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

April 15, 2026

Greetings,

I would like to thank each of you for your engagement, preparation and participation in our recent Higher Learning Commission reaccreditation site visit. The time, care and effort you brought to this process reflected the very best of Kalamazoo Valley Community College.

Accreditation is not simply a requirement. It is an opportunity to demonstrate who we are and the impact of our work on students and our community. Your conversations and examples helped tell that story in a clear and meaningful way.

The next steps in the process include:

  • The peer review team prepares a draft report based on the Assurance Argument, evidence and campus conversations
  • The draft report is submitted to our Higher Learning Commission liaison
  • Kalamazoo Valley reviews the draft to identify any errors of fact
  • The peer review team finalizes the report and submits recommendations to the Higher Learning Commission Institutional Actions Council
  • The Higher Learning Commission makes the final accreditation decision


The final report and decision are expected later this summer or early this fall. Accreditation reflects our ongoing commitment to improvement, collaboration and student success.

That same commitment has guided Kalamazoo Valley since its founding.

This year, Kalamazoo Valley Community College proudly celebrates 60 years of service to our community. Born from a vision in the early 1960s to expand access to education and strengthen workforce opportunity, the college was established through the collective leadership and commitment of our community.

Today, we honor that legacy while continuing to create innovative and equitable opportunities that empower all to learn, grow and thrive. We are pleased to unveil our 60th Anniversary logo, an enduring symbol of our shared history and bright future.

Thank you again for your dedication to Kalamazoo Valley and to the students and community we serve. I am grateful for all that you do each day. Stay tuned for more information on how we will celebrate this milestone year together.

Sincerely,
signature: L. Marshall Washington
L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President
On August 1, 1966, the citizens of nine school districts in Kalamazoo and in surrounding communities voted to establish a new community college. 
2026 Fourth Annual Staff and Administrator Excellence Awards
Kalamazoo Valley Excellence Awards will be presented to highlight the outstanding work of Kalamazoo Valley staff and administrators. The awards recognize those who have a demonstrated record of exceptional work in support of the college mission. Regular full-time, part-time employees and paraprofessionals are eligible. Kalamazoo Valley welcomes all faculty and staff to participate in the nomination process. You may nominate up to three individuals per year by filling out this form. Some restrictions apply; please visit the nomination website for more details. Nominations must be submitted by May 15. If you have any questions, please contact Kimberly Dupree (kdupree@kvcc.edu) training and development coordinator.

Partnering for a Greener Tomorrow: The 2026 Community Recycling Initiative
The Kalamazoo Valley Sustainability Committee, in partnership with Texas Township, will host a community recycling event on Saturday, April 18 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. This event is open to the general public and will take place in the parking lot of the Texas Township Campus. Faculty and staff are encouraged to share this information with students and community members to promote local environmental stewardship. By participating, the campus community helps divert waste from landfills and contributes to a more sustainable future for the entire Kalamazoo region.

Arbor Day Ceremony Honorees Deadline is April 16
This year’s Arbor Day Ceremony to honor loved ones who have passed away is scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday, April 24 at the Texas Township Campus. It will be held in the memorial tree garden near the south storm ponds (behind the Advanced Technology Center). Tomorrow, April 16, is the deadline to submit names of current and former staff and faculty members and your loved ones for consideration to be honored at the Arbor Day tree-planting ceremony. The submission form is located in the employee portal. (Click here.) 

Women’s History Month Luncheon Drew Packed House
For yet another year, we enjoyed a full house at the Women’s History Month Luncheon, thanks to robust community and staff support for this important initiative! Let’s again congratulate honorees pictured above: Artrella Cohn of Communities in Schools Kalamazoo, Dr. Valarie Cunningham of Synergy Health Center and BlackWellness Network, Kalamazoo Valley board member Mary Gustas of the Comstock Community Center and Chef Stephanie Hughes-Winfrey of the college’s culinary education program! Click here to enjoy more photos from the April 2 event.

Honoring Our Retirees!
We invite you to join us this afternoon from 3:30 - 5 p.m. in Room 4240 at our Texas Township Campus to celebrate the careers of our colleagues who are embarking on the their next chapter. Please come by to share your thanks and offer congratulations for their years of dedicated service.
 
This year's honorees are: 
Diana Multer | 11 years
Lauren Puttkammer | 13 years
Larry Sandt | 24 years
Cindy Parks | 20 years
Kim Campbell | 20 years
Charlene Gibson | 29 years
Gary Gibson | 13 years
Terri Lester | 45 years
Gretchen St. John | 4 years
Molly Riley | 8 years
A Few Notes On Summer Hours!
For the period of Sunday, May 3 through Saturday, Aug. 8, Kalamazoo Valley Community College will observe summer hours. The hours of operation are as follows:
  • Mondays through Thursdays: 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. (30 minutes for lunch)
  • In cooperation with the department supervisor, individuals may be able to adjust their four-day workweek schedule to Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • Fridays through Sundays: College closed for classes
  • Please note some college operations such as the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, information technologies, facilities services, public safety, financial services and other departments with evening hours will adjust schedules to ensure coverage of important functions
  • Employees who have earned paid vacation time will take that time in accordance with the employee handbook (2-hour blocks or entire scheduled shift)
Regular hours resume the week of Aug. 9. Maintaining exemplary services for our students and guests throughout the summer work schedule is a high priority. For additional questions, please contact Amy Reynolds, director of human resources, at 269.488.4576 or areynolds2@kvcc.edu. Thank you in advance for your efforts.

Personal Safety on Campus Roads
The Kalamazoo Valley 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!

Employee Benefits 
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 
Employees and their family members have access to our Employee Assistance Program, offering expanded support and resources. Click here to see what resources are available. Employees will need to create an account before logging in. 
 
Phone:  855-775-4357 
Website: https://portal.allonehealth.com/ 
Company Code: RSLl859  
 
EyeMed Vision — Now What You See Is What You Hear
Introducing Nuance Audio for someone with mild to moderate hearing loss. Click here for more information on this benefit. 
 
You Are Not Alone — Community Resources Available 
Some of our students, coworkers, friends, relatives or even ourselves may need assistance from time to time. The college has a list of community resources on our website. We encourage you to share the list with others.
 
Retirement Services
TIAA Webinars 
Would you like more financial information? Click here to register for upcoming webcast sessions offered for TIAA members.  
  
Michigan Public Schools Employee Retirement Services (MPSERS)   
Wherever you are in your journey to retirement, keeping your personal information current is important. It’s that time of year when you would want to review all your personal information, beneficiaries, address, etc. This can be done by clicking here and logging into your MiAccount. 
 
Voya Financial  
Provides virtual appointments and webinars for employees who have an account with them. Click here for a complete listing of dates and times.  
 
Save More for Retirement in 2026 
Interested in saving more towards retirement? Kalamazoo Valley offers a Supplemental Retirement Plan for employees that would let you save more towards your retirement. After-tax Roth Contributions are available for employees. To find out more information on after-tax contribution, click here. If interested complete the Supplemental Retirement Plan Salary Reduction Agreement and turn into human resources. 
 
The Search Committee Process Training
We offer "The Search Committee Process," a two-hour training exploring the basics of how a search is conducted to fill full-time vacancies. It also explores how implicit or unconscious bias impacts the decision-making process, assessment of candidates' application materials and the interview process. The training is required for those who wish to serve on a search committee, but it is open to anyone wishing to learn more. To sign up for a training, click on the registration link below for your desired session.
 
Wednesday, May 13 | 9 - 11 a.m. | Room 4520, TTC | Register here


KV Foundation Mini-Grants
The Kalamazoo Valley Community College Foundation offers mini-grants of $2,500 or less for projects that will help students learn, grow and thrive. The funding is intended to facilitate learning and to support a culture of giving. Students, individual employees and groups are all encouraged to apply. Awards must be spent before July 1, 2026. If you are interested in applying, contact Alisha Siebers or Suprotik Stotz-Ghosh.
Planning Ahead!
It’s not too early to start planning for the Fall Summit! Do you have an idea for a presentation or workshop? The Summit planning committee is welcoming proposals now. At this point, all you need to provide is a title and a basic description. Then, you have all summer to perfect the content of your workshop! Please submit your presentation proposal here. 

Change In Reimbursement Forms
As a reminder, the Business Office no longer accepts physical PDF employee reimbursement forms. All reimbursement requests must be submitted through Etrieve, which can be accessed via the Employee Portal under Workplace Resources. This update supports faster processing, improved tracking and a more efficient experience for everyone.
 
May 2026 Events
Check out the new employee training webpage where you can easily view a brief calendar of upcoming training events with registration links.
 
Let’s Get Growing: Gardening Basics
Wednesday, May 6 | Noon – 1 p.m. | Register | FIC 113
In this brief overview, learn the essentials about how plants grow, the process of choosing the right plants, helpful tips on placement and common gardening mistakes. Please bring outdoor shoes in the event the weather allows us to go for a short garden tour at the FIC.
 
Ready, Set, Apply: Positioning Yourself for Growth at Kalamazoo Valley
Thursday, May 21 | Noon – 1 p.m.  | Register | TTC 1330 | Zoom
An engaging session that equips you to be ready when the next internal position opens. Learn how to sharpen your skills, showcase your experience and create a clear plan for moving into the next stage of your career.
 
RESCHEDULED  — Smart Money Habits: Budgeting & Reducing Debt
Thursday, May 28 | 11 a.m. - Noon | Register | TTC 1330 | Zoom
Plan, save and succeed! Grab your lunch and join us for a practical session on getting budget-ready. Learn how to fill out a budget form, discover money-saving strategies and explore ways to pay off debt faster. It’s ok if you’re a complete novice or have been budgeting for years - this session will help provide you with new insights into your finances.
 
Note: Make sure your supervisor encourages you to attend and please bring your own lunch. Questions? Contact Kimberly Dupree, training and development coordinator (kdupree@kvcc.edu)
 
Need Training on Your Own Time?
Try out one of these short videos.
 
Let Your Garden Grow Wild – Discover the beautiful, creative and innovative ways a landscape artist creates more wild, natural places for communities (and small creatures) to enjoy. Explore why letting gardens become “wild” again is being widely recommended. (12 minutes)
 
How to Introduce Yourself – and Get Hired – While there is no guarantee on getting hired into a new position, this tidbit of training will take your “elevator speech” or “tell me about yourself” reply to a whole new level. (10 minutes)

New After-Hours Password and Multi-Factor Authentication Assistance
Kalamazoo Valley has expanded its user support services, allowing students to reset passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA) outside of regular business hours.

Instead of waiting for a ticket to be processed the following day, students can now receive immediate assistance from an off-site support vendor. To verify their identity, students must provide a valid ID during a brief online meeting with a representative.

Need help after hours? Call the IT helpline at 269.488.4451. Your call will automatically forward to a support specialist who will guide you through the reset process.


Service Animal Policy & ADA Guidelines
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), only service dogs—or trained miniature horses, where reasonable—are allowed. Service animals are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. Service animals on our campuses must remain under the control of their handler at all times.

Animals whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA, even with documentation from a health care provider.

For more information, click here.  

Encourage students to study at the library!

Many students don’t know that the libraries are the perfect place to study.

Please encourage students to check out the:

  • Peaceful atmosphere
  • Excellent views
  • Individual and group study furniture
  • Computers and printers
  • Help from librarians
  • Access to books and electronic databases
  • Study rooms (TTC)
     

Need Help Now? Ask A Librarian
Librarians can help Kalamazoo Valley students with questions about research and citation. Encourage your students to visit the libraries, schedule ahead or use our 24/7 chat service.

Citation Guide
Do you know a student who could use citation guidance? Let them know that the Kalamazoo Valley libraries offer an online citation guide for MLA and APA formats. It includes concise formatting instructions, instructional videos and helpful links to more comprehensive citation resources.

Hours and Contact Information

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 | April 20 | Beef chili; grill station selections
Tuesday | April 21 | Beef chili; grill station selections
Wednesday | April 22 | Beef chili; chili mac & cheese
Thursday | April 23  | Beef chili; BBQ smoked sausage, fried potatoes, vegetables


Cheer on the Softball and Baseball Teams!
Enjoy some fresh air and support the softball and baseball teams at the same time! You’re invited to drop in at any time at the home games, which are always FREE at the college’s Texas Township Campus. See below for the home games from now through May. Visit athletics.kvcc.edu for the full schedule of home and away games, plus scores. For a story about the season, click here.
 
BASEBALL

  • 4 p.m. | Wednesday | APRIL 15 vs. Kalamazoo College JV
  • 3 p.m. | Tuesday | APRIL 21 vs. Grand Rapids Community College
  • 2 & 4 p.m. | Thursday | APRIL 23 vs. Lake Michigan College
  • 2 & 4 p.m. | Tuesday | APRIL 28 vs. Mid Michigan College
  • 1 & 3 p.m. | Saturday | MAY 2 vs. Glen Oaks Community College


SOFTBALL
  • 3 & 5 p.m. | Friday | APRIL 24 vs. Lake Michigan College
  • 3 & 5 p.m. | Friday | MAY 1 vs. Jackson Community College
  • 1 & 3 p.m. | Saturday | MAY 2  vs. Lansing Community College
Student Spotlight: Lune Mark
 
Hear from current KVAAP Student Lune Marek on their KVAAP experience: 
 
“My journey with the Kalamazoo Valley Accelerated Associate Program has been a way to overcome many external struggles. At one point, I had become unhoused and I came into the office at Anna Whitten Hall afraid of what would happen with being unhoused. I talked to my advisor, Jeanne, and she gave me resources to find a new place to live. Everyone was kind and compassionate as I have transitioned from a difficult circumstance to one that is much better suited to being a student. As a nontraditional student, I've been fortunate that KVAAP has also helped me pay for my education, covering my books and my needed supplies. I live on very narrow margins for a budget. The stipends have helped me be able to set just a little bit more aside for savings than normal. Every time I see a member of the KVAAP staff, we have genuinely good conversation. I have been welcomed as a part of KVAAP from the first time that I asked about it at a registration event. I am confident that I'm going to make lifelong connections through KVAAP.”

Upcoming KVAAP Info Sessions
We are continuing to look for students for the Summer 2026 semester! 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.
  • Thursday, April 16 | 3 - 3:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, April 21 | 1:30 - 2 p.m.


Wellness and Fitness Center Announces Intersession and Summer Hours
The Fitness Center will remain open between semesters with adjusted hours. Summer hours officially begin May 11 and run through July 30.

Intersession Hours
Fitness Center | Monday - Friday | 6 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Pool | Monday - Thursday | 3 - 5 p.m.

Summer Hours (Beginning May 11)
Fitness Center | Monday - Thursday | 6 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Yoga | Thursdays | 12:05 - 12:35 p.m.
Pool | Mondays and Wednesdays | 3 - 6 p.m.
         | Tuesdays and Thursdays | 4 - 6 p.m.

Action Required: Employee Locker Renewals
Do you currently have a locker in the locker room? To keep your space for the upcoming term, you must take action by Friday, May 1.
  • To Renew: Complete the Employee Locker Renewal form online.
  • To Cancel: If you no longer want your locker, please remove all personal items by May 1.
Note: Any items remaining in unrenewed lockers after May 1 will be cleaned out and donated. Thank you for helping us keep our facilities organized.

For questions regarding lockers, email Dlozano@kvcc.edu.


Earth Day Rain Garden Tours and Activities Offered April 22
Celebrate Earth Day with a free guided tour of the museum’s rain garden at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30  p.m. Wednesday, April 22. Register in person at the front desk or online at kalamazoomuseum.org. There will also be Earth Day activities from noon to 3 p.m. in the museum’s Innovation Lab, and pop-up Science on a Sphere demos throughout the day. Special planetarium shows will be offered at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. for $3 per person.  


Explore Space at Statewide Astronomy Night April 25
Have fun with astronomy through interactive demos, crafts, a trivia game and FREE full-dome planetarium shows for all ages on Saturday, April 25, from 5 to 8 p.m., at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. It is part of the annual Statewide Astronomy Night, also known as SWAN. Registration is not required. For more details, visit kalamazoomuseum.org.
 

'SHAPE SHIFTING' Exhibit Featuring Electric Guitars Wraps Up April 26
If you love music, be sure to check out the new "SHAPE SHIFTING: The GUITAR As Modern ARTifact" traveling exhibit at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum before it ends on April 26. Explore 40 instruments that embody the art of the guitar, displaying it as both an instrument and as a physical canvas for artists and builders.


Check out The Gilmore Film Series April 28 - May 1
Experience four films about pianos and the passion, music and people they inspire during FREE daily lunchtime screenings in the museum's Mary Jane Stryker Theater at noon on Tuesday, April 28; Wednesday, April 29; Thursday, April 30; and Friday, May 1, as part of The Gilmore Film Series. Free tickets will be available at the museum's front desk starting at 10 a.m. on the day of each screening or pre-register at kalamazoomuseum.org. Seating is limited. For film descriptions, visit www.thegilmore.org/events/list/.


Have You Seen the 'Black Cowboys' Exhibit Open at the Museum?
Did you know that one of four cowboys who went on the Western trail was Black? Learn more fascinating facts about the Wild West from the Kalamazoo Valley Museum’s newest traveling exhibit, “Black Cowboys: An American Story,” open now through July 26. Admission is free to the exhibit and to the museum. Read more here.


Last Chance! Final Spring Honorable Harvest Lecture is April 21
Enjoy weekly talks examining ways we restore the tenets of reciprocity with the natural world as a community and as individuals. Organized by Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s ValleyHub in partnership with the museum, the sessions are held every Tuesday, from March 10 to April 21, 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.


Time for 20% Off Tuesday on April 28 at the Bookstore!
Don't miss the great deal in the Bookstore on Tuesday, April 28! Get 20% OFF! It's a STANDING discount on the LAST Tuesday of every month at the Texas Township Campus Bookstore. Have your eye on something? Now's the time to buy it! The promotion excludes electronics, food and course materials. Discount applies to in-store purchases only.
 
Get $10-Off Commencement Attire Coupon at Gradfest
Remind May graduates to attend Gradfest to pick up the Campus Bookstore's $10-off coupon for commencement attire. Gradfest is Wednesday, April 22, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Anna Whitten Hall in downtown Kalamazoo in the main lobby, and Thursday, April 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Texas Township Campus Cafeteria, where you can RSVP for commencement, pick up graduation tickets, decorate your graduation caps, get free 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 they 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. 

Winter Book Buyback Scheduled for April 27 - May 1
Let students know that they can get cash for their used Winter 2026 books at Book Buyback. It takes place April 27, April 28, April 29, April 30 and May 1, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Texas Township Campus Bookstore. To find out which books will be accepted and for what amount, call the Bookstore at 269.488.4030, visit bookstore.kvcc.edu or email bookstore@kvcc.edu.
Arcadia Commons Campus
202 N. Rose St.
269.373.7800

Groves Campus
7107 Elm Valley Drive
269.353.1253

Texas Township Campus
6767 West O Ave.
269.488.4400
Bronson Healthy Living Campus
418 E. Walnut St.
269.548.3205

Kalamazoo Valley Museum
230 N. Rose St.
269.373.7990






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