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MISSION STATEMENT
Kalamazoo Valley Community College creates innovative and equitable
opportunities that empower all to learn, grow and thrive.
April 1, 2025

Greetings College Community,

Together with over 1,000 other community colleges across the country, Kalamazoo Valley will celebrate Community College Month during April. I’m preaching to the choir when I say that community colleges are first-class institutions that are vital to our local and state economies. You know firsthand the importance of the inclusive community college mission. 

Community colleges are respected collaborators, leaders and partners, creating innovative and equitable opportunities to prepare learners for existing and emerging careers. For almost 60 years, Kalamazoo Valley has been at the forefront of change and at the workforce and economic development table — collaborating with local, regional and state partners, creating innovative educational and training programs that fuel the economy.

I am proud of the impact that our staff and faculty make on the lives of our students and their families. Kalamazoo Valley Community College employees are among the most dedicated individuals in higher education. You have helped to make the success of our students possible. I admire your unwavering commitment to the college mission.

Therefore, during this month of celebration, I celebrate you and thank you for making Kalamazoo Valley a great place for every student, employee and guest to learn, grow and thrive! 

Sincerely,

L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President
Updated: Title IX Policy and Grievance Procedure
Since Aug. 1, 2024, when new Title IX regulations went into effect, the College complied with its legal obligations by updating its policy and procedures and providing required training to its Title IX coordinator, investigators, faculty, staff and administration. The College has also monitored ongoing litigation and regulatory changes. In January, a federal court ruled that the new Title IX regulations were void, and the U.S. Department of Education subsequently issued guidance that the old Title IX regulations, first promulgated in 2020, remain valid and enforceable. Because of this updated guidance from the U.S. Department of Education, the College reviewed, updated and retitled the College’s Sexual Misconduct and Harassment Policy. The updated policy, now titled Title IX Policy and Grievance Procedure, is available here. The Title IX Policy and Grievance Procedure is effective immediately. 

Fall Summit Planning Underway

The Summit planning team has been working hard to create an engaging Fall 2025 Summit event. We want to maintain features that work well and implement a few minor adjustments that will help us connect better with your creative ideas. 
 
To start, we’re including two additional links which will allow you to provide us with new suggestions. First, there is a link for session topics so we can locate a Kalamazoo Valley or local expert to lead a session. We’ve received many wonderful suggestions from you in the past that we are working hard to utilize but we would love to hear more of your recommendations. We’re also adding a link to submit ideas for dynamic keynote speakers. Lastly, you will find the traditional link to the call for proposals if you’re excited about offering your own session. We appreciate your contributions!
 
The deadline to submit Fall 2025 Summit session topics and keynote speaker ideas is Friday, April 18 at 5 p.m. The deadline to submit a proposal is Thursday, May 22. 
 
Click here to submit session topic ideas
Click here to provide keynote speaker suggestions
Click here for the call for proposals

If you have any questions, please reach out to Kimberly Dupree, training and development coordinator.

 

Upcoming MI-ACE Events
Filling Others' Baskets Without Emptying Yours: A Lunch and Learn on Self-Care with Lasonda Wells
Tuesday, April 15 | Noon - 1 p.m. | Room 4230 (TTC) | Bring your own lunch
Join us for an engaging and reflective Lunch and Learn session focused on the importance of self-care in both our professional and personal lives. The event, titled "Filling Others' Baskets Without Emptying Yours," will explore practical strategies to help us balance supporting others while also maintaining our own well-being. We encourage you to bring your lunch, relax and engage with your colleagues in a discussion that prioritizes you — because self-care is essential to sustaining the care we offer to others.

Crochet & Create: A Beginner's Guide to Crafting with Yarn
Tuesday, April 29 | 4 - 5 p.m. | Room 4380 (TTC)
Join us for a fun and informative crochet session designed for beginners and seasoned crafters alike! Whether you're just starting your crochet journey or working on a current project, this is the perfect opportunity to learn new tips, tricks and techniques to elevate your craft. Participants must bring their own crochet supplies (yarn, hooks and any other materials for your project). All skill levels are welcome!

Everyone is invited — women and men — to attend.

Retirement Celebration Planned for April 22
Save the date and mark your calendar for this year's Retirement Celebration. The event will take place Tuesday, April 22 from 3:30 - 5 p.m. in Room 4240 (TTC).
 
This year's retirees are:
Ruth Baker | 12 years
Renee Daudert | 14 years
Janice Fulford | 19 years
Dawn Kemp | 13 years
Richard Kraas | 23 years
Erick Martin | 27 years
Thomas Sutton | 16 years
Laurence Taylor | 27 years
Caroline Whiting | 19 years

Home Folder (O: Drive) Migration to Microsoft OneDrive

What is Happening?

  • The college is moving away from our traditional Home folders (a.k.a. O: drives)
  • Contents of Home folders will be moved from their current location into a folder on the employee’s OneDrive
  • Data that has not been accessed for more than seven years will not be moved

When?

  • Faculty will be migrated during the break between Winter and Summer semesters
  • Staff will be migrated by department beginning in April
  • Staff departments will be notified via email of their planned migration date and steps to take to ensure a smooth transition

What Can Employees Do to Prepare?

  • Clean up your home drive! Delete any outdated or duplicate files.

Questions? Email it@kvcc.edu with questions.

 

Bring your Child to Work
Employees are invited to participate in Bring your Child to Work Day Tuesday, April 23 and Wednesday, 24. The job shadowing day is intended to give children a glimpse of the working world through the guidance of their parents. To participate, complete this form by April 16. For more information, contact HR.

Employee Benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Did you know that all employees at Kalamazoo Valley have access to our Employee Assistance Program? This is a confidential work-based program that offers resources to employees. For more information, click here.

You Are Not Alone – Community Resources Available
Some of our students, co-workers, friends, relatives or even ourselves may need assistance from time to time. The college has a list of community resources on our website. Click here. We encourage you to share the list with others.
 
Diversity and Bias in the Search Committee Trainings
Diversity and Bias in the Search Committee is a required training for all staff and faculty wishing to serve on a search committee. Participants will explore the basics of serving on a search committee and gain insight into how implicit or unconscious bias can influence the decision-making process. 
April 28 | 3 - 5 p.m. | Room 128 (AWH) | Register Here

Retirement Services and Voya
For those who have a MPSERS and/or Voya account, Voya offers one-on-one virtual appointments and webinars. To sign up for a session or to view dates and times, click here.

TIAA
Do you have an account with TIAA? A listing of webinars in April, May and June can be found by clicking here. Would you like to save more for retirement? The supplemental retirement plan gives you the opportunity to continue to save toward retirement. Kalamazoo Valley Community College offers three plans through TIAA. The deduction can either be a percentage of your check or a fixed dollar amount. To learn more on the different plans, click here. These options are for employee-only contributions. 
 
The Pool App
Is your healthcare coverage through Kalamazoo Valley Community College? Have you downloaded the app for The Pool? On the app, you will have access to pain management, diabetes management, health management, diabetes and heart health and virtual second opinions. To learn more, click here.
 
Maven – Maternity and Postpartum Support
Employees who are covered under the Kalamazoo Valley Community College medical plan now have additional support. Whether you’re an expectant parent or excited partner, Maven can support you in answering questions, connect you with qualified professionals and more. 
Maven support includes: ?
  • Management of high-risk pregnancy
  • Steps to avoid the chance of preterm birth
  • Low birthweight and C-section care
  • Help for parents with an infant(s) in the NICU
  • Advice to prepare parents for returning to work
Click here for more information.

AFLAC Accident Plan
If your medical plan is through Kalamazoo Valley Community College, you also have AFLAC Accident for no additional cost. The AFLAC Accident covers all dependents who are enrolled on your medical plan. For more information on AFLAC Accident, click here.
 
Employee Fall Registration
Employee registration for the Fall 2025 semester is April 4 - 7. Full and part-time employees may request access to online registration for themselves and/or their dependents through 4 p.m. on Friday, April 4.

To request access:
1. Send a message from your Kalamazoo Valley employee account to arr@kvcc.edu. Enter “Employee Registration” as the subject so we can easily find your request for early access to registration among all of the emails we receive from students. It must be from a “@kvcc.edu” address.
2. List the name and Valley Number or birth date for each admitted person who will be registering.
3. We will add authorization to each person’s record and reply to confirm.
4. Beginning April 4, each authorized individual may log into MyValley, select "Register or Drop Classes" from My Links and register.

If you miss this opportunity, you may still register following the standard registration schedule for all students beginning Monday, April 7. Please email the Admissions, Registration and Records office at arr@kvcc.edu, or call x4281, if you have questions.
Spring Fundraising Drive Kicks Off Soon
It may be April Fool’s Day, but it’s no joke that Kalamazoo Community College faculty and staff are incredibly giving and kind people. We see examples of your generosity every week here at the KVCC Foundation. Thank you for giving your time, talents and hearts to our students and our communities! Our spring drive to raise donations for student scholarships and assistance will be April 15 - May 1. Please consider contributing a gift — either through a one-time donation or by starting payroll deductions. More details to come!

Kalamazoo Valley Community College Foundation Mini Grants Available
The KVCC Foundation offers a grant program that funds opportunities that benefit Kalamazoo Valley students and support a collegewide culture of giving. The grants are awarded to individuals and groups that help Kalamazoo Valley students learn, grow and thrive. Grant proposals are reviewed throughout the fiscal year for grants of $2,500 or less.
 
Grant applications that benefit the larger community, such as funds to support community education programs, are also accepted. Employees and students are welcome to apply. Past projects have included funding to purchase trees to replant after the tornado, a grant to buy extra chef uniforms for students in need and provision of toolkits for an outreach electrical program at the Northside Association for Community Development.
 
To learn more, or to apply, contact Alisha Siebers, associate vice president for college advancement and executive director of the KVCC Foundation, at asiebers@kvcc.edu or x4821.
Lead with Your Strengths
We’re excited to reinvest in our journey of being a strengths-based organization by utilizing the CliftonStrengths assessment. Developed by Gallup, the assessment is designed to help individuals identify their unique strengths and talents. It is based on the idea that people are most effective and engaged when they leverage their natural talents.

If you haven’t taken the CliftonStrengths Assessment, you are encouraged to sign up to explore CliftonStrengths and discover new opportunities for growth and how you can lead with your Strengths.

Here is how to get started:
  • With supervisor approval, register to attend one of the sessions below:
  • You will receive a code from one of the Strengths coaches before the session. The code will allow you to complete the CliftonStrengths assessment. The assessment will take approximately 45 minutes.
  • Attend the session to learn more about how to read your report, dive into your top strengths and focus on what you do best.
Questions? Email strengths@kvcc.edu.

 
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. Reach out to Jim Ratliff or Amy Brandt 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

Read Local: Meet with Professional Writers and Leave Inspired
Visiting Writers at Kalamazoo Valley Community College is kicking off a new event called "Read Local." Every year, the college will feature and celebrate the work of local writers from the Kalamazoo area, Southwest Michigan and Michigan at large. Meet writers from the community and hear about what inspires them. This year, the visits take place April 15 at 1 p.m. in the Student Commons Lounge, Room 4250, at the Texas Township Campus. All events are free, open to the public and include a craft talk and a reading by the author. The featured writers include Scott Bade, Robert Haight, Kathleen McGookey, Denise Miller and Jack Ridl. more

Recycling Event Planned for April 19
Kalamazoo Valley Community College is partnering with Green Earth Electronics Recycling to host biannual EPS foam and electronics recycling events at the Texas Township Campus. This year, the events will be held Saturday, April 19 and Saturday, Oct. 25 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Texas Township Campus. Both events will take place in the main parking lot off of O Avenue and are led by the college's Sustainability Committee. Energy and Materials Handling Manager Nathan Rickey says these events provide an easy opportunity for the community to recycle items that are often challenging or costly to recycle. more


KVAAP Student Spotlight - EgypTrinity Wilder
Meet EgypTrinity Wilder, a current sophomore in the criminal justice program. She is a poet, mom and student. She has performed her poetry in the community and also participated in poetry competitions. In addition to attending Kalamazoo Valley, Wilder works full time as a program director at the Fire Historical and Cultural Arts Collaborative in the Edison neighborhood. She plans to transfer to Western Michigan University after she graduates from Valley in April.
 
When asked about her experience in KVAAP, Wilder said, “As a mother, full-time employee and entrepreneur who was not eligible for the Kalamazoo Promise, KVAAP eased financial worries and made finishing school less stressful. The program connected me with an incredible advisor who guided me through my degree. I encourage parents and students facing barriers to consider KVAAP— it pushed me to achieve what I couldn’t alone. Thank you, KVAAP, for supporting students on their success journey!”

Upcoming KVAAP Info Sessions
  • Tuesday | April 1 | 5 p.m.
  • Wednesday | April 9 | 10 a.m.
  • Tuesday | April 15 | 5 p.m.
Attending a KVAAP Info Session is a required part of the application process. Interested students can register here.

Time to Buy Commencement Caps, Gowns, Honors Regalia
Please spread the word to April graduates that they can buy commencement regalia up until 5 p.m. Friday, April 25 at the Bookstore on the Texas Township Campus. Also for sale are diploma frames, mortarboard graphics and more. The graduation ceremony is Sunday, April 27 at 2 p.m. at Miller Auditorium at Western Michigan University. You can also shop online at bookstore.kvcc.edu.

What's for Lunch on the Texas Township Campus?
We have a lot of delicious food offerings to look forward to at the Cougar Cafe! From March 31 - April 3, enjoy some chili. Monday, March 31, stop by for sloppy joes. Tuesday, April 1, snack on some taco casserole. Wednesday, April 2, add some energy to your mid-week with stuffed peppers. Thursday, April 3, finish the week off strong with some chicken Parmesan. From April 7 - 10, warm up with some potato soup. Monday, April 7, start the week off right with some goulash. Tuesday, April 8 kick off taco Tuesday with a taco salad. Wednesday, April 9, enjoy some tater tot casserole, Thursday, April 10, finish the week strong with some chicken Alfredo. The Cougar Cafe is open Monday - Thursday, 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.


Downtown Restaurants Now Open
Need some lunch plans? Stop by the Havirmill Cafe for freshly made entrees and grab-and-go options! Havirmill Cafe hours are Monday - Thursday from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. through  April 17. Follow the Havirmill Cafe's Facebook page for the most up-to-date information.

If you have more time, take some time out of your day for a fine dining experience. Students enrolled in Kalamazoo Valley’s culinary arts and sustainable food systems programs put their training to work in the 418 restaurant. The 418 is open Wednesdays and Thursdays through April 17. Reservations can be made to be seated from 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Please call 269.548.3239 for reservations. Both restaurants are located in the Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary and Allied Health Building, 418 E. Walnut St., in downtown Kalamazoo.
Men’s Basketball Caps Stellar Season at National Tournament
It’s been an amazing ride for Kalamazoo Valley’s men’s basketball players this season, first winning their conference, then being named state champs and next finishing No. 4 at the national tournament. While the team did not take home the national title, they won the first round of play and a quarterfinal game, and in doing so made Kalamazoo Valley Community College history. This was the first time that the Cougars have ever won a game at the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II Men's Basketball Championship since the college’s founding in 1966.
 
The team had achievement both on and off the court this season: The players collectively had an average GPA of 3.23 for the Fall 2024 semester. Valley Head Men’s Basketball Coach Jim Horn was named Coach of the Year for the Western Conference of the Michigan Community College Athletic Association (MCCAA) for 2024-2025. Also, sophomore guard Joey Liedel was chosen Western Conference Player of the Year, sophomore MaKyle Doss was selected Western Conference Defensive Player of the Year and sophomore Ramere Draper was named to the National All-Tournament Team. Another point of pride was Liedel reaching the rare college career milestone of 1,000 points. Read the full story here. Click here for photos from the Cougars’ March 20 national quarterfinal game.
 
Women’s and Men’s Basketball Players Dominate Awards Season
Congratulations to the four players from the women’s basketball team and six from the men’s basketball team who have earned awards for the 2024-2025 year from the Michigan Community College Athletic Association, the MCCAA Western Conference and National Junior College Athletic Association Region XII Division II! Glorivel Rodriguez-Rosario, Katrise Hudson, Justice Billingsley and Terra Easley are the women’s team honorees, with Rodriguez-Rosario earning the most awards, a total of five. The men’s team awardees are Joey Liedel, Ramere Draper, John Sweeney, MaKyle Doss, Brandon Downs and Corey George, with Draper garnering the most awards, a total of five. Click here for the awards won.

Free, Free, Free – Baseball and Softball Games!
Softball and baseball season is underway at Kalamazoo Valley Community College! You’re invited to drop in at any time at the home games, which are always free at the college’s Texas Township Campus. Here are the remaining home games now through May.
 
BASEBALL
  • 2 p.m. | Thursday | APRIL 3 vs. Lansing Community College (double header)
  • 1 p.m. | Saturday | APRIL 12 vs. Marian University’s Ancilla College (double header)
  • 1 p.m. | Saturday | APRIL 19 vs. Kellogg Community College (double header)
  • 1 p.m. | Saturday | APRIL 26 vs. Lake Michigan College (double header)
  • 3 p.m. | Tuesday | APRIL 29 vs. Grand Rapids Community College (9 innings)
  • 2 p.m. | Thursday | MAY 1 vs. Glen Oaks Community College (double header)
SOFTBALL
  • 3 p.m. | Friday | APRIL 4 vs. Lake Michigan College
  • 1 p.m. | Saturday | APRIL 5 vs. Glen Oaks Community College (double header)
  • 3 p.m. | Friday | APRIL 11 vs. Marian University's Ancilla College (double header)
  • 1 p.m. | Saturday | APRIL 12 vs. Lansing Community College (double header)
  • 1 p.m. | Saturday | APRIL 26 vs. Glen Oaks Community College (double header)
For the full and updated season schedule, click here.


Historic 20th Anniversary Fretboard Festival Draws Hundreds
More than 1,300 people attended the 20th Annual Fretboard Festival! The Kalamazoo Valley Museum extends a big thank-you to the guests, performers, vendors, workshop presenters and volunteers who made the festival a success. It took place at the museum and Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s Anna Whitten Hall on Friday, March 21 and Saturday, March 22.  Click here and here for nearly 200 photos from the event.


Make Fantastical Creatures for Spring Break, April 1 - 5
Kids can spend this week’s spring break learning how to create fantastic creatures, like fairies, mermaids, unicorns and monsters, through a variety of different hands-on activities from 1 to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, April 1; Wednesday, April 2; Thursday, April 3; and Friday, April 4. Admission is free to the museum and the programming, and registration is not required. Festivities wrap up 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 5 with an Art & Animation Symposium. Visit kalamazoomuseum.org for fuller details. All experiences tie in with the new traveling exhibit from the collection of animation filmmaker Ray Harryhausen on the third floor.
 

Free Foodways Symposium Returns April 4 - 5
Are you a foodie? Then don’t miss this week’s 2025 Kalamazoo Valley Foodways Symposium! It'll be an exploration of freshwater foodways and Indigenous culture and cuisine! This free annual food celebration will be held April 4 - 5, 2025 at two of Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s locations in downtown Kalamazoo. It kicks off at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum on Friday, April 4 with a water ceremony at 5 p.m., then a free distribution of seeds from 6 to 7 p.m. A keynote address follows from 7 to 8 p.m. illuminating the gift of Manoomin (wild rice). Manoomin three sisters salad appetizers will be served from 8 to 8:30 p.m. 

Enjoy more free activities Saturday, April 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the college’s Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary and Allied Health Building, located at 418 E. Walnut St. in downtown Kalamazoo. Learn how to make venison and wild rice casserole, Manoomin three sisters salad and kid-friendly meals with local vegetables. Some of the other activities include a Potawatomi wetland plant walk, panel discussion with Native American elders on the topic of “What does the water ask of us,” presentation about the story of the Kalamazoo River, songs, youth activities, building tours, community organization showcase and more. 

 
Save the Date for Statewide Astronomy Night on April 12
Enjoy space science activities and special free planetarium shows for all ages at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum on Saturday, April 12, from 5 to 8 p.m., as part of the annual Statewide Astronomy Night, also known as SWAN. Registration is not required. For more details, visit kalamazoomuseum.org.


See Two Iconic Stop-Motion Animation Movies for Free
Celebrate the legendary artistry of Ray Harryhausen, the master of stop-motion animation, at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum! Enjoy an enchanting series of FREE movie screenings featuring some of his iconic films. These screenings tie in with the traveling exhibit “Ray Harryhausen: Miniature Models of the Silver Screen,” currently on view at the museum through April 27. While there is no cost to see the films, tickets will only be available at noon on the day of each show at the front desk, or online. Due to limited seating, it is first come, first served. Here’s the lineup: April 6, “Jason and the Argonauts”; and April 13, “Clash of the Titans.” All showtimes are at 1 p.m. and on Sundays. Guests are invited to return for a special in-depth panel discussion exploring Harryhausen’s enduring legacy led by Connor Heaney, curator for the Harryhausen Foundation, at 1 p.m. April 27.
 
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Kalamazoo Valley Community College
6767 West O Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49003-4070






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