In Focus Sept. 22

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

Sept. 22, 2025

Greetings students,

It has been a great pleasure seeing so many of you on our college campuses! Again, I welcome you to the start of a new academic year. Whether in person, online or any combination, thank you for choosing Kalamazoo Valley.

We are mindful of the many responsibilities you juggle as a college student. In addition to your studies, you balance the demands of family life, employment and, for some, the care of family members and friends. We understand.

Even with a busy schedule, it is important that you devote yourself to your education. My advice to you is to attend and participate in your classes, complete your assignments on time and, if you need assistance, do not hesitate to ask for help.

Being a college student can be one of the best experiences of your life! I invite you to take full advantage of all that the college has to offer, such as joining a student club or attending an athletic contest - currently our volleyball team is competing - or visiting the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. College-related extracurricular experiences can be an important part of learning. Keep an eye on the events and activities posted on the college calendar and see the information below that highlights upcoming campus events.

I am feeling optimistic about this fall semester and the entire college community is here to assist you in achieving your educational goals. Go for it!

Sincerely,

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

Important Upcoming Dates

Additional fall classes start Sept. 17 and Oct. 22.

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 (TTC Room 9140) or at the Student Service Center in Anna Whitten Hall on the Arcadia Commons Campus in downtown Kalamazoo. 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.

Chosen First Name Process
Kalamazoo Valley Community College supports the use of chosen first names for students and employees who prefer a name different from their legal one. Kalamazoo Valley allows the use of chosen first names in college communications, records and systems - except where legal names are required by law. Get an update on the new process for setting up a "Chosen First Name" (formerly "used name") and how to support students, staff and faculty who wish to make a change.
Sept. 25 | Room 4380 (TTC) & Zoom | noon - 1 p.m.
Oct. 15 | Room 207 (AWH) & Zoom | 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Oct. 29 | Room 4380 (TTC) & Zoom | noon - 1 p.m.
For more information and how to request your chosen first name, click here or visit www.kvcc.edu/chosenfirstname.

Promotional graphic titled ‘EmployU.’ Text explains that 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. Scheduled sessions are: October 15, 4 to 5 p.m.; October 17, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.; November 11, 6 to 7 p.m.; February 11, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 6 to 7 p.m.; March 10, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.; and April 16, 6 to 7 p.m. Students are instructed to email careercenter@kvcc.edu
to pre-register and receive the Zoom link. Graphic includes Kalamazoo Valley Community College branding.

Promotional graphic titled ‘Discover Strengths.’ Text explains a 30-minute CliftonStrengths information session for students interested in learning how to identify and use their strengths to improve academic performance, social interaction, and future career prospects. The session is open to all students. Contact information includes emailing strengths@kvcc.edu
or calling 488-4040 for the Zoom link. Scheduled sessions are: Tuesday, October 14 at 1 p.m. via Zoom; Thursday, November 13 at 10 a.m. in AWH Room 128; Tuesday, December 2 at 6 p.m. via Zoom; Wednesday, January 21 at 1 p.m. in TTC Room 4370; Tuesday, February 17 at 6 p.m. via Zoom; Thursday, March 12 at noon in AWH Room 128; and Tuesday, April 7 at 10 a.m. via Zoom. Graphic includes ‘Lead With Your Strengths’ and Kalamazoo Valley Community College branding.

Promotional graphic for the Valley Advantage program at Kalamazoo Valley Community College with the tagline ‘Learn. Grow. Thrive.’ The graphic promotes a free program that helps students prepare for college and earn cash. Valley Advantage focuses on skills needed to start college in the winter and is designed to help students build confidence and navigate college. A high school diploma or GED is the only requirement. Fall session location is Anna Whitten Hall on the Arcadia Commons Campus. Scheduled dates and times are: October 9, orientation from 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.; October 14 and 16 from 9:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; October 21 and 23 from 9:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; and October 28 and 30 from 9:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Includes a QR code and the website kvcc.edu/valleyadvantage, along with Kalamazoo Valley Community College branding.

Kalamazoo Valley Accelerated Associate Program (KVAAP)

Two side-by-side photos labeled with names. Left: Khadija Bodian wearing a black graduation cap and gown, smiling while receiving a diploma and shaking hands with a faculty member during a commencement ceremony on a stage. Right: Colby Way seated outdoors on steps, smiling slightly, wearing glasses and a dark button-up shirt.

Student Spotlight: Khadija Bodian & Colby Way
Khadija Bodian (Animation & Game Art, Dec. 2024) and Colby Way (Animation & Game Art, Dec. 2023) first connected as Kalamazoo Valley Accelerated Associate Program (KVAAP) students before becoming work-study students in the KVAAP office. Today, you can find them both supporting fellow students in the college's Computer Lab.

When they joined KVAAP, both described themselves as reserved and quiet. Over time, their confidence grew. "I was very shy and conflict avoidant," said Way. "Now I've learned to advocate for myself and be more outgoing to get things done." As for herself, Bodian said, "I'm a lot better at collaborating with my peers and mentors. I'll at least try to engage in conversation with classmates, staff and faculty."

Their favorite part of being KVAAP work-study students? For Way, it was managing and reorganizing the KVAAP library, plus running Dungeons and Dragons sessions for students and staff. Bodian found the job both productive and calming: "Playing librarian was kind of therapeutic."

Now, as Computer Lab staff members, both enjoy the chance to stay connected with students. Way loves coaching Art and Animation students through Adobe programs, while Bodian appreciates the laid-back, collaborative environment. Reflecting on the journey, Way added: "It's been truly unique. I never felt alone and always had a friend to help me through classes and even after graduation."

What's next? Way is currently pursuing his degree at Western Michigan University with an open future ahead, while Bodian plans to transfer to Eastern Michigan University to complete her bachelor's in animation and work in game and film studios. Their stories are a testament to how KVAAP can help students grow, build lasting connections and discover new opportunities - on campus and beyond.

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 for the fall semester are:

Monday, Sept. 22 | 1:30 - 2 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 1 | 10 - 10:30 a.m.

Flyer for Kalamazoo Valley Community College Student Nurses Association titled ‘Nursing Application Workshops.’ Workshops are scheduled for October 2 from 3 to 5 p.m. in CAH Room 223; October 14 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in TTC Room 4230; and October 21 from 5 to 7 p.m. on Zoom. Topics include holistic application overview, formatting application responses, points calculation information, and networking and community. Contact information lists Tyler Roemer and Julianne Pankow. Photos show nursing students practicing patient care skills in a clinical simulation setting. Kalamazoo Valley Community College branding and a QR code appear.

Flyer titled ‘Test Anxiety Workshop.’ The workshop takes place October 1 from noon to 1 p.m. in TTC Room 4380. The session focuses on understanding and managing test anxiety and planning for successful test taking. Contact promiseservices@kvcc.edu
for more information. The flyer includes a photo of a student seated at a desk, appearing stressed while studying, and Kalamazoo Valley Community College branding.

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

Student sitting alone at a small table near a large window, looking outside while wearing earbuds. The student is seated in a lounge area with patterned chairs, indoor plants, and natural light from a wooded outdoor view, creating a quiet, reflective study environment.

Student sitting alone at a small table near a large window, looking outside while wearing earbuds. The student is seated in a lounge area with patterned chairs, indoor plants, and natural light from a wooded outdoor view, creating a quiet, reflective study environment.

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! Librarians can answer your questions about research and citation.

Getting started with research
Finding "scholarly" or "peer reviewed" articles or books
Citing sources in MLA or APA

Schedule a Research Appointment with a Librarian
Meet one-on-one with a librarian in person, by phone or over Zoom.

Click on Request an Appointment with a Librarian
Sign into Etrieve Forms with your Valley username and password
Complete the form to tell us about your assignment and availability

Get Help in Person
Ask a friendly librarian for help at the Reference Desk during our open hours.

Chat Online with a Librarian

Receive live 24/7 chat assistance from an academic librarian
Visit our Ask a Librarian webpage to start a chat session today!

Hours and Contact Information

Hours
Call: 269.488.4328
Email: libraries@kvcc.edu
Visit our website: www.kvcc.edu/library

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 | Sept. 22 | Roasted pepper soup; grill station selections
Tuesday | Sept. 23 | Roasted pepper soup; grill station selections
Wednesday | Sept. 24 | Roasted pepper soup; lasagna with garlic bread
Thursday | Sept. 25 | Roasted pepper soup; beef enchiladas

Food Service Downtown

Graphic announcing Havirmill Cafe hours. Havirmill Cafe will be open Monday through Thursday, September 9 through October 13, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch service only, no reservations needed. Contact KVCulinaryEats on Facebook or call 269-548-3200. Kalamazoo Valley Community College.

Graphic announcing Havirmill Cafe hours. Havirmill Cafe will be open Monday through Thursday, September 9 through October 13, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch service only, no reservations needed. Contact KVCulinaryEats on Facebook or call 269-548-3200. Kalamazoo Valley Community College.

Graphic announcing Four One Eight restaurant hours. Open Wednesdays and Thursdays, September 10 through October 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with last seating at 12:30 p.m. Call 269-548-3239 for reservations. Kalamazoo Valley Community College.

Kalamazoo Valley Community College Music Club flyer. Music Club—Good Vibes and Great Tunes. Invitation to join the Music Club to explore music and connect with others. Meetings are from 2 to 4 p.m. in TTC Room 4240 on September 26; October 10, 17, and 31; November 14 and 21; and December 12. Meetings are also from 2 to 4 p.m. in TTC Room 7120 on October 3 and 24; November 7; and December 5. Contact Audrey Mattson or Bryce McGruder for questions. Kalamazoo Valley Community College.

DiversiTea event flyer from Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Title reads ‘DiversiTea!’ with featured topic: ‘Understanding Generational Differences.’ Event details: Wednesday, September 24, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Texas Township Campus, Room 4380. Tea, coffee, and pastries will be provided. RSVP by September 17 by scanning the QR code. The design includes illustrated hands holding tea and coffee, pastries, and cups, with Kalamazoo Valley Community College branding and website listed.

Flyer titled ‘Nouveau: An Allied and Trans Inclusive Art Experience.’ Event takes place on October 3 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Center for New Media and Arcus Gallery, 100 East Michigan Avenue. Artwork by Kim Shaw. The design features decorative Art Nouveau–style borders and an illustrated portrait overlaid with the transgender pride flag colors, along with Kalamazoo Valley Community College branding.

Flyer promoting ‘Celebrating Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month.’ Event takes place Tuesday, October 7 from 1 to 3 p.m. in Room 4240 at the Texas Township Campus of Kalamazoo Valley Community College. The free event features live music, food, and cultural celebration and is open to all students, staff, and faculty. The design includes colorful papel picado banners and an illustration of people dancing, eating, and enjoying music together.

Electronic Textbooks and Courseware Available for Classes
STOP! Read this before buying any textbooks this fall. 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 Now Accepting Fall Financial Aid to Buy School Supplies
If you are new to Kalamazoo Valley Community College, you may not know that your fall 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.

Bookstore Selling Uniforms for Fall Semester Classes
Attention brewing, barbering, cosmetology and nursing students! The Texas Township Campus Bookstore is your place for uniforms for fall classes! The Bookstore works with your faculty and vendors to get you 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.

Get Excited for the Fall Semester with Cool Cougar Gear!
Now is the perfect time to pick up some new Cougar swag! From T-shirts to hoodies, decals to water bottles, the Kalamazoo Valley Texas Township Campus Bookstore has tons of Cougar items to choose from!

Study Tips Session Offered for Valley Athletes
Valley athletes from all five sports attended the Student-Athlete Study Table Kickoff on Friday, Sept. 5, where they received tips and resources to assist with academic success. They also heard from President L. Marshall Washington; Provost and Vice President for Instruction and Student Services Paige Eagan; Associate Vice President for Student Development Services Nkenge Bergan; Athletic Director Russ Panico and other administrators and faculty from throughout the college. Held every semester, the event is coordinated by Aaron Williams and Jeff Stone of Student Development Services, who both presented. Click here for more event photos.

Women’s volleyball players in white jerseys celebrate on the court by high-fiving in a line, with spectators seated in bleachers behind them. The team appears energized and supportive during a game moment.

Women’s volleyball players in white jerseys celebrate on the court by high-fiving in a line, with spectators seated in bleachers behind them. The team appears energized and supportive during a game moment.

Enjoy Free Home Volleyball Game Sept. 30!
Cheer on the women's volleyball players at their next home game at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30 in the main gym at Kalamazoo Valley Community College's Texas Township Campus! The team will play Marian University's Ancilla College. Feel free to invite your friends and family! Remember, home games are always free. Click here for the full schedule of both home and away games, and read a story about the season here. Click here for photos of the team in action. For regular team updates, be sure to follow them on Instagram and Facebook @kvccvb.

What’s Happening at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. The museum is operated by Kalamazoo Valley Community College and governed by its board of trustees.

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 Starts Sept. 23

Enjoy weekly talks this fall examining ways we restore the tenants 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.

�Dancing With Life: Mexican Masks' Exhibit Opens Sept. 27
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, 2026. The exhibition centers around the work of the mask makers and dancers themselves through written and recorded interviews, including bilingual Spanish and English texts.