time zones. Registration available via QR code or the provided registration link. LinkedIn logo included as event partner.


Promotional graphic for EmployU workshops at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. EmployU workshops help students build career and employment skills, including job searching, resumes, portfolios, employer spotlights, and interviewing. Workshops are informal Zoom discussions open to all students with opportunities to ask questions. Upcoming sessions are scheduled for November 11 from 6 to 7 p.m.; February 11 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 6 to 7 p.m.; March 10 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.; and April 16 from 6 to 7 p.m. Students are asked to email careercenter@kvcc.edu
 to preregister and receive the Zoom link. Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo included.

Promotional graphic for an informational session titled ‘Understanding the Chosen First Name Process’ at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Two sessions are offered. The first is Wednesday, October 15, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Anna Whitten Hall in downtown Kalamazoo, Room 207, with a Zoom option. The second is Wednesday, October 29, from noon to 1 p.m. at Texas Township Campus, Room 4380, with a Zoom option. The session provides updates on the process for setting up a chosen first name, formerly called a used name, and guidance on supporting students, staff, and faculty who wish to make a change. Kalamazoo Valley supports the use of chosen first names in college communications, records, and systems except where legal names are required by law. A QR code is included to register. Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo included.


Promotional graphic titled ‘Discover Strengths’ for Kalamazoo Valley Community College. The session introduces CliftonStrengths and how students can use their strengths to improve academic performance, social interaction, and career prospects. The 30-minute sessions are open to all students. Dates and times include: Thursday, November 13 at 10 a.m. in Anna Whitten Hall, Room 128; Tuesday, December 2 at 6 p.m. on Zoom; Wednesday, January 21 at 1 p.m. in TTC Room 4370; Tuesday, February 17 at 6 p.m. on Zoom; Thursday, March 12 at noon in Anna Whitten Hall, Room 128; and Tuesday, April 7 at 10 a.m. on Zoom. Contact strengths@kvcc.edu or call 488-4040 for the Zoom link. Includes Lead With Your Strengths and Kalamazoo Valley Community College logos.
Promotional graphic for a WMU On-Site Admission Event at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Event takes place Wednesday, October 29, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Texas Township Campus cafeteria. Students can take steps toward enrolling at Western Michigan University, pick up free WMU swag, and receive a free application fee waiver by pre-registering. Same-day walk-ins are welcome. Includes QR code to register and logos for Kalamazoo Valley Community College and Western Michigan University. Photo shows WMU mascot and students giving thumbs up.

Kalamazoo Valley Accelerated Associate Program (KVAAP)
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. The upcoming sessions to get into the winter semester are:


Monday Oct. 27 | 1:30 - 2 p.m
Wednesday Nov. 5  | 10 - 10:30 a.m
Learning Center
Promotional graphic for the Learning Center and Library Open House at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Event is Thursday, October 30, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Learn about resources offered by the Learning Center and Library; free food available. Locations include Rooms 2220, 3210, 8420, and Zoom. Halloween-themed design with pumpkins; Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo included.
Student Life and Engagement

Kalamazoo Valley Community College mascot wearing a black KVCC T-shirt stands indoors between blue and white balloon decorations, smiling and posing with hands on hips at a campus event.

Kalamazoo Valley Mascot Scholarship Application Now Open
Want to be Kal, the Kalamazoo Valley mascot? Apply now for the Kalamazoo Valley Mascot Scholarship. The award is $1,200 per semester and includes agreeing to represent the college as Kal during various appearances. Activities include, but are not limited to, community festivals, local K-12 school appearances, campus athletic events and student engagement events of any kind at the discretion of the college. Requirements include:
  • Enrolling in a minimum of six-credit hours at the college
  • Availability for on and off campus events 
  • A reliable form of transportation
  • Completing the scholarship application form linked here
  • Turning in the completed application to Student Financial Services 
Students should be aware that they may be asked to perform mascot responsibilities in the summer semester as well. For questions, email development@kvcc.edu

Promotional graphic for Kalamazoo Valley Community College Student Nurses Association Nursing Application Workshops. Text reads: ‘Nursing Application Workshops, Oct. 21, 5–7 p.m., Zoom.’ Bullet points list holistic application overview, formatting application responses, points calculation information, and networking and community. Photos show nursing students practicing patient care in a clinical lab setting. Includes KVCC logo and QR code for registration.
Promotional graphic for a Red Cross Blood Drive. Text reads: ‘Red Cross Blood Drive, Friday, Oct. 24, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Texas Township Campus, Rooms 4370 and 4380.’ Graphic includes illustrated hands connected by a heart-shaped blood line, a QR code for registration, and the Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo.

Promotional graphic titled ‘Not So Scary FAFSA.’ Event details: October 22, 2 to 7 p.m., Room 4240, Texas Township Campus. Text explains help completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), access to financial aid, and support for Michigan Reconnect for attendees age 25 or older. Pizza will be served. Includes a QR code to RSVP and the Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo. Illustration shows a friendly dog in a ghost costume holding a pumpkin bucket.
Informational graphic titled ‘Planning to Transfer?’ explaining the Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA) at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Text explains that students planning to transfer to a Michigan college or university can benefit from completing the MTA. Listed benefits include earning 30 transferable general education credits, a smoother transfer process, saving on tuition costs, flexibility in course selection, and support for students exploring academic and career paths. Includes a QR code to learn next steps, the Michigan Transfer Agreement seal, and the Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo.
 
Libraries
Promotional graphic titled ‘New Book Alerts’ encouraging users to sign up for the library’s New Books Blog to receive notifications about the latest additions to the collection. Text instructs users to scan a QR code to subscribe. The background features a decorative illustration of an open book forming a landscape with a path, birds in flight, a dog, a child holding an umbrella, and hot air balloons, serving as visual decoration.
Research Basics Online Guides
Your instructor has assigned a paper requiring original research and you are not sure what that is or how to find it. Kalamazoo Valley Libraries' Research Basics study guides can answer your questions quickly and thoroughly.  
  • Finding Scholarly Journal Articles details how to find and sort out sources suitable for academic assignments from those which are not, and helps you approach reading them.  
  • Identifying Research Studies teaches the crucial skill of discerning between primary research and meta-analysis, and helps you interpret the sources you have found. 
  • Understanding Peer-Review is your go-to guide when your instructor calls for peer-reviewed studies, which are approved by a panel of experts in the field before publication. 
  • Using Library Databases enables you to search the libraries' curated electronic article collections with confidence.  
The Research Basics guides are conveniently interlinked to make navigation seamless. 

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! Librarians can answer your questions about research and citation. 
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 | Oct. 20 | Chicken noodle soup; grill station selections
Tuesday | Oct. 21 | Chicken noodle soup; grill station selections
Wednesday | Oct. 22 | Chicken noodle soup; chili mac, mashed potatoes and vegetables
Thursday | Oct. 23 | Chicken noodle soup; fried chicken and mashed potatoes with gravy 

 
get involved on campus
Promotional graphic for ‘Wicked for Good Movie Mixer.’ Event takes place Sunday, November 23 at 10:15 a.m. at KP Cinemas, 180 Portage Street, Kalamazoo, Michigan. The mixer is open to all ages and the Kalamazoo Valley community, with trivia and giveaways. Movie start time to be announced. Closed-captioned showing noted. Visual background features a stylized fantasy scene with two opposing characters on balconies, used as decorative imagery. Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo and contact information included.
Promotional graphic for ‘DiversiTea!’ event. Featured topic: Communicating Effectively Across Generations. Event takes place Thursday, October 23 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Texas Township Campus, Room 4380. Tea, coffee, and pastries provided. RSVP requested by October 16 via QR code. Decorative illustrations show hands holding tea and coffee cups. Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo and website included.
Promotional graphic for the Visiting Writers Series at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Texas Township Campus, Student Commons Lounge, Room 4250. Featured guest is award-winning poet and spoken word artist Marcel Fable Price. Events include a craft talk on Monday, October 20 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., a reading from 2:15 to 3:15 p.m., free and open to the public, and a student writing workshop on Wednesday, October 22 from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. Includes a photo of the featured writer standing with arms crossed in an urban alleyway. QR code provided for more information. Kalamazoo Valley Community College branding included.
Promotional graphic for ‘Get Hooked on Crochet,’ a crochet learning and work session at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Event takes place October 28 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. in the TTC Cafeteria. Attendees can learn how to crochet or work on current projects, with snacks provided. The graphic includes illustrated crochet tools such as yarn, scissors, buttons, pins, and hands crocheting fabric. Kalamazoo Valley Community College branding included.

Promotional graphic for Kalamazoo Valley Community College Music Club. The Music Club offers ‘good vibes and great tunes’ and invites students to explore music and connect with others. Meetings are held from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. in TTC Room 4240 on October 31, November 14 and 21, and December 12, and in TTC Room 7120 on October 24, November 7, and December 5. Contact information is provided for club organizers. The graphic features a purple and black abstract background with modern design elements.
Promotional graphic for Kalamazoo Valley Community College Gaming Club. The club invites students to play tabletop role-playing games, board games, and video games. Meetings are held Thursdays from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. in TTC Room 1320. Everyone is welcome. Contact information is provided for club advisors. The design uses a retro video-game style with pixel art, hearts, a score display, trees, and a treasure chest.
Promotional graphic for Kalamazoo Valley Community College Harry Potter Club. Text reads: ‘Here’s your acceptance letter! Come join the Harry Potter Club.’ Meetings are held Tuesdays from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in Room 4540 on October 21, November 4, November 18, and December 2. The club celebrates the Wizarding World in an inclusive environment with cosplay, snacks, discussions, reading, games, and crafts. Students are asked to complete the online Sorting Hat quiz before attending and email results to the club contact. The background features a Hogwarts-style castle and a sealed acceptance letter envelope.
Promotional graphic for ‘Taps on Tuesdays,’ a happy hour–style event hosted by Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s brewing department. The event runs Tuesdays from September 9 through December 9, from 5 to 7 p.m., at 418 Restaurant in the Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary and Allied Health Building. Beer and food pairings, appetizers, and wine are available for purchase. Walk-ins only; no reservations required. Graphic includes a tap handle logo labeled KVCC and Kalamazoo Valley Community College branding.



Promotional graphic for KV Allies: Building Awareness. Event takes place Tuesday, October 21, from noon to 2 p.m. at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Texas Township Campus, Room 4380. The session invites participants to discuss the variety of sexual and gender identities and best practices for supporting students and staff. Registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. RSVP by October 14. Kalamazoo Valley Community College branding included.
The Official Kalamazoo Valley Community College Cougar Bookstore
Three photos showing the exterior of the Kalamazoo Valley Community College bookstore. Large windows display Kalamazoo Valley branding and images of students. A sign on the door lists bookstore hours, and a freestanding sidewalk sign is visible near the entrance. Brick walls and glass storefront frame the bookstore space.

Time for 20 Percent Off Tuesday on Oct. 28 at the Bookstore!
Get 20 percent off in the Texas Township Campus Bookstore on Oct. 28! The promotion is held on the LAST Tuesday of EVERY month! Come in and get yourself some Cougar clothing, art supplies, a new water bottle (even Hydro Flask) or awesome backpack! Promotion excludes electronics, food and course materials. Discount applies to in-store purchases only. Feel free to take a spin through the Bookstore now to see what you'd like to buy. Or, take a peek online at bookstore.kvcc.edu.


Athletics

A group of female volleyball players wearing pink jerseys huddle together on an indoor gym court, raising their hands in a team cheer. One jersey reads ‘Cougars’ with the number 11. Spectators sit in the bleachers in the background.
Last Chance to Watch a Home Volleyball Game! 
The Lady Cougars wore pink T-shirts in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month at their Oct. 9 home match, triumphing over Lansing Community College after losing to them earlier in the season. Click here to see all the photos. Come out and support the volleyball team at their final home game! Below are the details. The match takes place in the main gym at the college's Texas Township Campus and is free! Bring friends and family!
  • Tuesday, Oct. 28 | 6:30 p.m. | vs. Lake Michigan College
Click here for the full schedule of both home and away games, and read a story about the season here. For regular team updates, be sure to follow them on Instagram and Facebook @kvccvb.

A photo collage from a community suicide prevention walk. In one image, participants form a tunnel and cheer as a child using a walker moves through. In another, a group of young adults stand outdoors holding a yellow banner that reads ‘Walk With Us to Prevent Suicide’ and ‘Join Our Community,’ with the hashtag ‘Out of the Darkness.’ A third image shows a large group of participants, including children and adults using wheelchairs and walkers, posing together at the event.

Baseball and Softball Players Volunteered in September
Kalamazoo Valley's baseball team supported the American Foundation's "Out of the Darkness Community Walk" for suicide prevention on Sept. 28 at Milham Park in Kalamazoo. On Sept. 30, the Lady Cougars softball team attended the Challenger Little League for Special Needs Kids at Milwood Elementary School in Kalamazoo. Kudos to both teams for taking the time to show love to the community! All five of the college's sports teams participate in two community service projects every semester.
 
 Banner reading ‘What’s Happening at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum.’ Includes the Kalamazoo Valley Museum logo with a KV icon and small photos of community members and museum visitors. Text states that the Kalamazoo Valley Museum is operated by Kalamazoo Valley Community College and governed by its board of trustees.

Painted folk-art sculpture of a crocodile with an open mouth, decorated in blue, green, and gold patterns. Two small human figures sit atop the crocodile’s back. The sculpture is displayed on a stand against a dark background.
'Dancing With Life: Mexican Masks' Exhibit Now Open
Explore the rich festival culture of Mexico through historic and contemporary masks at the "Dancing With Life: Mexican Masks" traveling exhibit coming to the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, from Sept. 27, 2025 through Jan. 4. The museum is the first in the nation to host the exhibition. The exhibit centers around the work of the mask makers and dancers themselves through written and recorded interviews, including bilingual Spanish and English texts. 

Black-and-white historical photograph of a group of school-aged children standing outdoors, many with their right hands over their hearts. One child at the front holds an American flag, which is raised above the group, suggesting a patriotic ceremony such as the Pledge of Allegiance.
'Am I An American or Am I Not?' Exhibit Debuted Oct. 12

The thought-provoking "Am I An American or Am I Not?" traveling historical exhibit is now on view at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, through Jan. 4. It asks visitors to think about examples of unfair treatment from our country's past and present in order to protect the American promises of life, liberty and justice for all. It is named after a quote from Fred Korematsu, who famously challenged the mass imprisonment of 125,000 Japanese Americans during WWII. 

 Close-up photograph of a person’s hand gently inspecting or harvesting healthy green leafy plants growing closely together, suggesting gardening or farming activity.
Fall Honorable Lecture Series Continues Through Nov. 18
Enjoy weekly talks this fall examining ways we restore the tenets of reciprocity with the natural world as a community and as individuals. Organized by Kalamazoo Valley Community College's ValleyHub in partnership with the museum, the sessions are held every Tuesday, from Sept. 23 to Nov. 18, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. This drop-in lecture series takes place at the college's Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary and Allied Health building, located at 418 E. Walnut St. in downtown Kalamazoo. View the list of topics at valleyhub.kvcc.edu/events.