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.
Sept. 9, 2025

Welcome to the fall semester!

It takes courage to start something new. Rest assured that we are here to help you along the way. My advice to you is to attend and participate in your classes, complete your assignments and, if you need assistance, do not hesitate to ask for help. Our experienced faculty and staff are ready to assist you! In addition, I encourage you to get involved. There are a number of opportunities coming up for you to meet classmates, connect with campus clubs and organizations and learn more about the resources available to you.

We trust that you will find everything you need to achieve your educational goals here at the college. We are dedicated to your success and look forward to seeing you learn, grow and thrive with us. Thank you for choosing Kalamazoo Valley.

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 began Sept. 3. Last day to drop/add is Sept. 9.
  • 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.

Using Your Chosen First Name
At Kalamazoo Valley Community College, we recognize that many people use a name other than their legal name to identify themselves. As part of our commitment to fostering a belonging community, we support the use of chosen first names in many areas of college life. These include class rosters, email display names and student ID cards.

Your legal name will be used where required by law or college policy, such as student financial accounts, financial aid documents and transcripts (official and unofficial).

We are phasing in the universal use of chosen first names wherever possible, except where a legal name is required. This transition will occur throughout the next calendar year, with updates to systems and communications happening in stages. For more information and how to request your chosen first name, click here or visit www.kvcc.edu/chosenfirstname.

Bright pink promotional graphic for Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s Transfer Tuesday events. Left side text: ‘TRANSFER TUESDAY. Are you unsure of what four-year college or university you want to attend after you complete your academic goals at Kalamazoo Valley?’ Right side text: ‘Connect with college and university admissions representatives at Transfer Tuesday. Dates: Sept. 9, Sept. 23, Oct. 14, Oct. 28, Nov. 11, Nov. 18, Dec. 9. Look for transfer tables in the Texas Township Cafeteria between 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.’ Bottom right includes Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo.
Promotional graphic for Western Michigan University’s Bronco Bound Drop-in Transfer Resource Tables at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. The left side of the image invites students considering transferring to connect with WMU advisors and admissions representatives to get questions answered. The right side lists dates and times: Thursday, Sept. 11; Wednesday, Sept. 17; Wednesday, Sept. 24; Thursday, Oct. 2; Wednesday, Oct. 15; Wednesday, Oct. 22; Wednesday, Oct. 29 (9 a.m. – 4 p.m., On-Site Admissions Day); Thursday, Nov. 6; Wednesday, Nov. 12; Wednesday, Nov. 19; and Wednesday, Dec. 3. Most events run 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Location: Texas Township Campus Cafeteria. Footer text notes “No appointment necessary!” with Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo Valley Community College logos.

student development services
Digital flyer for Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s Vibe Fest. Large colorful headphones encircle the words 'Kalamazoo Valley Vibe Fest.' Event details: Monday, Sept. 9, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Anna Whitten Hall, and Tuesday, Sept. 10, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Texas Township Campus. Description reads: 'Celebrate the start of the fall semester! Enjoy live music, food, games and prizes! #GoodVibesOnly!' Background is dark gray with bright, colorful text and graphics.
Flyer for EmployU workshops from Kalamazoo Valley Community College. The flyer explains that EmployU workshops are designed to help students gain knowledge and skills for their career and employment journey, covering job searching, resumes, portfolios, employer spotlights, interviewing, and more. Sessions are informal Zoom discussions open to all students with time for questions. Dates and times listed: Sept. 16, 1–2 p.m. and 6–7 p.m.; Oct. 15, 4–5 p.m.; Oct. 17, 11 a.m.–12 p.m.; Nov. 11, 6–7 p.m.; Feb. 11, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. and 6–7 p.m.; March 10, 11 a.m.–12 p.m.; April 16, 6–7 p.m. Registration required by emailing careercenter@kvcc.edu . Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo at bottom right.
Promotional graphic for Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s Start S.M.A.R.T. academic and goal-setting success coaching workshops. On the left, text reads: 'Start S.M.A.R.T. Academic & Goal-Setting Success Coaching Workshops. Sept. 16 & 18, 11 a.m. – Noon, TTC Room 3250.' On the right, a bullseye target with an arrow is connected to four callouts: 'Discover your strengths through self-assessments,' 'Master the art of setting S.M.A.R.T. goals,' 'Learn powerful strategies for academic success,' and 'Explore valuable resources from the Retention & Completion Department.' Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo at bottom right.
Digital flyer with a blue background advertising Kalamazoo Valley Community College Student Development Services event titled 'Come and Get Your Resources!' on Tuesday, Sept. 17 from noon to 1 p.m. in the TTC Student Lounge and TTC 4240. The flyer encourages students to connect with campus and community resources for a successful semester, including childcare vouchers through Hour Time, county IDs printed on-site for $10, additional scholarships, Public Media Network, Kalamazoo Islamic Center, RX Kids, Kalamazoo Institute of Art, and campus departments. On the right is an illustration of a red shopping basket with a long receipt and the KV logo inside. Text at the bottom right reads 'Student Development Services KV.'
Discover Strengths workshop promotional flyer from Kalamazoo Valley Community College. The flyer invites students to attend 30-minute CliftonStrengths sessions to learn how to use their strengths to improve academic performance, social interaction, and career prospects. CliftonStrengths has been used for over 50 years at more than 1,000 colleges and universities, with 700,000 students participating annually. Event dates and times: Wednesday, Sept. 17 at 11 a.m. in TTC Room 4230; Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 1 p.m. on Zoom; Thursday, Nov. 13 at 10 a.m. in AWH Room 128; Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. on Zoom; Wednesday, Jan. 21 at 1 p.m. in TTC Room 4370; Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 6 p.m. on Zoom; Thursday, March 12 at noon in AWH Room 128; and Tuesday, April 7 at 10 a.m. on Zoom. Contact strengths@kvcc.edu or call 488.4040 for Zoom links. Includes the tagline 'Lead with your strengths' and the Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo.
kalamazoo valley accelerated associate program (kvaap)
Smiling person wearing glasses, earrings, and a large circular pendant necklace. They are dressed in an orange top with a light cardigan and have short, twisted hair. They are indoors with window blinds in the background.
Student Spotlight: Iesha Vivar
Iesha Vivar is an amazing KVAAP community member. She joined the program in 2023 and is pursuing a degree in social work. After graduation, Vivar plans to transfer to Western Michigan University to continue her education. She would like to be a resource and support within the criminal and health care system. Vivar currently works in the health care field while also raising three boys. Her words of advice are: "Stay devoted. Stay dedicated. Dedicate yourself to your achievements. Dedicate yourself to your struggles. Dedicate yourself to your rest. Be disciplined.�

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:
  • Tuesday, Sept. 9 | 5:30 - 6 p.m.
  • Thursday, Sept. 18 | 3:30 - 4 p.m.
learning center
Digital graphic for Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s Learning Center & Library Open House. The background is light pink with colorful illustrations of school supplies including a calculator, ruler, push pins, paperclip, and notebook. Main text reads: ‘Learning Center & Library Open House. Learn about all the resources the Learning Center and Library have to offer. Free food! Wednesday, Sept. 24 | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Rooms 2220, 3210, 8420 & Zoom.’ Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo is at the bottom.
student life and engagement
Digital flyer with a yellow and black background promoting the Student Success Breakfast at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Large text reads: “What’s On Your Mind? Tell us at the Student Success Breakfast.” Event details: Tuesday, Oct. 7, 9:30–11 a.m., Room 128, Anna Whitten Hall, Downtown Kalamazoo. Wednesday, Oct. 8, 9:30–11 a.m., Room 4240, Texas Township Campus. Both events are free and open to all students. Additional text explains that the campus is eager to learn about student experiences—both positive and negative—and that attendees can connect with support services and resources. Bold note at bottom: “No registration required!” Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo appears at the bottom.
libraries
Digital graphic with a fantasy book-themed design. An open book’s pages form grassy paths under a glowing sky with rain droplets and birds flying. On one path, a child with a red umbrella walks toward the horizon; on the other, a gray dog stands near a lamppost. Hot air balloons float in the background, and a coffee cup and fountain pen appear on opposite sides of the book. Large red text reads ‘New Book Alerts.’ Smaller black text says: ‘Sign up for the Libraries’ New Books Blog and get notified about the latest additions to our collection. Scan the QR code to subscribe!’ A blue circular logo with white letters ‘KV’ appears in the bottom right corner.
Study in the Library!
Did you know that the Kalamazoo Valley Libraries are the perfect place to study?
 
  Cardboard cutout of the Kalamazoo Valley Cougar mascot, a blue cartoon cougar wearing a black KV shirt, standing on a wooden table inside a large library or study space with tall windows overlooking snowy trees.                  Cutout of Kalamazoo Valley Cougar mascot placed on a wooden study carrel in the library. A green potted plant with trailing vines sits nearby. Bookshelves and study areas with students working are visible in the background.
 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! 

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 | Sept. 8 | Broccoli cheddar soup; grill station selections
Tuesday | Sept. 9 | Broccoli cheddar soup; grill station selections
Wednesday | Sept. 10 | Broccoli cheddar soup; meatloaf and mashed potatoes
Thursday | Sept. 11 | Broccoli cheddar soup; wings your way
Food Service Downtown

Flyer for Havirmill Café at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Text reads: 'Havirmill Café will be open Monday through Thursday, Sept. 9 – Oct. 13, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Lunch service only – no reservations needed.' Contact information: Facebook @KVculinaryeats, phone 269-548-3200. Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo at bottom right. Decorative illustrations of a yellow bell pepper, red tomato, and purple onion appear around the flyer.
Promotional graphic for Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s student-run restaurant 418. Text reads: ‘418 Four One Eight. Wednesday & Thursday, Sept. 10 – Oct. 14. 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. (last seating at 12:15 p.m.). Please call 269.548.3239 for reservations.’ Background features a dark blue design with faint outlines of leaves.
get involved on campus
Digital flyer for Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s Music Club. Text reads: 'Kalamazoo Valley Community College presents: Music Club – Good Vibes & Great Tunes. Are you looking for a great musical escape with people to relate? Join the Music Club where we explore the world of music and all it has to offer!' Event times: 2–4 p.m. in TTC Room 4240 on Sept. 19 & 26; Oct. 10, 17 & 31; Nov. 14 & 21; Dec. 12. Also 2–4 p.m. in TTC Room 7120 on Oct. 3 & 24, Nov. 7, and Dec. 5. Contact Audrey Mattson at amattson8174@mail.kvcc.edu or Bryce McGruder at bmcgruder5086@mail.kvcc.edu with questions. Background has a purple and black gradient with light streaks.
Promotional graphic for the Kalamazoo Valley Community College Harry Potter Club. Background shows the Hogwarts castle from the Harry Potter series with an envelope sealed in red wax. Large text reads: "Here’s your acceptance letter! Come join the Harry Potter Club." Event details: Tuesdays, 4:30–6:30 p.m., Room 4540. Meeting dates: Sept. 9, Sept. 23, Oct. 7, Oct. 21, Nov. 4, Nov. 18, Dec. 2. Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo at the bottom.
Flyer for Kalamazoo Valley’s Taps on Tuesdays event. Runs September 9 through December 9, every Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at 418 Restaurant in the Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary & Allied Health Building. Describes it as a happy hour–style event hosted by the brewing department with beer and food pairings, appetizers, and wine available for purchase. Walk-ins only, no reservations required. Includes Taps on Tuesdays logo with a tap handle illustration and Kalamazoo Valley Sustainable Brewing branding with icons for hops, water, and sustainability.
Promotional flyer for DiversiTea event. Illustrated hands hold various tea and coffee drinks with pastries, teacups, mugs, and a coffee pot across the top. Large text reads: ‘DiversiTea! Featured Topic: Understanding Generational Differences.’ Event details: Wednesday, Sept. 24, 10–11:30 a.m., Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Texas Township Campus, Room 4380. Tea, coffee, and pastries provided. RSVP by Sept. 17 with QR code to register. Logos for Kalamazoo Valley Community College and website kvcc.edu at the bottom.
 
Save the Date for �KV Allies� Event on Oct. 21
Mark your calendar for �KV Allies: Building Awareness,� a discussion about the variety of sexual and gender identities and best practices for greater student and staff support. The event will be held Tuesday, Oct. 21, from noon to 2 p.m., on the Texas Township Campus in Room 4380. Registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. To sign up, click here.

the official kalamazoo valley community college
Photo collage showing the exterior windows of the Kalamazoo Valley Community College bookstore. Large vinyl graphics cover the windows featuring the KV logo and life-size images of students and faculty. A blue sandwich board with bookstore branding is displayed near the entrance. Brick walls and glass panels frame the storefront.

Blue background graphic with large text at the top that reads 'Welcome to Ready Day One.' Centered is a white book icon outlined in black with a yellow label across it that says 'E-BOOK.' A small blue circle with white 'KV' appears on the lower left of the book. Below, black text reads 'Save money on textbooks!'
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!
athletics
Team photo of the 2025 Kalamazoo Valley Community College Women’s Volleyball team. Players are wearing black and blue Cougars jerseys, arranged in two rows. Top row from left: Arabella Mangold, Anna Reverski, Gracie Smith, Sophia Stridivant, Elizabeth Sweeney, Tori Thorbjornsen, Ava Vanlerberghe, Kiara Wisdom. Bottom row from left: Sophia Anderson, Alicyn Arevalo, Jozee Buglione, Olivia Dennis, Kali Evans, Havilah Fitzgerald, Gabby Holloway, Sadie Laubenthal. Coaches and staff below: Rhonda Sturgeon (Head Coach), Makayla Bootland (Assistant Coach), Jessica Morin (Athletic Trainer).
Enjoy Free Home Volleyball Game Sept. 9! 
Cheer on the women�s volleyball players at their next home game at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9 at Kalamazoo Valley Community College�s Texas Township Campus! Feel free to invite your friends and family. Remember, home games are always free! The team will play Jackson College. Read a story about the 2025 season here. Below are the rest of the home games in September:
  • 6:30 p.m. | Thursday | SEPT. 18 vs. Kellogg Community College *
  • 6:30 p.m. | Tuesday | SEPT. 30 vs. Marian University�s Ancilla College
* Note that the first official home conference match is Sept. 18 against Kellogg Community College. Click here for the full schedule that includes both home and away games. For regular team updates, be sure to follow them on Instagram and Facebook @kvccvb.
Promotional flyer for Kalamazoo Valley Community College women’s basketball open tryouts for the 2025–2026 team. Large bold text reads 'OPEN TRYOUTS!' with details below: Friday, September 12, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the main gym at Texas Township Campus. Requirements listed: must be a high school graduate, bring a valid physical to tryouts, and be enrolled in at least 12 credits for Fall 2025. Contact information provided for Coach Felicia Thomas with phone numbers and email. Flyer includes the Cougars team logo and action photos of two basketball players in Cougar uniforms dribbling a ball.
 Banner reading “What’s Happening at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum.” Includes photos of smiling people and children looking at exhibits. Text below: “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 in downtown Kalamazoo, Michigan. The modern red brick building with large glass windows sits along a canal walkway with decorative green railings, under a bright blue sky with scattered white 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). The planetarium is currently under renovation. Check the website for the latest information on showtimes. Click here for the show schedule.

 "Close-up of a hand gently picking leafy green plants, showing fresh growth in a garden or farm setting."
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.

Graphic with the words “Colorful Collections of the Kalamazoo Valley Museum.” The words “Colorful” and “Collections” are displayed in rainbow gradient colors against a dark background with a thin yellow border.
EXTENDED: Two Fun Exhibits from the Museum�s Archives 
Have you seen the new �Colorful Collections� and �The Art of Advertising� exhibits at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum? The museum has extended their runs until Sunday, Sept. 21. Admission to both is free! �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. 
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Texas Township Campus
6767 West O Avenue
PO Box 4070
Kalamazoo, MI 49003-4070
269.488.4400