In just a few short weeks, we will back on our campuses for the fall semester.
MISSION STATEMENT Kalamazoo Valley Community College creates innovative and equitable
opportunities that empower all to learn, grow and thrive.
Aug. 15, 2025
Greetings!
In just a few short weeks, students will be back on our campuses for fall semester. I am looking forward to the energy they bring!
As we prepare for the new academic year, we look forward to your full attendance and participation in Summit activities on Wednesday, Aug. 27 and Thursday, Aug. 28. The Summit provides an important opportunity for professional development and for networking with colleagues. A number of practical and inspiring sessions are being planned and we thank all who have stepped forward to help plan the event and those who will be providing workshops.
Information about the two-day event can be found at www.kvcc.edu/summit. Please visit the site today to register for the sessions you will be attending, including the lunch. The collegewide Fall Summit will be held Wednesday morning, Aug. 27, and will include the annual Instructional, Staff and Administrator Awards Ceremony and lunch. The Faculty Summit will continue Wednesday afternoon and all day on Thursday. College buildings will be closed through 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 27, so that all can attend the sessions designed for the entire campus community. Enjoy the final days of summer!
Sincerely,
L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President
Register Now for the Fall Summit Registration for the Fall Summit is now open. The Summit takes place on the Texas Township Campus Wednesday, Aug. 27 starting at 8 a.m., with check-in beginning at 7:30 a.m. in the Gallery Hallway. The college will reopen at 1 p.m. The faculty Summit continues from 1 - 5 p.m. and all day Thursday, Aug. 28. Click here to register for professional development workshops as well as for lunch. Register is required by Aug. 21 at 5 p.m. to be included in the lunch order.
Title IX Training In alignment with our commitment to providing a safe, equitable and respectful learning and working environment, the college will be conducting Title IX training sessions for all employees. Title IX is a federal law that prohibits discrimination based on sex in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.
This training is designed to:
Reinforce understanding of the college�s Title IX policy, including procedures for reporting and addressing complaints.
Clarify the rights and responsibilities of faculty and staff under Title IX.
Provide strategies for recognizing, preventing and responding to discrimination, harassment and sexual misconduct.
Promote impartiality and fairness in handling Title IX matters.
Participation in this training ensures that our college community remains informed, compliant with federal requirements, and committed to upholding the principles of equity, safety and respect for all. Training will be offered on Thursday, Aug. 28. There will be sessions for staff at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. and a session for faculty at 8 a.m.
Please work with your supervisor to schedule attendance
Faculty training will take place at 8 a.m. during the Faculty Summit. All full-time faculty have been preregistered.
Staff should register to attend at either 10:30 a.m. or 2 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 28.
Kalamazoo Valley Alumna Rose Mary Wood Honored with Statewide Award Rose Mary Wood, a Kalamazoo Valley Community College alumna, has received the Michigan Community College Association's 2025 Outstanding Alumnus Award for her lifelong dedication to education, advocacy and community service. She received the college's Distinguished Alumni Award in 2024.
Wood, of Kalamazoo, was a member of Valley's inaugural class, earning an associate of applied science degree in medical assistant technology. She and her husband later adopted 15 children, many with special needs, before she earned bachelor's and master's degrees.
Her 20-year K-12 career included roles as a homeless liaison, reading specialist and special education advocate. After retiring, she returned to Valley to teach English and mentor students.
Kalamazoo Valley President L. Marshall Washington said Wood "represents how community colleges can ignite a lifelong pursuit of learning and service."
"Rose Mary Wood's story shows the powerful impact one person can have across generations," Washington said. "She exemplifies the heart of community colleges." more
August Lunch and Learn Event Ready to fuel your mind while you feed your appetite? Join us for our lunch and learn events � dynamic and fun events designed exclusively for our exceptional employees. These sessions are all about bringing us together to learn, grow and thrive.
Breaking Down Barriers Over Lunch
Tuesday, Aug. 19 | Noon - 1 p.m. | TTC Room 1330 | Click here to register (then click on the �sections� tab to find the blue �Register� link)
Join us for an impactful lunch & learn where we will provide an introduction that will help you explore how the language we use can either build bridges or reinforce barriers � especially when talking about disability. You�re invited whether you're just starting your inclusion journey or looking to fine-tune your vocabulary. Also, gain insight into ways in which we can all help connect students and colleagues who have disabilities with helpful resources in our community. Let�s come together to learn, unlearn and speak with intention.
Can�t attend the event in person? No problem. You can join remotely via Zoom from your office or phone for the entire event. Click here 10 minutes before the event to join on Zoom.
Note: As with all lunch and learn events and professional development, please check with your supervisor to be sure your work schedule allows you to attend. Also, please plan to bring your own lunch to the event.
Unlocking Excellence � One Bit of Training at a Time If you�re looking for a bite-sized training to expand your understandings of disability which you can access on your own schedule, you are invited to explore this YouTube video titled�Rebranding the Brain: Neurodiversity at Work� (12:18). You're Invited to Lead the Change Calling all emerging, new and established leaders on campus! Whether you are just beginning your leadership journey or you've been lighting the way for years, it's time to invest in yourself by learning new leadership strategies. This month, we are zeroing in on impactful strategies to elevate your leadership presence through communication. Discover practical techniques to guide group discussions with confidence and inclusion in mind.
This is more than a training � it is a movement toward empowerment and stronger, more engaged teams. Dive into training sessions offered in Academic Impressions that you can listen to, stop and resume on your own schedule. They explore:
Mastering communication in teams � �Energize and Elevate: Four Key Strategies for High Impact Leadership Retreats,� 52-minute webinar (Please note: this training relates to effective team communication in all meeting settings.)
Cultivating inclusion and trust with intention � �Navigating Political Uncertainty in Higher Education: A Strategic Approach to Success,� three-page article.
For help accessing Academic Impressions on the Employee Portal, click here to find screenshots and instructions.
If you have any questions, please contact Kimberly Dupree, training and development coordinator.
Great Turnout for Get it Done Thank you to everyone who helped with this month's Get it Done events. We were able to help 265 students complete the steps necessary to begin classes Sept. 3. One hundred students visited Anna Whitten Hall on Aug. 6 and 165 students attended at the Texas Township Campus.
Lead with Your Strengths Our strengths-based journey continues. We are committed to helping every team member explore and leverage his or her unique talents through the CliftonStrengths assessment, developed by Gallup. Whether you are new to the assessment or simply looking to revisit your results, now is a great time to engage. These sessions are open to everyone, not just our newest employees.
Haven�t taken the assessment yet? Join us to discover your Top 5, and other reports, to learn how to invest in your strengths.
Already have your Top 5 report and still curious about your full 34? Let�s explore.
Just want a refresher or to re-engage with your strengths? You are welcome to join as well.
Wherever you are on your strengths journey, these sessions are designed to help you focus on what you do best.Sign up today and keep leading with your strengths. Here is how to get started:
With supervisor approval, register to attend one of the Explore Your Strengths sessions below:
Then, if needed, you will receive a code from one of the Strengths coaches before the session. This code will allow you to complete the CliftonStrengths assessment. The assessment will take approximately 45 minutes.
Next, attend the session to learn more about how to read your report, dive into your top strengths and truly invest in your strengths.
Volunteers Needed We're looking for volunteers for our way-finding stations! Way-finding stations are one of the college's ways of welcoming new and returning students to campus at the start of the semester and assisting them with locating their classes and services on campus. We are seeking enthusiastic volunteers who are excited about the opportunity to engage in this student experience. Please sign up for one or more time slots to help our students navigate the start of the semester smoothly. Spots are available Sept. 3, 4, 8 and 9. You can also help by spreading the word to your fellow coworkers and encourage them to volunteer with you.
If you have any questions, please contact Miranda McDowell, coordinator of student onboarding and organizations, at mmcdowell@kvcc.edu.
Volunteers are also needed at a number of festivals and events this summer in an effort to recruit students for the fall semester. Upcoming events include:
Kalamazoo Farmers Market | Aug. 16 | 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Bank Street
Kalamazoo Farmers Market | Sept. 20 | 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Bank Street
If you're interested in volunteering, click here. Spread the Word About the Student Success Breakfast in October Please encourage students to attend our next Student Success Breakfast, this time held on two campuses! It kicks off Tuesday, Oct. 7, from 9:30 to 11 a.m., in Room 128 at Anna Whitten Hall in downtown Kalamazoo, and repeats Thursday, Oct. 9, from 9:30 to 11 a.m., in Room 4240 on the Texas Township Campus. No registration is required. The inaugural breakfast held over the summer was a hit. Our purpose is simple � we want to hear from students! They can expect lots of opportunities to tell us about their experiences with us, as well as to learn about the wide variety of resources available to help them succeed.
Employee Benefits Employee Assistance Program
Need better sleep? Interested in tools to improve your focus and productivity? Do your managerial skills need polishing? Want help with legal documents like estate planning? Kalamazoo Valley�s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a confidential work-based program that offers more resources than you might think. For more information, click here.
Use access code: worklife
Or call 800-386-7055 anytime
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.
The Search Committee Process Training
Are you new to your role as a hiring manager? Would you like to serve on a search committee? The Search Committee Process Training is a required 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. To sign up, click on the registration link below for your desired session.
Aug. 27 | 2:30 p.m. | Room 1350, TCC | Register here Oct. 2 | 10 a.m. | Room 3330, TTC | Register here Nov. 12 | 2:30 p.m. | Room 207, AWH | Register here
Retirement Services
Would you like tips for working with a financial professional? Click hereto register for this or other upcoming webcast sessions offered for TIAA members.
Flu Season
It�s that time of year again and we are planning ahead. Watch for more information about onsite immunization clinics coming in September.
Open Enrollment
The time to make changes to your benefit elections will be Nov. 1-15. Please be thinking about your needs and discussing options with your family members.
News from the Libraries Summer Reading Challenge
There�s still a little time left to complete the challenge! Stop by the libraries for a Summer Reading Challenge bookmark to track your progress. Return your completed bookmark to the library by Monday, Aug. 18 to enter the prize drawing and earn a summer reading pin.
Library Returns
Don�t forget to return borrowed materials to the library.
Contact the library if you have questions about your loans or to request a renewal.
Use the convenient 24/7 book drop outside the Tower entrance at the Texas Township Campus to return books.
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.
Summer Book Buyback Planned for Aug. 18 - 22 Students can earn cash for their used Summer 2025 books at Book Buyback. It will be held Aug. 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at our Texas Township Campus Bookstore. They can check out what we are buying back and for what amount at the Bookstore website at bookstore.kvcc.edu. Questions? Call 269.488.4030.
Bookstore Begins Accepting Fall Financial Aid on Aug. 25 Please spread the word to students that Aug. 25 is the first day that fall financial aid can be used to make purchases at the Texas Township Bookstore. Both in-store and online purchases are eligible. They can shop in person or online at bookstore.kvcc.edu. Online orders may be picked up at Texas Township Campus or the Anna Whitten Hall Library at the Arcadia Commons Campus in downtown Kalamazoo, or shipped for $5.
Bookstore Selling Uniforms for Fall Semester Classes Students can purchase the exact uniforms their program requires at the Texas Township Campus Bookstore! The Bookstore works with faculty and vendors to get them the best value, and they can use their 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.
Get Excited for the Fall Semester with Cool Cougar Gear! Before you know it, classes will begin � 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!
Upcoming KVAAP Info Sessions 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 registerhere.
Thursday, Aug. 21 | 3:30 - 4 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 25 | 1:30 - 2 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 29 | 2 - 2:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 3 | 10 - 10:30 a.m.
Free Volleyball Games! Volleyball 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. The Lady Cougars will have their first home match on Thursday, Sept. 4 at 6:30 p.m. against Grace Christian University. Come out and wear your college apparel! Below are the rest of the home games in September:
6:30 p.m. | Tuesday | SEPT. 9 vs. Jackson Community College
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 home conference match is Sept. 18 against Kellogg Community College. Click here for the full schedule that includes both home and away games. Follow the team on Instagram and Facebook at @kvccvb.
Closing Soon: Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep Exhibit Aug. 31 is the last day to visit the museum�s traveling exhibit, �Wallace & Gromit� and Shaun the Sheep�: Shear Genius!� Designed for children ages three through nine, the exhibit brings to life the beloved claymation characters from the TV, film and book series. It encourages playfully solving STEM-based and social-emotional problems in fun and engaging ways. Kids explore the characters� contraptions, antics and escapades through dramatic play and interactive opportunities. Find more details at kalamazoomuseum.org. Watch the exhibit promo video here. New! QR Codes Allow Museum Visitors to Enjoy Music, Poetry at Exhibits Kalamazoo Valley Museum patrons can now hear original music and poetry custom tailored for first-floor exhibits thanks to an exciting partnership with the local arts community! Simply scan the QR codes at each exhibit with your personal device to enjoy works inspired by objects in the installation on display. �The Ripple Effect� project is a collaboration with the Friends of Poetry, Connecting Chords Music Festival and the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Visit kalamazoomuseum.org and search �The Ripple Effect� for more information. Admission is free to the exhibits and the museum.
Enjoy Free RainGardenTours Wednesdays and Saturdays Take a free guided tour of the Kalamazoo Valley Museum�s rain garden to learn how such gardens play a vital role in improving water quality and supporting local wildlife. From now until Aug. 30, tours will take place every Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., and every Wednesday at the same times. These family-friendly tours last about 20 to 25 minutes. Register now online at kalamazoomuseum.org, or sign up on the day of at the front desk.
