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

Nov. 14, 2025

Greetings,

Maintaining calm in our busy world can be a challenge. Research has proven that gratitude can be a great antidote to feeling frazzled and unfocused. If we make an effort to cultivate gratitude, we are likely to improve our sleep, our mood and our immunity. Gratitude can decrease depression and anxiety, increase our well-being and overall help us to become more satisfied with our lives.

During this season of thankfulness, I wish to share my gratitude and thankfulness with our Kalamazoo Valley community, including you. As our students press forward toward the successful completion of this semester, I see and appreciate your efforts toward helping them achieve their goals. Thank you for your continued commitment to them, to our mission and to our shared values.

However you choose to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, I wish you peace and happiness.

Sincerely,

L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President
                 

In Memoriam: Brian Olson | Jan. 27, 1956 - Nov. 3, 2024
The college community is mourning the loss of Brian Olson, English faculty member who passed away Monday, Nov. 3. Olson supported and taught thousands of students at Kalamazoo Valley beginning in 1981, first as an educational professional assisting with student tutoring and then as a full-time instructor starting in fall 2000. He was dedicated to supporting students and brought thoughtful enthusiasm to the writing process. He earned his Master of Arts in English and Bachelor of Science degrees from Western Michigan University. He will be missed by all. Brian Olson's funeral will be today (Friday, Nov. 14) at St. Catherine of Siena Parish at 1150 W. Centre Ave. in Portage, Michigan. Visitation is at 10 a.m. and the funeral is at 11 a.m.


New Training Video on IT Help Ticket System
Help us make the IT help ticketing system a system used by all Kalamazoo Valley employees! A training video is located here to help you locate the IT help ticket system and see the steps to fill out a help ticket request. Questions? Contact Kimberly Dupree, training and development coordinator, at kdupree@kvcc.edu.

Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Accreditation Spotlight
As part of Kalamazoo Valley's Higher Learning Commission review, the college will be locking down its website, and all official web pages associated with the college in order to limit changes made prior to our review and visit. The date chosen for this closed access period begins on Dec.1, 2025. 
 
What does this mean for employees? 
Prior to Dec. 1, 2025, employees are encouraged to make timely updates and changes to their web pages. After Dec. 1, employees must use the IT help-ticket system to submit changes that need to be made to Valley websites. Any request made after Dec. 1 outside of the IT ticketing system will not be reviewed nor considered.
 
Why should you make changes to department/team web pages prior to Dec. 1?
It is good practice to keep information up-to-date so our students and community members are accessing current and correct information. After Dec. 1, a special review team comprised of IT personnel and HLC leaders will review and document each change made from this lockdown date through our HLC visit on March 16-17, 2026. The college thanks you in advance for using the IT ticketing system, which helps make this process smoother. If you are not familiar with the IT help-ticket system, please click here for a short video training on this process.
 
HLC FAQs - Criteria for Reaccreditation (Criterion No. 2)
Q: What is the focal point of Criterion 2 during the reaccreditation process?
A: This is where Kalamazoo Valley demonstrates a clear focus on the institutional mission in all college endeavors. Specifically, Valley will connect college activities to the mission statement, emphasizing ways that the college “creates innovative and equitable opportunities that empower all to learn, grow and thrive.”
 
Q: Why is integrity and transparency important in Criterion No. 2?
A: Accreditation bodies, such as the HLC, want to ensure that institutions are trustworthy and accountable. By demonstrating integrity and transparency, Kalamazoo Valley shows that the college operates ethically, follows its policies and keeps stakeholders informed.

Q: What are some examples of how the college meets Criteria No. 2?
A: Kalamazoo Valley will demonstrate that the college publishes clear policies and procedures, shares financial and strategic planning data and ensures accountability in its decision-making. Additional evidence will provide reviewers a look at our standard forms of collegewide communication aimed at sharing operational information, professional development opportunities and involvement in both institutional and community initiatives.

Q: Does the emphasis on integrity and transparency in Criterion No. 2 relate to faculty and teaching?
A: Yes! Kalamazoo Valley will demonstrate to the HLC that the college supports academic freedom and freedom of expression in its pursuit of knowledge. Our college’s commitment to high-quality teaching and learning is reflected in evidence showing innovative and meaningful projects completed both in and beyond the classroom.
 
Look for more HLC FAQs in upcoming newsletters or visit the webpage.

Upcoming Employee Wellness and Engagement Events
  • Get ready to relax, laugh and connect — all for FREE!
  • Scan the QR code below to register for a variety of engagement and wellness events happening now through February, or click here.
  • From massages to movie nights to bowling fun with food, there is something for everyone! Don't miss out – spots are filling up fast.
  • Let’s make wellness and fun a priority together! 
Learn more at https://www.kvcc.edu/engagementandwellness/. These wellness events are being brought to you by the generous wellness grant from the Stryker Johnston Foundation.

Last Call for Open Enrollment for 2026!
We encourage all full-time, benefits-eligible employees to review your coverage during Open Enrollment, Nov. 1-15. Our Human Resources team is here to help you make the best choices for you and your family.
  • Who:  All full-time employees
  • What:  Review your current coverage and make any changes for the 2026 plan year
  • When:  Nov. 1-15
Enrollment will happen online, through Plan Source, our benefit portal. Even if you do not wish to make plan changes, all full-time employees still must log into the benefit portal and complete enrollment to ensure enrollment coverage in 2026.

Your Plan Source username: Full Kalamazoo Valley email address
Password will be reset to your birthdate: YYYYMMDD

2026 Health Insurance Rates
Listed below are the new monthly rates for 2026. The rates will be effective Jan. 1, 2026.
To view and/or print the full 20-page Employee Benefit Guide 2026, click here.


Upcoming Payroll Due Dates & Approval Dates
Due to the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, we wanted to make you aware of the modifications to the normal time sheet completion and approval deadlines surrounding the Thanksgiving break to assist you in ensuring accurate and timely completion of the time sheet submission.

Dec. 15, 2025 Payroll:
  • Employee time sheets are due MONDAY, Nov. 30                     
  • Manager approval of time sheets is due TUESDAY, Dec. 1                     
  • Full-time hourly employees should enter time off paid (TOP) for the college holidays of Nov. 27 and 28
If you will not be on campus when time sheets are due, please ensure that your time sheet is completed and submitted prior to leaving campus. If you normally approve time sheets and will not be on campus on the due date, please ensure you have a proxy set up to approve your time sheets or approve your time sheets before you leave campus. Alternatively, if you are off campus and have internet access, you can log in to your My Valley account by going to www.kvcc.edu to access the Banner Self-Service application to submit and/or approve time sheets. Please contact the Payroll Department with questions. You may call Anita Gonzales at ext. 4872 or Megan Collins at ext. 4898 or send an email to payroll@kvcc.edu.
 
Accounts Payable Thanksgiving Processing Schedule
The accounts payable check run will be processed a day early the week of Thanksgiving. We will be running checks on Tuesday, Nov. 25 to ensure timely mailing with the holiday. To ensure your invoices are paid timely that week, invoices should be approved, coded and submitted to Business Services no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 24. Invoices received after this time will be processed the following week. 
 

It’s giving season at Kalamazoo Valley!
Kalamazoo Valley Community College invites you to participate in the college's annual campaign for the United Way of South Central Michigan. Our online campaign kicks off on Dec. 1.

Our local United Way pools donations together in order to give sizable grants to our local nonprofits. These United Way grants help the nonprofits focus on what they do best, rather than spending more time on fundraising. Many of the nonprofits receiving United Way funds assist our employees and our students and are crucial to our college’s mission to provide equitable education opportunities. Thank you for considering a donation! Watch for detailed information about how you can participate in the next KV Focus Plus newsletter.

Give to Our Students via the KVCC Foundation
We also invite you to consider a gift to the Kalamazoo Valley Community College Foundation this year. 100% of your donation will go directly to student scholarships and assistance! It’s easy to give to our students through payroll deduction. You can set up deductions by visiting the employee portal under the Payroll Resources section: Foundation Employee Payroll Deduction Form.

Campus Roads are Public Roads: Slow Down
The Kalamazoo Valley Community College Public Safety office would like to remind you that our campus roads are public roads. Slow down! Be extra mindful of pedestrians crossing the road to come to class and of the public, who might be on campus walking, running or enjoying the nature trails connected to campus. Follow all stop signs on campus and yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. Remember that Public Safety can enforce traffic laws on any of our campus roads. Drive safely!

Next Free Mental Health First Aid Training Offered Dec. 5
Open to staff, faculty and students! Join us for free Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training on Friday, Dec. 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Room 246 in the Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary and Allied Health Building, located at 418 E. Walnut St. in downtown Kalamazoo. RSVP by Nov. 21 by clicking here. Ten registrants are required or the session is canceled. The training will be led by Integrated Services of Kalamazoo. MHFA is an international, evidence-based program that teaches people to identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges. Sixty percent of college students met the criteria for at least one mental health challenge.

In this course, you'll learn:
  • The prevalence of mental health issues and the need to reduce stigma
  • The importance of early intervention on mental health challenges
  • How to apply the appropriate steps of the MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE)
  • How to identify and assist with early signs and worsening signs of mental health challenges
  • How to identify and assist with a mental health crisis
  • The importance of self-care as we become Mental Health First Aiders
For more information, contact Chris Whitsel at cwhitsel@kvcc.edu.

 
November 2025 Events
Advance registration is required for the sessions below. This month, sharpen your skills with strategies to prevent workplace conflict and elevate communication — empowering a more peaceful, innovative environment for all. 

Communication Workshop — From Tension to Clarity
Thursday, Dec. 4 | 11 a.m. - Noon | Register | Room 4240 (TTC) or Zoom
Unlock the power of transformative communication in this interactive workshop. Through discussion of practical strategies noted in the three training videos below, we will explore how to motivate behavior change, have better conversations and engage in dialogue that promotes innovation across all levels of our college.
Boost Your Development in Small Doses
Below is a series of short training videos designed to strengthen workplace communication. Learn how you can improve collaboration or turn challenges into creative solutions:
“The Science Behind Dramatically Better Conversations” [11:47] Find out why the key to connecting better to others is about more than just talking — it’s about asking the right kinds of questions.
“Addressing Conflict with Care: Simon Sinek’s Approach to Workplace Negativity” [3:14] Understand how and why negativity can serve a purpose in the workplace and how to have constructive conversations around it that create opportunities for innovation.
“How to Motivate Yourself to Change Your Behavior” [16:48] Hear about three key ingredients you need to do better things for yourself. Learn about how emotion, motivation and social factors influence your expectations and decisions.
 
Note: Please check with your supervisor to be sure your work schedule allows you to attend. Also, please plan to bring your own lunch. Questions? Contact Kimberly Dupree, training and development coordinator at kdupree@kvcc.edu.


ValleyHUB Releases Food Hub Case-Study Booklet
The ValleyHUB Food Hub at Kalamazoo Valley Community College's Food Innovation Center is an innovative and unique program to be housed in a community college. The college is excited to share this new case study released in a 16-page booklet, funded by a small grant from the Michigan Department of Education. It tells the story of how the college's community connections and commitment to our mission made ValleyHUB possible. The document also shares more about the incredible partners, staff and students who help get food from the farms to our community's tables. Click here to read "Lessons from the Making of a Community Food Hub."

Stories Sought for Valley Voices Story Hour: True Stories. On Stage.
Kalamazoo Valley Community College is looking for your water stories! Write about a moment that features water in some way, or in which water becomes a part of the story. Your story can touch on water in any of its forms: lakes, rivers, clouds, snow, ice, fog, in a fountain or pool, etc. Open to writers of all levels, including all students, faculty and staff. The deadline for submissions is Nov. 21. Click here to see guidelines and a submission form.

Seeking Submissions for Community Haiku Project
Kalamazoo Valley Community College is accepting submissions of written Haikus to celebrate the smallest moments in our lives: micro-moments. In a micro-moment a yellow leaf falls from a tree and scuffs the sidewalk by our feet or the taste of apple cider reminds us of a loved one. In a micro-moment, we become connected to the world around us. Click here for guidelines and a submission form. Entires will be accepted until Jan. 15.

News from the Libraries
Request a Book through MeLCat
The Kalamazoo Valley Libraries participate in MeLCat, a resource-sharing service that allows students, staff, and faculty to borrow items from other participating libraries throughout the state of Michigan. Click here to search for materials available to borrow. Make sure to have your Valley ID ready. Books can be sent directly to the Kalamazoo Valley library location of your choice, and the library will contact you when your item is available for pickup.
 
The Libraries Have a Database for That
The Libraries subscribe to over 100 databases so that students have access to high-quality information for free. If you assign a research project of any kind, chances are we have a database for that. Book the Library Lab in Ad Astra to schedule an introduction to library resources for your students.  Ask a Librarian
Feel free to copy and paste the following information into your Canvas course: 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

Upcoming KVAAP Sessions
We will continue to accept students for the Winter 2026 semester until Dec. 18! Students can attend these information sessions via a Zoom meeting link that will be sent to them upon signing up. These sessions will explain how KVAAP can assist students with achieving their educational goals. Interested students can register here.
  • Monday, Nov. 24 | 1:30 - 2 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Dec. 3 | 10 - 10:30 a.m.
  • Tuesday, Dec. 9 | 5:30 - 6 p.m.

Time to Buy Commencement Caps, Gowns, Honors Regalia
December graduates can buy commencement regalia up until 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12 at the Bookstore on the Texas Township Campus. The graduation ceremony is Sunday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. at Miller Auditorium at Western Michigan University. Students can also shop online. 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.

Get $10-Off Commencement Attire Coupon at Gradfest
Encourage December graduates to attend Gradfest to pick up the Campus Bookstore's $10-off coupon for commencement attire. Gradfest is Wednesday, Dec. 3, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Anna Whitten Hall in downtown Kalamazoo in the main lobby, and Thursday, Dec. 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Texas Township Campus Cafeteria, where students can RSVP for commencement, pick up graduation tickets, decorate their graduation caps, get professional headshots, enjoy food and more. At the Anna Whitten Hall Gradfest, caps and gowns will be available for on-site sales. No worries if you can’t make that. Commencement attire can be bought anytime at the Texas Township Campus Bookstore during business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or online. Note that coupons can only be used for in-person commencement attire purchases. 



What's for Lunch at the Texas Township Campus?
Cougar Cafe is open Mondays through Thursdays from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The Coffee Den is open Mondays through Thursdays from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Next week's menu includes:
Monday | Nov. 17 | Chicken vegetable soup; grill station selections
Tuesday | Nov. 18 | Chicken vegetable soup; grill station selections
Wednesday | Nov. 19 | Chicken vegetable soup; taco salad
Thursday | Nov. 20 | Chicken vegetable soup; goulash



Are You Ready for Some Basketball? 
Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s women’s and men’s basketball teams are gearing up for a great season! Conference play officially begins on Jan. 10, but you can see the players in action for FREE at their non-conference home games now through December in the main gym at the Texas Township Campus! Click here for the full schedule of home and away games.

WOMEN'S TEAM
  • Wednesday, Dec. 10 | 5:30 p.m. | vs. St. Clair County Community College
  • Wednesday, Dec. 17 | 5:30 p.m. | vs. Wayne County Community College
  • Saturday, Dec. 20 | 1 p.m. | vs. Kirtland Community College
MEN'S TEAM
  • Saturday, Nov. 15 | 3 p.m. | vs. Joliet Junior College (IL)
  • Wednesday, Dec. 10 | 7:30 p.m. | vs. St. Clair County Community College
  • Wednesday, Dec. 17 | 7:30 p.m. | vs. Wayne County Community College
  • Saturday, Dec. 20 | 3 p.m. | vs. Kirtland Community College


Visit the Museum after Holiday Parade for Winter Workshop Activities
Celebrate the season with festive fun for the whole family on Saturday, Nov. 22, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.! Explore hands-on winter craft activities, enjoy free planetarium shows,and test your skills in our playful Reindeer Minute-to-Win-It Games. Whether you’re creating, discovering, or competing, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.


Have You Seen the 'Am I An American or Am I Not?' Exhibit? 
The thought-provoking "Am I An American or Am I Not?" traveling historical exhibit opened this month at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum and will be on view 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. 


‘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 at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, now through Jan. 4. Watch the promo video here! The museum is the first in the nation to show the exhibit. It centers around the work of the mask makers and dancers themselves through written and recorded interviews, including bilingual Spanish and English texts.


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, now until 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. 
  
Kalamazoo Valley Community College
6767 West O Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49003-4070






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Kalamazoo Valley Community College · 6767 W O Ave · Kalamazoo, MI 49009 · USA